Tag Archive for: WaterSmart

Carolina Schultz's transformed landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful, California-friendly landscape using less water. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Landscape Transformation Wins Sweetwater Authority Contest

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National City homeowner Catalina Schultz decided to reinvent her yard. Her landscape transformation from grass to a low-water use design is the 2023 winner of the Sweetwater Authority WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Contest.

The front yard before the landscape transformation. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The front yard before the landscape transformation. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Schultz’s landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful, California-friendly landscape using less water. Schultz was recognized for her accomplishment at the Authority’s June board meeting.

When Schultz purchased her house in 2011, the front yard was covered in turf and required lots of effort and water to maintain. She decided to reinvent her yard, planning out a space full of low-water use plants, steppingstone, and decorative planters.

The space is now full of low-water use plants, steppingstones, and decorative planters. Photo: Sweetwater Authority landscape transformation

The space is now full of low-water use plants, steppingstones, and decorative planters. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The transformed landscape includes flowering plants and shrubs like Sedum, Oleander, and Aeonium. The yard also features a variety of cacti and succulents, including Elephant Bush, Ghost Euphorbia, Jade, Cholla Cactus, and more.

Impressive water-saving results

A rain barrel is part of the newly redesigned landscape. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

A rain barrel is part of the newly redesigned landscape. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. A passionate gardener, she prefers to water each plant by hand, using water collected from her rain barrel.

By switching from turf to water-wise plants, Schultz saves an estimated 12,000 gallons of water each year.

“Ms. Schultz’s landscape transformation clearly demonstrates that investing in a water-wise landscape can add beauty to your home while providing big savings on your water bill,” said Board Chair Hector Martinez. “The Authority is here to provide rebates, resources, and support to any customer interested in investing in a low water-use landscape.”

Catalina Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Catalina Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest is an opportunity for Authority customers to showcase their best, water-wise landscapes. All customers who have transformed their yards to be more water efficient are encouraged to enter the contest for the chance to win a $250 gift certificate.

(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Historic La Mesa Home Wins Helix Water District’s 2023 Landscape Contest

/in , , /by /Water News Network

A charming 1925 La Mesa home featuring a rich tapestry of thriving low-water use plants won the 2023 Helix Water District Landscape Makeover Contest. Homeowner Joy Andrea, a retired schoolteacher and La Mesa resident for more than 50 years, created a landscape with a tremendous amount of curb appeal, reflecting the character of the home.

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Take time to learn about modern irrigation choices during Smart Irrigation Month in July. Photo: Creative Commons

Smart Irrigation Month Highlights Outdoor Water Saving Tips

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Water agencies in San Diego County are sharing outdoor water-efficiency tips during “Smart Irrigation Month.”

July was chosen as Smart Irrigation Month in 2005 since its traditionally the month of peak demand for outdoor water use in the county. Landscape irrigation consumes 50% of the typical California home’s monthly water use.

During Smart Irrigation Month, take time to check your irrigation system regularly and correct any leaks, overspray, and runoff. Photo: Tree People

During Smart Irrigation Month, take time to check your irrigation system regularly and correct any leaks, overspray, and runoff. Photo: Tree People

Each year during Smart Irrigation Month, the Irrigation Association highlights the benefits of efficient irrigation and innovations promoting the wise and efficient use of water through this month-long initiative each July.  Irrigation technology innovation updates and efficient irrigation techniques help preserve our water supply.

Smart irrigation

As wireless technology has improved, it has been applied to outdoor systems including irrigation. With a smart irrigation system, homeowners can control water use through smartphone apps and programmable wireless controllers. Water consumption can be monitored to quickly find and correct leaks and maximize water application.

Adopt ‘cycle and soak’ irrigation method to maximize water use

The greatest waste of water in landscape irrigation comes from watering too much, too fast. Instead of watering for 15 consecutive minutes, run sprinklers in five-minute sessions with time in between to allow water to soak into the soil and minimize runoff.

This Vallecitos Water District video illustrates how the “cycle and soak” irrigation method works.

“July is our industry’s opportunity to share its amazing stories about contributing to a sustainable world,” said Irrigation Association CEO Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE. “By promoting smart irrigation, our industry’s experienced and committed professionals work every day to protect our world’s valuable natural resources while supporting food production and creating landscapes that enhance the quality of life in our communities.”

July is an ideal month to perform a check on current irrigation systems and determine whether any practices can be improved to save water.

