Grass Lawn Removal Rebate Increases In Malibu

MALIBU, CA — The rebate for Malibu residents who remove grass landscaping has been increased from $4 to $5 per square foot of turf removed, the City of Malibu announced Monday. The incentive is part of the Malibu Smart water conservation program offered by the City of Malibu, County of Los Angeles and West Basin Municipal Water District.

"Drought is the new normal in California, so we must find ways to conserve our precious water resources," said Mayor Jefferson "Zuma Jay" Wagner. "Replacing grass lawns with low water-use alternatives is a great way to save water and save money, and now the increased rebate makes it even more rewarding to do your part to conserve."

Some turf removal restrictions have been waived for residents whose properties were affected by the Woolsey Fire. To apply for the fire exemption, call 888-376-3314.

The rebate is only available to Malibu residents who are customers of Los Angeles County Waterworks District 29. The rebate is made possible by the contributions of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California ($2), L.A. County Waterworks District #29 ($2) and the West Basin Municipal Water District ($1).

"Residents may also be eligible to receive rebates for installing water-saving technologies such as toilets, laundry machines, irrigation systems, grey water systems and cisterns," the City said. "Residents can also take advantage of a concierge service to help with rebates, free water audits and local workshops. The goal of the program is to save 28 million gallons of water annually in communities that have historically had some of the highest water use rates in the state."

Learn more on the Malibu Smart website. The Malibu Smart programs are operated through the use of Prop 84 funds. For more information or to participate, email water@malibusmart.org or call 310-554-6210.