2026 Lincoln Waterwise Lawns and Landscapes Cost Share Program
The program may support one of these project types: Replace a Lawn With a Water-Wise Yard or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
- Run by
- City of Lincoln Watershed Management
- Service area
- Property owners within the program's mapped underserved target area.
Program at a glance
- Benefit
- 75% of approved project cost.
- Who
- Property owners within the program's mapped underserved target area.
- Where
- Property owners within the program's mapped underserved target area.
- Qualifying project
- The program may support one of these project types: Replace a Lawn With a Water-Wise Yard or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
Quick check
Do the main rules appear to fit?
Your answers stay in this page session. The program makes the final decision.
Answer each question for a cautious result.
The rules remain visible here even if the interactive check is unavailable.
The finished result
What project qualifies?
This program may support more than one approved project route. The program’s plan and written decision control which route applies to the property.
Living turf is replaced with an approved planted landscape that uses less water and remains permeable. The property gains approved living plants or habitat that saves water, protects soil, or improves water quality.
Replace a Lawn With a Water-Wise Yard
Living turf is replaced with an approved planted landscape that uses less water and remains permeable.
See the full project guide →Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard
The property gains approved living plants or habitat that saves water, protects soil, or improves water quality.
See the full project guide →What the project may require
A product can be one part of the work. The approved project, timing, design, and proof control.
Complete the approved property project
requiredCreates the finished outcome the program supports.
The program may support one of these project types: Replace a Lawn With a Water-Wise Yard or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
Official path: official page
How to apply or check the program
- 1
Confirm the property
Verify the service area, account, ownership, applicant, and property type with City of Lincoln Watershed Management.
- 2
Open the current official program source
Use the official program link below.
- 3
Collect the before-project evidence
Ask for the current document checklist.
- 4
Get approval when required
Get written approval before removing, buying, signing, or installing anything the program treats as project work.
- 5
Complete only the approved scope
Keep design changes and material substitutions in writing.
- 6
Submit the completion package
Ask what after photos, invoices, inspections, or certifications are required.
Details to confirm
- The 2026 program is full.
- Participants cannot choose any installer. The contracted company is mandatory.
- Approval and agreement must precede all work.
Examples that do not qualify
- Buying gravel, soil, mulch, or another product by itself does not create eligibility.
Questions people ask
Is this a rebate for buying gravel or another material?
No. The program supports the qualifying property project described above. A material purchase matters only when it serves the approved design and follows the program’s payment rules.
Can I start before applying?
Get written approval before removing, buying, signing, or installing anything the program treats as project work.
Does appearing eligible guarantee funding?
No. Current status, funding, ranking, inspection, and final approval can still affect the outcome.
Who decides whether a material substitution qualifies?
The program or its designated designer. Ask City of Lincoln Watershed Management to approve the exact substitute in writing before ordering.
Last verified 8/11/26
Official sources
Use these official sources for current rules, availability, and application details.
Report a change or missing programMore programs to check
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Xeriscape Rebate
$3.00 per square foot of qualifying high water use turf removed.
Austin Water WaterWise Landscape Rebate
$100 per 100 square feet; 200-square-foot minimum; up to $3,000 residential lifetime maximum.
Cash for Grass Lawn Replacement Program
Standard: $2.18 per square foot. Best practices: $3.68 per square foot. Best practices with disconnected downspout: $4.68 per square foot.