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Nearly four out of every 10 gallons of Scottsdale's drinking water are used outdoors, according to Scottsdale Water. That is why the city pays homeowners to cut outdoor use, and winter changes which of those rebates you can actually get. The grass removal rebate closed on Oct. 31, 2026, while the smart controller, water monitor, and pool removal rebates stay open until April 30, 2027.
What the city's rebate pages say
- Smart irrigation controller: cost, up to $250, deadline April 30, 2027 (City of Scottsdale Residential Rebates, updated Nov. 1, 2026)
- Smart home water monitor: cost, up to $100, deadline April 30, 2027 (same page)
- Pool removal: up to $1,500, deadline April 30, 2027 (same page)
- Residential grass removal: up to $5,000, closed Oct. 31, 2026, to reopen next season with details in May (same page)
- Eligibility: Scottsdale Water customers only, products bought on or after July 8, 2026 (same page)
- Outdoor share of use: nearly 40% of the city's drinking water is used outdoors (Scottsdale Water rebate announcement, July 2026)
The program reopened on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and the city described it as part of a long-term water strategy that also includes infrastructure and diversified supplies. For context on scale, the Scottsdale homes for sale page showed 6,611 Scottsdale homes sold in the 12 months to Nov. 12, 2026, at a median of $960,000, with 2,436 listed for sale.
Why winter is the planning season, not the digging season
The city's own notice explains the grass timing: Bermuda grass goes dormant in winter, which makes it hard to remove properly. So the grass rebate pauses, and the work that pays off now is quieter. You can reprogram or replace your controller, add a leak monitor, and plan a landscape conversion so you are ready when the next grass program opens.
If your home has a lawn, start by sorting out what is yours. In master planned central Scottsdale communities such as those behind McCormick Ranch homes for sale, Scottsdale Ranch homes for sale, and Gainey Ranch homes for sale, some turf is HOA common area, which falls under the separate HOA program, not the homeowner rebate. You can compare homes across the area on the central Scottsdale homes for sale page. For yards that are mostly desert landscaping on drip lines, which you will see in many listings for homes for sale in 85255 and on the north Scottsdale homes for sale page, a smart controller and leak detection do most of the work. See where these communities sit on our Northeast Valley map.
Newer homes start from a different point. Copper Courier reported in August 2023 that the Scottsdale City Council banned water-intensive grass in the front yards of single-family homes built or permitted after Aug. 15, 2023. If you are comparing new construction homes for sale with resale homes, check the city's current code and the HOA's rules for what each yard allows.
A winter checklist for Scottsdale homeowners
1. Reset your watering schedule
The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, a regional water group, recommends watering deeply but far less often in winter. Its rule of thumb is soil wet to about three feet for trees, two feet for shrubs, one foot for groundcover, and half a foot for winter ryegrass. A soil probe or a sharpened dowel pushed into the ground until it meets resistance shows how deep the water went.
2. Decide on a smart controller before you buy one
The rebate covers WaterSense labeled smart controllers that adjust to local weather. Read the application first, confirm the model is WaterSense labeled, and keep your receipt. Anything bought before July 8, 2026 does not qualify.
3. Add leak detection
Smart home water monitors flag leaks early, and the city covers the cost up to $100. This is a practical step for second homes that sit empty part of the year.
4. Plan a grass conversion now, start it later
The city suggests reviewing last year's application as a general guide, since new requirements are expected to be similar, and getting more than one bid if you hire a contractor. Yards must still be maintained while you wait.
5. Think through an unused pool
The pool removal rebate of up to $1,500 stays open through April 30, 2027. Removal is a large project, so get bids, check HOA approval, and apply before any work begins.
Avoid this mistake: starting demolition first. Grass or an in-ground pool that is already being removed, or already gone, is not eligible, and the city says to wait for a Notice to Proceed before beginning grass removal.
What it means for buyers and sellers
For buyers, a home with a large lawn or an unused pool is not a dealbreaker, but plan the change before closing day so you can apply before work starts. Ask the seller for recent water bills and the controller model, and check the HOA's landscape rules. For sellers, a working controller, no leaks, and a healthy winter yard are simple things buyers notice on a walk-through. Our team helps buyers and sellers at every price point in homes for sale in 85258 and across Scottsdale.
