Water costs are one of the largest controllable line items for commercial properties and HOAs in the Denver metro area — and one of the most reducible. Converting traditional turf to xeriscape or native plantings typically cuts outdoor water use by 50–75%. Upgrading to smart irrigation controllers and high-efficiency nozzles adds another 20–30% reduction. The result: lower operating costs, reduced maintenance burden, and stronger curb appeal.
What most property managers don't know: Denver metro municipalities offer substantial rebate programs that offset 30–100% of conversion costs. The challenge is navigating which programs apply to your property, meeting pre-approval requirements, and hitting application deadlines. This guide consolidates every active program across the Denver metro so you can capture every dollar available — without spending hours on research.
Turf Conversion Rebate Programs — Denver Metro
The table below covers every active turf replacement and xeriscape conversion rebate program available to commercial properties and HOAs in the Denver metro area. Rates range from $0.50 to $3.00 per square foot depending on your location — knowing your provider is the single most important factor in determining your rebate potential.
| Water Provider | Program Name | Rate | Max Rebate | Eligibility | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Water | Landscape Transformation Assistance Program (LTAP) | $0.50/sq ft | Based on project scope | Commercial & HOA properties, pre-approval consultation required, 50% plant coverage at maturity | Application: Nov 1 for following year Completion: Oct 15 | Denver Water LTAP |
| Aurora Water | Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) | $3.00/sq ft (traditional water-wise landscape) $0.50/sq ft (native/low-water grass) | Based on conservation analysis — commercial projects require consultation with Water Conservation office | Commercial & HOA properties, pre-approval mandatory before work begins, free design assistance available | Fall window: Nov 1 – Jan 1 Spring window: March 1 – July 1 | Aurora Water GRIP |
| Fort Collins Utilities | Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP) | $1.50/sq ft (flat rate) + $0.30/sq ft upfront planning bonus (up to $3,000) | Up to $15,000 per project | Fort Collins Utilities customers only, pre-approval required, proof of healthy grass required, projects must complete within 2 years | Pre-application: Early March Full application: Early April Completion: Late fall | Fort Collins XIP |
| Centennial Water / Highlands Ranch Water | Commercial Turf Replacement Rebate | $2.50/sq ft (ColoradoScape/native) $1.50/sq ft (low-water turf) | Up to 5,000 sq ft | Commercial, HOA, schools; pre-approval required, final inspection required, 50% healthy turf requirement | Applications reopen March 1 annually Completion: Nov 1 | Highlands Ranch Water |
| Inverness Water & Sanitation | Cash 4 Grass | $1.00/sq ft | $10,000 per property/year (up to 10,000 sq ft) | Commercial properties, pre-approval required, must meet Inverness Planning & Architectural Control Committee standards | Contact district in advance | Inverness Water |
| Parker Water & Sanitation District | Resource Central Lawn Replacement | $750 discount | $750 | PWSD customers, partnership with South Metro Water Supply Authority | First-come, first-served until funds exhausted | PWSD Rebates |
| Westminster | Neighborhood Landscape Enhancement Grant | Up to $5,000 | $5,000 | Note: Neighborhood-focused grant for groups of residents/business owners in targeted areas — not a standard commercial rebate. Confirm current availability and eligibility with Westminster before planning. | Contact city for current cycle | Westminster Programs |
| Lakewood | Resource Central Partnership | $750 discount | $750 | Eligible Lakewood properties (also eligible for Denver Water programs if served by DW) | Contact Resource Central | Resource Central |
| Englewood | Resource Central Partnership | Up to 425 sq ft conversion | Varies | Englewood residents/properties | Applications typically open March | Resource Central |
| Arvada | Resource Central Partnership | Discounts + free plants (up to $1,250 value) | $1,250 value | Arvada residents/properties | Contact Resource Central | Resource Central |
What This Means for Your Property:
Location determines your rebate ceiling. A 10,000 sq ft conversion in Aurora yields $30,000 in rebates — six times more than the same project in Denver ($5,000 via LTAP). If your property is in Aurora, Fort Collins, or Centennial/Highlands Ranch, prioritize those programs first. Denver Water's LTAP at $0.50/sq ft has no stated maximum, making it valuable for very large projects (50,000+ sq ft) where the total still adds up.
