California City Adopts Landscape Watering Law

Indio, Calif., has a new landscaping and water conservation law for new development.

City leaders say they hope the law, adopted March 5, will help reduce the depletion of the valley's water supply. It goes into effect April 4. Stipulations are:

Inefficient landscape irrigation that causes runoff, low head drainage and conditions where water flows onto roadways are prohibited.

All new commercial, industrial and apartment buildings must have separate meters for landscaping installed by Jan. 1, 2013.

Rain sensing override devices shall be required on all irrigation systems.

Sprinklers must be equipped with vertical stops installed just below the sprinkler head to automatically shut off water to a broken sprinkler head.

If violated, the city can send a notice of violations, compliance order or cease and desist order; terminate service; or impose civil penalties.