WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water 

Efficiency Projects for Fiscal Year 2021 

Bureau of Reclamation NOFO No. R21AS00300 

City of Santa Rosa 

Cash For Grass Rebate Expansion 

Please refer to the official NOFO 

No. R21AS00300. 

o See the Application Checklist (pp 

v) & Section D.2.2. Application 

Content (pp 12) 

oFor greater detail on completing 

this template, turn on document 

markup to view comments. 

March 8, 2021 

Applicant: Project Manager: 

City of Santa Rosa Thomas Hare 

100 Santa Rosa Ave 69 Stony Cir 

Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Santa Rosa, CA 95401 

707-543-3396 

thare@srcity.org 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

able of Contents 

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL AND EVALUATION CRITERIA 1 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 

Project Summary 1 

PROJECT LOCATION 2 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2 

EVALUATION CRITERIA 3 

E.1.1 Evaluation Criterion A— Project Benefits (35 points) 3 

E.1.2 Evaluation Criterion B— Planning Efforts Supporting the Project (35 points) 6 

E.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C—Project Implementation (10 points) 7 

E.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D— Nexus to Reclamation (10 points) 13 

PROJECT BUDGET 15 

FUNDING PLAN AND LETTERS OF COMMITMENT 15 

BUDGET PROPOSAL 16 

BUDGET NARRATIVE 18 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES COMPLIANCE 21 

REQUIRED PERMITS OR APPROVALS 24 

LETTERS OF PROJECT SUPPORT 24 

OFFICIAL RESOLUTION 24 

UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER 24 

List of Tables 

Table 1.—Project Schedule 12 

Table 2.—Total Project Cost Table 16 

Table 3.—Budget Proposal 17 

List of Figures 

Figure 1.—Santa Rosa Water Service Area 2 

List of Attachments 

Attachment A.—Existing Cash For Grass Rebate Program Documentation 25 

Attachment B.—Projected Climate Impacts for Santa Rosa 26 

Attachment C.—Letters of Project Support 28 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

ECHNICAL PROPOSAL AND EVALUATION CRITERIA 

Executive Summary 

Date: March 11, 2021 

Applicant Name: City of Santa Rosa 

Santa Rosa, CA 95404 

Project Manager:

 Thomas Hare 

Water Resources Specialist 

707-543-3396

 thare@srcity.org 

Applicant Category: Category A 

Grant Funding Request: $75,000 

Non-Federal Matching Funds: $75,264.80 

Total Project Cost: $150,264.80 

Project Duration: Two years 

Estimated Project Start Date: January 2022 

Estimated Project Completion Date: December 2023 

Located on Federal Facility: No 

Unique Entity Identifier: 071879464 

Project Summary 

The City of Santa Rosa Water (the City), located in Northern California, is requesting funds to 

support outdoor water conservation through lawn removal and replacement with low water 

use plants. The City will use these funds to increase the amount of the existing Cash For Grass 

rebate for commercial landscapes to $2.00 per square foot of lawn removed. Landscapes would 

be eligible for this funding if they plant one tree for every 600 square feet of landscaped area, 

providing a climate change mitigation and adaptation benefit. The Cash For Grass program has 

been independently evaluated for water savings, and achieves savings of 31 gallons per square 

foot converted. Cost sharing with Reclamation would increase program capacity, incentivize 

additional landscape transformations, and thereby save water while providing climate benefits. 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

roject Location 

Santa Rosa is located in coastal Northern California, 55 miles north of San Francisco. All rebated 

turf conversions will take place within the City’s service area (see Figure 1). 

Figure 1.— Santa Rosa Water Service Area 

Project Description 

The City of Santa Rosa established the Cash For Grass Rebate program in 2007 for both 

residential and commercial landscapes to incentivize lawn removal and replacement with low 

water use plants. To date, 3,591,324 square feet of lawn have been removed, resulting in over 

2,830 acre feet of water saved. Because of this, the City already has the staff and expertise 

needed to execute this project, but lacks the necessary funding. The existing rebate is $0.75 per 

square foot of converted landscape. If this grant application is funded, commercial landscapes 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

will be eligible for $2.00 per square foot of converted landscape resulting in 37,500 square feet 

removed during the grant funded period. The water savings for this turf removed is 17.4 million 

gallons over the lifetime of these landscapes, assuming a 15-year life. Landscapes would be 

eligible for this funding if one tree is planted for every 600 square feet of landscaped area at 

landscape conversion. 

Although the Cash For Grass program has been very successful, in recent years program 

participation in the commercial sector has declined. One major reason stated by landscape 

contractors, property managers, and HOA boards for this decline is the lack of funding to support 

landscape transformation. This grant would allow the City to incentivize landscape 

transformations at dedicated irrigation meters at commercial, industrial, institutional, and multifamily residential properties. 

To encourage program participation, working with internal Community Affairs staff, the project 

manager will craft messaging appropriate for the website and to target commercial customers 

through direct mailers to advertise the increased rebate. The project manager will also present 

information about the increased rebate directly to the local chapter of the California Landscape 

Contractors Association, to local landscape companies through presentations and phone calls 

and other partners through direct communication, social media and through the City 

Connections newsletter of over 19,000 subscribers. The project manager will also work with the 

Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership to send out updated program information to local 

Qualified Water Efficient Landscapers. 

The project manager will carry out prequalification assessments and post installation inspections, 

educate customers about program requirements, and submit required rebate documentation to 

the Finance Department, who will issue the rebate checks. Project funds are only distributed if all 

requirements are met. Please see Attachment A for the City’s current procedure, or click here to 

see this information on the City’s website. 

Evaluation Criteria 

E.1.1 Evaluation Criterion A— Project Benefits 

Describe the expected benefits and outcomes of implementing the proposed project. 

x What are the benefits to the applicant’s water supply delivery system? 

If other benefits are expected, explain those as well. Consider the following: 

x Extent to which the proposed project improves overall water supply 

reliability 

x The expected geographic scope benefits from the proposed project (e.g., 

local, sub-basin, basin) 

x Extent to which the proposed project will increase collaboration and 

information sharing among water managers in the region 

x

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

x Any anticipated positive impacts/benefits to local sectors and economies 

(e.g., agriculture, environment, recreation, tourism) 

x Extent to which the project will complement work done in coordination 

with NRCS in the area (e.g., with a direct connection to the district’s water 

supply). Describe any on-farm efficiency work that is currently being 

completed or is anticipated to be completed in the future using NRCS 

assistance through EQIP or other programs. 

