Cash for grass

Many Bay Area water utilities offer rebates to customers who replace lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping, some through wholesalers or regional conservation agencies. To see if you are eligible, contact your water company. Here is a sampling of programs.

EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT

Coverage area: Western Contra Costa and northern Alameda counties.

Site: http://bit.ly/X7l3Ut

Offer: 50 cents per square foot for turf replacement, plus 25 cents per square foot for switching to drip irrigation. Maximum (during a 24-month period): $2,500 for residential customers and $20,000 for commercial.

ALAMEDA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT

Coverage area: Most of southern Alameda County.

Site: http://bit.ly/V5jBAy

Offer: $1 per square foot, up to $1,500 for homes and $20,000 for multifamily and nonresidential.

SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

Coverage Area: Most of Santa Clara County

Offer: $2 per square foot, no maximum. (San Jose, Palo Alto, Morgan Hill provide additional rebates)

BAY AREA WATER SUPPLY AND CONSERVATION AGENCY

Coverage area: Parts of San Mateo County

Site: http://bit.ly/ 1nUacID

Offer: $1 per square foot, no maximum

NORTH MARIN WATER DISTRICT

Coverage area: Novato, parts of West Marin.

Site: http://bit.ly/ 1suGp7T

Offer: Up to 50 cents per square foot, maximum of $400 for single-family homes, $100 for townhomes, $50 for apartments.