Tip 1: Save Water Save Money – Also Learn About the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance

View a Map of Affected Areas
Local News Coverage
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, 03/15/11
DiamondBarPatch, 03/15/11
Los Angeles Times, 03/15/11
Los Angeles Daily News, 03/15/11
Pasadena Star-News, 03/02/11
altadenablog, 02/28/11
San Gabriel Foothills Examiner, 2/28/11
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, 01/18/11

Shutdown Update, March 21, 2011

More Information

Many cities and communities have drought or water conservation ordinances in place that govern such things as day and frequency of landscape watering and prohibited use of water (e.g. to clean home driveways). These ordinances vary from city to city, and county to county, so always check with your local government agency for the latest information. Don’t know who your local water agency is? Find your member agency by entering your zip code below.

In addition to drought ordinances, as of January 1, 2010, all California cities and counties must have adopted water efficient landscape ordinances governing water use in new and existing landscapes.

For general information about the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill 1881, Laird), which required cities, counties and charter cities and charter counties, to adopt landscape water conservation ordinances by January 1, 2010, please visit:
California Department of Water Resources Updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (statewide)

For More Information also see: Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance

California Code of Regulations

Title 23. Waters

Division 2. Department of Water Resources

Chapter 2.7. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance

490.1 Applicability

(a) After January 1, 2010, this ordinance shall apply to all of the following landscape projects:

(1) new construction and rehabilitated landscapes for public agency projects and private development

projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or

landscape permit, plan check or design review;

(2) new construction and rehabilitated landscapes which are developer-installed in single-family and

multi-family projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a

building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review;

(3) new construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-hired in singlefamily

and multi-family residential projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than

5,000 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review;

Excerpt from see this for more information:http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/docs/MWELO09-10-09.pdf

Also see: http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/landscapeordinance/

 

 

Beautify Your Home Garden on a Budget – National Conservation Effort Focuses on Backyards

Bringing conservation from the countryside to your backyard

Just as they do on the farm, conservation practices on nonagricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality, inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.

“Backyard Conservation” shows you how conservation practices that help conserve and improve natural resources on agricultural land across the country can be adapted for use around your home. These practices help the environment and can make your yard more attractive and enjoyable. Most backyard conservation practices are easy to use. America’s farmers and ranchers have been using these practices successfully for decades.

Whether you have rural acreage, a suburban yard, or a city lot, you can help protect the environment and add beauty and interest to your surroundings. Ten conservation practices have been scaled down for homeowners. Tip sheets offer “how to” steps and helpful hints:

The tip sheets and a colorful 28-page booklet on Backyard Conservation are available free by calling 1-888-LANDCARE (single copies only), emailing landcare@usda.gov, or visiting theNRCS publications web site.  Download the publication in English or en Español. See More Tips and Topics on Backyard Conservation

“Backyard Conservation” is a cooperative project of the National Association of Conservation Districts , the Wildlife Habitat Council , the National Audubon Society, and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Backyard Conservation Lesson Plans
A series of lesson plans to teach students about Backyard Conservation through hands-on studies that promote field investigation and action.  Lesson plans are available for elementary grades 3 to 5, middle school grades 6 to 8, and high school grades 9 to 12.

See sample news releases and features on Backyard Conservation.

Excerpt from: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/