California's Water Conservation Program Appears to be Working!

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

When state officials of California determined that 2013 was one of the driest years in the history of the state, the news that California was in a drought became evident. However, it was not until January of this year, that California’s Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency for the state. In April, the governor put mandatory water use restrictions in place, the first of their kind, on all residents, farms and businesses. Then, Governor Brown signed an executive order mandating a 25 percent reduction of water use in California. So how is California doing? The numbers are in, and it appears that California's Water Conservation Program is working!

In June, the statewide use of water met the requirements by dropping water use by 27%. In July, the reduction of water use was even better, reaching a 31% reduction.

The water savings may have been helped by a higher than average summer rainfall. The rainfall in Los Angeles broke a record in July; a record established in 1886. The target for Los Angeles water conservation rate was 16%, but L.A. was able to meet and exceed that goal by reducing water use by 21%.

July water savings exceeded the June records by reducing use by over 31%, even in higher temperatures in the state this summer. Again, record rainfall contributed to the savings, but Californians are definitely doing their part to conserve.

Overall, most water agencies in California have met or nearly met their water conservation goals. According to the State Water Resources Control Board, this accounts for more than 70% of these agencies with only four missing their conservation targets by 15% or more.

The State Water Resources Control Board states, that at the present time, none of the water districts that are presently out of compliance have been fined yet; however, there are nine agencies that will receive a “conservation order” instructing them to take actions, including audits, to encourage users to comply with their water use standards. However, the state board has put pressure on agencies to increase enforcement. Water rates have been raised to reduce use, and recently, financial penalties are starting to be issued.

The best way for a property owner to reduce water use is two-fold. It is important to switch out grass and other water-needy plants for drought tolerant landscape which include all native plants and trees as well as many Mediterranean varieties. The other important element for saving water and money is a Smart Irrigation System that monitors the soil and only waters when needed. Combining the latest irrigation technology and drought tolerant landscape makes for a gorgeous and efficient garden!

Sources:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/California-Drought-Water-Conservation-Report-320013141.html

http://www.sgvtribune.com/environment-and-nature/20150730/californians-cut-water-use-by-27-percent-in-june-exceeding-governors-mandate

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2015/08/27/california-drought-cities-cut-water-use-july/71277538/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-cuts-water-use-amid-drought/

A Greener Landscape: Re-Landscape with Lawn Rebates in Southern California

Drought tolerant landscaping photo by Inventist Media

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

If you live in Southern California and have a lawn that requires lots of water to maintain, you might want to consider trading it in for drought tolerant landscaping. Rebates for re-landscaping can help cover the initial cost as well as save water and money for years to come.

There are 26 agencies in Southern California that get their water from the Metropolitan Water District and participate in the lawn rebate program called So-Cal Water Smart. Depending on your provider, qualifications and rebates will vary but some have recently increased their rebates to increase the incentive for property owners to exchange their grass for cash.

For example, The Department of Water & Power, DWP, recently increased the rebate amount for it's Landscape Incentive Program from $1.50 per square foot to $2.00 per square foot. Homeowners can claim up to 2000 square feet and get up to $4000.00 cash back! Multi family and commercial buildings can also receive rebates with a tiered program that also gives up to $2.00 per square foot. This is considered a limited time offer by DWP so now is the time to take action!

Qualifying is the first step in obtaining a rebate. Prior to re-landscaping, an application must be filled out and pre-approval is needed. For DWP customers, the application is available at DWP's website and property owners are required to submit photos and a description of planned landscaping. An inspection will be done prior to removal of a lawn and after completion of re-landscaping before a rebate will be issued. 

Drought tolerant landscaping photo by Inventist Media

Re-landscaping options require use of plants that are considered 'California Friendly'. A list of native and drought tolerant options which includes around 1500 trees, shrubs, succulents, vines, perennials and ground cover can be found at the Metropolitan Water District's site Bewaterwise.com. Along with lots of beautiful plant options, using non-vegetative materials like pebbles and decomposed granite to create interesting visual additions can enhance your your new landscape. Segmented areas, planters, and pathways can add landscaping appeal while further lowering watering needs.

At Pacific Vista Landscape Services, we can help in planning your re-landscaping project. We are experts when it comes to native plants and drought tolerant options as well as non-vegetative landscaping additions. We also provide the latest smart technology in irrigation systems that can save you even more money in rebates. Give us a call and see what we can do for your property!

Using Native Californian Plants Helps Water Conservation

Using native Californian plants is an excellent way to conserve water. By planting indigenous vegetation, less water is used to enable plants to thrive, once established, versus a variety that would need increased water to survive in our climate. The following is some native Californian options from DWP's Bewaterwise.com:

Shrubs:

California Redbud: "An interesting plant all year long, with magenta flowers on leafless stems in summer, followed by crimson seedpods and heart-shaped blue-green leaves. Deciduous, with yellow or red fall foliage falling away in winter to reveal smooth reddish brown trunks. Long lived, very drought tolerant, and flowers more profusely as it matures.

Cleveland Sage: With nearly 100 species available in Western nurseries and an estimated 900 the world over, it was hard to choose just one sage to include. The Cleveland sage is the most fragrant, its scent carrying 20 feet on a warm night. Its fragrant pale lavender to violet blue flowers bloom in early summer. Drought tolerant.

Ceanothus 'Concha':This California lilac is a large shrub with a dense mass of dark green,1-inch leaves, with dark blue clusters of flowers appearing in spring. Requires good drainage; can tolerate summer water. Grows to six feet.

Coffee Berry: Very drought tolerant, particularly when established. Dark green to yellowish green leaves can be either shiny or dull. Berries turn from green to red to black during a lengthy ripening period. Moderate growth that can be pruned and shaped. Grows from 3-15 feet tall, 8 feet wide.

Trees:

Coast Live Oak: Handsome shade tree. Round-headed with dense foliage, grows 20-70 feet tall. Smooth, dark grey bark, with leathery dark green leaves. Native to coastal central and Southern California.

Western Sycamore: Smooth, gracefully twisted branches, multiple or leaning 

trunks. Patchy brown, gray and white bark. Can grow 15-20 feet in 5-10 years. Drought tolerant once established. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Perennials and Annuals:

California Poppy: What native plant list would be complete without the flower chosen as the state emblem in 1903? Great for grassy slopes, foothills, along drives or in naturalized gardens. Cup-shaped yellow, orange or white flowers bloom from February sometimes through summer. A perennial more often grown as an annual, this wildflower is easily grown from seed and may intrude where it is not wanted.

Deer Grass: Bright green leaves in a dense clump growing to 4 feet wide and high. Slender yellow or purplish flower spikes in autumn are erect at first, and then leaning. Takes full sun or light shade; little or no water.

Island Alum Root: This evergreen perennial plant attracts hummingbirds each spring when hundreds of pinkish white flowers blossom in 2-3 foot clusters. Makes a good ground cover or border. Very drought tolerant and cold resistant. Grows to approximately 1 foot high by 2 feet wide.

Succulents: 

Chalk Dudlea: A picturesque succulent that thrives in containers with little attention. Needs well-drained soil, sun, and very little water. Increases in size through formation of new rosettes."

These variations are a beautiful way to preserve our natural vegetation in California and they make the most sense for water conservation. Our professionals at Pacific Vista Landscape Services are experts in choosing low-water vegetation and installing energy efficient sprinkler systems for a flourishing native Californian landscaped garden that saves water and money!