Turf Replacement Program

For eligible entities who have matching funds for turf replacement (see list below), the second application cycle of the Turf Replacement Program is open from July 1 - August 31. Application review will be completed by September. Funding will be competitive. Applicants who have not received funding will be prioritized over those who have.

Single-family homeowners, HOAs, or other water utility customers are not eligible for the state Turf Replacement Program funds and should work with their local water utility to understand what, if any, turf replacement rebates are available. The CWCB has a preliminary list of local programs you can access at the Turf Replacement Program Funding Summary, and some entities may be using monies to fund specific turf removal projects rather than offering rebates. See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for additional details.

Eligible Entities

• Local Government (municipalities, counties, cities, public agencies, municipally owned water providers)
• Districts (metropolitan districts, special districts, water or water and sanitation districts, conservancy districts)
• 501(c)(3) Nonprofits (organizations with 501(c)(3) status who have programs that can support turf removal)
• Colorado's Federally Recognized Tribes (Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes)

How to Apply

1. If you're an eligible entity, set up an account through the CWCB Portal.

2. Confirmation may take 1-2 days. You'll get an email once approved.

3. Start a Turf Replacement Program application on CWCB's Login Page.

4. Submit the application by the August 31st cycle deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who has received funding?
CWCB is continuing to work with entities that applied for funding to complete contracting. You can find additional information through the Turf Replacement Program Funding Summary. Not all entities receiving funding are creating local rebates and incentive programs for turf removal. Some entities are focusing on site-specific turf replacement projects to reduce water use and pilot removal and replacement strategies. The information provided on the Summary page does not represent the full list of eligible applicants for the Turf Replacement Program - just those who have successfully contracted. Other eligible applicants are still in the contracting process, and the information will be updated to reflect additional funded entities as they complete contracting.

Is there another cycle of funding?
The second round of funding runs through August 31, 2023. Currently, there are no plans for an additional round of funding beyond that date.

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 submit tax information and complete a scope of work, a budget and schedule, and other required documents before 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 a 2024 Updated Exploratory Analysis of Potential Water Savings, Costs and Benefits of Turf Replacement in Colorado that refines and complements the 2023 Exploratory Analysis of Potential Water Savings, Costs and Benefits of Turf Replacement in Colorado.

Are individual homeowners or HOAs 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).