Why Turf Reduction Matters
In Eagle County and across the Colorado West, water is our lifeblood — sustaining healthy families, vibrant landscapes, and the wild rivers and streams that define our home. Yet the combination of long-term drought, rising temperatures, and increasing demand from population growth has placed our precious water supplies under greater stress than at any time in recent memory. In this delicate environment, every drop matters.
Outdoor irrigation — particularly watering traditional cool-season turfgrass lawns — is one of the largest uses of treated drinking water in our region. Much of that water is consumptively used by thirsty turf and never returns to streams or aquifers where it supports fish, wildlife, and downstream users. Reducing outdoor water use isn’t just good stewardship — it’s a moral and environmental imperative if we are to protect river flows, support healthy ecosystems, and build a resilient community that thrives within the limits of our shared water supply.
Supporting homeowners and landscape professionals in transitioning from high-water-use lawns to water-wise, climate-adapted landscapes is a key local strategy — and the county and water partners have incentive programs to help make that transition easier.
Local Resources are Available to Help
Transforming high-water-use turf into water-efficient, climate-adapted landscapes can dramatically reduce outdoor water use — and there are rebates available to help make it affordable.
Beyond Lawn – Eagle County Turf & Irrigation Rebates
Get Started with Beyond Lawn Rebate Program
Who runs it: The Beyond Lawn program is administered by the Eagle County Conservation District with partner support to help residents reduce water use through smart landscape conversion and irrigation efficiency upgrades.
Who’s eligible: Eagle County residents
What’s available
- Turf Replacement Rebates: Financial incentives for replacing high-water-use turfgrass with drought-adapted, water-wise landscapes.
- Efficient Irrigation Rebates: Rebates for irrigation upgrades identified during evaluations, including smart controllers and system improvements.
How it works
- Schedule a Landscape & Irrigation Evaluation to assess your property.
- Use the evaluation to plan your water-efficient landscape and irrigation updates.
- Apply for rebates before starting work.
Start the process: Sign up for a landscape and irrigation evaluation or join the waitlist through Beyond Lawn. https://beyondlawn.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://beyondlawn.org
Eagle River Water & Sanitation District Resources
What’s available
- Irrigation Efficiency Resources: ERWSD offers free guidance to help customers improve outdoor water use. This is helpful for individual homeowners that are looking for basic irrigation assessment information.
- Outdoor Conservation Programs: ERWSD has long supported outdoor efficiency including conservation education and consultations.
Start the process: Connect with a specialist from ERWSD at https://www.erwsd.org/contact-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.erwsd.org/contact-us
County Engagement & Climate Action
The Eagle County Government supports community education and links to these water efficiency efforts through its Resiliency & Climate Action programs, including connections to Beyond Lawn and broader conservation resources like matching resources for removing noxious weeds.
Explore Eagle County’s conservation resources: https://www.eaglecounty.us/departments___services/open_space___natural/natural_resources/vegetation_management/cost_share_program.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.eaglecounty.us/departments___services/open_space___natural/natural_resources/vegetation_management/cost_share_program.php
Things to Know Before You Begin
- Evaluate your landscape first — most programs require an irrigation/lawn evaluation before turf removal.
- Plan for water-wise plants — rebates typically favor landscapes that include living plants and meet regional water-efficiency standards.
Tips for Success
- Start early in the season to reserve rebate funds — availability is often first-come, first-served.
- Coordinate your project design with rebate requirements to ensure eligibility and maximize financial return.
Make an Impact — Conserve Water, Support Our Rivers
Replacing thirsty turfgrass with climate-adapted plantings and efficient irrigation isn’t just about saving water on your property — it’s about protecting rivers, supporting resilient ecosystems, and sharing in a community commitment to sustainability. These rebate programs are designed to support you in making these changes — and they make conservation more affordable and actionable.
Explore what we can create with you