The City of Santa Rosa established the Cash For Grass Rebate program in 2007 for both 

residential and commercial landscapes to incentivize lawn removal and replacement with low 

water use plants. To date, 3,591,324 square feet of lawn have been removed, resulting in over 

2,830 acre feet of water saved. Although this program has been very successful, in recent years 

program participation in the commercial sector has declined significantly. One major reason 

stated by landscape contractors, property managers, and HOA boards for this decline is the lack 

of funding to support landscape transformation, but there is still significant need for further 

transformation and water savings. Of the 1,640 dedicated irrigation meters in the City of Santa 

Rosa, 689 have participated previously in the Cash for Grass program; many of these meters 

have the potential to remove additional turf. In addition to these meters, there are 951 meters 

that have never participated with a total of 20,492,370 sq ft of turf available for exchange. An 

independent assessment of program effectiveness showed that landscape conversions in the 

commercial sector save 31 gallons per square foot of lawn removed, providing tangible and longlasting benefits to the City’s water supply availability. This grant would allow the City to 

incentivize landscape transformations at dedicated irrigation meters at commercial, industrial, 

institutional, and multi-family residential properties. 

According to an Alliance for Water Efficiency study, water conservation programs in 

Westminster, Colorado altered irrigation patterns, reduced peak demand by 30%, and prevented 

Westminster from needing a 52 MGD expansion in water supply. Savings in irrigation usage are 

the most effective way to decrease peak demand, which occurs during the peak irrigation season 

of July in Santa Rosa. Reducing peak demand will help delay or eliminate the need for costly 

infrastructure projects in Santa Rosa such as increasing the size of our reservoirs or seeking 

additional water supply. Water efficiency and conservation is the most cost-effective source of 

water supply for Santa Rosa and has resulted in over 7,000 acre feet of savings from Water Use 

Efficiency programs, such as the Cash for Grass rebate, since 1990. 

The North Bay continues to experience dry weather following the third driest year on record in 

2020 and is trending with 2014, the most recent historical drought. Average annual rainfall for 

the region is 36 inches but last year the region received only 16 inches of rain. As of February 1, 

2021, the region has received 9 inches of rain, equating to 40% of normal rainfall for this time of 

year. Due to this dry year, water use efficiency and conservation is needed more than ever. Also, 

because of climate change, as of 2050, droughts will be twice as likely to occur. Extreme heat 

days are projected to increase 250% by 2050 and 500% by 2100 and heat wave duration is 

expected to increase 174% by 2100. Please see Attachment B for a two-page summary of Santa4 
 

 

 

WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

Rosa specific climate impacts as reported by Cal Adapt. Increased air temperatures will drive 

increased evapotranspiration, which will drive increased local irrigation demand. This increased 

demand coupled with reduced water availability due to decreasing surface water supplies and 

decreased groundwater recharge makes water supply a critical issue for Santa Rosa. By 

implementing this grant in Santa Rosa, 37,500 sq. ft. of turf would be transformed into low water 

use landscapes with trees as an integral part of the new landscape. This will have a direct impact 

on water use, saving 1.2 million gallons every year, and 17.4 million gallons over the expected 

15-year lifetime of the landscapes. It will also lead to more water savings by inspiring other 

locations to transform their landscapes; a recent study by the California Water Efficiency 

Partnership showed the significance of this peer-to-peer influence.

 Santa Rosa purchases approximately 92% of its drinking water from Sonoma Water, the Region’s 

water supply wholesaler. Sonoma Water, in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 

manages two reservoirs: Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma. As of February 1st, Lake Sonoma is 

at 64% and Lake Mendocino is at 41% of their respective target water supply storage levels for 

this time of year. In response to dry year conditions, Sonoma Water filed, and the State Water 

Resources Control Board approved, a Temporary Urgency Change Petition (TUCP) to reduce 

minimum instream flow requirements in the Upper Russian River to preserve critical water 

storage at Lake Mendocino. Reduced minimum instream flows adversely impact multiple 

beneficial uses in the Russian River basin. Flow conditions in the Russian River basin also impact 

the Upper Eel River basin, as water is diverted from the upper Eel River to support minimum 

instream flows in the upper Russian River in the spring, summer and fall. Round Valley Tribes in 

the upper Eel River rely on water flow and fish populations, and this diversion to the Russian 

River is controversial. Both the Russian River and the Eel River are home to endangered and 

threatened runs of Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Steelhead Trout, all of which require 

adequate streamflow to survive. 

The Russian River is also home to nearly one million visitors every year. The Russian River 

contributes significantly to the allure of Sonoma County, where 7 million annual visitors regularly 

spend more than $2 billion annually, a major factor in the local economy. One favorite activity of 

visitors is tubing or kayaking down the river. However, when flows get too low, parts of the 

Russian River become too shallow to kayak, and the river draws fewer people. Low flows also 

may contribute to conditions that favor the growth of toxic algae, which led to beach closures in 

the most recent 2015 drought. This webpage describes some of the conflict and complexity 

surrounding flows in the Russian River. This project will increase minimum instream flow through 

water conservation. 

Santa Rosa is and will continue to be significantly impacted by climate change. Santa Rosa 

suffered catastrophic wildfires in 2017, 2019, and 2020 and wildfires are projected to burn 9.7% 

more of Santa Rosa per year by 2050, and 18% more by 2100 (see Appendix B for Cal Adapt 

projections). Planting trees is a way that Santa Rosa can save water and adapt to and mitigate 

against the effects of climate change. According to the EPA, trees help reduce the heat island 

effect, which is expected to intensify with increased temperatures. According to a 2014 report by 

Chan et al. for the National Wildlife Federation, trees can help reduce heat in their vicinity and 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

provide cooling through increased soil moisture (“Evaluating certified wildlife habitats & the 

minds behind them”). Tree roots also break up soil creating increased water percolation and soil 

porosity, both of which help increase water retention in soil, reducing the amount of 

supplemental irrigation needed for plants near trees. Water quality can also be improved by 

trees through the reduction of soil compaction and erosion. 

Trees also sequester carbon as part of their natural function. An international research team 

recently studied the impacts that reforesting could provide to the climate (Bastin et al. 2019). 

They found that by, “by planting more than a half trillion trees... we could capture about 205 

gigatons of carbon (a gigaton is 1 billion metric tons), reducing atmospheric carbon by about 25 

percent.” The impact of reducing atmospheric carbon by 25% is similar to half of the carbon 

emissions humans have generated since 1960. 

