Should never have tried to grow grass out there in the first place. Golf courses, sure ... but if I had a home out there, I certainly wouldn’t have a grass lawn. Way to much upkeep in that climate.
I love the landscaped ‘desert’ look around homes in Tucson, AZ. No mowing, and they were beautiful. Like Zen gardens, or something.
My husband pulled out our lawns (front and back) - by hand over two years ago - I now have mulch yards and plants in pots - and saw an immediate drop from Tier 2-3 down to Tier 1 water use immediately - and have been there ever since.
Yard looks wonderful with lots of native plants and trees - very green, so it’s certainly possible.
I get lots and lots of compliments every day - but am still seeing huge front lawns in front of most people’s homes.
As you said, a lawn is just not feasible in this climate.