Zone 7 Helps Customers Convert to Water Efficient Lawns

News Release

LIVERMORE, Calif. (September 30, 2021) –Zone 7 is making it easier than ever before for customers to convert their lawns to more water efficient alternatives. Zone 7 and their water retailers are now offering increased rebate amounts for Water Efficient Lawn Conversion to single-family properties up to 50 percent of the costs with a maximum rebate of $2,000. The maximum rebate for a non-residential property or multi-family property is up to 50 percent of the costs, with a $6,000 maximum rebate. Since Zone 7 declared a drought emergency and mandatory 15% water savings, it is more important than ever to convert thirsty grass to more water efficient plants, which are better suited for our climate.

 

To further help customers get started in the process of converting their lawn, City of Livermore, California Water Service and Zone 7 are co-sponsoring a Water-Wise Plant Selection webinar on October 6th at 3:30pm. In this free webinar, Alden Lane Nursery’s Jacquie Williams-Courtright will guide attendees in an exploration of California native and drought-tolerant plants, which are well suited to the Tri-Valley. Sunny or shaded, large or small yard, Jacquie will have recommendations for plants that will look beautiful and reduce your water use no matter your needs. Residents are encouraged to register even if they are unable to make the live event – the recording along with helpful resources will be emailed to all registrants. Sign up today to reserve a spot.

 

For more help on getting started with a lawn conversion, head over to Zone 7’s water wise gardening website at www.trivalleywaterwise.com/. Here, customers will find recommended plants, front yard designs, and other resources that will help with water wise lawn conversion. Getting started is simple:

 

  1. Choose the front yard area to be converted.
  2. Find the perfect plants for your yard on the Tri-Valley water-wise gardening website.
  3. Fill out the rebate application here and use the provided grid to lay out your water efficient plant design. Be sure to take a photo of your project area to submit with the application.
  4. Submit your completed application with plant list and design for pre-approval to Rebates@zone7water.com.
  5. If your plan is accepted, you will be contacted, and a site visit may be scheduled. If your plan is denied, you will receive an email stating the reason.
  6. With approval and Notice to Proceed from Zone 7, you can begin with lawn removal as soon as possible. To encourage additional water conservation, planting will not be allowed until the rains begin.
  7. As project purchases are made, save all the receipts, and submit them at the end of each project phase, along with photos of the completed phase. See Zone 7 website for details.

 

This program applies to purchases from July 1, 2021 until funds are exhausted. To see the terms and conditions and learn more, please visit our website here. Zone 7 is offering this rebate in cooperation with its water retailers (the City of Livermore, the City of Pleasanton, and the Dublin San Ramon Services District serving Dublin and the Dougherty Valley portion of San Ramon).  California Water Service just launched their own lawn conversion program for their customers. Information can be found here.

 

The Tri-Valley has received just 5.67 inches of rainfall this water year which includes the full rainy season beginning in October of 2020 and continuing through September of 2021. At this point in time, we have received only 40% of the rainfall we receive in an average water year. The lowest rainfall on record for one water year is 6.02 inches.

 

If we all save a little, we save a lot. Visit www.zone7water.com/conserve to learn more.