Water Conservation in Southern California--It Can Save You Money!

Ironically, on the day of heavy rain last week in Long Beach, drought conditions were officially declared (again) by the City, and water restrictions were officially put into place, and/or reminded of once more. So diners must ask for water in restaurants, and water users are not to water more often than 3 days per week at specified times and for no longer than 10 minutes. Most people don't think about how much water a dripping shower wastes, or sprinklers that are constantly leaking--you can save lots of money by fixing these problems.

Here are 10 tips from the Community Associations Institute to conserve water, because about 60% of water usage is used outdoors, according to the Irvine Ranch Water District.

1. Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Save 25 gallons per day.
2. Choose a water-efficient irrigation system, such as drip irrigation for your trees, flowers and shrubs. Save 15 gallons each time you water.
3. Maintain your irrigation system. Check your sprinkler system frequently for leaks, and adjust nozzles so only your lawn is being watered and not the house, sidewalk or street. A well-functioning irrigation system can save 500 gallons per month.
4. Water deeply, but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes. Reduce water runoff onto sidewalk, streets, by watering as frequently as possible and for less time. For a free watering schedule, visit irwd.com. Save 12-15 gallons each time you water.
5. Monitor the performance of your landscape and adjust the run times up or down accordingly. If your lawn does not spring back when stepped on, it’s time to water.  Be sure to turn off your irrigation system when it rains, and depending on rainfall wait to restart. Save 1,100 gallons per irrigation cycle.
6. Consider investing in a weather-based smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust the watering schedule based on soil moisture, rain, wind and evaporation and transpiration rates. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller. Save 40 gallons per day.
7. Replace your lawn with drought-resistant trees and plants. These plants are well suited for California’s mild winters and dry summers. They are low maintenance, use less water and don’t require soil preparation or fertilizing. Remember to contact your association and obtain prior architectural approval, if necessary.  Save 30-60 gallons each time you water per 1,000 sq. ft.
8. Plant the right plants for your climate. Use the Save Our Water-Wise Garden Tool to learn what plants and flowers will work best in your neighborhood. Or, download a free copy of A Homeowners Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape.
9. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool.  Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weeds. Save 20-30 gallons each time you water per 1000 sq. ft.
10. Avoid using water for outdoor clean-up. Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Wash cars with a bucket, sponge, and hose with self-closing nozzle. Save 8-18 gallons per minute.

See http://www.lblawntogarden.com/ for the City of Long Beach conservation and rebate programs for residences.

For more tips and samples of drought tolerant landscapes, visit www.bewaterwise.com, http://saveourh20.org or download the toolkit.

Water Wise Landscaping in Southern California

This is the time of year when thoughts turn to outdoor lawns and gardens. This year, some planning, and awareness of new laws, can save you some money.

Water conservation is a growing focus in a land that used to be a desert before all the swimming pools were added. Los Angeles' Metropolitan Water District developed a BeWaterWise website several years and (I still have a few CDs) for native plant gardening, classes, and irrigation systems installation. See the Water Calculator to assist with your climate's and soil's watering needs on a season basis.



The City of Long Beach recently passed an ordinance for saving water, and limits landscape watering to specific days (Monday, Thursday and Saturday) and times. Pressure washers (under pulldown menu at "Water Conservation") are to be used instead of hoses if absolutely necessary for outdoor use. The city Water Department is sponsoring landscaping classes during April, May and June focusing on irrigation systems and installation, and "California-friendly" plants. Certain neighborhoods are already popping up with water-efficient landscaping, and looking very attractive. There are also a few rebate programs offered by the City for using certain water-saving toilets, rotating sprinkler nozzles which use 20% less water and reduce runoff, and high-efficiency clothes washers (HECWs). In Orange County, rebates are also offered for synthetic turf and timers.

How Does Your Garden Grow? Southern California Tips

Environmental factors have always been with us--and now more than ever. Southern California is an arid area and its desert climate is often forgotten among the urbanites. More than we realize, we benefit by utilizing plants and landscaping factors original to this area. Water-saving plants not only look good and blend in, they save money by using less water which is now required to serve even more people in new and spreading developments throughout the state. Take a look at this site--it's a great resource for planning out your garden, which you can save online for a period of time, and how to pick a theme, what is plant functionality, choosing fire-resistant plants, water irrigation and maintenance, to name a few.

See what another garden looks like in Santa Barbara or how to plant a hillside, find out how to create a custom watering schedule, and see what the current watering index is for your area and time of year ("The Watering Index is a percentage based on the maximum amount of water you should apply on your landscape. Typically this is the amount you would use in July or August, when temperatures are high, rainfall is scarce and days are long. But starting in September, as days grow shorter, water stays in your soil longer and you do not need to water as much.") This is a really great site through the Metropolitant Water District, and one gardeners especially should love.

Long Beach Southern California xeroscaping