As part of its ongoing efforts to lead the state in conserving finite natural resources, the Town of Cary has expanded its nationally-recognized water conservation program to include a one-time $500 incentive per property for the replacement of irrigated turf. An initiative approved by the Cary Town Council on March 13, 2008 as part of four new innovative water conservation measures, the intent of the Turf Buy Back Program is to reduce current outdoor water use and promote water-wise irrigation habits. The program provides incentives to 200 Town of Cary water customers who replace their irrigated turf with one of two water wise landscape options: conversion to natural area or conversion of cool-season grass to warm-season grass. The incentives are offered to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis according to program rules found here http://www.townofcary.org/depts/pwdept/water/waterconservation/incentiveprograms/incentiveprograms.htm.

Town of Cary water customers - including those in Morrisville - are eligible to participate in the program. Before making changes to yards, those interested in participating must complete, sign and submit an application and brief description of their plans. A site visit will be performed so that water conservation staff and property owners can discuss whether the program supports turf conversion on the particular site.

While there is no application deadline, customers are encouraged to apply early as the Town anticipates more applications than available incentives. Following a post-conversion site visit to confirm successful establishment of replacement landscape, the Town will issue incentive checks to qualified applicants within about four weeks. Because some Town of Cary water customers converted their turfs immediately following the Council's March vote directing staff to develop the program, rebates retroactive to March 13, 2008 are available for qualifying applicants.

"As a Town known for its proactive conservation efforts, Cary is initiating this new program as an additional incentive to help people use water wisely outdoors," said Water Conservation Coordinator Marie Cefalo. "In Cary, we have a culture of conservation and take pride in the environmental health of our community. We appreciate and thank Cary citizens for all that they do to conserve water every day."

Studies indicate that naturally landscaped areas show water savings of 25-33 percent when compared with traditionally landscaped areas, and warm season grasses require approximately 21% less water than cool season grasses during spring and summer. During spring and summer months, the Town anticipates a savings of about 675 gallons per month for each 1,000 square feet converted to natural landscape, and approximately 567 gallons saved per month for each 1,000 square feet of warm season grass conversion.

Related Links

1. List of Rules
2. Cary Water Conservation Initiatives