Calculate Your Savings
Water Savings Calculator
Use our simple calculator to see how many gallons of water – and dollars – you can save every year by replacing natural grass with Realturf.
Drought-Friendly Landscaping Solution
Why Natural Grass Lawns are So Thirsty
Natural grass looks simple, but it’s a high-maintenance crop. In many parts of the U.S., a healthy lawn needs 1–1.5 inches of water per week during hot, dry months. Over a season, that adds up to tens of thousands of gallons of water for even a modest yard.
Traditional sprinkler systems aren’t perfect, either. Wind, evaporation and runoff can waste 30–50% of the water you put down before it even reaches the roots. Leaks and overspray make the problem worse, especially on sloped lots or compacted soil.
In drought-prone states, those extra gallons aren’t just expensive—they add stress to already strained water supplies.
- Constant irrigation to prevent brown patches
- Overspray onto sidewalks, driveways and streets
- Water lost to evaporation in hot, dry conditions
- Inefficient or aging sprinkler systems
How Much Water Could You Save by Switching to Artificial Turf?
Water Savings Calculator
Enter the square footage of the area you’re thinking about converting to Realturf. We’ll estimate how much water you’ll save each year and what that could mean for your water bill.
Enter Your
Square Footage
Water Savings
(Gallons/Year)
Bill Savings
($/Year)
*Based on 40 gallons of water saved per sq ft/year and an average U.S. water rate of $5 per 1,000 gallons. Actual savings vary by region and watering habits.
A Difference You Can Measure
Why Water Savings Matters
Across the U.S., lawns are thirsty. The average American lawn can use tens of thousands of gallons of water each year just to stay green, and more than half of that outdoor water is often wasted through evaporation, wind and runoff. Switching to artificial turf eliminates most of that irrigation and helps protect one of our most precious resources: water.
Avg. water used by a 1,000 sq ft natural lawn (depending on climate & watering).
Water saved per square foot of natural grass replaced with Realturf.
Typical reduction in outdoor water use for homes that switch to synthetic turf.
Share of household water used outdoors (more than half of that is lawns & gardens).
How Realturf Cuts Water Use
Without Sacrificing Curb Appeal
Realturf is engineered to stay green year-round with minimal water, even in harsh climates.
No Irrigation Required
Realturf doesn’t need daily or weekly watering to survive. In most residential settings, the only water you’ll use is an occasional rinse to remove dust or pet residues.
Consistent, Lush Appearance
Forget the brown spots and irrigation stripes. Our turf systems are designed to look freshly watered and perfectly manicured every day, without the water waste.
Drought-Friendly Products
In areas with watering restrictions, Realturf allows homeowners, schools and businesses to keep their landscapes looking great while dramatically reducing outdoor water demand.
Example Savings
Real-World Water Savings Scenarios
Realturf’s RealTech® innovations aren’t just about performance—they’re about responsibility. Each technology is designed to solve real-world challenges like heat retention, runoff pollution, and product longevity.
500 Sq. Ft.
Front Yard
- Water savings: ~20,000 gallons/year
- Estimated Bill Savings: ~$100/year
That’s enough water to fill about 400 standard bathtubs.
1,000 Sq. Ft.
Family Lawn
- Water savings: ~40,000 gallons/year
- Estimated Bill Savings: ~$200/year
Comparable to the total annual indoor water use of many households.
5,000 Sq. Ft.
Community Space
- Water savings: ~200,000 gallons/year
- Estimated Bill Savings: ~$1,000/year
Multiply that across an HOA, park system or school district and the impact is huge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
How accurate is the water savings calculator?
The calculator is designed to give you a conservative estimate based on published data for typical lawn irrigation and average U.S. water rates. It assumes about 40 gallons of water saved per square foot per year compared to an irrigated natural lawn and a water cost of $5 per 1,000 gallons. In hot, arid regions or heavy watering scenarios, your actual savings may be higher.
Does artificial turf use zero water?
Not quite. Realturf doesn’t require regular irrigation to stay green, but you may occasionally rinse the surface to remove dust, pollen or pet residues. Compared to the thousands of gallons needed to keep natural grass alive, this is a tiny fraction of your previous water use.
How long does it take for water savings to pay back the cost of turf?
It depends on your yard size, local water rates and how often you used to irrigate. For many homeowners, water savings alone can offset a significant portion of the installation cost over the life of the system—especially in drought-prone regions with higher water prices. When you factor in reduced mowing, fertilizing and lawn care, the payback period often shrinks even more.
Will installing turf affect my city’s water rebate programs?
Many municipalities offer rebates or incentives for replacing natural lawns with water-efficient landscaping, including artificial turf. Check your local water district’s website or contact them directly; our team can also help you gather the information you need for rebate applications.
What about drainage—will water pool on top of the turf?
Realturf systems are built with integrated drainage that allows rainwater to pass through the backing into the base materials below. When installed correctly over a properly prepared base, water drains quickly and evenly, helping you avoid puddles and runoff.
Is artificial turf environmentally friendly beyond water savings?
Water conservation is just one part of the story. Realturf can also reduce the need for gas-powered mowers, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides—helping cut emissions and chemical runoff. When we recommend a system, we’ll look at the full picture: water, maintenance, durability and end-of-life options.
Realturf's Products Are
Certified to Global Environmental Standards
Every Realturf® product line is tested and certified to meet international quality and safety standards, ensuring environmental protection at every stage of production.
Ready to Start Saving Water?
Whether you’re planning a small backyard upgrade or replacing large commercial lawns, our team can help you choose the right Realturf system for your space, climate and budget—while making a measurable dent in your water use.