The San Diego County Water Authority offers these tips:

  • Select sprinkler heads and nozzles that apply water uniformly to the target area.
  • Inspect your sprinkler heads regularly to make sure they are not obstructed or watering onto the pavement or other hardscapes.
  • Upgrade to a smart controller. Weather and soil moisture-based controllers can automatically adjust your watering schedule based on the conditions at your location.
  • Use drip or low-pressure, low-volume irrigation which applies water directly to the base or roots of plants.
  • If water is applied too quickly, it can run off into the street or sidewalk. Smart irrigation regulates water pressure, ensuring water has a chance to soak into the ground.
  • Less is more when watering turf. Water long enough to soak down to the root zone, then don’t water again until the soil is completely dry. If the grass springs back when you step on it, it has enough water.
  • A rain shut-off device is an inexpensive gadget to add to your sprinkler system.
  • Improve efficiency by watering at the coolest time of day. When it’s hot or windy, more than a third of the water can be lost to evaporation.
Smart Irrigation Month Tips

Are you using all of these smart irrigation tips? Infographic: Irrigation Association

Find more tips and information at WaterSmartSD.org

(Editor’s Note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego region.)

County Fair Exhibits Delight Visitors with Low-Water Use Landscaping

/in , , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

If you’re ready to move ahead with plans to create a water-efficient landscape, the San Diego County Fair is a good place to start. There are several award-winning examples of creative low-water use and native plant gardens at the fair’s popular Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show exhibit area. (The San Diego County Water Authority has partnered with the state’s Save Our Water to sponsor a booth at the exhibit area).

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The award-winning low-water-use garden display by the California Native Plant Society, sponsored by the Water Authority at the San Diego County Fair. Photo: California Native Plant Society

County Fair Exhibits Delight Visitors with Low-Water Use Landscaping

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If you’re ready to move ahead with plans to create a water-efficient landscape, the San Diego County Fair is a good place to start. There are several award-winning examples of creative low-water use and native plant gardens at the fair’s popular Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show exhibit area. (The San Diego County Water Authority has partnered with the state’s Save Our Water to sponsor a booth at the exhibit area).

This year, the Water Authority sponsored the California Native Plant Society exhibit, which received multiple category awards:

  • First Place, Paul Ecke, Jr. Garden Show Theme Award
  • Edwin Frazee Donated Award for best use of flowering plants
  • San Diego Floral Association for best landscape entry by a non-commercial, non-professional group
  • Master Gardener Association Earth-Friendly Gardening Donated Award
  • Plants of Distinction – four ribbons awarded
California Native Plant Society Garden Committee volunteers pose with their project. Sitting (L to R): Greg Rubin, Bob Smith, Al Field, Christine Hoey. Kneeling (L to R): Dana Pearce, Nicolas Unger, Lisa Leondis Standing: Leo Hernandez. Photo: California Native Plant Society

California Native Plant Society Garden Committee volunteers pose with their project. Sitting (L to R): Greg Rubin, Bob Smith, Al Field, Christine Hoey. Kneeling (L to R): Dana Pearce, Nicolas Unger, Lisa Leondis Standing: Leo Hernandez. Photo: California Native Plant Society

The CNPS display uses native plants in a garden with a rustic camping theme. Debby Dunn, Water Resources Specialist with the Water Authority, says the exhibit depicts both creativity and the benefits of low-water-use plants in landscape designs.

Californians learning about low water use landscape design

The California Native Plant Society used a variety of plants, all identified with signage to educate visitors. Photo: California Native Plant Society

The California Native Plant Society used a variety of plants, all identified with signage to educate visitors. Photo: California Native Plant Society

Dunn explains how Californians are changing their vision of the ideal home landscape design.

“Our vision of landscapes featuring predominantly turf and a border of hedged plants is changing. In its place, we’re upgrading our landscapes with water wise plants, both native and also waterwise plants from Australia and South Africa. All these plants bring in more color while inviting birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. All this and less water to help them thrive,” said Dunn.

The use of San Miguel Savory, a rare California native plant, won a "Noteworthy Plant" ribbon at the San Diego County Fair. Photo: California Native Plant Society

The use of San Miguel Savory, a rare California native plant, won a “Noteworthy Plant” ribbon at the San Diego County Fair. Photo: California Native Plant Society

Dunn says California gardeners are adjusting to the seasonal rhythms of native plants, which may bloom for short periods and then become dormant. “You can plant so that there’s always a stunning showstopper in your garden. It’s about putting the right plant in the right place. It’s changing the way we see landscaping,” explained Dunn.

“Some native plants are beautiful for part of the year, and then they go dormant. That’s how nature works. Like a butterfly, they go through different stages.”

