Tired of watching your water bill climb every summer? In Santa Clara, the long dry season makes traditional lawns tough to maintain and expensive to water. Whether you plan to sell soon or simply want a lower‑maintenance yard, you can create a landscape that looks great, follows local rules, and uses far less water. This guide walks you through the local context, incentives, and a simple plan to get it done. Let’s dive in.
Why water‑wise matters in Santa Clara
Santa Clara has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Rain falls mostly between late fall and early spring, so most yards rely on irrigation for months at a time. Microclimates across the South Bay also mean some blocks run hotter or windier than others, which affects plant choice and watering needs.
The City encourages a culture of conservation and uses recycled water for many municipal needs. You benefit when you design with climate in mind and choose efficient systems that deliver water only where plants need it.
Know the local watering rules
City and county rules shape how you water outdoors. Santa Clara materials highlight permanent prohibitions such as no overhead sprinkler irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and no watering during or within 48 hours of measurable rain. Review the City’s guidance on water waste and prohibited practices to avoid fines. You can find details on the City’s water waste page.
- See the City’s current prohibitions on the Water Waste page: City of Santa Clara water waste rules
- Valley Water may also limit outdoor watering to specific days per week during drought stages. Check the current stage before setting your schedule: Valley Water two‑days‑per‑week announcement
Best practice: water in the early morning or late evening, follow day‑of‑week limits when in effect, and shut systems off during rainy periods.
Use rebates to lower your costs
Local incentives can cover a meaningful portion of your project. Plan around program rules and apply before you buy materials so you do not miss out on funding.
Valley Water Landscape Rebate Program
The countywide program offers residential rebates for turf conversion, drip irrigation, high‑efficiency spray bodies, and smart controllers. Default rebate caps are typically up to $3,000 for homes, with higher caps in some service areas. Pre‑inspection and a Notice to Proceed are usually required. Review the latest rules and caps here: Valley Water Landscape Rebate Program
Rain barrels and cisterns
Capture winter rain and use it in the garden later. The City offers a residential rain barrel rebate with installation rules and maintenance tips. Start here: City of Santa Clara rain barrel rebate
Graywater from laundry
Laundry‑to‑landscape systems can irrigate many ornamentals when installed to code. The district offers a graywater rebate and guidance on eligibility: Valley Water graywater rebate
Permits and standards
Larger projects may trigger California’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance through the County’s Sustainable Landscape Ordinance, especially if your project is 500 square feet or more or part of a permit review. Check requirements here: Santa Clara County landscape ordinance
Design your water‑wise plan
A thoughtful layout makes everything else easier. Start with the site you have, then choose plants and irrigation to match.
Assess your site and create hydrozones
Walk your yard at different times of day. Note sun and shade, slopes, drainage, hot patios, and windy corners. Group plants with similar water needs into hydrozones so you can water each area just enough and not more.
Choose climate‑ready plants
Favor California natives and Mediterranean‑adapted plants that thrive with minimal summer water once established. Mix trees, shrubs, and perennials for year‑round interest, and keep small areas of functional turf only where you truly need it. Explore vetted options by water need here: Valley Water water‑wise plant information
Update irrigation the smart way
- Convert spray to in‑line drip in planting beds to deliver water to roots with less evaporation.
- For any remaining turf, use high‑efficiency nozzles that apply water evenly.
- Install a WaterSense‑labeled weather‑based controller that adjusts for weather and seasons. These smart controllers can save thousands of gallons per year compared with basic timers: EPA WaterSense smart controllers
Boost your soil and mulch
Before planting, amend soil with compost to improve water retention. Finish with 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch to reduce evaporation and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks and stems.
Capture and reuse water
Use rain barrels or a cistern to store winter rain for later irrigation. Where appropriate and permitted, consider a laundry‑to‑landscape graywater system to supplement your outdoor water supply. Always follow program rules and local plumbing code.
Maintain seasonally and avoid fines
Check for leaks, clean filters, and realign heads each season. Reduce or shut off irrigation during the rainy season, and increase only during active growth or heat waves. Follow the City’s prohibitions and any Valley Water day‑of‑week limits.
Plan for fire safety
If your property borders open space or fire‑prone areas, incorporate defensible space principles. Maintain clear zones near structures, choose fire‑resistant plants closest to the home, and prune to prevent ladder fuels. Learn more here: CAL FIRE defensible space
Costs, savings, and curb appeal
Rebates help reduce your upfront costs for turf conversion, drip systems, and smart controllers. Outdoor water use is often a large share of a Santa Clara home’s water bill, so efficient irrigation and climate‑ready plants deliver ongoing savings. For sellers, a tidy, professionally designed low‑water yard signals low maintenance and care, which can support curb appeal and marketability when you list.
Step‑by‑step checklist
Confirm rules and eligibility. Check current City prohibitions and any Valley Water watering limits. Review rebate requirements and caps for your address.
Map your yard. Note sun, shade, slopes, and existing zones. Identify any turf you actually use versus areas you can convert.
Apply for rebates. Submit applications and schedule any required pre‑inspections. Wait for the Notice to Proceed before buying materials.
Select plants and layout. Choose climate‑adapted species and group them by water need. Keep irrigation zones small and efficient.
Upgrade irrigation. Convert spray to drip where possible, use high‑efficiency nozzles on any remaining turf, and install a smart controller.
Improve soil and mulch. Add compost, then 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Set up basins for deep, infrequent watering.
Add supplemental sources. Install rain barrels or a cistern, and evaluate a laundry‑to‑landscape graywater system if appropriate.
Ready to design a yard that saves water and supports your long‑term goals? If you are considering selling or planning improvements ahead of a future listing, reach out to Anita Salas to align your exterior upgrades with timing, budget, and market strategy.
FAQs
How do Santa Clara watering rules affect my schedule?
- Avoid overhead sprinkler use between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., do not water during or within 48 hours of measurable rain, and follow any county day‑of‑week limits when in effect.
Which Santa Clara rebates offer the biggest impact for homeowners?
- Start with smart irrigation controllers, drip conversions, and turf replacement, since they often deliver both strong rebates and ongoing bill savings.
Do I need a permit for a turf conversion in Santa Clara County?
- Small residential projects often do not need building permits, but larger projects may trigger the County’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, so confirm requirements before you start.
What plants work best for a low‑water yard in Santa Clara?
- Choose California natives and Mediterranean‑adapted plants, grouped by similar water needs, and keep small areas of functional turf only where truly needed.
How does a smart irrigation controller help in our climate?
- WaterSense‑labeled controllers adjust automatically for weather, soil, and season, which can save thousands of gallons annually compared with basic timers.
