Coping with the California Drought: Smart Watering Systems!

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

California's drought conditions are worsening, and with the water use restrictions imposed by the state, homeowners and commercial property owners struggle with how to keep their plants and lawns alive. Well, it's definitely time to ditch the lawn (see: Coping with the California Drought: Ditching the Lawn!) Even drought tolerant landscaping needs some water until roots are established and deep enough to be 'tolerant', at which point they will require even less water, but why change your landscape and then have the same sprinkler system that pumps out too much water? Thankfully, there are a group of new products that provide a “smart” system that is designed to increase efficiency and reduce irrigation waste.

Smart Wifi Enabled Irrigation Controller

These innovative, high-tech controllers can assess the conditions of the landscaping in real time, and accordingly deliver the right amount of water. These systems include soil sensors to determine the amount of moisture in the soil and special sprinkler heads to limit runoff. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that replacing the old clock timers with these smart controllers can save more than 8,000 gallons of water per year in the average home. 

The smart wifi enabled irrigation controller has “weather intelligence” which eliminates the need to schedule watering times. Weather and seasonal adjustments are made and watering is done automatically based on this data. The unit also reports on water use and calculates savings. This means that your garden can be watered automatically with the exact amount of water needed based on local forecast from weather stations and satellites. You can also assign zones in your yard and control each zone based on watering needs and plant types. The systems can help eliminate runoff by coordinating watering times with times when no watering is done. This type of scheduling helps to increase the ability of the soil to absorb the water.

Some of the smart controller units can operate on either a power line or a Wi-Fi network and can be easily controlled from anywhere with an Android or iOS smart phone or tablet. Thus, these smart sprinkler controllers maintain watering schedules while using as little water as possible to keep landscapes looking their best. If the product you choose is EPA WaterSense certified, the installation of one of these may qualify the owner to receive rebates from the local water municipalities. To see a list of the EPA approved products, go to www.epa.gov/watersense, or www.socalwatersmart.com.

At Pacific Vista Landscape Services, we are experts with the latest smart irrigation systems and can handle any size property. Our clients include everything from individual residential properties, HOA communities, small and large apartment complexes, and large commercial properties including universities and hospitals. Trust us with all your landscaping needs and let us help you save water and money!

California's New Water Regulations

Ponds and waterfalls must recycle water!

Due to California’s 'Mediterranean' climate, it is normal for the state to experience dry periods. However, in these past few years, scarcely any rain has fallen in California, which has lead to a severe drought. A drought occurs when an area’s precipitation decreases, which causes a water shortage. In an effort to limit water usage during our severe drought, statewide regulations have been issued this year.

Regulations are being enforced concerning water usage, and a violation of these rules could result in a $500 fine. Watering driveways or sidewalks is strictly prohibited, along with the watering of personal property IF it causes water runoff. You can still water, but there are regulations on how water can be used. For example, if you want to wash your car, the hose you use must have a shut-off nozzle and any ponds, fountains or other water features on your property must recycle water.

Example of water waste!

Depending on where you live in California, the rules and regulations vary. However, there are general rules that are enforced in most areas. You can only water outside two days a week during the winter, three during the summer, and during certain hours. These hours are in the early morning, late afternoon, and night. Watering during midday allows for higher evaporation and less ground absorption which is counterproductive. In severely affected areas, water usage is already limited to 50 gallons per individual in a household. Those who exceed the limits or have blatant water waste, are subject to a $500 fine as well as being charged 160% higher rates for water usage.

If the drought continues and people don’t make an attempt to conserve water, stricter water regulations will be enforced overall. An example of this would only being able to water one day of the week and more areas having usage limits and higher rates. The drought doesn’t seem like it will be over anytime soon, and to replenish water reservoirs and put an end to the drought California would roughly need around a foot of rainwater. Since it is impossible to change the weather, the only thing people can do to help is conserve water and follow the regulations that have been enforced.

We are here to help! At Pacific Vista Landscape Services, we are experts on irrigation and drought resistant landscaping, read more here:
http://landscape-and-property-news.blogspot.com/2014/03/smart-irrigation-save-water-money.html 
There are also rebates programs that can help mitigate the cost for changing lawns to drought resistant landscaping and updating irrigation systems covered here:
http://landscape-and-property-news.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-greener-landscape-re-landscape-with.html
Call us for a free irrigation evaluation and let us help you save water and money AND have a beautifully landscaped garden!

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!