Landscape Water Quality Project
Program Overview
Cost-share grants are now available for property owners who want to incorporate water quality practices into their landscapes. These practices help to increase stormwater infiltration and decrease lawn watering needs.
The project is sponsored by the Watershed Management Division of the City Public Works and Utilities Department. Qualifying property owners may be reimbursed for 50% of eligible expenses, up to $1,000 per property item, with a max share of $2000 per property. An approved landscape water quality project can be installed by the property owner or by a landscape professional. The grant will be available until October 31, 2014.
Reimbursable Project Expenses
- Soil amendments
- Shredded hardwood mulch
- Native or hardy plants
- Gutter, drain tile or stone used to convey water to garden
- Equipment rentals
- Design and installation labor performed by a landscape
Apply Now (106 K) 
Requirements
- Property must be within the city limits.
- The property owner must submit an application and schedule a site visit before any work is started.
- Upon completion of the project, the owner will pay all expenses and then assemble receipts for reimbursable items.
- The property owner will contact the City for an on-site inspection of the completed project.
- The property owner maintains the project.
The rain garden is watered by the rooftop runoff from one downspout. The other downspouts redirect water onto the lawn, which was reseeded.
How do these practices help?
As stormwater runoff flows across surfaces, such as lawns, roof tops, driveways and streets, it may pick up pet waste, fertilizer, pesticides and oil. These pollutants can be washed into creeks and lakes where they have adverse affects on water quality.
When we "slow the flow" and allow rainwater to soak into the ground, pollutants can be broken down by bacteria and microbes in the soil. This can be accomplished by improving soil quality and incorporating deep-rooting vegetation in the lawn and landscape areas.
Rain Garden
A rain garden is an area of native shrubs, perennials, and grasses. It is designed to temporarily hold stormwater runoff that flows from surfaces during a rain event and allow the water to soak in. The garden is dry most of the time. It holds water only during rainfall events and for less than 48 hours after a rain.
Soil Restoration
Soils with a higher content of organic matter and more porosity are better able to capture and absorb rain and not shed runoff. This keeps more water in the soil to keep your lawn healthy. A higher quality soil also means you'll save money on watering and maintenance.
Downspout Redirection
Redirecting a downspout and allowing the rain water to flow onto your lawn or into a garden provides more opportunity for rainwater to soak into the soil. If your lawn is small, you can simply add a rain barrel to capture and slowly release some of the rain water onto the lawn at a later time.
Lawn Reseeding
Native turf is a blend of low-growing native grasses with deep fibrous root systems that help maintain a healthy lawn. They are hardy and will stay greener with less maintenance. Once the roots are established, they require less water, fertilizer and pesticides.