The honest caveats
The city says it cannot guarantee next year's grass rebate requirements, eligibility, or amount until it launches. The figures here come from city pages checked on Nov. 14, 2026, and can change at any time. The watering depths are general regional guidance; your plants, soil, and slope may need something different. Homes outside Scottsdale Water service do not qualify, even with a Scottsdale address, so confirm your water provider on your bill. HOA rules can be stricter than the city's.
Frequently asked questions
What water rebates does Scottsdale offer homeowners right now?
As of the city's Residential Rebates page, updated Nov. 1, 2026, three residential rebates are taking applications: a WaterSense smart irrigation controller rebate that covers the cost up to $250, a smart home water monitor rebate that covers the cost up to $100, and a pool removal rebate of up to $1,500. All three list an application deadline of April 30, 2027.
Is the Scottsdale grass removal rebate open?
No. The residential grass removal rebate, worth up to $5,000, closed on Oct. 31, 2026. The city says it will reopen next season and tells homeowners to check back in May for details on next year's program.
Why did the grass removal rebate close for the winter?
The city's notice says Bermuda grass is dormant during the winter months, which makes it hard to remove properly. It also says the rebate saw extraordinary participation this program year.
Can I remove my grass now and apply for the rebate later?
Not if you want the rebate. The city says not to begin a grass removal project until your application is submitted and you have received a Notice to Proceed, and grass that is already being removed or has been removed is not eligible. The same rule applies to in-ground pools.
Who qualifies for Scottsdale water rebates?
You must receive water service from Scottsdale Water, and rebated products must be purchased on or after July 8, 2026. Products bought before that date are not eligible. The full requirements are in each program's application.
What kind of irrigation controller qualifies for the rebate?
The rebate is for WaterSense labeled smart irrigation controllers, which adjust watering schedules based on local weather. The city points buyers to the EPA's WaterSense product search and asks customers to review the eligibility requirements before buying and installing one.
How much should I water my landscape in winter?
The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association advises watering deeply but far less often in winter. Its rule of thumb is to wet the soil about three feet deep for trees, two feet for shrubs, one foot for groundcover, and half a foot for winter ryegrass.
Should I turn my irrigation system off completely in winter?
AMWUA suggests turning irrigation off after a heavy rain to take advantage of the moisture, but still running the system for a couple of minutes at least once a month so its parts keep working. Cooler weather is also a good time to walk the yard and look for leaks.
How do I apply for a Scottsdale water rebate?
The city lists three steps: download the application for the program, read the requirements and gather the documents, then apply through the Apply Now link at the end of the application. If you cannot apply online, you can email the PDF application and documents to the Water Conservation Office, which can also be reached at 480-312-5650.
Do HOAs and communities have their own Scottsdale rebate?
Yes. The city's July 2026 announcement says HOA common areas, multifamily communities, and commercial properties can receive up to $40,000 for removing qualifying grass, plus a Streetscape Bonus of up to $10,000 for ornamental grass next to streets or sidewalks. Check the city's HOA and multifamily rebate page for current terms.
The bottom line
Winter is a good time to tune a Scottsdale yard, not tear it out. The controller, water monitor, and pool removal rebates are open until April 30, 2027, the grass rebate returns next season, and the rule that matters most is simple: apply and get approval before the work starts.
Read more: Winter home care in Fountain Hills: frost, frozen pipes, irrigation, and pools · Moving to Scottsdale from out of state: water, taxes, the preserve, and first steps
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Sources
- City of Scottsdale, Residential Rebates (program table, qualifications, grass removal notice), last updated Nov. 1, 2026, checked Nov. 14, 2026. Link
- City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Water reopens water conservation rebates to help save water where it matters most, July 2026. Link
- Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, Caring for Your Landscape When the Weather Cools, Dec. 6, 2021 (general winter watering guidance). Link
- Copper Courier, Scottsdale bans grass in front yards of new homes, Aug. 8, 2023. Link
- Arizona Luxury Partners, Scottsdale homes for sale market figures (ARMLS via Flexmls), as of Nov. 12, 2026. Link
All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. This article is for general information only and is not financial, lending, legal, or tax advice. Arizona Luxury Partners | Real Estate Group at RE/MAX Fine Properties, 21020 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Brokerage License LC629808000. Equal Housing Opportunity.
