Frequently Asked Questions

• Approximately 70%  of all water used residentially is used for landscape irrigation
  
• In the Coachella Valley and elsewhere it is estimated that the average customer over irrigates landscape areas by 50%
  
• The population of California has grown dramatically over the past thirty years and the supply of water has not. 
  
• Many if not most water agencies have either switched to or will switch to a “Tier Rate” structure.   This can elevate your bill from 400% to 800% if you are deemed a water waster.
  
• It is reported from water agencies that after implementing a “Tier Rate” billing structure that the overall water usage  has been reduced by 30%
  
• By simply installing a “Smart” controllers and efficient sprinkler heads like the Hunter MP Rotators that a customer can normally expect to lower water usage by at least 30%
  
• It is estimated that 27-28% of all the electricity used in California is used to move water, (CVWD)
  
• AB 1881 becomes law January1, 2010, this is a state mandate to reduce water use by 20%.  All municipalities of the state must meet or exceed this new stringent standards and the price for a new landscape design will rise.
  
• AB 1302 is Riverside Counties version adapted in 1997 that call for water efficient landscapes.
  
• San Diego County already has built one desalinization plant with a second on the way.
  
• The agriculture industry is in grate danger with severe limitations on water use.
  
• The California Water Project that delivers water from the Sacramento Delta to Southern California has limited water deliveries for the past three years.  This year it is only delivery 30% of water that it is contracted to deliver
  
• Severe water restrictions have become the norm over the last three years in Southern California with many restrictions in many cities including;
  
• This is an example from Santa Monica’s new policy
  
  PROHIBITED WATER USES:
  
  
  • Water using sprinklers on any day other than Monday and Thursday
    
  • Water landscaping – including lawns – between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
    
  • Use a hose to clean hard surfaces such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways or parking areas
    
  • Have water in fountains, lakes, or decorations unless it is re-circulated
    
  • Allow leaks to go unattended
    
  • Wash a car without an auto shut off sprayer
    
  • Irrigate while it is raining
    
  • Water with sprinklers for more than 15 minutes per watering station (drip systems exempt)
    
  • Overwatering causing runoff on to the sidewalk, street, or gutter
    
    IN ADDITION:
    
    
  • Commercial laundry and carwash systems must have re-circulated water
    
  • Hotels must give guests the option to re-use their towels without washing them daily
    
  • Restaurants cannot serve water to customers unless it is requested
    
    There are penalties for not complying with these water-usage prohibitions. After an initial warning, continued violations will result in fines assessed on a customer’s DWP bill.
    
    
  • Many areas are far more strict with policies that include:
    
  • Landscape water on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s only
    
  • No washing of cars at your house
    
  • Fines for any water that runs on to the street