Albuquerque, NM Xeriscaping Guide
Published: June 6, 2026 · Updated:
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority pays Up to $3.00 per square foot of high-water-use turf converted to Albuquerque homeowners who replace thirsty lawn.
The Albuquerque turf removal rebate
Xeriscape Conversion Rebate, run by Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority.
Up to $3.00 per square foot of high-water-use turf converted
- Pre-approval from the water authority xeriscape inspector before ANY turf removal begins
- Qualifying plants covering 50 per cent of the area at maturity
- At least three inches of mulch, and spray irrigation converted to drip or bubbler
Apply and get approval before you remove any grass. This program does not pay retroactively.
There is no published dollar cap, but rebates are limited to available funds each year.
Verified 2026-07-28 against the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority rebate page. Compare turf rebates.
What to plant in Albuquerque
The planting palette for zone 7a is shared across New Mexico and is set out once, with the genera native to the state, on the New Mexico xeriscaping guide. What is specific to Albuquerque is the money above: Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority sets what your removed lawn is worth.
What is specific to Albuquerque is the money: Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority decides what your removed lawn is worth, and those terms are above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Albuquerque, NM offer a turf removal rebate?
Yes. Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority runs the Xeriscape Conversion Rebate, paying Up to $3.00 per square foot of high-water-use turf converted. Full conditions are on the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority rebate page.
How much is the Albuquerque turf rebate actually worth on a typical lawn?
At Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority's rate of $3.00 per square foot, removing a 600 square foot lawn returns $1,800. A 1,000 square foot lawn returns $3,000.