Critical rule: pre-approval is mandatory before work begins. Every program on this list requires written authorization before installation starts. Starting without approval forfeits your rebate eligibility entirely. Denver Water's application deadline is November 1 for the *following* calendar year — plan 12–18 months ahead for large projects.
Program Comparison at a Glance
How much would 10,000 sq ft of turf conversion yield across different programs?
| Provider | Program | Rate | Rebate for 10,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Water | GRIP (Grass Replacement Incentive Program) | $3.00 / sq ft | $30,000 |
| Centennial / Highlands Ranch Water | ColoradoScape / Commercial Turf Replacement | $1.50–$2.50 / sq ft | $12,500(cap) |
| Fort Collins Utilities | XIP (Xeriscape Incentive Program) | $1.00–$1.50 / sq ft | $12,500 |
| Inverness Water & Sanitation | Cash 4 Grass | $1.00 / sq ft | $10,000 |
| Westminster | Landscape Enhancement Grant + Resource Central | ~$0.50 / sq ft (grant-based) | $5,000 |
| Lakewood | Denver Water LTAP (if applicable) + City Programs | $0.50 / sq ft (Denver Water customers) | $5,000 |
| Englewood | Lawn Replacement Program | ~$0.50 / sq ft (program-based) | $5,000 |
| Arvada | Resource Central Partnership | ~$0.50 / sq ft (discount-based) | $5,000 |
| Denver Water | LTAP (Landscape Transformation Assistance Program) | $0.50 / sq ft | $5,000 |
Rebate amounts shown are estimates based on mid-range rates. Actual amounts depend on program eligibility, application timing, and available funding. Properties may qualify for multiple programs simultaneously.
Irrigation Equipment Upgrade Rebates — Denver Metro
Upgrading your irrigation system is the fastest path to water bill reduction — and most Denver metro programs will pay you to do it. The table below covers every active irrigation equipment rebate available to commercial properties and HOAs, including smart controllers, high-efficiency nozzles, rain sensors, and pressure-regulating equipment.
| Water Provider | Equipment Type | Rebate Amount | Max Rebate | Requirements | Application Window | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Water | Smart Irrigation Controllers | 25% of material cost | No stated maximum (rebates >$2,500 require pre-approval) | WaterSense-certified, must use master valve or flow sensor | Within 90 days of purchase | Denver Water Commercial Rebates |
| Denver Water | Rotary/High-Efficiency Nozzles | Up to $3 per nozzle | One-time rebate per property | Hunter MP®, Rain Bird®, Toro® Precision™, K-Rain® rotary nozzles | Within 90 days of purchase | Denver Water Commercial Rebates |
| Denver Water | Custom Commercial Water Efficiency | Up to 50% of material costs | $10,000 per controlling entity/year | Pre-approval required, must demonstrate sustained water reduction, new equipment meeting Energy Star standards | Pre-approval required | Denver Water Commercial Rebates |
| Aurora Water | Smart Controllers | Based on project scope | Varies | Pre-approval recommended | Contact Aurora Water | Aurora Water Programs |
| Aurora Water | Rotary/High-Efficiency Nozzles | Up to $3 per nozzle | Min 10, max 100 per property | Minimum purchase of 10 nozzles | Contact Aurora Water | Aurora Water Programs |
| Aurora Water | Rain Sensors | $15 (wired) $50 (wireless) | Per sensor | Standard installation | Contact Aurora Water | Aurora Water Programs |
| Aurora Water | Soil Moisture Sensors | Based on project analysis | Varies | Professional installation recommended | Contact Aurora Water | Aurora Water Programs |
| Aurora Water | Pop-up Sprinkler Bodies | Rebate available | Varies | Pressure-regulating bodies with check valves | Contact Aurora Water | Aurora Water Programs |
| Fort Collins Utilities | Smart Irrigation Controllers | Up to 50% of cost | Varies | EPA WaterSense-certified weather-based controllers | Contact Fort Collins Utilities | Fort Collins Rebates |
