Can I remove the grass myself and still get paid?
Yes. The rebate pays for the conversion, no matter who does the work. Many Southern Nevada homeowners do the whole project themselves and keep every dollar. But the program has strict rules about order, and do-it-yourself projects are where those rules most often get broken.
What does the work involve?
- Removing the sod — cutting out the grass, hauling it, and disposing of it. A 2,000 square foot lawn weighs several tons. A sod cutter rents for about $100 a day.
- Converting the irrigation — capping the sprinklers and installing a drip system with a filter and pressure regulator. Both parts are required, and the inspector checks for them.
- Planning the plants — plants must cover at least half of the converted area once they reach full size. This is the step where do-it-yourself plans most often fail. The coverage rule and its math, explained.
- Rock or mulch — covering the remaining ground, usually 2 to 3 inches deep.
When does doing it yourself make sense?
For a small area — under about 1,000 square feet — doing it yourself is realistic, and most of the rebate becomes profit. For larger yards, slopes, or ground full of tree roots, a crew is usually worth it. Crews do this work every day, their bids often come in near the rebate amount, and the 12-month completion deadline stops being a worry. The rebate pays the same either way.
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Program terms set by SNWA; estimates only. Xerisave is not affiliated with any water district.