Cal Water Landscape Rebate Program in Bakersfield, CA
Most homeowners know Cal Water offers rebates for replacing lawn. What they do not know is how to actually get one. The application, the design approval, the back and forth with Cal Water. It stops a lot of people before they even start.
Equity Landscapes handles the entire process for you. The application, the design, the Cal Water approval, and the installation. You make one call, we take it from there, and when the project is done Cal Water sends you a check.
Call (661) 302-8979 to find out if your property qualifies.
How Much Can You Receive
The Cal Water landscape conversion rebate pays Bakersfield homeowners to replace water intensive lawn with drought tolerant materials. Rebates average between $1,200 and $4,500 depending on the size of the lawn being removed. The maximum rebate available is $4,500.
To qualify, you need a minimum of 1,500 square feet of lawn removal. If your front yard, backyard, or both meet that threshold, you are likely eligible to apply.
That is real money back on a project that was already going to save you on water bills every month going forward.
What Equity Landscapes Handles For You
Most landscaping contractors will install your new yard. We go further than that.
Equity Landscapes manages the Cal Water rebate process from the first call to the final check. That includes putting together the design that meets Cal Water requirements, submitting the application on your behalf, working through the approval process, and completing the installation once Cal Water gives the green light.
You do not need to navigate the Cal Water program yourself. You do not need to figure out what qualifies, what the paperwork requires, or how long the process takes. We have done this before and we handle it for you.
How the Process Works Step by Step
Step 1: Contact Equity Landscapes for a Free Estimate
Call us at (661) 302-8979 or fill out our contact form. We will discuss your property, the size of your lawn, and whether the project is likely to qualify for the rebate.
Step 2: We Design Your New Yard and Submit the Application
We put together a drought tolerant landscape design using materials that qualify under the Cal Water program and submit the application to Cal Water on your behalf.
Step 3: Cal Water Reviews and Approves the Design
Cal Water typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to review and approve the design. We handle any follow up or questions from Cal Water during this period.
Step 4: We Complete the Installation
Once Cal Water approves the design, our crew completes the installation. Most projects take 2 to 5 days depending on the size of the yard.
Step 5: You Receive Your Rebate Check from Cal Water
After the project is complete and verified, Cal Water issues your rebate check. The average rebate Bakersfield homeowners receive through this program is $1,200 to $4,500.
What We Replace Your Lawn With
Cal Water has specific requirements for what qualifies as a replacement material under the rebate program. Here is what Equity Landscapes installs that meets those requirements:
Decomposed Granite
One of the most popular replacement materials in Bakersfield. DG is low cost, low maintenance, drains well, and holds up to heat without shifting or fading. It works as a base layer, a ground cover between plants, and a pathway material.
Drought Tolerant Plants
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Kern County's heat and dry conditions. Once established, these plants require minimal irrigation and provide year round color and texture. Plant selection is part of the design process and follows the same approach we use on all of our drought tolerant landscaping projects.
Decorative Rock and Boulders
Rock features add structure and visual interest to drought tolerant yards without any ongoing maintenance. Decorative rock and boulders are commonly used as ground cover and focal points within the landscape design.
Bark and Mulch
Bark and mulch work well in shaded areas and planting beds. They retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and break down over time to improve soil quality.
Flagstone
Flagstone creates natural looking pathways and patio surfaces within a drought tolerant design. It handles Bakersfield's heat well and pairs cleanly with DG and planted areas.
Dry Riverbeds
Dry riverbeds manage drainage and runoff while adding a natural, structured look to the yard. They are a practical and visually effective element in Bakersfield drought tolerant designs.
Does Artificial Grass Qualify for the Cal Water Rebate?
No. Cal Water does not allow artificial grass as a qualifying replacement material under the landscape conversion rebate program.
If you are interested in artificial grass for your yard, Equity Landscapes installs synthetic turf as a separate service. It is a strong option for eliminating lawn irrigation entirely, but it does not qualify for the Cal Water rebate. We are upfront about this because we want you to make the right decision for your property, not just the one that gets the project started.
If you want to discuss artificial grass options separately, visit our artificial grass page or call us directly.
Who Qualifies for the Cal Water Rebate in Bakersfield
To qualify for the Cal Water landscape conversion rebate, your property needs to meet a few basic requirements. You must be a Cal Water customer in the Bakersfield service area, you must be replacing a minimum of 1,500 square feet of existing irrigated lawn, and the replacement materials must be from the approved list.
Most Bakersfield homeowners with a front yard, backyard, or combined lawn area of 1,500 square feet or more are worth a conversation. Eligibility can depend on your specific address and current Cal Water program guidelines, which is why we recommend calling us first. We will tell you quickly whether your property is likely to qualify before you invest any time in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Cal Water landscape rebate in Bakersfield?
The rebate averages between $1,200 and $4,500 depending on the square footage of lawn removed. The maximum available rebate is $4,500. Call us for a free estimate and we can give you a realistic sense of what your project might qualify for.
How do I apply for the Cal Water turf removal rebate?
You do not have to. Equity Landscapes submits the application and handles the approval process for you. Your job is to make one call.
Does Equity Landscapes handle the Cal Water application for me?
Yes. We manage the full process including design submission, application paperwork, and follow up with Cal Water through the approval stage.
How long does Cal Water rebate approval take?
Cal Water typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to review and approve the landscape design. We handle any follow up during that period so you are not waiting on hold with a water agency.
What is the minimum lawn size to qualify?
You need a minimum of 1,500 square feet of irrigated lawn to qualify for the rebate program.
Does artificial grass qualify for the Cal Water rebate?
No. Cal Water does not include artificial grass as a qualifying replacement material. If you are interested in synthetic turf, we install it separately but it will not generate a Cal Water rebate.
What can I replace my lawn with under the Cal Water program?
Qualifying materials include drought tolerant plants, decomposed granite, decorative rock, bark, flagstone, dry riverbeds, and boulders. We design your new yard using these materials as part of the rebate process.
How long does installation take after approval?
Most installations take 2 to 5 days depending on the size of the project. We schedule installation promptly after Cal Water approval so there is no unnecessary delay.
Can I choose my own plants and materials?
Yes. Within the Cal Water approved materials list, you have options. We discuss plant selection and material choices during the design phase so the finished yard reflects what you actually want.
How do I receive my rebate after the project is complete?
Cal Water issues the rebate check directly to you after the project is verified and complete. We provide the documentation Cal Water requires as part of our process.
Ready to Find Out If Your Property Qualifies
If your lawn is costing you money every month and you want to replace it with something that looks good and lasts, the Cal Water rebate program makes the project significantly more affordable. Equity Landscapes handles everything from the application through landscape installation and the finished yard.
We are a licensed local contractor serving Bakersfield and surrounding Kern County communities including Stockdale Estates and Gossamer Grove. One call is all it takes to find out if your property qualifies.
Call (661) 302-8979 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free estimate.
CA Contractors License #1132515, C-27
