Want to cut your water bill and boost curb appeal at the same time? If you live in Lake Forest, you may qualify for generous turf replacement and device rebates through your local water district. The key is knowing whether your home is served by IRWD or ETWD and applying the right way before you touch your lawn. This guide shows you how to verify your provider, compare rebates, follow the application steps, and plan around upcoming state rules. Let’s dive in.
Confirm your water provider first
Parts of Lake Forest are served by different water districts. Most addresses fall under IRWD, while others are served by ETWD. Your eligibility, rebate amounts, and process depend on your district.
- Check your recent water bill or use the City of Lake Forest’s Water & Sewer Services page to confirm your provider. City of Lake Forest water provider guidance
- Why this matters: Application portals, rebate amounts, and inspections run through your district or the county program administrator.
Lake Forest rebates at a glance
Program funding can change. Always confirm current amounts and terms on the district pages before you apply.
IRWD highlights
- Turf replacement: $3.00 per sq ft for residential customers; minimum 250 sq ft (or the whole yard if smaller); cap 5,000 sq ft. You must apply and receive approval before removing grass. Artificial turf is not eligible. IRWD Turf Replacement Program
- Extras for turf participants: $100 per new tree up to 5 trees, plus up to $1,000 for landscape design, subject to program terms.
- Indoor devices: Examples include high‑efficiency clothes washer rebates (listed as $85) and high‑efficiency toilets ($40 each, limits apply). Check current amounts and eligibility. IRWD residential rebates
ETWD highlights
- Turf removal: $4.00 per sq ft up to 5,000 sq ft annually for eligible residential projects. Apply before removing turf. Turf rebates do not apply to designated recycled‑water sites.
- Spray‑to‑drip conversion: $1 per sq ft up to 5,000 sq ft.
- Smart irrigation: Weather‑based controller rebates up to $250; soil moisture controller up to $150.
- Rotating sprinkler nozzles: Up to $2 per nozzle; minimum quantities apply.
- Rain barrels/cisterns and some indoor appliances are also available through participating programs. See ETWD’s conservation page for details. ETWD conservation and rebates
For regional context and program terms, see MWDOC’s countywide turf program overview. MWDOC Turf Replacement overview
How to apply and get approved
Step‑by‑step process
- Step 0: Confirm your water provider for the property address.
- Step 1: Review your district’s turf or device rebate pages and the county application portal. Do not remove turf before approval.
- Step 2: Start your application in the MWDOC dropletportal for turf or spray‑to‑drip. Create an account and follow the prompts. Start your application in dropletportal
- Step 3: Pre‑inspection. An inspector verifies your turf area and eligibility.
- Step 4: Receive your Letter to Proceed. Complete the project within the allowed window, often around 60 days.
- Step 5: Post‑inspection. Upload photos, invoices, and any required tax forms. Wait for the rebate check.
Documents you will need
- Recent water bill and account information.
- Site plan or sketch of the project area.
- Color photos of existing turf areas.
- Contractor invoices and receipts if you hire a pro. Itemize equipment and labor.
Timelines and payment
- Pre‑inspection scheduling can take several weeks. MWDOC notes scheduling can take up to about five weeks.
- After approval, many programs allow about 60 days to finish the work. Extensions may be possible in some cases.
- Rebate checks are typically issued several weeks after post‑inspection. IRWD notes about 8 to 10 weeks; MWDOC notes up to 12 weeks depending on processing and funding. Larger rebates may require a W‑9 and can be reported as taxable income. MWDOC participation process
Design that passes inspection
- Apply before removing turf. Projects started early are ineligible.
- Replace lawn with a permanent, permeable, water‑wise landscape. Programs often require a minimum number of plants per 100 sq ft and mulching where appropriate.
- Convert spray irrigation to drip where possible to maximize savings and qualify for additional incentives.
- Avoid artificial turf. Synthetic grass does not qualify for turf rebates. IRWD Turf Replacement Program
HOA, sellers, and buyers: what to know
- HOAs: California law limits HOA restrictions on drought‑tolerant conversions. HOAs may still have design guidelines, so engage your association early. IRWD notes customer assistance for HOA conflicts. IRWD Turf Replacement Program
- Sellers: Disclose your water district and whether your irrigation uses potable or recycled water, plus any recent landscape changes done with rebates.
- Buyers: Verify the property’s water provider and irrigation type, then review available rebates for future upgrades.
Plan ahead for AB 1572 rules
California is phasing in restrictions on irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water. Key milestone dates from MWDOC’s summary:
- January 1, 2027: State and local government properties
- January 1, 2028: Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties
- January 1, 2029: HOA‑type properties such as HOA common areas, mobile home parks, and retirement communities
If your property class falls under these categories, plan conversions now and use rebates to help offset costs. See the full timeline and details in MWDOC’s AB 1572 summary. MWDOC AB 1572 overview
Resources and where to start
- Confirm your provider: City of Lake Forest Water & Sewer Services
- IRWD turf conversions and rules: IRWD Turf Replacement Program
- IRWD device rebates: IRWD residential rebates
- ETWD programs: ETWD conservation and rebates
- County application portal: Start in MWDOC dropletportal
- Process, timelines, W‑9, and documents: MWDOC participation process
- Program overview: MWDOC Turf Replacement overview
- Customer support: IRWD Customer Care FAQ and contacts
Ready to align your landscape with today’s rebates and tomorrow’s buyers? If you are planning to sell or buy in Lake Forest, we can help you prioritize smart, design‑forward updates and time your move around approval and inspections. Reach out to Ayumi Real Estate for tailored guidance.
FAQs
Which water district serves my Lake Forest home?
- Check your latest water bill or use the City of Lake Forest Water & Sewer Services page to confirm whether you are with IRWD or ETWD.
How much can I get for turf replacement in Lake Forest?
- IRWD lists $3.00 per sq ft and ETWD lists $4.00 per sq ft for residential projects, typically up to 5,000 sq ft; funding and terms can change, and final payment cannot exceed documented costs.
Can I apply if I already removed my lawn?
- No. Most programs require a pre‑inspection and a formal Letter to Proceed before any removal or installation.
How long does the rebate check take after I finish?
- Allow several weeks to a few months; IRWD notes about 8 to 10 weeks after post‑inspection, while MWDOC notes up to 12 weeks depending on processing and funding.
Does the rebate cover labor costs for my project?
- Programs reimburse eligible equipment and materials; labor is only reimbursable if performed by a licensed C‑27 contractor and itemized as required by program rules.
Is artificial turf eligible for turf rebates?
- No. Synthetic turf is not eligible for turf replacement rebates.
Can I combine turf rebates with drip or device rebates?
- Often yes. Many agencies allow you to pair turf conversion with spray‑to‑drip and device rebates, subject to program rules and available funding.
