Bend continues program that incentivizes residents to remove water-thirsty grass
Published 5:30 am Saturday, April 25, 2026
The city of Bend will continue to offer cash incentives to homeowners who remove water-thirsty lawns in 2026, building on a program officials say is steadily reducing outdoor water use.
Now entering its third year including a pilot phase, the turf replacement rebate program offers residents $3 per square foot to remove grass and install drought-tolerant landscaping, with payments covering roughly a third of total project costs.
The conservation effort also helps to shave down expensive water bills and also trims demand even as the population increases. Any water savings is critical in drought years — snowpack in the Central Cascades is currently just 6% of normal.
City officials say participation grew in 2025, with 113 applications submitted and 80 projects completed — up from 58 completed projects in 2024.
“We’re happy about that,” said Dan Denning, the city’s water conservation program manager. “No major changes to the program this year. It seems to be working well for folks.”
The city plans to keep funding at about $90,000 and aims to reach 100 completed projects in 2026.
Over the past two years, participants have removed nearly two acres of high-water-use turf, replacing it with native or drought-tolerant plants. On average, each project saves about 15,000 gallons of water annually, Denning said.
“That’s been consistent throughout previous years, what we’ve seen,” he said.
The program is part of a broader strategy to curb summer water demand, when usage spikes due to lawn irrigation. City data shows water use can increase more than fivefold in summer months, with landscaping accounting for a majority of that demand.
Denning said reducing outdoor water use remains one of the most effective tools available as Bend continues to grow.
“What we’re racing against is added demand,” he said. “What we have seen in Bend is our per capita demand going down.”
The city reports water use has declined to about 161 gallons per person per day across its service area, even as population has increased — a trend officials attribute to conservation programs and more efficient landscaping practices.
The rebate program typically covers about 30% to 35% of project costs, which average around $8 per square foot. Homeowners who complete projects themselves can often reduce costs further.
In addition to financial incentives, the city will offer workshops and outreach events this spring and summer to help residents transition away from traditional lawns. A field day focused on water-wise landscaping is scheduled for June 13 at Hollinshead Park, in partnership with local gardening groups.
Denning said conservation efforts will continue to evolve as the city updates its long-term water management plan.
“We’re going to be looking at these conservation measures based off the actual savings numbers,” he said. “Are we hitting the trajectory we thought we were, or what else do we need to do?”
For residents not ready to remove their lawns, Denning said smaller changes — such as adjusting sprinkler schedules or upgrading to efficient fixtures — can still yield meaningful savings.
“If you’re not sure where to start, reach out,” he said. “We can help find specific ways for your property to save.”