Thinking about swapping a thirsty lawn for a desert-chic landscape at The Citrus Country Club? You want lower water use, less maintenance, and a look that fits the community’s refined style. The good news is CVWD offers rebates that can help pay for turf-to-desert makeovers and smarter irrigation. Here is what qualifies, how to apply, and how to avoid the common pitfalls. Let’s dive in.
Why this matters at Citrus
The Citrus Country Club homes sit in a true desert climate, so water-wise design protects both curb appeal and monthly bills. The community lists Coachella Valley Water District as its water utility, which means you likely have access to local incentives tied to your CVWD account. You can confirm the provider on the Citrus utility page and with CVWD’s service resources, but Citrus residents commonly fall within CVWD’s service area.
- See the club’s provider listing on the Citrus utilities page: Citrus Country Club utility companies
Available CVWD rebates
Residential turf conversion
CVWD offers residential turf or landscape conversion incentives paid per square foot. CVWD pages describe minimum project sizes such as 200 square feet and maximums like 10,000 square feet per project or budget year. Pre-approval is required before you start any work. Review current details on the CVWD Residential Rebates page.
HOA and commercial conversions
For Citrus HOA common areas or community-fronted landscapes, CVWD provides a separate program with different size limits. CVWD pages show a $2 per square foot figure, with examples of 500 square feet minimum and up to 25,000 square feet. Check the HOA and Commercial Rebates page for current terms and documentation.
Golf course conversions
Large landscapes and golf facilities have their own pathway with larger caps, and some projects may pair with grants or cost-share rules. Explore the CVWD Golf Course Rebate for scope and eligibility.
Irrigation upgrades and smart tech
CVWD incentivizes high-efficiency irrigation. Residential examples include a $4 per nozzle rebate for replacing spray nozzles with high-efficiency rotary nozzles, often capped at up to $2,000. CVWD also installs certain weather-based smart controllers at no charge for eligible residential customers, subject to program rules. See the Residential Rebates page linked above for current offerings.
Nonpotable water options
CVWD is expanding nonpotable pipelines in the valley, which can be relevant for large landscapes and golf facilities. If you manage Citrus common areas or amenities, review the Non-Potable Water Offsite Pipeline Project to understand future supply options.
Key rules to know
- Get pre-approval in writing before starting. Beginning work early disqualifies projects.
- Meet the 25 percent plant canopy rule at maturity across the converted area. Plan your plant list and spacing to hit this threshold.
- Use permeable surfaces. Replacing grass with all rock, sealed pavers, or concrete alone is not eligible.
- Artificial turf can be eligible within program limits. Turf-looking groundcovers are usually not allowed.
- Convert or cap overhead spray in the project area. Use drip, rotating streams, or approved emitters.
- Expect a W-9 and tax reporting. CVWD advises that rebates are taxable income.
For detailed conversion guidance, review CVWD’s lawn conversion resources, including canopy and surface rules: CVWD lawn conversion guidelines.
Step-by-step application
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Confirm your CVWD account. Make sure your Citrus address is served by a CVWD domestic water account in your name.
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Choose the right program. Home parcels apply under residential. HOA common areas use HOA or golf programs. The applicant and W-9 must match the CVWD account holder.
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Design to the rules. Create a simple plan showing plant list, spacing, canopy calculation, permeable surfaces, and irrigation changes.
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Apply for written pre-approval. Submit the application and required before photos through CVWD’s rebate system. Wait for approval before any work.
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Install and document. Complete work per the approved plan, then submit after photos, invoices, and any controller or nozzle documentation. CVWD may inspect before issuing payment.
You can also browse regional resources through the valley’s conservation hub: CV Water Counts rebates map.
Homeowner vs HOA roles
- If the work is on your private lot and your home has a CVWD domestic account, you apply under the residential program.
- If the work is in Citrus common areas, the HOA or club applies under the HOA/commercial or golf program, and the application must match the correct account holder and W-9.
For HOA projects, start early on documentation. Larger scopes have different minimums, maximums, and inspection needs.
Design tips for curb appeal
- Lead with structure. Combine specimen trees, water-wise shrubs, and accent boulders to achieve your canopy target and a layered look.
- Keep it permeable and polished. Blend decomposed granite or gravel with planted pockets, set on clean lines that complement your home’s architecture.
- Plan irrigation first. Convert spray to drip or rotating streams and group plants by water needs.
- Embrace seasonal interest. Mix textures and bloom times for color without extra water.
Avoid common pitfalls
- Starting work before written pre-approval.
- Missing the 25 percent canopy requirement or trying to count existing trees.
- Replacing lawn with non-permeable hardscape or turf-looking grasses.
- Skipping photos, invoices, or the W-9.
Plan your timeline
Funding is limited and applications are reviewed first come, first served. Build in time for design, pre-approval, and potential inspection. Many Citrus homeowners target cooler months for planting, then finalize documentation once the landscape is established.
Next steps
A smart, desert-forward landscape can reduce water use and refresh your property’s first impression in Citrus Country Club. Confirm your eligibility on CVWD’s live pages, line up a design that meets the canopy and irrigation rules, and apply before you begin. If you are planning a sale or exploring pre-listing improvements, connect with Nicole Cox for local guidance, trusted vendor introductions, and a strategy that aligns design, timing, and market goals.
FAQs
What CVWD rebates can Citrus homeowners use?
- Eligible Citrus homeowners can apply for residential turf conversion, rotary nozzle rebates, and select smart controller programs, all requiring pre-approval and documentation through CVWD’s residential portal.
Are there CVWD rebates for Citrus HOA areas?
- Yes. HOA common areas and community landscapes apply under CVWD’s HOA/commercial program, which has different minimums, maximums, and documentation requirements listed on the HOA page.
What is the 25 percent canopy rule in CVWD?
- Your converted area must include plants that provide at least 25 percent canopy at maturity, with permeable surfaces elsewhere. Some programs do not count existing plants toward this requirement.
Does artificial turf qualify for CVWD in La Quinta?
- Artificial turf can be eligible within posted limits, while turf-looking groundcovers are typically ineligible. Confirm the latest rules on CVWD’s conversion resources before you apply.
Are CVWD landscape rebates taxable for Citrus owners?
- CVWD advises that landscape rebates are considered taxable income and requires a W-9 that matches the account holder. Consult your tax professional on reporting.
Can I start my Citrus project before CVWD approval?
- No. Starting or finishing work before receiving written pre-approval will disqualify the project from rebates.
How do CVWD smart controller offers work?
- CVWD provides certain weather-based smart controllers installed at no charge for eligible residential customers and lists current options on the Residential Rebates page. Availability and terms can change, so check the page before applying.