Low-water use gardens suit many design styles

Visitors to the garden exhibit can learn which plants were used in the display from an informational sign, and use them as inspiration for their own yards. Graphic: California Native Plant Society

Visitors to the garden exhibit can learn which plants were used in the display from an informational sign, and use them as inspiration for their own yards. Graphic: California Native Plant Society

Dunn said low-water-use landscapes offer many different styles to suit individual tastes and needs, similar to interior design styles. “Everyone’s got their look and their style. It’s the same with plants. There are so many options and choices with these plants. There’s something for everybody.

“If you’ve got kids and dogs, you may need grass. But if the only person walking on the grass is the person mowing the grass, you likely don’t need the grass. There are countless beautiful native and California-friendly plants you can place in your garden that will bring you entertainment and joy,” said Dunn.

Fun garden display educates with humor

Water Authority Water Resource Specialist Debby Dunn's "Groovy Garden" exhibit won the Edgar Engert Educational Merit award. Photo: Debby Dunn

Water Authority Water Resource Specialist Debby Dunn’s “Groovy Garden” exhibit won the Edgar Engert Educational Merit award. Photo: Debby Dunn

Dunn won the Edgar Engert Educational Merit award for her own individual display, a whimsical, colorful waterwise plant display she titled the “Groovy Garden.” Dunn called it “a dream come true.”

“It’s all about Flower Power and inviting birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds,” said Dunn. “About 25% of the plants are native.”

In addition to features like a dry streambed, rain chain, and rain barrel to demonstrate rainwater capture, Dunn repurposed colorful thrift store and garage sale finds to educate through imagination and humor and make a lasting impression.

Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn poses with her "Groovy Garden" exhibit. Photo: Debby Dunn

Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn poses with her “Groovy Garden” exhibit. Photo: Debby Dunn

WaterSmart and WaterWise

“I created different rooms including a bedroom, kitchen, living room, and even a bathroom,” said Dunn. “Everything is upcycled including my pink toilet. It is there to remind people that toilet leaks are the number one cause of water loss. One running toilet can flow up to 200 gallons an hour, enough water to fill a pool in four days.”

Dunn used humorous puns with her signage. “My goal is to bring them in with the gorgeous plants and while they’re there, educate them about irrigation, mulch, composting, and more,” she said.

Award winning exhibits open through July 4

The San Diego County Water Authority award was presented to the Walter Anderson Nursery display using native California plants. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The San Diego County Water Authority award was presented to the Walter Anderson Nursery display using native California plants. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The Walter Anderson Nursery exhibit is this year’s recipient of the Water Authority sponsored “WaterSmart Landscape Award” for its beautifully blooming native plant garden display.

The San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Friday, June 30, and open daily from Saturday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information about the Garden Show, visit the Fair’s website.

(Editor’s Note: The San Diego County Water Authority is sharing a booth with Save Our Water at the San Diego County Fair. Check out the booth for tips and inspiration on how to create your beautiful water-wise garden. The booth is part of the “Thanks for Planting Me!” campaign, which is supported with grant funds from by the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014, administered by the State of California, Department of Water Resources. For more information, go to www.sdcwa.org/plant-me.)

Thanks for Planting Me!-Landscape Transformation-water conservation-landscapes

“Thanks for Planting Me!” Spokesplants Promote Landscape Transformation

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“Thanks for Planting Me!” encourages more widespread adoption of sustainable landscapes to prepare the Southern California region for a hotter and drier climate.

The “Thanks for Planting Me!” summer campaign offers gratitude to the hundreds of thousands of San Diegans who have transformed their landscapes using low-water and native plants as part of a larger effort to use water more efficiently. Thanks for Planting Me! also is intended to show resident the WaterSmart advantages of embracing regenerative low-water landscapes as climate change stresses water supplies across the Southwest.

Sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority, and supported by state grant funds to promote water-use efficiency, the “spokesplants” will appear on a variety of digital and outdoor advertising platforms starting in May, Water Awareness Month.

Thanks for Planting Me!

Promoting water conservation with landscape transformation complements similar efforts to promote on-going water-use efficiency by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the State of California’s Save Our Water program. The “Thanks for Planting Me!” campaign is driven by a collection of animated plant personalities like Succulent Sam and Rose Marie who express their appreciation for being adopted across San Diego County as the “next-generation landscape.”

The Water Authority and its retail member agencies are also planning to participate in community events over the summer – including the San Diego County Fair – to promote landscapes that provide numerous environmental benefits, including storm-water retention and healthy soils. In addition, the Water Authority has renewed a long-running partnership with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to co-brand signage at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s conservation garden. The signs educate park visitors about water use practices on park grounds and how people can improve water use on their own landscapes.

Low-water landscapes for dry climate

“Three years of extreme drought are over, but they remind us about severe water management challenges across the Southwest,” said Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl. “San Diego County has embraced water-use efficiency like few places across the nation, however, there’s always a next step.

