Turf Replacement Program

Please visit Engage CWCB to learn more about turf replacement funding.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board has launched funding to support new and existing community programs aimed at helping eligible entities replace nonessential turf in order to reduce outdoor watering, per legislation passed in 2022.

Eligible entities are limited to:

• Local Government (municipalities, counties, cities, public agencies, municipally owned water providers)
• Districts (metropolitan districts, special districts, water districts, water and sanitation districts, conservancy districts)
• 501(c)(3) Nonprofits (organizations with 501(c)(3) status who work in water with related skills; capacity)
• Colorado's Federally Recognized Tribes (Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes)

Individuals and HOAs are not eligible to apply for funding at this time.

Can individual homeowners apply to the state for funding to replace their home's turf? 

Single family homeowners, HOAs, or other groups who do not regularly work with water resources or conservation and who do not have the capacity to support community-scale turf replacement are not eligible to apply. They may be able to obtain funding by working with an eligible entity who has received funding (e.g. water utility).

Please visit Engage CWCB to learn more about turf replacement funding.

When will funding be available?

CWCB is planning two funding cycles in 2023. The first intake process runs from January 25 - March 31. The second runs from July 1 - September 30. If funds remain, CWCB will consider additional funding cycles.

Please visit Engage CWCB to learn more about turf replacement funding.

Who is eligible to apply for funding from CWCB?

Eligible entities include:

• Local governments ( municipalities, counties, cities, public agencies, municipally owned water providers)
• Districts(metropolitan districts, special districts, water districts, water and sanitation districts, water conservancy/conservation districts)
• 501(c)(3) Nonprofits (organizations with 501(c)(3) status who work in water with related skills; capacity)
• Colorado's Federally Recognized Tribes (Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes)

The grant review process will be competitive and driven by best practice criteria. Please visit Engage CWCB to learn more about turf replacement funding.

NOTE: Homeowners and individuals interested in participating should contact their local government or water provider.

Are there other funding options available for turf replacement right now?

Colorado Water Plan Grant Program and the Water Supply Reserve Fund Grant Program. There are also many local turf replacement programs offered at this time through local governments and municipalities.

Please visit Engage CWCB to learn more about turf replacement funding.

Why is turf replacement important?

Outdoor watering of turf uses significant amounts of water. Removing nonfunctional turf and replacing it with low-water landscaping is a key tool for water conservation but savings may vary.

Native and natural landscaping that uses less water helps build drought resilience in Colorado and throughout the southwestern U.S. As the state continues to see prolonged drought, increased aridity, and population growth, this program will help normalize low maintenance, less water-intensive landscapes and parks. Transformative landscape change is also a component of the Colorado Water Plan.

Please visit Engage CWCB to learn more about turf replacement funding.

How can Coloradans get involved in the development of the Turf Replacement Program?

Please direct any concerns, questions, and feedback regarding the program to local governments and water providers.

Visit Engage CWCB to learn more about turf replacement funding.