This project will increase regional collaboration as the City would share resources developed 

such as marketing materials and results including water-saving and tree-planting potential with 

local water managers in the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership, a collection of 12 water 

agencies in Sonoma and Marin counties, in the Bay Area Water Conservation Managers 

meetings, and at a California Water Efficiency Partnership’s Peer-to-Peer conference among 

other venues. 

E.1.2 Evaluation Criterion B— Planning Efforts Supporting the Project 

Describe how your project is supported by an existing planning effort. 

x Does the proposed project implement a goal or address a need or problem identified in 

the existing planning effort? 

x Explain how the proposed project has been determined as a priority in the existing 

planning effort as opposed to other potential projects/measures. 

The City of Santa Rosa has had a robust water use efficiency program since the 1970s and 

continues to treat water efficiency as a source of water supply. In the 2015 Urban Water 

Management Plan, Santa Rosa estimated future water savings from both passive savings, 

including the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and National Plumbing Code, and 

active savings from water use efficiency programs. The active savings in 2020, 1,709 acre feet 

per year, is more than double the passive savings of 369 acre feet annually. Santa Rosa relies on 

active water use efficiency programs such as the grass removal program as a source of water 

supply to meet future demand. The Cash for Grass commercial program is one of the most costeffective water use efficiency programs that Santa Rosa offers, with a cost of only $526 per acre 

foot saved, compared to the wholesale cost of water at over $960 per acre foot. 

The Russian River Biological Opinion, available here, is a determination by the National Marine 

Fisheries Service (NMFS) to help restore and protect threatened or endangered steelhead, Coho 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

salmon and Chinook salmon in the Russian River due to activities of the U.S Army Corps of 

Engineers on behalf of Sonoma Water, the wholesale water provider of Santa Rosa. The 

biological opinion found that high summertime flows in the Russian River and Dry Creek make it 

difficult for juvenile steelhead and Coho to grow and thrive. Outdoor water conservation reduces 

summertime flows in the Russian River and Dry Creek, which are used as a conveyance system to 

provide water to Sonoma Water’s water retailers. The Cash for Grass program reduces water use 

in the summer through permanent water conservation exactly when the biological opinion 

requests reduced water use. 

In addition to water savings, water use efficiency activities, including the Cash for Grass program 

are addressed in the City’s Municipal Operations Climate Action Plan, available here, as energy 

savings. The Plan states that water conservation has saved over 1.46 billions of gallons of water 

every year, reducing the power needed to pump potable water and treat wastewater, which 

together account for over 50% of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) by municipal operations 

sector for the City. Since 2007 the City has reduced emissions by 13% in part related to 

reductions in water purchases by residential and commercial customers including participating in 

the Cash for Grass program. 

In additional to municipal operations, the City has a Community Climate Action Plan, available 

here. Goal 7 of this Plan is to, “improve the efficiency of wastewater and water operations in 

Santa Rosa and continue to develop a diversified water supply portfolio, including water 

conservation...”. Action item 7.1.2 lists continuing and expanding water conservation efforts 

including “water efficient landscaping”, as a major goal. Action 9.1.3, under Goal 9, Reduce 

Emissions from Construction and Lawn and Garden Activities, states, “Encourage the 

replacement of existing high maintenance and high water use landscapes (such as removing turf 

through the Green Exchange rebate program) with low water use vegetation to reduce the need 

for gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.” 

E.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C—Project Implementation 

x Describe the implementation plan for the proposed project. Please include an estimated 

project schedule that shows the stages and duration of the proposed work, including 

major tasks, milestones, and dates. 

x Describe any permits that will be required, along with the process for obtaining such 

permits. 

x Identify and describe any engineering or design work performed specifically in support of 

the proposed project. 

x Describe any new policies or administrative actions required to implement the project. 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

x Describe the timeline for completion of environmental and cultural resource compliance. 

Was the timeline for completion of environmental and cultural resource compliance 

discussed with the local Reclamation office? 

The Cash for Grass Rebate Expansion Program does not require any permits to implement. Since 

each lawn removal project is taken on by a property owner on their own land and no projects 

will be performed on City property, no permits are needed from the City. If a property owner 

needs a permit for implementing their project, which is unlikely, it is the sole responsibility of the 

property owner to comply with any permit requirements. 

No engineering or design work is required for this proposed project because the project will take 

place on the property owner’s own land. 

No environmental and cultural resource compliance is needed for the Cash for Grass Rebate 

Expansion Program since each project will take place on the business’s property on previously 

developed land. A Program Analyst for the Bureau of Reclamation said she expects this project 

would likely be eligible for a categorical exclusion as there will be no adverse effect. 

The Cash for Grass Program is already approved by the Board of Public Utilities as a water use 

efficiency program and therefore additional administrative action is not needed for this program. 

However, due to the Board’s support of water use efficiency activities in the City of Santa Rosa, 

the project manager will report out on the successes of this project, merely to inform the Board. 

The implementation plan for the proposed project is below in extended text form, and in 

condensed table form in Table 1 on page 12: 

Q4 2021 (Oct-Dec) 

x Pre-Award Work: 

o Start developing marketing materials that reflect the new Cash for Grass Rebate 

Expansion program so that program advertising can begin early in Q1 2022. 

Q1 2022 (January – March) 

x Milestone: Financial Assistance Agreement signed 

x Milestone: Official start of Cash for Grass Expansion Program 

x Marketing Tasks: Start marketing 

o Develop letter template to dedicated irrigation meter customers to inform them 

of the new Cash for Grass Rebate Expansion program 

o Contact local professional landscape companies to inform them about the new 

program 

o Contact all “pre-approved” Cash for Grass customers to inform them of the new 

expanded program and requirements to participate 

x Program Implementation: 

o Update website to reflect new program requirements 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

o Update program materials, including brochure, website procedure to reflect new 

program 

o Update Cash for Grass rebate application to reflect the new program 

requirements and increased rebate amount 

o Submit required grant reporting materials 

Q2 2022 (April – June) 

x Marketing Tasks: Increase marketing since program participation increases in summer 

o Send letter to all dedicated irrigation meter customers to inform them of the new 

