The Water Problem

We are all aware of the current drought conditions that exist in Northern California.  The question becomes, “What do we do about it?”  In the short term, conservation seems to be the answer.  Landscape watering accounts for about seventy percent of our daily water use.  Thus controlling landscape watering becomes paramount.  Local controls have been put in place by several different governmental entities. The problem is that each of these organizations has adopted their own set of restrictions. There is little consistency, which has led the State Water Resources Control Board to seriously consider statewide rules

Statewide rules could result is stricter regulations in many of the local jurisdictions.  Keep in mind that there are often fines associated with wasting water and residents of rental property are usually held accountable for the indoor and outdoor use of water. Any payment of fines would therefore fall on them.

One way to control landscape watering is through the use of sprinkler control systems.  Unfortunately, it is not always easy to set the controls, and instruction manuals for these fickle devices have a habit of disappearing from sight. Fortunately, there is a website where you can access a collection of these manuals — SaveOurWater.com.  Another helpful website is: waterresources.saccounty.net. If you go to this site you can identify your water purveyor and learn more about your specific requirements.  Since there are over 20 different water purveyors, this information can be very helpful.

Once you have identified your water purveyor, learned the rules for your property location and determined how to set your sprinkler timers, you should be able to live a fine-free existence.  Keep those manuals handy however, because things could change in a hot legislative minute.