For the second straight year, in a bid to conserve water, the city of Bend is making cash offers to its residents to tear out their lawns. The program is designed to encourage Bend residents to replace their lawns with vegetation that does not require regular watering.

Demand for a pilot project launched last year exceeded funding, prompting officials to increase its rebate budget this year. This year residents can earn $3 per square foot of turf taken out and and replaced with low-water xeriscapes. The maximum award allowed is $3,000.

The city says that its water conservation strategies in recent years have kept water use at consistent levels despite the increased population of the city.

In summer, water use can increase to around 26 million gallons per day, up from 5 million gallons per day in winter. Around 60% of water usage in summer is for landscaping.

Dan Denning, water conservation program manager for the city of Bend, says the goal is to reduce water use during peak demand in summer so the city can have enough water for fire hydrants and other essential uses.

Projects last year conserved over 900,000 gallons of water a year, equivalent to the water use of eight households.

“It’s a substantial impact if we can keep the momentum going,” said Denning.

The turf replacement program will continue until funds expire. Participation is on a first come, first served basis. To apply for the program, visit bendoregon.gov/conservation, then go to Rebates and then Turf Replacement Rebate.

Last year 58 residential projects were completed and the city plans to increase that number to 100 this year. Around $190,000 is budgeted for this program this year. As of Friday, the city had received 36 applications for the turf removal program.