Cash for Grass Rebate Expansion program 

o Develop social media post for Facebook and Twitter to highlight new rebate 

program 

o Develop City Connections e-newsletter article to inform customers about the new 

rebate program expansion 

o Develop digital targeted ads for those who search specific keywords such as 

“Landscaper” or “Grass Removal” 

x Program Implementation: 

o Review website and program materials based on any program feedback received 

from customers 

o Pre-approve customer applications for the rebate 

o Approve rebate applications and issue funds for participating customers 

o Submit required grant reporting materials 

Q3 2022 (July – Sept) 

x Marketing Tasks: Peak marketing since program participation increases in summer 

o Partner with community partners, such as California Landscape Contractors 

Association to market program including writing an article for the upcoming 

newsletter to landscape professionals 

o Develop letter template and send to Qualified Water Efficient Landscapers about 

new program 

o Develop social media post for Facebook and Twitter to highlight new rebate 

program 

x Program Implementation: 

o Review website and program materials based on any program feedback received 

from customers 

o Pre-approve customer applications for the rebate 

o Approve rebate applications and issue funds for participating customers 

o Submit required grant reporting materials 

Q4 2022 (Oct – Dec) 

x Marketing Tasks: Encourage program participation since the wet Fall and Winter months 

are an ideal time to plant new landscapes 

o Highlight new rebate program requirements at Water Use Efficiency customer 

workshop 

o Write article for Sonoma Marin Saving Water Partnership newsletter 

o Develop social media post for Facebook and Twitter to highlight new rebate 

program 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

o Develop City Connections e-newsletter article to inform customers about the new 

rebate program expansion 

x Program Implementation: 

o Review website and program materials based on any program feedback received 

from customers 

o Pre-approve customer applications for the rebate 

o Approve rebate applications and issue funds for participating customers 

o Submit required grant reporting materials 

Q1 2023 (Jan – March) 

x Milestone: Halfway through grant funded period 

x Milestone: Removed 10,000 square feet of grass. Note, this is less than half of the total 

square footage to be removed as the City anticipates a lag time between prequalification 

and completion of landscape projects such that more projects will be completed during 

the 2nd year. 

x Marketing Tasks: Encourage program participation since the wet Winter months are an 

ideal time to plant new landscapes 

o Develop and send letter to all dedicated irrigation meter customers about rebate 

program 

o Host one virtual workshop on new rebate program requirements 

o Develop social media post for Facebook and Twitter to highlight new rebate 

program 

o Develop City Connections e-newsletter article to inform customers about the new 

rebate program expansion 

x Program Implementation: 

o Review website and program materials based on any program feedback received 

from customers 

o Pre-approve customer applications for the rebate 

o Approve rebate applications and issue funds for participating customers 

o Submit required grant reporting materials 

Q2 2023 (April – June) 

x Marketing Tasks: Increase marketing since program participation increases in the Summer 

and the grant period is drawing to a close 

o Present at California Landscape Contractors Association chapter dinner meeting 

o Highlight the expanded rebate at local events including the WaterSmart Expo,

Sonoma County Fair, Wednesday Night Market, Home Show etc 

o Develop social media post for Facebook and Twitter to highlight new rebate

program 

o Develop City Connections e-newsletter article to inform customers about the new

rebate program expansion 

x Program Implementation: 

o Review website, rebate application, and program materials based on any program

feedback received from customers 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

o Pre-approve customer applications for the rebate 

o Approve rebate applications and issue funds for participating customers 

o Submit required grant reporting materials 

Q3 2023 (July – Sept) 

x Marketing Tasks: Increase marketing 

o Connect with local landscape professionals to inform them that rebates will only 

be funded at the increased rebate amount through December 2023. 

o Highlight the expanded rebate at local events including the WaterSmart Expo, 

Sonoma County Fair, Wednesday Night Market, Home Show etc 

o Develop social media post for Facebook and Twitter to highlight new rebate 

program 

o Develop City Connections e-newsletter article to inform customers about the new 

rebate program expansion 

x Program Implementation: 

o Review website, rebate application, and program materials based on any program 

feedback received from customers 

o Pre-approve customer applications for the rebate 

o Communicate with outstanding rebate applicants that projects must be 

completed by December 2023 in order to be eligible for increased funding 

o Approve rebate applications and issue funds for participating customers 

o Submit required grant reporting materials 

Q4 2023 (Oct – Dec) 

x Milestone: Grant funded period is over December 2023 

x Milestone: Removed 37,500 square feet of grass 

x Marketing Tasks: Wrap up marketing as grant funding period closes 

o Connect with local landscape professionals to inform them that rebates will only 

be funded at the increased rebate amount through December 2023. 

x Program Implementation: 

o Pre-approve customer applications for the rebate 

o Approve rebate applications and issue funds for participating customers 

o Communicate with outstanding rebate applicants that projects must be 

completed by December 2023 in order to be eligible for increased funding 

o Submit required grant reporting materials 

Q1 2024 (Jan – Mar) 

x Milestone: submit final grant report 

 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

Table 2.— Project Schedule 

Year 1 Year 2 

SCHEDULE 

Oct-Dec 2021 

Jan 2022

Feb-Mar 2022 

Apr-Jun 2022 

Jul-Sept 2022

Oct-Dec 2022 

Jan-Mar 2023 

Apr-Jun 2023 

Jul-Sept 2023

Oct-Dec 2023 

Jan-Mar 2024 

Milestone/Task 

Develop New 

Marketing Materials 

Sign Financial 

Assistance Agreement 

Update Old 

Marketing Materials 

Advertise Program 

Approve Rebate 

Applications 

Fund Completed 

Landscape Projects 

Square Feet Turf 

Removed (Thousands) 10 37.5 

Submit final report 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D— Nexus to Reclamation 

x Is the proposed project connected to a Reclamation project or activity? If so, how? Please 

consider the following: 

x Does the applicant receive Reclamation project water? 

x Is the project on Reclamation project lands or involving Reclamation facilities? 

x Is the project in the same basin as a Reclamation project or activity? 

x Will the proposed work contribute water to a basin where a Reclamation project 

is located? 

x Will the project benefit any tribe(s)?

 Although the City does not receive water from Reclamation projects, we are a waterconstrained watershed. Accounting for recent rain events, the North Bay continues to 

experience dry weather following the third driest year on record in 2020 and is trending with 

2014, the most recent historical drought. Average annual rainfall for the region is 36 inches. Last 

year the region received only 16 inches of rain. As of February 1, 2021, the region has received 9 

inches of rain, equating to 40% of normal rainfall for this time of year. Santa Rosa purchases 

approximately 92% of its drinking water from Sonoma Water, the Region’s water supply 

wholesaler. Sonoma Water, in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, manages two 

reservoirs: Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma. As of February 1st, Lake Sonoma is at 64% and 

Lake Mendocino is at 41% of their respective target water supply storage levels for this time of 

year. In response to dry year conditions, Sonoma Water filed, and the State Water Resources 

Control Board approved, a Temporary Urgency Change Petition (TUCP) to reduce minimum 

instream flow requirements in the Upper Russian River to preserve critical water storage at Lake 

Mendocino. 

