$$ Grass Removals = Big Water Savings $$
In the desert Southwest, grass is one of the thirstiest landscape choices you can make. That’s why more Mesa residents, businesses, and HOAs are choosing to replace turfgrass with water-smart desert landscapes – and the results are adding up in a big way.
In 2025 alone, Mesa’s grass-to-xeriscape incentive programs helped remove more than 182,000 square feet of grass, leading to an estimated 68 million gallons of water saved over five years.
That’s water that stays in our reservoirs – and money that stays in customers’ pockets.
Commercial & HOA Conversions Make the Biggest Splash
Businesses and HOAs led the way last year, removing nearly 129,000 square feet of turf. These projects are expected to save:
- 3.2 million gallons of water each year
- More than 48 million gallons over five years
Thanks in part to funding from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA), Mesa was also able to offer free landscape assessments to HOAs. These assessments help identify:
- Inefficient irrigation systems
- Overwatering issues
- Opportunities for smart upgrades
HOAs and other non-residential customers can also qualify for incentives on smart controllers, flow sensors, and pressure regulators — tools that reduce water waste long after installation.
Homeowners Also See Big Benefits
Mesa homeowners removed more than 53,000 square feet of grass in 2025, saving:
- 1.3 million gallons of water each year
- Nearly 20 million gallons over five years
Beyond water savings, homeowners benefit from:
- Lower maintenance costs
- Fewer irrigation headaches
- Landscapes designed for desert conditions
How Much Can You Get Back by Making the Switch?
Mesa’s water conservation program helps offset the cost of removing established grass and replacing it with a water-thrifty, desert-adapted landscape by offering generous incentives, including money for irrigation upgrades (for commercial customers only).
Residential customers may receive up to $4,200 per property for a Grass-to-Xeriscape conversion. Note that the normal amount is $2,100. Thanks to generous sponsorships from SRP and Google, the incentive has doubled for a limited time.
Commercial properties, churches, and HOAs may qualify for:
- Up to $50,000 per property for Grass-to-Xeriscape projects
- Up to $20,000 per property for irrigation equipment incentives, such as smart controllers, flow sensors, and pressure regulation
These incentives make it easier to invest in landscapes that save water, reduce maintenance, and perform better in desert conditions.
👉 Learn more about available programs and resources at mesaaz.gov/conservation.
Why Xeriscape Works
Replacing grass with a low-water-use desert landscape:
- Uses significantly less water
- Thrives in our hot, desert climate
- Reduces long-term maintenance
- Saves money over time
It’s one of the most effective ways to stretch our water supplies while still creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
Small changes at individual properties add up to big savings – and together, they help protect Arizona’s water future.
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Did You Know? Grass Is Thirsty
In the Arizona desert, traditional turfgrass can use two to three times more water than a properly designed desert landscape. For many properties, outdoor irrigation is the single largest source of water use, making grass removal one of the easiest and most impactful ways to cut water waste and reduce water costs.
Stacy Bass is a marketing and communications specialist with the city of Mesa, AZ, one of 23 Water – Use It Wisely partners to offer water-saving advice and programs.