| Fort Collins Utilities | Rotary Nozzles | Rebate available | Varies | High-efficiency nozzles (e.g., Hunter MP Rotators) | Contact Fort Collins Utilities | Fort Collins Rebates |
| Fort Collins Utilities | Rain & Soil Moisture Sensors | Bill credits available | Varies | Adding sensors to existing systems | Contact Fort Collins Utilities | Fort Collins Rebates |
| Fort Collins Utilities | Pressure Regulation | Incentives available | Varies | Pressure-regulating heads or valves | Contact Fort Collins Utilities | Fort Collins Rebates |
| Centennial Water / Highlands Ranch Water | Commercial Irrigation System Upgrade | Based on project cost, applicant pool, annual budget | Up to $5,000 per project | High-efficiency nozzles, ET-based controllers, rain sensors, pressure-regulated heads/valves; existing systems only; within 90 days of installation | First-come, first-served | Highlands Ranch Water |
| Inverness Water & Sanitation | Low Flow Fixture Rebates | 50% of cost | Varies | Qualified low-flow fixtures (controllers, high-efficiency/rotary nozzles); approved models via Denver Water website | Contact district in advance | Inverness Water |
| Parker Water & Sanitation District | Irrigation Rebates | Varies | Varies | EPA WaterSense® approved smart irrigation devices; PWSD customers in good standing | Program closed for 2025, check annually | PWSD Rebates |
| Westminster | Smart Controllers & Irrigation | Historically mirrors Denver Water rates | Varies | Contact Westminster for current programs | Contact city | Westminster Programs |
Important: Denver Water Custom Commercial Water Efficiency Program — Pre-Approval Required. The 50% rebate (up to $10,000/year) requires pre-approval before any work begins and is subject to annual budget availability. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and may close mid-year once the budget is exhausted. Standard controller and nozzle rebates (25% of cost; $3/nozzle) do not require pre-approval but must be submitted within 90 days of purchase. Confirm current program status at Denver Water Commercial Rebates before starting any project.
What This Means for Your Property:
Smart controllers deliver the highest ROI of any single irrigation upgrade — typically 20–30% water reduction with payback periods under 2 years. Denver Water reimburses 25% of material cost on WaterSense-certified controllers (no stated maximum; projects over $2,500 require pre-approval). For broader efficiency overhauls, Denver Water's Custom Commercial Water Efficiency program covers up to 50% of material costs, capped at $10,000 per controlling entity per year. Fort Collins also covers up to 50% on WaterSense-certified controllers.
The 90-day application window after installation is the most commonly missed deadline. Purchase your equipment, install it, and submit your rebate application within 90 days — or you lose the rebate. Centennial Water (Highlands Ranch) is strict on this. Inverness Water's 50% rebate on qualified fixtures can be stacked with turf conversion rebates for maximum total recovery.
Pro tip: Most providers offer free irrigation audits or outdoor water assessments before you spend a dollar. Start here — a professional audit identifies the highest-impact upgrades and guides equipment selection to maximize both water savings and rebate eligibility.
Regional & State Programs
The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) provides state-level funding that complements local utility programs. Northern Water offers collaborative landscape grants up to $15,000 for HOAs and commercial properties in their district. Deadlines vary; consult with your water provider about state-matched funds.
Strategic Approach to Maximizing Rebates
Start with a professional irrigation audit to identify efficiency gaps and quantify water savings. This data supports rebate applications and justifies project ROI to your board or ownership. Next, determine which programs apply to your property based on your water provider and property type. Many properties qualify for multiple programs — stack them strategically.
