Expansion of World’s Biggest Water Reuse System in Orange County Now Complete
The world’s largest water recycling plant just got even bigger.
The final expansion of Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System has been completed.
Tag Archive for: Water Conservation
Encinitas Opens New Water Pipeline Reducing Drinking Water Demand by 27 Million Gallons Per Year
A new water pipeline project recently finished construction in Encinitas. On Tuesday local and congressional leaders held a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the pipeline.
The Manchester Avenue Recycled Water Pipeline Project involved the construction of approximately 1.4 miles of six-inch diameter recycled water pipeline. According to a press release, customers connecting to this new pipeline will now irrigate with recycled water, reducing the demand for imported drinking water by more than 27 million gallons per year.
Feds May Cut Supply Across Seven States to Keep Colorado River Afloat
The U.S. Department of Interior announced Tuesday that it could ― and possibly would ― impose cuts to Colorado River deliveries starting next year if necessary, ignoring historic water rights held by the powerful Imperial Irrigation District and other rural farming districts.
Arizona Tribe Will Receive Millions in Federal Payouts for Water Conservation
The federal government will send up to $233 million to the Gila River Indian Community for water conservation. The tribe is among the first to receive federal payouts as part of a program to incentivize water cutbacks in Arizona, California and Nevada. Those three states make up the Colorado River’s Lower Basin, where water use remains steady in spite of shrinking reserves.
Pismo Beach Enters Desal Study, Focus Still on Central Coast Blue
Pismo Beach joined a local desalination feasibility study, completing the San Luis Obispo County-wide bandwagon to identify long-term water supply sources.
The last to participate, the Pismo Beach City Council agreed on April 4 to support county efforts in the face of exiting two historic droughts and an uncharacteristically wet winter season, the flood control and water conservation district naming water resiliency as a high priority, and the Central Coast Blue project nearing realization.
Spruce Up Your Sprinklers in April
Californians gave their irrigation systems the winter off in much of 2023 thanks to above-average precipitation. As the weather warms, the U.S. EPA encourages everyone to perform a maintenance check in April as part of its “Sprinkler Spruce Up” effort.
Spruce Up Your Sprinklers in April
Californians gave their irrigation systems the winter off in much of 2023 thanks to above-average precipitation. As the weather warms, the U.S. EPA encourages everyone to perform a maintenance check in April as part of its “Sprinkler Spruce Up” effort.
A sprinkler spruce-up involves four steps: inspect, connect, direct, and select. Cracks in pipes can lead to costly leaks, and broken sprinkler heads can waste water and money. System maintenance can help save money and water, up to 25,000 gallons of water, and $280 over a six-month irrigation season. April is an ideal time to spruce up your irrigation system.
Look for leaks and breaks
Because most irrigation systems run in the early morning, missing or broken sprinkler heads may go unnoticed. This can cause overflow or flooding on landscapes or waste water on hard surfaces.
Inspect your irrigation system and look for sprinkler heads that do not pop up fully or are tilted. Flag them so they can be located and repaired later. You may be able to do it yourself but call on a WaterSense-certified professional who can replace the broken sprinkler heads.
Check all connections
Leaks can occur at the joints between sprinklers and the piping. Leaking joints can also be caused by too much water pressure or particles in the water. Check to ensure your pressure regulator is installed properly.
Between irrigation cycles, look for water pooling on the surface of your landscaping. This could be caused by an underground leak. Check the connections inside valve boxes to make sure all the valves and other components are securely connected. If the valves cannot close completely, your system could slowly seep water even when turned off.
Survey your irrigation coverage
Irrigation water spraying on hardscapes instead of landscape plants is wasted down the stormwater drain. While your system is running, note any overspray and adjust sprinklers toward your landscaping.
For best results:
- Each sprinkler should be able to reach the sprinkler head next to it, called head-to-head coverage.
- Direct sprinklers for uniform coverage to avoid dry spots.
- Maintain consistent water pressure so that nozzles can operate efficiently.
