By Sona Patel | San Luis Obispo

Hoping to encourage residents to save water and help local businesses, Grover Beach, California, city leaders are offering rebates for residents who replace their grass lawns with drought-resistant gardens.

For the first time in the city’s history, homeowners who install drought-tolerant gardens using plants from local businesses will be reimbursed anywhere from $50 to $750, depending on how much of a garden is revamped, according to Cassandra Mesa, a city building and planning technician.

Fifty percent of plants purchased for a garden must be bought at a Grover Beach-based business, Mesa said. The city is encouraging residents to use local contractors as well.

Mesa said the city will use money from a water conservation fund and that rebates issued will not exceed $75,000.

The move comes about two months after city officials designated a moderate water shortage, which requires residents to increase their efforts to conserve water.

To be eligible for a rebate, residents must replace at least 100 square feet of turf. City officials see the move as a way for homeowners to cut their water bills.

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