Cash for Grass in Las Vegas - Turf Removal Rebate Guide 2026
Clark County · Nevada
Water Smart Landscapes
$5 per sq ft standard — up to $7/sq ft with financing
Administered by Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA)
The Southern Nevada Water Authority’s Water Smart Landscapes programme is the longest-running and most generous turf removal rebate in the United States. SNWA pays Las Vegas homeowners $5 per square foot to convert grass to drought-tolerant landscaping — with up to $7/sq ft available for Las Vegas city proper residents using SNWA’s financing programme. Since 1999 the programme has converted over 200 million square feet of grass, saving Southern Nevada billions of gallons annually. With Nevada AB 356 banning decorative grass at commercial, multi-family, and HOA properties starting January 1, 2027, the 2026 residential rebate is more valuable than ever — homeowners who convert now stay ahead of tightening rules and maximise the current rate.
Eligibility Rules
- ✓Active water account with SNWA member agency (LVVWD, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City)
- ✓Minimum 400 sq ft of living grass being removed
- ✓Property pre-inspection required to verify existing grass area
- ✓Application submitted and Notice to Proceed received BEFORE any work begins — no exceptions
- ✓Replacement landscaping must include drought-tolerant living plants — pure artificial turf does NOT qualify
How to Apply
- Visit snwa.com/rebates/wsl and complete the online application for your service area
- Wait for SNWA to schedule a pre-inspection — this measures your existing grass area and documents the baseline
- Receive Notice to Proceed (do NOT start work before this document arrives)
- Complete the landscape conversion within 180 days of Notice to Proceed
- Schedule a post-inspection with SNWA once work is complete
- Receive rebate payment (typically 8–10 weeks after final approval)
- Submit a W-9 form if your total rebate payments exceed $599 in a calendar year (IRS 1099 reporting)
What Qualifies as Replacement Landscaping
- ✓Drought-tolerant living plants from SNWA’s approved plant list
- ✓Permeable rock mulch, decomposed granite, and gravel (non-rubber)
- ✓Trees (bonus rebate: $100 per tree, up to 5 trees per application)
- ✓Drip irrigation converted from spray irrigation
- ✓Permeable pathways and flagstone with plant coverage
What Does NOT Qualify
- ✗Pure artificial turf with no living plants
- ✗Concrete patios or impermeable hardscape
- ✗Dead or dying grass at the time of pre-inspection
- ✗Grass in planters or raised beds
- ✗Conversion completed before Notice to Proceed was issued
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Calculation Example:
Typical 500 sq ft front lawn conversion in Las Vegas: 500 × $5 = $2,500 rebate. Add 3 trees for $300 bonus = $2,800 total rebate. Installation cost for a quality xeriscape runs $3,000–5,000 for 500 sq ft — after rebate, net out-of-pocket is $500–2,200.
5-Year Water Savings:
500 sq ft of Bermuda grass in Las Vegas consumes approximately 24,000–30,000 gallons per year. At current LVVWD Tier 2 rates ($4.50 per 1,000 gallons with drought surcharge) that’s $108–135/year in water cost. Over 5 years: $540–675 in water savings. Combined with the $2,800 rebate and lower maintenance costs, most Las Vegas xeriscape conversions pay back within 3–5 years — faster than SoCal or Front Range cities.