We compared water deficit responses of ‘Tifsport’, ‘Tifway 419’, ‘Tifgreen 328’, and ‘MidIron’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon x Cynodon transvaalensis ), and ‘SeaSpray’, ‘SeaDwarf’, and ‘Sea Isle 1’ seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) under a linear gradient irrigation system in the desert Southwest. Target irrigation levels were 100, 80, 60, and 40% (2009) and 100, 80, 70, 60, and 40% (2010) of standard reference evapotranspiration (ETo). Actual water applied (including rainfall) was 100%, 83%, 66%, and 49% of ETo (2009) and 100%, 83%, 75%, 66%, and 49% (2010). Canopy temperatures increased, and quality and dry matter production declined with reduced irrigation. For optimum turfgrass quality, 75 to 83% ETo replacement was required; for acceptable quality turfgrass, 66 to 75% ETo replacement was needed for bermudagrass, and 75 to 80% ETo for seashore paspalum. Spring green-up was delayed by drought. Bermudagrasses, particularly ‘MidIron’, performed better than seashore paspalums under water stress conditions.