Cash for Grass in Aurora - Turf Removal Rebate Guide 2026
Arapahoe County · Colorado
Water-Wise Landscaping Rebate
Active 2026 rebates — check auroragov.org for current rate
Administered by Aurora Water
Aurora Water’s Water-Wise Landscaping rebate programme is active in 2026 as part of Aurora’s formal Stage 1 drought response declared April 7, 2026. Outdoor watering accounts for 40–60% of Aurora Water’s summer demand, so converting front and backyard grass to drought-tolerant alternatives is explicitly encouraged as part of Stage 1 compliance. Aurora’s 2026 rebate amounts and specific programmes are updated throughout the year — check auroragov.org for the current rate before applying. Colorado HB 21-1229 protects homeowners from HOA interference with drought-tolerant landscaping, making Aurora’s rebate one of the most legally protected conversion programmes in the country.
Eligibility Rules
- ✓Active Aurora Water account
- ✓Single-family residential (varies for multi-family)
- ✓Application and approval BEFORE starting work
- ✓Replacement landscape must meet Aurora’s approved plant and design requirements
- ✓Pre-inspection required
How to Apply
- Visit auroragov.org/residents/water/water_conservation and review current rebate programmes
- Complete the Water-Wise Landscaping application with your property details
- Submit photos of existing grass area and proposed landscape design
- Schedule pre-inspection with Aurora Water
- Receive approval notice before starting work
- Complete the conversion per approved plan
- Submit final photos for post-inspection
- Receive rebate payment after approval
What Qualifies as Replacement Landscaping
- ✓Drought-tolerant Colorado-suited plants
- ✓Native Colorado species (Blue Grama, Buffalo Grass, Penstemon, Rabbitbrush)
- ✓Permeable mulch, rock, and decomposed granite
- ✓Drip irrigation converted from spray
- ✓Xeriscape designs following Aurora’s principles
What Does NOT Qualify
- ✗Artificial turf
- ✗Concrete or impermeable hardscape
- ✗Kentucky Bluegrass replacement with more KBG
- ✗Landscapes not meeting Aurora’s design requirements
- ✗Work completed before approval
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Calculation Example:
Check auroragov.org for the current 2026 rebate rate. A typical 800 sq ft Aurora front lawn conversion qualifies; actual rebate depends on current programme funding and property specifics. Aurora’s rebates have historically been in the $1–2/sq ft range.
5-Year Water Savings:
800 sq ft of Kentucky Bluegrass in Aurora consumes 14,000–18,000 gallons annually. At Aurora’s current rates with drought surcharges that’s $50–80/year in water cost. Five-year savings: $250–400 in water alone. Combined with the rebate and significantly reduced mowing/fertiliser costs (Colorado natives like Blue Grama need none), payback runs 5–7 years. If Aurora escalates to Stage 2 with stricter watering limits, converted lawns become mandatory — so acting now avoids future emergency spending.