Convenience and aesthetics. These are the two reasons that come to mind whenever people discuss artificial lawn, and with good reason.  The latest and greatest artificial grass looks amazing, and is virtually maintenance free. For many people this alone, is reason enough to make the investment. Dig a little deeper, however, and you’ll find another reason. This “investment” is going save you money.

Its estimated that upwards of 50% of all household water consumption is used outdoors on lawns and gardens.  In hotter climates, that number can easily jump to over 70%.  With the average family of 4 using about 600 gallons of water daily, and water rates rising all the time, cutting your consumption in half with artificial grass has the potential to save over $400 annually.

With new synthetic grass prices starting over $2/sq ft, cost could still be a deterrent.  In steps local government. Municipalities have forever been looking for ways to conserve  water.  In recent years water departments across the country have begun to encourage conservation by instituting rebate programs, subsidizing the purchase and installation of artificial lawn.

The state of Nevada has been the leader in such efforts.

“The Southern Nevada Water Authority announced in May 2008 they had reached 100 million square feet of converted landscape – saving in excess of 6 billion gallons of water, now available for other uses … THE most successful conservation rebate program in the USA, SNWA’s a great example of how, through planning and administration, self-funding rebate programs can help US citizens make great choices to reduce or eliminate waste of water and other natural resources”

Nevada offers residents rebates of $1.50/sq ft for the first 5000 square feet of natural grass removed and $1/sq ft beyond 5000 sq feet. This is the equivalent to a half off sale on artificial turf for residents.

Other warm weather states such as Arizona and California are also leading the charge in water conservation, and offering major rebates to those replacing natural grass with synthetic. Counties in California offer discounts ranging from $.30 to $.75 per sq foot and in Arizona individual cities and towns are offering rebates up to $1500. All areas have different processes and restrictions, so be sure to check with your local water department before making any purchases.

More and more states are developing rebate programs all the time,  check out http://www.asgi.us for an up to date list.

Instead of breaking your back getting the lawn looking good for the summer, maybe its time to save some green by going green.

References: http://www.snwa.com/html/cons_wsl.html, http://www.socalwatersmart.com, http://www.bewaterwise.com, http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wwd/web/rebates.cfm