California water regulators adopted emergency drought rules Tuesday that increase conservation requirements for water suppliers throughout the state and prohibit the watering of grass that is purely decorative at businesses and in common areas of subdivisions and homeowners associations.
The regulations outlaw the use of drinking water for irrigating “non-functional” grass at commercial, industrial and institutional properties.
California approved new drought restrictions Tuesday, much to the chagrin of San Diego County’s top water managers, who fear increased conservation will further drive up the region’s soaring cost of water.
The new rules, called for by Gov. Gavin Newsom, require nearly all water suppliers in the state to ratchet down residential water consumption, while banning commercial water users from irrigating “non-functional” turf.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-05-25 11:05:522022-05-25 11:06:55State Tightens Drought Rules as S.D. Officials Fear Higher Water Rates
California Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened Monday to impose mandatory water restrictions if residents don’t use less on their own as a drought drags on and the hotter summer months approach.
Newsom raised that possibility in a meeting with representatives from major water agencies, including those that supply Los Angeles, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area. The Democratic governor has avoided issuing sweeping, mandatory cuts in water use and instead favored giving local water agencies power to set rules for water use in the cities and towns they supply.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-05-24 10:08:502022-05-24 10:08:34Californians Could See Mandatory Water Cuts Amid Drought
Gov. Gavin Newsom met with leaders of the state’s largest urban water suppliers Monday and implored them to step up efforts to get people to reduce water use as California’s drought continues to worsen. He warned that if conservation efforts don’t improve this summer, the state could be forced to impose mandatory water restrictions throughout the state.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-05-24 10:07:232022-05-24 10:08:40Newsom Urges Aggressive Water Conservation and Warns of Statewide Restrictions
Leaders from California’s largest urban water suppliers and associations met with Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday to discuss aggressive actions to combat drought.
Per Newsom’s direction, the state’s Water Resources Control Board may vote on a statewide ban on watering “nonfunctional turf” in a meeting Tuesday.
Mandatory water restrictions soon may be in the future for all of California. The governor threatened the mandates if we don’t use less water on our own.
“This year, 2022, it was historically dry,” says Efren Lopez with The San Diego County Water Authority. “It was hot so you see that uptick in water use.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-05-24 10:00:212022-05-24 10:09:45Governor Suggests Possible Water Restrictions for California
Before starting your WaterSmart landscaping makeover, there are significant decisions to make about improving your water efficiency, including plant and irrigation choices. First, determine what type of landscape will meet your needs and maximize your water savings potential.
Every WaterSmart landscape added by a homeowner becomes a key part of the San Diego region’s water efficiency goals.
By converting a turf-focused yard to a WaterSmart landscape, you have the potential to beautify your property, save money, and reduce maintenance. You also play a critical role in protecting and improving the health of our natural environment by cultivating native plants, retaining and minimizing stormwater runoff, and conserving water.
There are six distinct steps to successfully plan and create a WaterSmart landscape.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-05-23 10:03:192022-05-23 10:07:38Six Steps to Creating a Successful Water-Saving Landscape for a San Diego Home
Before starting your WaterSmart landscaping makeover, there are significant decisions to make about improving your water efficiency, including plant and irrigation choices. First, determine what type of landscape will meet your needs and maximize your water savings potential.
This instructional video will help you consider your options
What to Know About Plant Choices
Why is turf the main target for saving water? Grass requires more water to keep it green than most other plants. Turf needs four times the amount of rain our region gets annually.
But saving water isn’t the only reason to get rid of your lawn. If you aren’t using your lawn as outdoor living space or a safe place for your children and animals, it’s going to waste. Consider instead an attractive type of substitute such as groundcovers or more interesting plant groups along pathways. There are many alternate choices – including limited turf.
Low to moderate water use plants
A low to moderate water use garden has some moderate water use accent plants and up to 10% high water use plants.
45% low water use
45% moderate water use
10% high water use
Low water use plants
A low water use garden has no more than 10% high water use plants.
90% low water use
10% high water use
Very low water use plants
A very low water use garden has a mix of very low and low water use plants.
50% very low water use
50% low water use
What to Know About Irrigation Choices
Take time to learn about your possible irrigation choices. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Low-efficiency irrigation
This is not a WaterSmart method.
Conventional spray irrigation: Conventional spray heads apply water faster than most soils can absorb it, and they produce smaller water droplets that are susceptible to wind.
Impact rotors: Impact rotors are one of the least efficient methods of irrigation. They are quickly being replaced by higher efficiency options.
Moderate efficiency irrigation
Rotating nozzles: Best suited for spaces 15 to 70 feet wide.
Low precipitation sprays: Best suited for areas 5 to 30 feet wide.
High-efficiency irrigation
Drip emitters and inline emitters: Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to water perennials, shrubs, trees, and new turf. Drip systems apply water slowly so runoff is not an issue. You can leave the water on long enough to reach the deep roots of shrubs and trees.
Pressure-compensating inline drip: Best for low-maintenance.
Pressure-compensating point source drip: efficient distribution when properly maintained.
Bubblers: Best suited for trees and large shrubs.
Micro-spray: Best suited for tree and shrub areas of smaller size.
Whether you want to create space for entertaining, limit landscape maintenance or maintain some turf for children and pets, you can reach your water-saving goals and create an outdoor space to live in.
(Editor’s Note: The San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies offer programs, resources, and incentives to improve water-use efficiency for residential, commercial, and agricultural users. WaterSmart Living is a way of life in the region. Stay WaterSmart San Diego! For more water-use efficiency resources, go to WaterSmart.SD.org.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/WaterSmart-Landscape-Plan-Yard_1100-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2022-05-23 08:11:262022-05-23 08:11:26Identify Your Landscape Target Goals
Adoptable dogs and even a few cats found new homes and called attention to new water conservation measures at five San Marcos parks at the first “Wags and Water Festival.” The event was organized by the Vallecitos Water District and the City of San Marcos.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-05-17 10:07:312022-05-17 10:08:30Wags and Water Festival Brings Canines and Water Conservation Together
