The Smart Landscape Rebate program, put on by the county’s Public Works Department, is now offering increased cash rebates to Santa Barbara residents who make their yards more water-wise. The City of Santa Barbara and Goleta Water District are offering up to $1,000 for single-family homes and up to $2,000 to $4,000 for businesses and Homeowner Associations (HOAs). Qualifications vary by participating area, but all apply only to existing landscapes and must result in a net water savings. Water providers’ rebates cover 50 percent of pre-approved improvements to irrigation systems as well as plants and mulch, and the rebate must be preapproved before work is started. For more information go to sbwater.org.
