Gilbert already has rebate programs for residential customers who replace grass with drought-tolerant landscaping. But now, the town is partnering with Salt River Project to expand its turf removal rebates to HOAs and commercial water users.
Gilbert’s commercial water customers and HOAs will receive $2 per square foot of grass removed on new projects up to 3,000 square feet.
SRP is partially funding the rebates. It’s the first time the utility has paired up with a municipality on this kind of program.
SRP spokesperson Patty Likens said it’s a priority, even if the Salt River is not facing dire drought conditions like the Colorado River.
Likens said after a wet winter, SRP's reservoirs were full, “but it’s important to understand that, even though SRP has had a great year, we still encourage conservation as well.”
About 30% of Gilbert’s water comes from the Salt River, 30% from the Colorado River and the rest from groundwater and other sources, according to municipal records.
