Water Efficient Landscapes

On January 17, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed the State of Emergency in the State of California due to severe drought conditions, and on April 25, 2014, the Governor declared a continued State of Emergency to exist throughout the State due to the ongoing drought. Subsequently, on April 1, 2015, the Governor issued Executive Order B-29-15 (See Exhibit A) to impose restrictions to achieve a statewide 25% reduction in potable urban water usage through February 28, 2016.

Also, the Executive Order directed the Department of Water Resources to update the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) to be more efficient in water conservation.

As a result, the City of San Dimas revised its Water Efficient Landscapes Ordinance and its implementation Guidelines to comply with the State’s revisions. The amended Ordinance and Guidelines will implement the State’s water conservation efforts but also include guidance in creating landscapes that will preserve the character of the City and continue to uphold an appealing community environment.

Click HERE for Guidelines for implementing the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance

Click HERE for Artificial Turf Brochure

Click HERE for a Drought Tolerant Brochure

Click HERE for a Drought Tolerant Landscape Guide for areas of 500 or more square feet.
Click HERE for a Drought Tolerant Landscape Guide for areas of less than 500 square feet.

The Southern California friendly garden combines the beauty of native and California-friendly plants with efficient water use outdoors. Are you following the basic principles of water-wise landscaping in your garden? The following tips are provided by the Metropolitan Water District’s “The Garden Spot“. Click HERE for the low water plant list.

• Use less-than-thirsty plants in your garden. Saves you 30-60 gallons / each time you water / 1,000 sq. ft.! Keep turf grass, the thirstiest plant of all, to a minimum. Look for plants that are well-suited to regional and local conditions.
• Group plants thoughtfully. When selecting trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, and annuals for your garden, look for those that naturally grow together and use the same amount of water.
• Use water wisely. Water plants only when needed, not by the clock or calendar. Water at night or early in the morning, when evaporation is much lower and the air is calmer (Save: 25 gallons / each time you water). Checking your sprinklers frequently and adjust to avoid runoff and overspray. Saves you 12-15 gallons / each time you water! Choose a water-efficient irrigation system, such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs, and flowers. Saves you 15 gallons / each time you water!
• Improve your soil. Routinely cultivate your soil, incorporating organic matter such as compost. Doing so improves the soil’s ability to resist evaporation and retain moisture. Aerate heavy or compacted soil around trees.
• Mulch.  Saves you 20-30 gallons / each time you water / 1,000 sq. ft.! A two- to four-inch layer of mulch also evens out temperature extremes, keeps the soil cool on hot days and warm on cool days. It also prevents soil from crusting, allowing better water penetration. Take a cue from nature and choose one of many organic mulches that add great visual texture to your landscape, such as shredded bark or chips, wood grindings, compost, aged sawdust, or even low-growing ground cover. Inorganic mulches, such as gravel or rock, let the most water in and are frequently used with plants susceptible to crown rot.
• Plant trees. Tree shade helps to lower air and soil temperatures, reducing plant and soil moisture loss.
• Group container plants. Arrange containers so they shade one another. During droughts or periods of drying winds, place them in the deepest shade they can tolerate. Wet the entire rootball; double pot by setting small pots inside larger ones with a layer of sand or gravel between. Top-dress pots with a layer of mulch over the soil.

To assist you in making your home more water-efficient, the Golden State Water Company in cooperation with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California offers the following rebates and incentive programs for residential customers.  Click HERE for the most up-to-date information.

On June 1, 2010, the Save A Buck program was re-launched for Southern California customers. There have been significant changes to program terms and conditions, so please review carefully. Click HERE for more information.