Additionally, as all community members are encouraged to benefit from this grant funding 

through the Cash for Grass program, local tribes could benefit from this grant. In Sonoma 

County, Southern Pomo and Coast Miwok tribes formed a local federation called the Graton 

Rancheria and are federally recognized as a tribe by the federal government. If the City is 

awarded this grant, the project manager will reach out directly to Graton Rancheria to inform 

them about this funding opportunity for their commercial properties in Santa Rosa. 

Furthermore, as is described by the local nonprofit organization Russian Riverkeeper here, water 

is diverted from the Eel River basin to the Russian River basin. Because of this diversion, water 

conservation in the Russian River basin impacts water flow in the Eel River. This impacts the 

Round Valley Indian Tribes, a Sovereign Nation of confederated tribes in northern Mendocino 

county. There are seven Tribes in Round Valley: Yuki, Concow, Little Lake, Pomo, Nomlaki, 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

Wailaki, and Pit River. Since “time immemorial” Round Valley Tribes have relied on water and 

fish in the Eel River. Round Valley Tribes are one of the partner members of the Two Basin 

Partnership (website), a partnership with diverse stakeholders striving to find a solution to 

management of the Eel River watershed that can best benefit both the Eel River and the Russian 

River basins. This project will increase flows in the Russian River through decreased diversions 

due to water conservation. 

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WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

ROJECT BUDGET 

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment 

Please identify the sources of the non-Federal cost-share contribution for the project, including: 

x Any monetary contributions by the applicant towards the cost-share requirement and 

source of funds (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue, and/or assessments). 

x Any costs that will be contributed by the applicant. 

x Any third-party in-kind costs (i.e., goods and services provided by a third party). 

x Any cash requested or received from other non-Federal entities. 

x Any pending funding requests (i.e., grants or loans) that have not yet been approved and 

explain how the project will be affected if such funding is denied. 

In addition, please identify whether the budget proposal includes any project costs that have 

been or may be incurred prior to award. For each cost, describe: 

x The project expenditure and amount. 

x The date of cost incurrence. 

x How the expenditure benefits the project. 

All water conservation programs and staff time are already budgeted in the City’s Fiscal Year 

20/21, 21/22 budget. This funding has been approved by the Board of Public Utilities and the 

City Council and is currently in a reserve account. This grant would allow a significant expansion 

of the existing conservation program and would increase the high-water use turf removed by 

37,500 sq feet resulting in 17.4 million gallons saved over the lifetime of the project. This grant 

would allow the City to leverage these existing assets to achieve an increased impact 

commensurate with rebate expansion. With these funds, program participation will increase in 

the commercial sector. 

The City is not seeking any additional third-party, state, or federal funding for this project. None 

of the funding will be used for direct installation or construction. If selected, the City will begin 

tracking marketing material development costs and staff time costs related to grant 

implementation in October 2021 so that marketing materials can be ready for distribution early 

in the first quarter of 2022. No rebate projects will be prequalified prior to the signing of a 

financial assistance agreement, expected in January 2022. 

15 
B 

WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

udget Proposal 

Table 2.— Total Project Cost Table 

SOURCE AMOUNT 

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $75,000.00 

Costs to be paid by the applicant $75,264.80 

Value of third-party contributions $0.00 

TOTAL PROJECT COST $150,264.80 

16 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

Table 3.— Budget Proposal 

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION 

COMPUTATION Quantity 

Type TOTAL COST $/UNIT Quantity 

Salaries and Wages 

Program Manager 36 1040 hour $ 37,440.00 

Tech. Application Specialist 47.1 10 hour $ 471.00 

Community Outreach Specialist 37.43 20 hour $ 748.60 

Sustainability Coordinator 55.87 96 hour $ 5,363.52 

Marketing & Outreach 

Coordinator 55.36 10 hour $ 553.60 

Intern 15 1040 hour $ 15,600.00 

Fringe Benefits 

Full-Time Employees 12.83 1176 hour $ 15,088.08 

Part-Time Employees $ -

Travel 

Trip 1 $ -

Equipment 

Item A $ -

Supplies and Materials 

Item A $ -

Contractual/Construction 

Contractor A $ -

Third-Party Contributions 

Contributor A $ -

Other 

Grass Removal Incentive $2.00 37,500 sq.ft. $ 75,000.00 

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS $ 150,264.80 

Indirect Costs 

Type of rate percentage $base $ -

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS

 $ 150,264.80 

17 
 

 

B

WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

udget Narrative 

Salaries and Wages 

x Program Manager 

The Program Manager is compensated at $36.00 per hour and will be the party 

implementing the Cash For Grass rebate program and fulfilling reporting requirements. 

The City anticipates the program manager will spend 1040 hours administering this 

program over the course of this project. This is the equivalent of 25% of the program 

manager’s time over the duration of the program. This estimate reflects the amount of 

time it currently takes to manage the commercial landscape rebate program. The 

program manager will be responsible for most aspects of project implementation, 

including: 

o fulfilling reporting requirements, 

o presenting rebate information to customers and landscape professionals, 

o preparing marketing materials, 

o writing articles for professional distribution, 

o verifying applicant eligibility, 

o measuring turf area to be removed, and completing paperwork for rebate 

prequalifications, 

o performing on site inspections, 

o ensuring completed projects meet program requirements, and 

o completing paperwork for issuance of rebate checks. 

x Technology Application Specialist 

The Technology Application Specialist is compensated at $47.10 per hour and will be 

responsible for creating customized reports from the City’s billing database allowing the 

program manager to target segments of commercial customers for marketing. The City 

anticipates the Technology Application Specialist will spend 10 hours assembling 

customized datasets over the course of this project. 

x Community Outreach Specialist 

The Community Outreach Specialist is compensated at $37.43 per hour and will be 

responsible for creating marketing materials to encourage participation in the program. 

The City anticipates the Community Outreach Specialist will spend 20 hours creating 

marketing materials over the course of this project. 

x Sustainability Coordinator 

The Sustainability Coordinator is compensated at $55.87 per hour and will be responsible 

for overseeing the program manager’s implementation of this grant to ensure 

compliance with all grant requirements. The City anticipates the Sustainability 

Coordinator will spend 96 hours overseeing the implementation of this project, including 

18 
WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

reviewing all grant reports, approving all rebate applications, and working with the 

Community Outreach Specialist to development comprehensive marketing campaign etc. 

x Marketing & Outreach Coordinator 

The Marketing & Outreach Coordinator is compensated at $55.36 per hour and will be 

responsible for directing the creation of marketing materials. The City anticipates the 

Marketing & Outreach Coordinator will spend 10 hours overseeing material creation. 

x Interns 

The City hires interns as part-time temporary staff at a cost of $15 per hour. The City 

anticipates interns will spend 1040 hours working on this program, which equates to 10 

hours per week for two years. Interns will work closely with the program manager and 

will be responsible for assisting in almost all aspects of project implementation, including: 

o sending direct mailing marketing materials, 

o measuring turf area to be removed, 

o preparing paperwork for rebate prequalification, 

o verifying applicant eligibility, and 

o accompanying the program manager on site inspections. 

