Saving Water in the Desert

Saving Water in the Desert. Summer in the Desert when average temperatures range between 109 to 110 degrees, very sunny, and very very dry. 2022 is already the driest in California history with 60% of the state experiencing an extreme drought and 12% of the state is under exceptional drought.

While this is no surprise to anyone who has been in the area for a while, it should be no surprise the State Water Resources Control Board has implemented Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) as of June 14^th.

What does this mean for you as a Coachella Valley homeowner?

1. Prohibit Spray irrigation during daylight hours. 
   See recommended watering schedule.
2. CVWD discourages overseeding
3. Prohibit Water runoff onto streets and sidewalks from irrigation. 
4. Fix broken sprinklers within 5 days.
5. Increase Water waste patrols.
6. Restaurants can serve water only on request. Order table tents for your restaurant.
7. CVWD encourages enforcement agencies and HOAs to suspend code enforcement and fines for brown turf grass areas.

As of June 10^th there is a State Ban on Watering Decorative Grass.

1. Prohibit Irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial and institutional sites including HOAs.

2. Non-functional turf means turf that is solely decorative. It does not include areas for recreation or civic community use for events or turf areas with trees.
3. Possible Imposing Fines up to $500 per day.  

Saving water efficiently at home: 

1. Reduce outdoor water use by eliminating water waste. The most common causes of water waste are over watering and leaks. Watch a video on How to Reduce Outdoor Water Waste
2. Apply for a conservation rebate. 
3. Be a role model and convert your yard into a water-efficient landscape. Turf conversion rebates are now $3 per square-foot. 
4. Avoid watering during daylight hours. See recommended watering schedule.
5. Consider not overseeding your lawn or learn how to Overseed Without Wasting Water. 
6. Use CVWD’s watering guide. Or install a weather-based irrigation controller.
7. Run your irrigation system while you are home and watch each cycle to find any problems such as leaks or broken sprinkler heads.

Do you have a pool? Here is a flyer with easy to do pool tips.

Remember, our goal is saving water – we do not have an abundant supply. Let’s all do our part to conserve.