How much can Las Vegas homeowners get for replacing grass?

Summary

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has raised its Water Smart Landscape Rebate Programme to £/ $5 per square foot for single-family homeowners who replace grass with drip-irrigated, water-efficient plants and trees. For an average 1,000 sq ft conversion that means about $5,000 — roughly $2,000 more than the previous $3 rebate. The incentive applies to the first 10,000 sq ft; conversions beyond that receive $2.50 per sq ft. Commercial, multi-family and HOA common areas remain eligible for $2 per sq ft for nonfunctional grass, which must be replaced by the end of 2026 under Nevada law.

Key Points

SNWA increased the Water Smart Landscape Rebate Programme to $5 per sq ft for single-family homeowners replacing grass with drip-irrigated plants and trees.
An average 1,000 sq ft lawn conversion yields about $5,000 under the new rebate (previously $3,000 at $3/sq ft).
The $5 rate applies up to 10,000 sq ft; additional conversion area gets $2.50 per sq ft.
Commercial, multi-family and HOA common areas are eligible for $2 per sq ft for nonfunctional grass, with a replacement deadline of end-2026 under state law.
Local extras: Las Vegas Valley Water District offers an additional $2 per sq ft; Henderson single-family households have a flat $575 rebate.
SNWA says drip-irrigated landscaping uses 18 gallons/year per sq ft versus 73 gallons for grass — landscape irrigation is roughly 60% of Southern Nevada’s water use.
The programme has saved nearly 14 billion gallons annually and more than 203 billion gallons since its 1999 inception.

Content summary

SNWA announced the rebate increase to encourage homeowners to convert lawns to water-efficient, drip-irrigated landscapes that provide canopy cover and help cut outdoor water use. The scheme aims to offset conversion costs and support federally mandated reductions in water drawn from Lake Mead, which supplies about 90% of the region’s water. Rules require at least 50% canopy coverage over converted areas to tackle heat-island effects as well as water savings. The article also notes complementary incentives from local providers and the specific rules for commercial and HOA properties tied to Nevada’s nonfunctional grass law.

Context and relevance

This is part of a broader push across the Southwest to reduce outdoor water consumption as Lake Mead allocations shrink. With landscape irrigation accounting for the lion’s share of local water use, rebates like these are practical levers to drive rapid change across neighbourhoods. Homeowners, landscapers and local councils should be aware — the higher rebate makes conversions more affordable and links to heat mitigation via canopy rules.

Why should I read this?

If you own a home in Las Vegas and have a lawn, this is worth two minutes. You could pocket up to about $5,000 for converting a typical 1,000 sq ft lawn, cut your yard’s water use dramatically and help dodge tougher restrictions later. Plus, there are extra local top-ups — so you might get even more. Short version: it pays to know.

Author style

Punchy: This isn’t just small change — it’s one of the most direct incentives for homeowners to save water and cash. If you’re in Las Vegas and thinking about redoing your garden, read the details so you don’t leave money on the table.