Fringe Benefits 

Full-time City staff receive fringe benefits at a rate of $12.83 per hour. Part-time City staff do not 

receive fringe benefits. 

Travel 

No travel will be paid for by this grant. 

Equipment 

No equipment will be paid for by this grant. 

Materials and Supplies 

No materials and supplies will be funded by this grant. 

Contractual 

There will be no contracts funded with this grant. 

Third-Party In-Kind Contributions 

Not applicable. 

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs 

The City does not anticipate any environmental or regulatory costs relating to this program as 

projects will only occur on already developed properties. All program participants must adhere 

to all applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

19 
WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

Other Expenses 

Participants in this program receive a rebate of $2.00 per square foot for converting their lawn 

to a landscape with trees and other low water use plants. This rebate will fund 37,500 square 

feet of lawn converted, for a total of $75,000. This $75,000 is the full amount the City is 

requesting with this grant application. 

Indirect Costs 

No indirect costs are included in this budget. 

20 
 

 

 

 

E

WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

NVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES COMPLIANCE 

x Will the proposed project impact the surrounding environment (e.g., soil [dust], air, water 

[quality and quantity], animal habitat)? Please briefly describe all earth-disturbing work 

and any work that will affect the air, water, or animal habitat in the project area. Please 

also explain the impacts of such work on the surrounding environment and any steps that 

could be taken to minimize the impacts. 

No adverse effects to the surrounding environment are anticipated for this program. 

Because work will only occur on already-developed properties, no impacts to animal 

habitat are expected. Projects should have a positive impact on air and water quality as 

low water use plant landscapes will not need to be mown or have a lot of chemical 

fertilizer inputs which can run off to local waterways. 

x Are you aware of any species listed or proposed to be listed as a Federal threatened or 

endangered species, or designated critical habitat in the project area? If so, would they be 

affected by any activities associated with the proposed project? 

There are no threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat in the 

project areas that will have their landscapes transformed. The City expects a beneficial 

impact on threatened and endangered species of salmonids in the Russian River and the 

Eel River as water conservation will help the flows in the rivers better match the needs of 

the fish. 

x Are there wetlands or other surface waters inside the project boundaries that potentially 

fall under CWA jurisdiction as “Waters of the United States?” If so, please describe and 

estimate any impacts the proposed project may have. 

No, the proposed projects will occur on already-developed properties and will not 

adversely impact any wetlands or other surface waters. The City expects a beneficial 

impact on water flows in the Russian River and the Eel River due to water conservation. 

x When was the water delivery system constructed? 

From 1873 until 1947, the City was served by two separate potable water systems. 

Established in 1873, a privately owned and operated system called the Santa Rosa Water 

Company diverted water diverted from Santa Rosa Creek and from the newly 

constructed, privately owned Lake Ralphine. In 1893, the City began building a municipal 

water system to serve a portion of Santa Rosa with water pumped out of Santa Rosa 

Creek at the north end of Farmers Lane. In 1947, the City purchased Santa Rosa Water 

Company from the private owner and integrated the acquired assets into the operation 

of the City’s municipal water system. 

Between 1948 and 1958, the City constructed eight groundwater supply wells, and by 

June 1959, the City’s primary water supply source was groundwater. In June of 1959, the 

City signed a contract with the Sonoma County Flood Control and Water Conservation 

21 
 

 

 

WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

District (District), which later became the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) 

to purchase potable water diverted from the Russian River for the City’s municipal water 

supply. The City put its production wells on standby status and discontinued using local 

surface water diversions. By 1960, the City had 12,000 water connections and 31,721 

residents. 

Over the next six decades, the City gradually expanded its potable distribution system 

and infrastructure to ensure ongoing reliable service for its customers. The City has 

added water mains, pump stations, storage reservoirs (above ground tanks), and two 

groundwater wells (shifting them from standby status to active status). As of December 

2020, the City’s potable water system has grown to over 55,000 water connections 

serving 173,628 residents. 

x Will the proposed project result in any modification of or effects to, individual features of 

an irrigation system (e.g., headgates, canals, or flumes)? If so, state when those features 

were constructed and describe the nature and timing of any extensive alterations or 

modifications to those features completed previously. 

No, the proposed project will not result in any such modifications or effects. 

x Are any buildings, structures, or features in the irrigation district listed or eligible for listing 

on the National Register of Historic Places? A cultural resources specialist at your local 

Reclamation office or the State Historic Preservation Office can assist in answering this 

question. 

While historic sites are located within the City of Santa Rosa’s service area, the proposed 

project will only occur on already-developed properties and will have no adverse effect on 

any building, structure, or feature listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of 

Historic Places. 

x Are there any known archeological sites in the proposed project area? 

No, there are no known archeological sites in the proposed project area. Proposed 

projects will only occur on already-developed properties. 

x Will the proposed project have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income 

or minority populations? 

No. Any eligible business can participate in the rebate program, and there is no penalty for 

not participating. Low income and minority populations will be encouraged to participate 

in this program and save money on their water bill through water conservation. 

22 
 

WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

x Will the proposed project limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites or result 

in other impacts on tribal lands? 

No, the proposed project will not limit access to or use of sacred Native American sites or 

result in any adverse impacts on tribal lands. Tribal members will be invited to participate 

in the rebate program on any commercial properties they have in the City, and there will 

be no penalty for not participating. 

x Will the proposed project contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of 

noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area? 

No, this program will only allow the planting of non-invasive species per program 

guidelines. 

23 
 

 

 

 

R

WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for FY 2021 – R21AS00300 

EQUIRED PERMITS OR APPROVALS 

No permits or approvals will be required for this project. 

LETTERS OF PROJECT SUPPORT 

Five letters of support are attached that indicate that this project is well supported by the Santa 

Rosa and State-wide water use efficiency community. Sonoma Water, Santa Rosa’s water 

wholesaler supports this project, as does the Russian River Watershed Association, a coalition of 

11 cities, counties, and special districts that work together to promote projects that protect 

watershed resources, restore fisheries, and improve water quality. Additionally, California Water 

Efficiency Partnership has provided a letter of support, as has WaterNow Alliance. Lastly, 

LandCare, a local landscape management company has indicated support of this project through 

a letter of support. 

