Turf Replacement Program

The first application cycle of the Turf Replacement Program closed on March 31, 2023, and submitted applications will be reviewed and processed during the month of April. The second cycle is expected to have limited funds and will open on July 1, 2023, and close on August 31st.

Only eligible entities can apply for funds. Eligible entities are limited to:

• Local Government (municipalities, counties, cities, public agencies, municipally owned water providers)
• Districts (metropolitan districts, special districts, water districts, water and sanitation districts, conservancy districts)
• 501(c)(3) Nonprofits (organizations with 501(c)(3) status who work in water with related skills; capacity)
• Colorado's Federally Recognized Tribes (Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes)
  
  

Please Note: Single family homeowners, HOAs, or other groups who do not regularly work with water resources or conservation and who do not have the capacity to support community-scale turf replacement are not eligible to apply. They may be able to obtain funding by working with an eligible entity that has received funding (e.g. water utility).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the next funding cycle?
The second cycle runs from July 1 - August 31. Funding for the second cycle is expected to be extremely limited due to high demand in the first application cycle.

How does the program work?
The Turf Replacement Program uses an intake process to evaluate eligible projects that can move forward with direct contracts. Staff will evaluate applications based on applicant eligibility, compliance with program requirements, and the merit of the program (i.e. the ability of the project to provide lasting water savings).

How does contracting work?
Turf removal program applications are competitive and individual contracts will only be awarded to qualifying applicants. The intake form provides staff with an initial assessment of program demand. Qualifying applications will ultimately need to complete a scope of work, submit tax information and other required documents before entering into contracting. Staff will follow-up on each submitted application.

Are matching funds required?
Yes. Applications must include matching funds that provide a dollar-for-dollar match for the funds being requested. In some cases, a combination of cash and/or in-kind may be allowed depending on the specific needs of the project, but projects with matching dollars will generally be more competitive.

When must awarded funds be spent by?
Funds awarded must begin invoicing (i.e. the project must start) within 12 months of the award and all funds must be fully expended on or before June 30, 2025.

Are there other ways I can get funding for turf replacement?
Yes. Always check with your local water provider to see if they offer rebates. CWCB also offers grants like Water Plan Grants and Water Supply Reserve Fund Grants that can be obtained to work on water conservation efforts, including turf replacement.

How much water can be saved from turf replacement?
The exact amount of savings is not fully known, but savings in Colorado will likely be significantly less than in areas like Las Vegas due to Nevada's year-round watering and higher evaporation rates. The CWCB worked with BBC Research and Consulting on an Exploratory Analysis of Potential Water Savings, Costs and Benefits of Turf Replacement in Colorado.

Are individual home owners or HOA's eligible for this funding?

Single family homeowners, HOAs, or other groups who do not regularly work with water resources or conservation and who do not have the capacity to support community-scale turf replacement are not eligible to apply. They may be able to obtain funding by working with an eligible entity that has received funding (e.g. water utility).