The WaterSmart Landscape Contest is an opportunity for residential water agency customers to showcase their best, water wise landscapes that create more beauty with less water. More information on the contest and winners from other agencies can be viewed on the WaterSmart Landscape Contest website.
To enter, fill out the 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest entry form (PDF), and submit the form by email or mail to Sweetwater Authority by May 9, 2025. Entries can also be submitted on the WaterSmart Landscape Contest website. The Sweetwater Authority winner will receive a gift certificate for $250.
Required materials to include with your signed entry form:
- Photos of your landscape, including at least one overall view or “curb appeal” as viewed from the street. If possible, please provide before and after photos.
- 10 photos maximum. Sweetwater Authority staff may visit your property to take additional photos.
- Maximum size of all photos attached to an email is eight (8) MB. Please resize your photos if they are large (more than 1 MB each).
- Landscape photos that include advertising or political campaign signs will not be considered.
- List of the water-wise plants in your landscape.
- Description of your watering system
- Written explanation of why you elected to install a WaterSmart landscape, the design and installation process and any unexpected benefits. We want to hear your story!
Send the contest entry form, items listed above, and photos via email to
waterefficiency@sweetwater.org or to the mailing address below. For any questions, please call (619) 409-6779.
Sweetwater Authority
WaterSmart Landscape Contest, c/o Water Efficiency Program
505 Garrett Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
2024 Contest Winner
The winner of the 2024 Sweetwater Authority WaterSmart Landscape Contest is Laura and Jaime Cervantes of Chula Vista.
Laura and Jaime knew they wanted to conserve water, but still wanted a functional and eye-catching design for their landscape. They planned and worked hard to eventually transform their front yard from thirsty turf into a space that not only required little water, but provided beauty and habitat.
The transformed landscape includes low water use plants such as Kangaroo Paw, Orange Bulbine and Coral Pink Sage, along with various succulents. The yard also features a beautiful Palo Verde tree, which provides nice shade.
Laura and Jaime irrigate their yard using rainwater captured from their fourteen rain barrels. They water by hand to get out into the sunshine and enjoy the beauty of their landscape.
Congratulation to Laura and Jaime! See photos of the winning landscape below.