For large projects (10,000+ sq ft), consider phasing work across multiple calendar years to maximize annual rebate caps. Document everything: before photos, design plans, itemized expenses, and post-project photos. This documentation is required for rebate approval and protects you if questions arise.
When to Apply — Provider Deadline Calendar
Most programs require pre-approval before work begins. Missing the window means waiting a full year.
Find Your Rebate Programs
Not sure which water provider serves your property? Use the eligibility checker below to instantly identify your provider and see which rebate programs apply to your address.
Find Your Water Provider's Rebates
Enter your property address to see which rebate programs apply to you
Calculate Your Rebate Estimate
Once you know your provider, use the interactive calculator below to estimate your total rebate based on project size and scope. Then contact us for a free site assessment to confirm eligibility and develop your conversion strategy.
Estimate Your Rebate
Select your water provider and enter your conversion area to see your potential incentive.
Estimated Turf Conversion Rebate
Based on 0 sq ft at $3.00 / sq ft
Annual Water Savings
~35 gal/sq ft/year for Colorado turf
Est. Annual Bill Reduction
Based on avg. Denver metro water rates
Additional Irrigation Rebates — Aurora Water
Beyond turf conversion, you may also qualify for these irrigation equipment rebates:
- Rotary nozzles: up to $3/nozzle (min 10, max 100)
- Rain sensors: $15 wired / $50 wireless
- Smart controllers: based on project scope
- Soil moisture sensors: based on project analysis
Let Energyscapes Handle Everything
From rebate application to landscape design and professional installation — we manage the entire process so you can focus on running your property.
Illustrative Examples: What Denver Metro Commercial Properties Could Recover
Note: The following are illustrative examples only — not real case studies. They are modeled on actual program rates and typical commercial project costs to show what is realistically achievable. All properties are commercial (office parks, HOAs, multifamily communities). Actual results will vary based on project scope, program availability, and eligibility.
Illustrative examples only. The scenarios below are modeled on real program rates and typical commercial project costs — they are not actual completed projects. They are intended to show what is realistically achievable for commercial properties in the Denver metro area. Actual results will vary based on project scope, program availability, and eligibility.
Aurora Commerce Center
A 3-building office campus converts 18,500 sq ft of Kentucky bluegrass to a mix of native grasses, blue grama, and buffalo grass. The property manager had been spending $28,000/year on irrigation. After conversion, irrigation costs drop by 32%. The Aurora GRIP rebate at $3.00/sq ft covers 75% of the project cost.
Highlands Ranch Business Park
A 420-unit multifamily HOA converts 9,200 sq ft of common-area turf across three entry monuments and a detention pond perimeter. The board had been facing increasing water bills and resident complaints about brown patches during drought restrictions. The ColoradoScape rebate at $2.50/sq ft provides $23,000 toward the conversion.
Denver Tech Center Office Park
A 6-building mixed-use campus converts 31,000 sq ft of irrigated turf and upgrades the entire irrigation system simultaneously. The LTAP turf rebate ($0.50/sq ft = $15,500) is stacked with the Custom Commercial Water Efficiency rebate ($10,000) and rotary nozzle rebates ($3,000). Total rebate: $28,500 — 32% of project cost.
Energyscapes Handles the Entire Process
From pre-approval applications to design, installation, and final inspection documentation — we manage every step so you capture the maximum rebate and meet every deadline. Contact us for a free site assessment and we'll identify every rebate your property qualifies for.
The Bottom Line
Turf conversion and irrigation upgrades are among the highest-ROI landscape investments available to Denver metro commercial properties — and rebate programs make the numbers even more compelling. The combination of reduced water bills (30–50% annually), lower maintenance costs (20–40%), and upfront rebate recovery (30–100% of installation costs) means most projects pay for themselves within 2–4 years. This guide covers every active program in the Denver metro. Bookmark it, identify your provider, and start planning — most programs require 12–18 months of lead time for large projects.