- Upgrade to a smart controller. Weather and soil moisture-based controllers can automatically adjust your watering schedule.
The greatest waste of water in landscape irrigation comes from watering too much, too fast. Observe how water absorbs into the ground during the watering cycle. If water begins running off your landscaping or pooling, run sprinklers in multiple shorter sessions with breaks. This allows water to soak into the soil and minimizes runoff.
Instructions to help homeowners check in-ground irrigation ground systems here: “It’s Time to Start a Sprinkler Spruce-Up!” The EPA’s checklist “Find It, Flag It, Fix It: A Checklist For Your Landscape” shows how to walk through your landscape to identify problems. The checklist also provides additional irrigation and landscape tips and suggestions about when to call in an irrigation professional.
Otay Water District Opens 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest
The Otay Water District has launched its annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest as part of a continuing effort to encourage water conservation. Outdoor watering accounts for more than half of residential water use. The resident judged to have the most attractive, drought-toleranat garden receives a nursery gift card, among other prizes, and the title “Best in District.”
Sierra Nevada Snowpack: One of the Largest on Record
Following three consecutive years of drought in California, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is one of the most bountiful in more than 40 years. While the record snowpack and snow water equivalent is great news for water supply, there are concerns the record snowpack could create flooding issues.
Otay Water District Opens 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest
The Otay Water District has launched its annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest as part of a continuing effort to encourage water conservation. Outdoor watering accounts for more than half of residential water use. The resident judged to have the most attractive, drought-toleranat garden receives a nursery gift card, among other prizes, and the title “Best in District.” The deadline to enter is Friday, May 12.
“This contest recognizes the outdoor conservation efforts our residential customers have made during a time when it matters most,” said Otay Water District Board President Mark Robak. “Previous winners of this program have proven that it is possible to create low-water and low-maintenance landscapes with curb appeal.”
The Feibers used beautiful low-water use plants to replace more than 2,000 square feet of turf. Photo: Otay Water District
To participate, residents must fill out an application and submit before and after photos of their landscape, a plant list, and a description of their landscape’s transformation. Nominations are also welcome. Front, back, and side yards are eligible.
Recent winners include the transformation of a gopher-ridden lawn at an El Cajon home into an outdoor room design that is wheelchair accessible; a La Mesa makeover incorporating creative elements including a hand-built waterfall made from an old truck ladder rack and other solid materials otherwise destined to become trash in a landfill; and a drought tolerant Chula Vista landscape which beautifies an entire neighborhood with native habitat.
Contest showcases residential water-saving landscape projects
The beautiful, wheelchair accessible garden inspired by Patricia Wood’s daughter Kimberly is the 2020 Otay Water District Landscape Contest winner. Photo: Otay Water District
The 2023 regional WaterSmart Landscape Makeover competition seeks the best in landscaping makeover projects from 12 participating San Diego County water agencies. The annual competition is intended to showcase residential water-saving landscaping projects. Winning examples help inform and inspire other homeowners to consider replacing their water-guzzling grass yards.
“We’re encouraged by the enthusiastic participation by San Diego County homeowners who are moving away from lawn-intensive landscaping as the default choice,” said Joni German, Water Resources Specialist with the San Diego County Water Authority. “Homeowners are creating lush, colorful, thriving landscapes which are water-efficient and beautiful at the same time.”
Twelve participating agencies in San Diego County
Patricia Wood’s landscape design has broad paths to accomodate a wheelchair. Photo: Otay Water DIstrict
Along with the Otay Water District, participating agencies in 2023 include: California American Water, the cities of Escondido and Oceanside, Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, and the Vista Irrigation District.
Each agency winner receives a $250 gift certificate and public recognition for their efforts. Homeowners may also be eligible for grass removal rebates and additional incentives.
This year’s contest deadline for all participating agencies is Friday, May 12. Homeowners may submit their entry online through their participating agency.
(Editor’s Note: The Otay Water District, the cities of Escondido and Oceanside, Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, and the Vista Irrigation District are 11 of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego region.)
