MALIBU—In order to promote the reduction of water usage and increase sustainability, Malibu residents are being offered an increased rebate of $5 per square foot who replace their turfs with sustainable landscaping.

The Metropolitan Water District’s Turf Replacement program follows the success of other incentive programs which focus on removing turf grass, irrigation modification and rainwater retention or filtration to support reuse or soil absorption of rainwater.

According to Malibu Smart, the action of replacing a property’s turf will not only cut future water bills, but qualified homes in Malibu can get up to $10,000 in rebates for installing the Smart Irrigation Package. Some requirements are being waived for residents impacted by the Woolsey Fire for the turf replacement rebate.

To be eligible for the rebate, the project asks residents to reserve rebate funds before beginning the project. A resident will have 180 days to submit the request and complete the project.

According to the Metropolitan Water District, General Manager, Jeffrey Kightlinger stated that “CA’s long-term trend is toward hotter & drier weather. The lawn replacement program will help residents & businesses get paid to make a permanent change to grow beautiful yards more suitable for the changing climate.”

Consumers can find more information about the project on their website.