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/

Tree Care: TLC For Your Tree!

Eucalyptus Tree photo by Inventist Media

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

One of the most important services we provide at Pacific Vista Landscape is tree care. Trees bring beauty to a property and increased value. They also absorb noise and pollution and clean the air we breathe. A healthy tree can last years, even centuries and beyond. California has some of the oldest living trees; like the Giant Sequoia Redwoods which are around a few thousand years old and the Bristlecone Pine which grows in the mountains of Southern California and can live up to five thousand years! Proper care can ensure that your trees have optimal health and are enjoyed for generations to come. 

Trees are susceptible to many forms of stress including; wind, rain, disease and pest damage. These stresses can be minimized by implementing a routine maintenance program for trees. A proper tree care program will allow fluid growth patterns and wind penetration. This will condition your trees for long term healthy development.

Proper pruning is key to a good tree care program. It can also aid in keeping a view from being obstructed or maintaining healthy coverage from an unsightly view. The best time to prune trees depends on the variety but often it is in the dormant season, usually fall and winter. Pruning during the dormant period minimizes sap loss and subsequent stress to the tree. It also minimizes the risk of fungus infection or insect infestation as both fungi and insects are likely to be in dormancy at the same time as the tree. At Pacific Vista Landscape, all of our pruning practices are based upon the International Society of Arboriculture industry standards and our trained professionals prune trees in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Standards. This ensures that you get the finest quality tree care available.

We offer a tree care plan that can meet the needs of every tree on your property by taking into account species, age, and purpose. Our staff will provide you with a complete inventory of all trees and organize these trees on a multiple year tree care plan. We will place the trees on an appropriate frequency to best suit a given species. Call us today for a free quote and see what we can do for your trees!

Protecting Our Water Supply: Backflow Prevention in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

Protecting the public water system from contamination is essential for the safety of our

Aqueduct in California

water supply. Cross-connections of pipes between the public water system and private water systems can lead to backflow issues in which untested and possibly unsafe water goes the wrong direction due to backpressure, and can contaminate the public water supply system. To protect against this, there is a Backflow Protection Program by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, (LADWP.) When backflow protection is necessary, customers are required by the LADWP to have an approved backflow prevention assembly installed and tested annually by a certified company like Pacific Vista Landscape Services.

As explained by the Los Angeles County Waterworks District, "A cross-connection is any connection between a safe drinking water system and any other untested water source, system, or equipment that may contain unsafe substance. LACWD’s public water systems are designed to keep water flowing in one direction—from LACWD’s water main to the customers’ connections. When an undesirable condition known as backflow occurs, water is allowed to flow in the opposite direction and may bring contaminants or pollutant into the public drinking water supply through a cross-connection. 

Backflow is caused by a backsiphonage or a backpressure condition in the public water system. Backsiphonage may occur when the pressure in the public water system drops below atmospheric pressure and creates a vacuum that may pull unsafe substance into the public water supply. Backpressure may occur when the pressure from a private water system becomes greater than the pressure in the public water system. This difference in pressure may allow unsafe substance from the private water system to enter the public water system. Approved backflow prevention assemblies are designed to prevent backflow of contaminants or pollutants from entering the public water systems."

Pacific Vista Landscape Services is proud to be certified in installation, repair, and testing of all approved backflow prevention assemblies in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. We offer low rates to our clients with backflow requirements and also specialize in custom protective cages for the backflow assembly, repairs to existing devices, and offer a free annual reminder for testing. Emergency and after hour service is also available.

Call us today for installation, repairs, and testing by our professional, certified backflow prevention service team and let us ensure your property is in compliance with LADWP's Backflow Prevention Program!