If you’re in Riverside County, you probably know that we’re suffering through a period of drought. In order to combat this problem and ensure that we have enough water for essential services, everyone needs to do their part.
The first thing you need to know is that, yes, our county is subject to certain restrictions on water use. The Metropolitan Water District selected six areas for these restrictions, including Riverside County, and the new rules began on June 1.
Primarily, we have been asked to refrain from watering our lawns more than once per week, or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall. Yes, this means that you might need to embrace a brown lawn for this summer.
Your other option is to install low-water xeriscaping. It’s a one-time investment in your home’s exterior, but you’ll enjoy a beautiful yard even in the worst droughts. Rebate programs are available to help offset some of the expense. You can learn more through the California Water Service website.
With xeriscaping, you would never have to suffer through high water bills again. And, of course, you won’t have to worry about breaking any rules under the current restrictions.
On that note… What happens if you break the rules? If you’re caught over-watering your lawn (beyond the requested once-per-week irrigation) you could be fined in the amount of $1,500 for every acre-foot that you water excessively.
Aside from watering your lawn, other restrictions include:
Hosing off sidewalks, driveways, and other hardscapes
Washing automobiles without a shut-off nozzle on your hose
Using non-recirculated water in a fountain or other decorative water feature
Watering lawns in a manner that that causes runoff
Irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians
The long term effects of a drought provide another reason to comply with the restrictions. If we don’t conserve enough water now, even more areas of Southern California will become affected. Water rates will continue to climb, and it will become increasingly difficult to pull ourselves out of this drought.
So please, do your part to comply with the restrictions, and endeavor to do a bit more if you can. And if you want to know more about ditching the high-maintenance lawn and installing something much more environmentally friendly, give us a call about our low-water landscapes.
