Coronado is an oasis of delightful residential, commercial and public properties adorned with colorful gardens and lush green lawns, but is it appropriate to maintain such water hungry plants in a semi-arid climate, especially when California is currently facing one of the most severe droughts on record?
Governor Brown declared a drought State of Emergency in January 2014 and directed state officials to take all necessary actions to be ready for water shortages. The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC), along with the State of California drought awareness program, Save Our Water, are encouraging Californians to cut water usage by 20%.
State of California website reports that despite recent rains throughout the state, California’s drought continues.
California American Water: Coronado’s Water Utility
Brian Barreto, External Affairs Manager at California American Water– Coronado’s water utility– explains, “We are in voluntary conservation measures.” The district’s aim is to reduce water usage by 20%. Coronado’s voluntary water conservation measures are based on California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) rule 14.1, which can be read here. However, despite the voluntary water conservation status, Barreto explains there are four mandatory outdoor watering restrictions for the district, as required by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), which include:
Water features: If you have a water feature it is mandatory to use recirculated water.
Car washing: You are permitted to wash your car if you use a positive shut off nozzle.
Sidewalks and driveways: The hosing of sidewalks and driveways is strictly not permitted.
Irrigation: No water runoff from your property is permitted, including into the gutter or onto other people’s property.
Image Credit:California American Water.
The above graph comes from the Californian American Water website. It shows the latest customer conservation status from the San Diego District, which includes Coronado. As you can see, the district has only conserved 7% water usage under voluntary water conservation measures.
At this stage California American Water plans to remain at voluntary water conservation measures. Baretto says,”We are monitoring the situation. Should the drought continue, and the State Water Resources Control Board makes changes to our allocations, we would follow suit if we need to go to mandatory measures.”
California American Water offered free gardening and water saving workshops throughout the year. Barreto says workshops will be offered again in 2015 and advises local residents to keep an eye out for flyers, in the local paper, and online for upcoming workshops.
California American Water also offers rebates to customers who purchase certain water saving devices. Information regarding rebates can be found here.
City of San Diego
On November 1, 2014, the City of San Diego elevated its drought response to Drought Alert which entails up to 20% mandatory conservation and includes watering no more than three days per week on assigned days, which are determined by your address. Details about City of San Diego’s drought response can be read here.
City of Coronado
The City of Coronado has not enacted mandatory watering restrictions. Instead in the October 24, 2014, City Manager’s Weekly Update, the City of Coronado asked residents to conserve water by “more tightly controlling outdoor watering and avoiding excess water use. Coronado and its water supplier, California American Water, are required by the State Water Resources Control Board to ensure irrigation systems do not produce excessive runoff.”
An example of a water saving garden recently planted in Coronado.
Water Conservation
There are many ways to save water inside and around the home, and the Save Our Water program–designed to encourage Californians to conserve water– provides a comprehensive list of tips to save water indoors and outdoors. However, the State of California reports that it is outdoor watering that accounts for as much as 80 percent of urban water use in some areas.
Outdoor water saving tips:
Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Check your sprinkler system frequently, even if you reside in a rental property with a provided garden service. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn and garden are watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. Also check your sprinkler system schedule to ensure you are not overwatering for the current season. Many sprinkler systems have operation instructions listed on the meter, or use an online search engine to help locate instructions.
Choose a water-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Water deeply but less frequently to create healthier, stronger gardens.
Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Mulch also prevents weeds and improves soil quality.
Property owners wishing to re-landscape can plant drought-resistant trees and plants. A drought tolerant garden does not equate to barrenness. The photo above is an example of an aesthetically pleasing, drought tolerant garden.
Living in the lush surroundings of Coronado, it is easy to feel removed from the drought. Hopefully Coronado residents and businesses, yet to jump on board, will adopt some of the aforementioned water saving tips to help the region attain its 20% water conservation target.
Has the community made a concerted effort to support the drought, thus far? Have your say in the comments below.
Siobhan Bailie
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