Letters of project support from the following entities are included in Attachment C: 

1. Sonoma Water 

2. Russian River Watershed Association 

3. California Water Efficiency Partnership 

4. WaterNow Alliance 

5. LandCare 

OFFICIAL RESOLUTION 

The City Council will meet on April 13th to approve this application with an official resolution. 

Following approval from the City Council, this resolution will be submitted as an addendum to 

this application. 

UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER 

The City of Santa Rosa is registered with SAM. The City’s DUNS number is 071879464. 

24 
 

Cash for Grass Rebate 

Green Exchange Program

Cash for Grass and Irrigation Efficiency Rebate cannot be issued for the same project area 

Rebate Amounts: Residential: $0.75/sq. ft. up to max of 1,000 sq. ft. or $750.00 once for the life of the account 

Commercial: $0.75/sq. ft. up to max of 10,000 sq. ft. or $7,500.00 annually 

Applicant must: 

x Have a City of Santa Rosa water account (service) in their name for the property where the project will be completed. 

o If the property owner is the participant in the program and not the water account holder, they must receive written 

consent from the water account holder using a City of Santa Rosa Tenant/Account Holder Permission Form 

x Have lawns that are green, regularly mowed, irrigated and well taken care of (dead lawns or lawns already removed at the 

time of the pre-inspection are not eligible for rebate). 

x Agree that lawn must not be reinstalled while you are the current account holder or property owner. If lawn or any other 

high-water use plants (such as gardens) are reinstalled during that time, the entire rebate amount must be refunded. 

Steps to Participate: 

1) Call Water-Use Efficiency staff at 707-543-3985 for pre-qualification, eligibility verification and a potential site visit. All rebates 

require a pre-qualification before any work is started. 

2) After eligibility of site is verified, you will receive your Green Exchange Eligibility Form (required to qualify for rebate). You may 

then proceed with lawn replacement. You have 120 days from the date on the eligibility form to complete the project. 

3) Project Guidelines: 

a) It is recommended that the lawn is sheetmulched however physical removal may be used but is not recommended. 

b) Only permeable landscapes are allowed (mulch, rock, decomposed granite, small pavers, etc.). 

i) Not allowed: solid plastic sheeting, rubber mulch, artificial turf, concrete, patios, mortared or glued paths. 

c) Only non-invasive low or very-low water use plants are allowed as determined by WUCOLS: http://ucanr.edu/sites/wucols/ 

i) A plant density requirement of 50% at plant maturity is required as calculated by planted square footage divided by 

total project area. Planting areas 6 feet wide or under are exempted from this plant coverage requirement. 

d) If you have an existing irrigation system in the project area, you must do one of the following: 

i) Cut off irrigation valve, remove it and cap the pipes (resulting in hand or no watering) 

ii) Cut and cap all sprinkler heads (resulting in hand or no watering) 

iii) Cut and cap all but select sprinkler heads and convert those heads to a drip system using an all-in-one conversion kit 

(must have a pressure regulator and a filter built in). 

iv) Cut the output side of the irrigation valve and convert to a drip system with a pressure regulator and filter from there 

e) If you do not have an existing irrigation system you may either install a new irrigation valve with a pressure regulator, filter, 

and drip system, or you can hand water. 

4) Once project is finished, and within the 120-day period, call 707-543-3985 to setup a post-inspection. 

5) City staff will verify project completion and that the project follows the guidelines above. 

6) Rebates are processed within 4 to 8 weeks after completed project is approved. 
  	

 

 



 




 

 




 





 


	

 


  

 

 

 





 



 
 

 

 	 	

 





  

 	

		
  
  
  


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March 3, 2021 

Paul Piazza 

Sonoma Water 

404 Aviation Blvd. 

Santa Rosa, CA 95403 

RE: Support of City of Santa Rosa’s Application for WaterSMART Grant: 

Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion 

Dear Ms. Graber, 

Sonoma Water provides clean, reliable drinking water to Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa and 

eight other cities and special districts. Sonoma Water effectively manages the water resources for the 

benefit of people and the environment through resource and environmental stewardship, technical

innovation, and responsible fiscal management. Sonoma Water is pleased to voice support for the City 

of Santa Rosa’s proposal for funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the Cash for Grass Rebate 

Program Expansion. 

The Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion increases the City of Santa Rosa’s turf removal rebate

amount to $2.00 per square foot removed and requires one tree per 600 square feet of rebated area. 

Lawn removal has a documented history of achieving water savings for the City of Santa Rosa, with 

over 3.5 million square feet of turf removed since 2006 with water savings of over 2,800 acre feet

achieved. Combining Santa Rosa’s successful lawn removal program with incentivizing tree installation 

will further help Santa Rosa adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

Sonoma Water supports Santa Rosa’s application for funding. Sonoma Water is the leader of the 

Sonoma Marin Saving Water Partnership (Partnership), which represents twelve water utilities in 

Sonoma and Marin counties, including Santa Rosa, that have joined together to provide regional 

solutions for water use efficiency. Sonoma Water supports Santa Rosa’s application for funding 

because it aligns with Santa Rosa’s and the Partnership’s goals to implement water use efficiency

projects and maximize the cost-effectiveness of water use efficiency programs in our region. 

Thank you in advance for considering the Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion for U.S. Bureau of 

Reclamation funding. 

Sincerely, 

Paul Piazza 

Water Use Efficiency Manager 

Sonoma Water 

404 Aviation Boulevard SantaRosa, CA 95403 | 707.526.5370 | www.sonomawater.org 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 15, 2021 SENT VIA: EMAIL 

Ms. Robin Graber 

Rgraber@usbr.gov 

SUBJECT: Support of City of Santa Rosa’s Application for WaterSMART 

Grant: Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion 

Dear Ms. Graber: 

The Russian River Watershed Association (RRWA) is a coalition of 

eleven public agencies in the Russian River Watershed in Sonoma and 

Mendocino Counties that have come together to coordinate regional 

programs for clean water and watershed enhancement. RRWA is 

pleased to voice support for the City of Santa Rosa’s proposal for 

funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the Cash for Grass 

Rebate Program Expansion. 

The Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion increases the 

City of Santa Rosa’s turf removal rebate amount to $2.00 per square 

foot removed and requires one tree per 600 square feet of rebated 

area. Lawn removal has a documented history of achieving water 

savings for the City of Santa Rosa, with over 3.5 million square feet of 

turf removed since 2006 with water savings of over 2,800-acre feet 

achieved. Combining Santa Rosa’s successful lawn removal program 

with incentivizing tree installation will further help Santa Rosa adapt 

and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

RRWA supports Santa Rosa’s application for funding. RRWA developed the Russian River-Friendly 

Landscape Guidelines (RRFLG) program in 2010 as a means of targeting professional landscapers 

to protect water quality and carry out sustainable landscape practices. The RRFLG program is 

actively utilized in our watershed. Santa Rosa has been instrumental in developing the 

watershed-wide RRFLG program and continues to be a leader in these implementation efforts. 

The proposed project further enhances the message of sustainable landscape practices 

introduced with the RRFLG 

Thank you in advance for considering the Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion for U.S. 

Bureau of Reclamation funding. 

Sincerely, 

Andy Rodgers, RRWA Executive Director 

cc: Chairperson Maureen Mulheren 
March 4, 2021 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Division 

Attn: Ms. Robin Graber 

P.O. Box 25007, MS 84-51000 

Denver, CO 80225 

Subject: Support of City of Santa Rosa’s Application for WaterSMART Grant:

 Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion 

Dear Ms. Graber, 

The California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP) is an innovative leader, voice 

and expert on water use efficiency in California. The Partnership helps water supplier 

partners meet legislative and regulatory requirements, fosters research and evaluation, 

serves as an information clearing house, helps build partnerships to improve water use 

efficiency, and serves as technical experts to members, including the City of Santa 

Rosa. CalWEP is pleased to voice support for the City of Santa Rosa’s proposal for

funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the Cash for Grass Rebate Program 

Expansion. 

The Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion increases the City of Santa Rosa’s turf 

removal rebate amount to $2.00 per square foot removed and requires one tree per 600 

square feet of rebated area. Lawn removal has a documented history of achieving water 

savings for the City of Santa Rosa, with over 3.5 million square feet of turf removed 

since 2006 with water savings of over 2,800 acre-feet achieved. Combining Santa 

Rosa’s successful lawn removal program with incentivizing tree installation will further

help Santa Rosa adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

CalWEP supports Santa Rosa’s application for funding. CalWEP advocates for its water 

supplier partners to advance water use efficiency and climate change benefits locally. 

The Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion will help Santa Rosa meet its local 

water savings goals, and state regulatory water use efficiency requirements while 

keeping water rates affordable in the service area. 

Thank you in advance for considering the Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion for U.S. 

Bureau of Reclamation funding. 

Sincerely, 

Sarah Foley 

Executive Director, Operations 
 

 

 

 

 

March 9, 2021 

Camille Calimlim Touton 

Acting Commissioner 

Bureau of Reclamation 

1849 C Street NW 

Washington DC 20240-0001 

Subject: Support of City of Santa Rosa’s Application for WaterSMART Grant: 

Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion 

Dear Acting Commissioner Touton: 

On behalf of WaterNow Alliance, I am pleased to submit this letter in support of the City of Santa Rosa’s Cash for 

Grass Rebate Program Expansion application under the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Small-Scale Water 

Efficiency Projects. WaterNow Alliance, a national network of local water leaders supporting sustainable water 

management measures, has been working with the City of Santa Rosa’s water department for the past year to 

support their water efficiency objectives. 

As one of the largest cities in northern California, Santa Rosa provides retail water services to over 53,000 residential 

and commercial accounts. The City has a longstanding and demonstrable commitment to water conservation and 

efficiency, as seen through multiple planning efforts such as their 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), 

which provides an implementation plan for meeting the City’s water use targets and addressing the State of 

California’s water use efficiency legislation requirements. In particular, the Cash for Grass Rebate Program is detailed 

in the City’s UWMP as an effective strategy for achieving water conservation and demand management, which 

supports the City’s goal of diversifying its water supply portfolio. 

The City of Santa Rosa’s Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion increases the City’s turf removal rebate amount to 

$2.00 per square foot removed, up from $0.75 per square foot, and requires one tree per 600 square feet of rebated 

area. Lawn removal has a documented history of achieving water savings for the City of Santa Rosa, with over 3.5 

million square feet of turf removed since 2006 and water savings of over 2,800 acre feet achieved. Combining Santa 

Rosa’s successful lawn removal program with incentivizing tree installation will further help Santa Rosa adapt to and 

mitigate the effects of climate change. 

We believe that Santa Rosa’s proposal advances the goals of the WaterSMART SWEP program to conserve and use 

water more efficiently, which will further bolster their water supply reliability to help meet future demands. For 

these reasons, we urge your favorable consideration of their application for the Cash for Grass Rebate Program 

Expansion. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss. 

Sincerely, 

Cynthia Koehler, Executive Director 

WaterNow Alliance 

cc: Hon. Jared Huffman 

WaterNow Alliance | 1016 Lincoln Blvd | San Francisco, CA 94129 | 415.360.2999 

www.waternow.org 
 

 

 

 

March 2, 2021 

LandCare 

930 Shiloh Rd. Bldg 44, Ste B, 

Windsor, CA 95492 

Subject: Support of City of Santa Rosa’s Application for WaterSMART Grant: 

 Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion 

Dear Ms. Graber, 

LandCare is a commercial landscaping company committed to connecting customers with the 

wonders of nature. LandCare provides landscape management, landscape design and installation, 

and irrigation and water management to customers across Santa Rosa and beyond. LandCare is 

pleased to voice support for the City of Santa Rosa’s proposal for funding from the U.S. Bureau 

of Reclamation for the Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion. 

The Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion increases the City of Santa Rosa’s turf removal 

rebate amount to $2.00 per square foot removed and requires one tree per 600 square feet of 

rebated area. Lawn removal has a documented history of achieving water savings for the City of 

Santa Rosa, with over 3.5 million square feet of turf removed since 2006 with water savings of 

over 2,800 acre feet achieved. Combining Santa Rosa’s successful lawn removal program with

incentivizing tree installation will further help Santa Rosa adapt and mitigate the effects of 

climate change. 

LandCare supports Santa Rosa’s application for funding. Through our clients, LandCare has 

worked with the City of Santa Rosa through the Cash for Grass program previously and remains 

committed to additional lawn removal projects in the future. The current financial climate for 

commercial customers makes an increased rebate for lawn removal imperative for motivating 

commercial customers. 

Thank you in advance for considering the Cash for Grass Rebate Program Expansion for U.S. 

Bureau of Reclamation funding. 

Sincerely, 

LandCare 

Michael Reinecke 

Senior Account Manager 

707.331.0443