City’s ‘Cash for Grass’ program is first in this region of U.S. (VIDEO)

Warm season buffalo grass uses considerably less water than a cool season grass such as fescue. — This warm season buffalo grass lawn uses considerably less water than a cool season grass such as fescue.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The newest water conservation program launched by the city of Hays has a “huge potential” in water savings, according to the city’s Water Conservation Specialist Jason Riegel.

He says the turf conversion program targets lowering outdoor water use and “essentially pays people to convert their water-thirsty landscapes to less water-intensive landscapes.”

Rebates of up to $1,000 are available for changing to warm season lawns, xeriscaping and even artificial turf.

“This program is groundbreaking for us. It’s our first, and from our research, it’s also the first ‘Cash for Grass’ program east of the Rockies and north of Texas,” Riegel said. “So this is something we haven’t seen in our area before. It kind of puts us on another level for incentives for water conservation.”

There are only 50 “Cash for Grass” rebates available, and Riegel said there have been a “lot of inquiries” about it, with two people already signed up.

“If we maximize the potential of this program–50 participants–this will best our other rebate programs combined for water savings,” Riegel said.

More turf conversion information is available at www.haysusa.com or by calling Riegel’s office at (785) 628-7350.