“We should not lose the urgency created by the drought to continue adoption of low-water landscapes. This summer outreach effort is a fun way to both thank residents and remind them about resources that the Water Authority and our partners offer as we prepare for the inevitable dry years ahead.”

Rebates, plant guides

Those resources include rebates for lawn replacement, rain barrels and other water-efficient devices; on-demand videos filled with landscaping tips; plant guides to make selection easier; and digital workbooks that provide guidance for creating beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes that use far less water than turfgrass. About half of the water used at typical homes is used outside, providing ample opportunities for long-term reductions in water-use.

“There are now thousands of residential and commercial landscapes in our region that show just how attractive and functional climate-friendly landscapes are; most people don’t need or use grass – they just need a little encouragement to find an alternative,” Kerl said. “Using the summer months to plan for landscape upgrades, means you can be ready to take action in the fall and winter when it’s time to plant.”

Long-term challenges for water supply sources

Decades of investments in water supplies, water infrastructure and efficiency measures have insulated San Diego County from recent droughts. The long-term challenges across the Southwest remain given the severe depletion of the Colorado River and groundwater basins.

“Fundamentally, we are no longer talking about drought but an entirely different reality than we were in decades past – the era of climate-driven impacts to our natural resources,” Kerl said. “Every person in San Diego and the western U.S. must continue to eliminate water waste, adopt low-water landscapes, capture rainwater, and take other steps to adapt to a hotter and drier future.”

The “Thanks for Planting Me!” campaign is supported with grant funds from by the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014, administered by the State of California, Department of Water Resources.

For more information, go to www.sdcwa.org/plant-me.

Makeovers Conserve Water, Saves Costs for Lake San Marcos HOAs

/in , , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Through a partnership between the Vallecitos Water District, San Diego County Water Authority, and the County of San Diego, landscape makeover projects in unincorporated areas can take advantage of water-use efficiency rebates as well as professional expertise to maximize conservation and cost savings.

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WaterSmart Makeover: Remade for Natural Shade

/in , , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Caron Golden Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

It was 2019 when Jennifer Dell purchased and moved into her home on a corner lot in a San Marcos neighborhood. The front yard was “scruffy grass,” as she put it, with a large oval raised planter in the center, made of concrete retaining wall blocks that held — and still holds — three soaring palms.

Dell, who grew up in Vista with four younger siblings, was raised by a mother who was a lifelong gardener and a father who was handy at fixing stuff around the house. She decided she’d learned enough from them to feel confident in taking on what seemed like an overwhelming project — creating a haven of privacy with waterwise landscaping befitting a SoCal garden — and the result was winning the Vista Irrigation District’s 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest award.

 

(Editor’s Note: This is the seventh in an occasional series in The San Diego Union-Tribune on winners of the annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest, conducted in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority. To learn about entering the next contest, visit landscapecontest.com. For details on classes and resources through the WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program, visit sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/. Landscape rebates are available through the Socal WaterSmart Turf Replacement Program at socalwatersmart.com. The Vista Irrigation District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

 

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Opinion: Every Day is Earth Day for Water Agencies in San Diego County

/in , , /by /Times of San Diego by Sandra L. Kerl Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

Each year on April 22, one billion people across the globe take action to promote conservation and sustainability. Earth Day can drive a year — and even a lifetime — of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to protect our planet.

This year’s Earth Day theme — “Invest in Our Planet” — aligns perfectly with what the San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies have done for decades. It points to the necessity of dedicating time and resources to ensuring a sustainable water supply for our community. And it speaks to the thoughtful investments we make in infrastructure and innovation that keep the water flowing while being mindful of the environment.

Investing in our planet can take many forms, and the challenges we face differ from community to community. One investment I encourage San Diegans to think about this Earth Day is landscape transformation. This is important because the biggest users of water at homes are our landscapes — perhaps as much as 70% of our water use, depending on where we live.

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Every Day is Earth Day for Water Agencies in San Diego County

/in , , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

“Invest in Our Planet” is the theme for Earth Day 2023. Investing in sustainable, local water supply sources and conservation has long been a way of life in San Diego County by water agencies and residents.

“Investing in our planet can take many forms, and the challenges we face differ from community to community,” said Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl. “One investment I encourage San Diegans to think about on this Earth Day is landscape transformation. This is important because the biggest users of water at our homes are our landscapes – perhaps as much as 70% of our water use, depending on where we live.”

Sustainability is a priority of the San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies. Creating and maintaining a safe, reliable, sustainable water supply for the region ensures the vitality of San Diego County’s $268 billion economy for its 3.3 million residents.

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