The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency has announced a milestone in its ongoing efforts to conserve water and promote sustainable landscaping practices in the community. Since the agency’s formation in 2018, SCV Water has provided incentives to replace more than 1 million square feet of water-thirsty lawns with climate-resilient, drought-tolerant landscapes in the Santa Clarita Valley. In fact, the Agency crossed this significant milestone this past summer and has now converted 1,120,356 square feet of traditional lawns to water-wise alternatives.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this achievement,” said SCV Water’s Sustainability Manager Matt Dickens. “Our Lawn Replacement Program has made a real difference, and we want to recognize the hard work and dedication of the community and our team in reaching this goal. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to water conservation and water use efficiency, especially in a state like California, where every drop counts.”

SCV Water’s Lawn Replacement Program has been a cornerstone of its water conservation initiatives, encouraging homeowners and businesses to swap their water-intensive lawns for landscapes that require far less water, yet remain beautiful and sustainable. The program offers financial incentives, expert advice and educational resources to help participants make the switch.

The breakdown of the conversions shows widespread community engagement. Of the 1,120,356 square feet converted, large landscape properties accounted for the majority. A total of 854,300 square feet were converted by businesses, HOAs and public spaces seeking long-term water savings through sustainable landscaping. Meanwhile, residential properties also contributed significantly as individual homeowners embraced the opportunity to reduce water use while beautifying their landscapes.

Water Conservation Specialist Chavon Halushka shared common threads of the success stories from the past six years, including a total of 227 completed projects by residential customers to date.

“Start small, focus on native plants, and make sure to utilize drip irrigation systems to maximize water efficiency,” said Halushka. “These practical tips have helped countless homeowners and business owners alike make lasting changes.”

Other success stories were shared by Water Conservation Specialist Julia Grothe, who gave kudos to one of her favorite recent transformations. The ‘Bark Park’ at the Promenade at Town Center Apartments converted 81,872 square feet and is estimated to save 87% water in the project area or 2.8 million gallons of water per year with an estimated water cost savings of $8,698 per year.

“We are incredibly proud of the work done at the Promenade at Town Center Apartments’ ‘Bark Park’,” said Grothe. “This project exemplifies the power of our Lawn Replacement Program, not only by reducing water use but also by creating more sustainable, community and family-friendly spaces. The estimated water savings are remarkable, and it’s rewarding to see the positive impact on both the environment and residents.”

Ready to Explore SCV Water Lawn Replacement Program?

Fall is the perfect time to start a landscape transformation, especially for California native plants. Cooler weather and the upcoming rainy season provide ideal conditions for new plants to establish roots. SCV Water’s Lawn Replacement Program offers a rebate starting at $3 per square foot for qualifying participants, making it easier than ever to convert your lawn into a California-friendly garden.

“We’re excited to help even more of our community make the change to climate-appropriate landscapes this fall,” said Dickens. “We encourage residents to take advantage of our program and contribute to saving water while enhancing the beauty and benefits of their outdoor spaces.”

For more information about SCV Water’s Lawn Replacement Program and how you can participate, visit YourSCVWater.org or contact the Conservation team at (661) 513-1244 or conservation@scvwa.org.

SCV Water is a full-service regional water agency located in the Santa Clarita Valley. SCV Water provides water service to approximately 75,000 business and residential customers. It was formed on Jan. 1, 2018, when local water suppliers combined into one integrated, regional water provider. More information can be found at yourSCVwater.com.