Homeowners in southeastern San Diego County who replace grass with artificial turf can receive a rebate of up to $1,000 from the Otay Water District.

To qualify for the rebate, Otay customers must have their site inspected before and after the work is done. At least 300 square feet of turf must be installed to qualify for the rebate of $1 per square foot, up to 1,000 square feet. The rebates cannot be applied retroactively.

Commercial customers can receive a rebate of up to $3,000 for installing artificial turf, said Otay spokesman Armando Buelna.

The Otay Water District serves more than 190,000 people in southern El Cajon, La Mesa, Rancho San Diego, Jamul, Spring Valley, Bonita, eastern Chula Vista, Eastlake and Otay Mesa.

The water district says artificial turf saves water and keeps landscapes looking green year-round without the maintenance costs of grass.

A person replacing 1,000 square feet of grass can expect to conserve approximately 46,000 gallons of water per year, Otay officials said. Artificial turf also reduces the amount of green waste, such as lawn clippings, that go into landfills.

The rebate program is sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority, the Metropolitan Water District and the Otay district.

For more information, call (619) 670-2291 or visit otaywater.gov to download the rebate application.

Source:  http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080322-9999-lz1ez22short.html