Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) SustainaBLUE: Landscape Design Assistance Program
APRIL 2015 – New Program Reimburses Santa Margarita Water District Customers $30 for Design Assistance provided by Tree of Life Nursery’s Designers in Residence.
SMWD customers can cash in on reimbursements for design consultations at Tree of Life Nursery in addition to the MWDOC square foot rebate program, (more details on that program below). Now, SMWD customers can enjoy design assistance reimbursements through a simple and straightforward process in order to help you more easily convert that turf into SustainaBLUE landscaping. The City of San Clemente Water District offers a similar reimbursement through their pilot program, which has been available since last August. More details on that program here.
As mentioned above, almost any Orange County resident can partake in the Municipal Water District of Orange County, (MWDOC) rebate for new projects removing turf and replacing with water efficient landscaping. The MWDOC rebate may be applied for and used in addition to the Design Assistance Rebate offered by SMWD. Please note that you must apply for the lawn removal rebate with MWDOC BEFORE removing or killing your lawn. (Here’s the website for details on that rebate program.
In terms of the design assistance rebate, Tree of Life Nursery currently works with a small network of independent expert designers. For a nominal fee, our Designers in Residence, (DIR) conduct individual, personalized 25-minute design consultations every Saturday. SMWD has allocated funds for its water customers to get reimbursed $30 for these design consultations through the SustainaBlue Program. Make your DIR appointment right away!
To get your reimbursement for design services (both SMWD and City of San Clemente Water District Customers):
- Book & pay for an appointment through our website or walk-in, in person.
- Retain your receipt! Either the the PayPal confirmation or physical receipt from Tree of Life Nursery.
- BRING YOUR WATER BILL to your Tree of Life Nursery appointment!
(We must verify that you are either an SMWD or City of San Clemente Water Customer with a copy of your water bill, NO EXCEPTIONS) - Sign a waiver provided by Tree of Life Nursery staff just prior to your appointment.
- Send in your documentation: proof of payment and signed waiver to the appropriate contact at your water district. (Don’t worry, we provide you detailed information at the time of your appointment.)
That’s it! MWDOC customers… and especially SMWD Customers, make your appointments today! And tell your friends…!
Talega Ranch Residents: Remember when we announced that City of San Clemente rebate last August and we specifically mentioned you were not eligible? Well, thank your water district that now you qualify for this valuable reimbursement! Communities that are SMWD customers include: Talega in San Clemente, parts of Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, and Rancho Mission Viejo. Parts of Mission Viejo are served by the Moulton Niguel Water District, which does not currently offer a Design Assistance Rebate at this time. Please check your water bill to ensure that you are a customer of either SMWD or City of San Clemente Water District as these are the only two water districts who offer design assistance rebates at this time.
With mandatory cutbacks, and California’s most severe drought upon us, now is the time to take advantage of conservation programs and financial assistance available for the water districts. Plant California natives!