A progressive city-sponsored program in Denver, Colorado offers rebates to residents, businesses and homeowner associations that commit to Xeriscape landscaping options. It provides rebates up to $1 per square foot for turf grass replaced with low-water-use plant material.
The program aims to conserve water and is now in its fourth year. Each year about $250,000 has been allocated for the program. In the last three years, the city received about 150 applications, but Mark Cassalia, water-conservation specialist for Aurora, said they are hoping for more participation as residents become more familiar with the process.
Cassalia said about 25 percent of this year’s rebate funds have already been given out, which is about average for now.
Denver’s water-conservation department hosts about 20 classes each year that are designed to help inform residents about Xeriscaping and the benefits of the city’s program. One-on-one consultation services with water-conservation experts are also available for residents.
Information for this story was used from www.denverpost.com.
