Denver Water is offering $750 to customers who want to remove thirsty bluegrass and replace it with other forms of drought-resistant plantings. The cash is being offered on a first-come, first-served basis to 150 customers.
“When you look at how things have changed even in the last decade, we know we’re dumping tons of water on invasive bluegrass,” said Bea Stratton, Denver Water’s landscape transformation manager. “But the public is much more aware than it was five years ago, and they want to help.” 
Stratton said the water utility, which serves 1.5 million metro area residents, is offering the removal rebates as part of a larger effort to revamp its portfolio of conservation programs. This year it will also offer free native grass seed. Email nativegrass@denverwater.org to find out how to get a bag.
The utility is also launching a pilot program with homeowners associations to help them evaluate old sprinkler systems and design new landscapes that will use less water.
Denver is partnering with Boulder-based Resource Central to offer the turf removal service. To qualify, homeowners must plan to remove at least 200 feet of bluegrass.
Applications and more information about rebate requirements can be found here. The turf rebates come as Colorado lawmakers, in House Bill 1113, consider whether to require local governments to limit the use of turf in new residential developments in an effort to reduce water use.
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