IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Southern California’s major water wholesaler has expanded its cash-for-grass program.
The Southern California Metropolitan Water District on Tuesday added $350 million to its program that pays homeowners and businesses to install drought-friendly landscaping, according to multiple reports.
District members have committed $450 million to the program – which has gained popularity among residential and private sectors as the drought has worsened – during the past two years.
The district’s board started the program in 2013 as a one-time emergency move. Since April, when Gov. Jerry Brown ordered mandatory cuts in urban water use, more home and business owners have taken advantage of the incentives, according to the reports.
The district will pay $2 per square foot to replace grass. A maximum rebate of $6,000 per residence is allowed.
Last month, the board voted to slash its regional water deliveries by 15 percent starting in July. The water district serves about 19 million people throughout Southern California.
