In Palm Spring, Calif., Riverside County’s efforts to address the region’s water shortage were recognized yesterday by the state American Planning Association at its conference in Hollywood. The county’s new water conservation landscaping ordinance received the organization’s award for Outstanding Best Practices.
With an eye toward conservation and spurred by a looming state crisis, Riverside County developed a plan to reduce water consumption by 20 percent while preserving the natural desert landscape.
“We’ve come up with a model that reduces water use without sacrificing landscape aesthetics,” said Supervisor Marion Ashley, who has served as a board member for local water agencies and has been recognized for his leadership in water conservation.
“We are proud of this recognition and hope that it encourages others throughout the state to address this issue.”
Landscaping can account for more than 60 percent of a household’s water consumption. New housing tracts and commercial developments now have to use drought-tolerant plants, water-efficient irrigation systems, and landscape smaller areas. These measures are expected to reduce landscaping water use by 20 percent.
The Board of Supervisors implemented the ordinance in April, long before a county-imposed 2010 deadline to implement water-use guidelines. The ordinance is supplemented by a landscaping guide that details for developers the new irrigation requirements and allowed plants.
Homeowners interested in using water-efficient landscaping guidelines or who would like more information on water-wise rebates, should visit www.bewaterwise.com.