Utah WaterWise Rebates: How to Get Paid to Replace Your Lawn with Rock
If you’re a homeowner in Utah County, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the WaterWise Utah rebate program—but most people don’t fully understand how it works or how to actually qualify.
The truth is, you can get paid to remove your grass and replace it with water-efficient landscaping like rock or xeriscaping. And with Utah’s dry climate, this isn’t just a trend—it’s quickly becoming the smarter long-term option.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how the program works, how to qualify, and how to take advantage of it.
What Is the WaterWise Utah Program?
The WaterWise Utah program offers financial incentives for homeowners who replace traditional grass lawns with water-efficient landscaping.
Instead of using thousands of gallons of water to maintain turf, you can switch to:
Rock landscaping
Xeriscaping
Drought-tolerant plants
Drip irrigation systems
And get rebated for doing it.
Do You Qualify in Utah County?
Most homeowners in Utah County do qualify, including cities like:
Lehi
American Fork
Pleasant Grove
Orem
Provo
Saratoga Springs
Eagle Mountain
Springville
(And many more across Utah)
Even if you live in an HOA:
You can still qualify
HOAs can apply for community-wide rebates for shared areas
You can check with our tool we made below with the current up to date eligible cities as of 3/25/2026. (Note: We are not affiliated with Utah Water Savers or their WaterWise program. We are an independent landscaping company looking to help people save water on their lawns).
Check if You Qualify for Utah Waterwise Rebates
Enter your city below to see whether your area may qualify for up to $3 per square foot in rebates for lawn replacement.
Rebate programs are administered by local utilities and water conservation partners. Schoonover Landscaping is not affiliated with or endorsed by Utah Water Savers.
Step-by-Step: How to Get the Rebate
Here’s exactly how the process works:
1. Create an Account
Start by creating an account with the WaterWise Utah program.
2. Add Your Property
Once your account is set up:
Enter your property details
A technician will review it
You’ll see which rebate programs are available
3. Submit a Landscape Plan
This is one of the most important steps.
You’ll need to:
Show what your yard will look like after
Include layout, materials, and design
Important:
Your plan must be custom to your property—not copied or generic
4. Site Visit + Approval
A technician will:
Review your application
Schedule a site visit
Approve the project before work begins
5. Complete the Project
After approval:
Remove grass
Install approved water-wise landscaping
6. Get Paid
Once completed and verified:
You receive your rebate
How Much Money Can You Get?
Rebate amounts vary depending on:
Square footage of grass removed
Your city / water provider
Type of landscaping installed
But in many cases, homeowners receive hundreds to thousands of dollars back.
Why More Utah County Homeowners Are Switching to Rock Landscaping
Beyond the rebate, there are some big long-term advantages:
Lower Water Bills
Grass uses a massive amount of water—rock landscaping doesn’t.
Less Maintenance
No mowing, edging, or constant upkeep.
Better for Utah’s Climate
Utah’s dry seasons make traditional lawns harder to maintain every year.
Long-Term Savings
Less water + less maintenance = more money saved over time.
The Biggest Mistake People Make (And How to Avoid It)
Most homeowners get stuck on one step:
The landscape plan
If your plan isn’t done correctly:
You can get denied
You can lose your rebate eligibility
Or delay the entire process
How to Make the Process Easy
This is where working with a professional can save you a lot of time and frustration.
A properly done project includes:
A compliant landscape design
Correct materials (rock, edging, weed barrier)
Proper grading and drainage
Installation that meets rebate requirements
Instead of guessing your way through it, many homeowners choose to have the entire process handled for them—from design to installation.
Thinking About Replacing Your Lawn?
If you’re considering switching to rock landscaping in Utah County, the WaterWise program makes it one of the best times to do it.
Even if you’re just exploring options, it can help to:
See what your yard could look like
Understand your rebate eligibility
Get a clear idea of costs and savings
Get Help With Your WaterWise Landscaping Project
At Schoonover Landscaping, we help homeowners across Utah County:
Design water-wise landscapes
Navigate rebate requirements
Install clean, long-lasting rock landscaping
If you want to see what your yard could look like—or how much you could qualify for—we can walk you through it. Click the link below to learn more about how we help people get qualified for the WaterWise program and how you can transform your lawn affordably in Utah.
