Hoping to encourage residents to save water and help local businesses, Grover Beach, California, city leaders are offering rebates for residents who replace their grass lawns with drought-resistant gardens.

For the first time in the city’s history, homeowners who install drought-tolerant gardens using plants from local businesses will be reimbursed anywhere from $50 to $750, depending on how much of a garden is revamped, according to Cassandra Mesa, a city building and planning technician.

Fifty percent of plants purchased for a garden must be bought at a Grover Beach-based business, Mesa said. The city is encouraging residents to use local contractors as well.

Mesa said the city will use money from a water conservation fund and that rebates issued will not exceed $75,000.

The move comes about two months after city officials designated a moderate water shortage, which requires residents to increase their efforts to conserve water.

To be eligible for a rebate, residents must replace at least 100 square feet of turf. City officials see the move as a way for homeowners to cut their water bills.

Read the complete story at sanluisobispo.com