Manteca residents can get up to $1,300 in cash rebates to replace high water use front yard lawns with more efficient landscaping.

The city provides $1 per square foot up to 650 square feet to homeowners willing to switch out turf for landscaping that reduces water demands and is better suited for the local climate. The state will match Manteca dollar for dollar.

The pilot Lawn-to-Garden Rebate Program has received 112 applications for the replacement of 80,697 square feet or the equivalent area of 13 average sized residential lots. As of Sept. 24, $25,025.50 has been paid to residents for replacing 354,071 square feet of turf.

The city has also received two commercial applications for replacing 5,095 square feet of lawn with artificial turf and water efficient landscaping. Commercial rebates from the city are capped at $5,000.

The City Council on Tuesday is considering making the turf replacement a permanent program for up to 650 square feet per request. The council meets at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.

The current budget has $100,000 set aside in the water enterprise fund for the rebates.

By making the program permanent the city staff will be directed to budget $100,000 in subsequent budget years for the program. The council could also increase the amount of money available if there is a demand. They have done that with rebates for water efficient toilets and washing machines.

The largest residential use of water is for landscaping. After that comes washing machines, showers/baths, and toilets.