Welcome to WaterSmart gardener, your go-to resource center for outdoor water conservation. Scroll down for cash incentives, videos, plant guides and more to help you create and maintain a water-efficient landscape at your home.
Specific irrigation information for customers with commercial and large landscapes is available here.
Inspiration
"Before and After" Lawn
Not sure what you want to do with your lawn area? Take a look at dozens of landscape transformations from all over the East Bay, all the submissions from our first I ♥ My Garden Photo Challenge.
Sustainable Landscape Map
Visit beautiful low-water use gardens around the bay for you to gather fresh inspiration.
Lawn Goodbye Garden Gallery
Get inspired with photos from these WaterSmart gardens around the East Bay.
Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
Tour beautiful, water-conserving native gardens throughout the East Bay every year on the first weekend of May.
Incentives
Rebates
Apply for rebates to replace your thirsty-lawn with water-wise landscaping, upgrade to efficient irrigation equipment, or direct your laundry water to your landscape.
Garden Grants
These grants support community organizations who create public gardens or urban farm projects that demonstrate water conserving principles.
Mulch Discount Coupons
Save water, beautify your garden, and enhance the health of the soil with mulch.
EBMUD Resources
Lawn to Garden Design Center
Find resources to get started with your lawn to garden project that include DIY sheet-mulching, and picking plants and the right equipment.
Plant Selection
Get help choosing climate-appropriate, low-water use plants. Check out this page for our plant book, plant database, and plant lists.
Outdoor Tips
Find outdoor water conservation tips here, whether you want a quick fix or are committed to long-term conservation.
Watering Guide
Avoid four common mistakes and learn how to set up a simple watering schedule.
Tree Care Tips
Keep your trees healthy and happy with this tree care advice.
Upcoming Events
Check out our calendar of events, classes by cooperating community organizations, including EBMUD's Sustainable Landscape Speaker Series.
Partner Resources
Maintain Your New Garden
Follow these best practices to maintain a healthy, drought-tolerant and low-maintenance landscape.
ReScape California
Find a Bay-Friendly certified landscape professional and resources for creating healthy, renewable landscapes. ReScape California has resources for home gardeners, landscape professionals and local governments.
Save Our Water
Visit this state-wide resource center for water conservation. Rebates, videos, tools, a kids corner, and testimonials on making water conservation a California lifestyle.
WaterSense Outdoors
WaterSense is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping you save water.
Contra Costa and Alameda County Master Gardeners
A great resource for local garden knowledge. Find monthly garden tips, plant helpline, community events and more.
Guide to Healthy Lawns
Shows home gardeners and managers of parks and school grounds easy ways to grow a healthy lawn using little or no pesticide. From the University of California College of Agriculture and Natural Resources website.
Video Gallery
Irrigation Makeover
Do your sprinklers need an upgrade? Here is how to convert to in-line drip irrigation — a more durable, water-efficient and low-maintenance option.
Cue the controller
Learn how to adjust your irrigation controller to comply with EBMUD's outdoor watering restrictions.
Benefits of mulch
Mulch helps soil retain moisture, stifles weeds and beautifies your garden.