California American Water Partners with the San Diego County Water Authority and four other partners on new Sustainable Landscapes Program
Utility offers $1.75 per square foot for landscape improvements based on sustainable practices
California American Water has partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority, the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, Surfrider Foundation and the Association of Compost Producers to create the Sustainable Landscapes Program, the go-to resource to assist San Diego County residents in adopting sustainable landscaping best practices through education and training, technical assistance, landscaping materials and financial incentives.
The Program encourages customers of California American Water who are residents of the San Diego region to take a watershed approach to landscaping their yards and offers qualified applicants $1.75 per square foot to replace water-intensive turf grass with landscaping that provides several environmental benefits. Proposition 84 grants from the California Department of Water Resources are funding a limited number of incentives to promote residential landscape upgrades in the San Diego service area.
“California is in its sixth year of drought. Although California American Water and the regions’ water utilities have sufficient water supplies to last three additional dry years under the state’s rigorous ‘stress test,’ we are continuing to encourage our customers to always use water efficiently regardless of weather condition,” said Patrick Pilz, Manager Field Operations of California American Water. “This important and timely program is designed to advance resource efficiency in urban landscapes by emphasizing water conservation and stormwater management.”
To qualify, proposed projects must have:
- Existing turf grass. Turf grass should not be removed before applying and officially enrolled in the program
- An operational, in-ground sprinkler system
- In addition: Homeowners must calculate storm-water runoff and capture, and show how much of the new landscape will be covered by water-efficient plants.
- Artificial turf is not eligible for reimbursement
- Projects must incorporate rainwater capture and detention, soil enhancements, climate-appropriate plants, water-efficient irrigation methods and are subject to site inspections.
To learn more about the program, review the sustainable landscape guidelines and to participate in online trainings customers can visit sustainablelandscapessd.org.
To apply, customers are encouraged to contact Cristina Saldaña, water conservation representative at [email protected] or by phone at (619) 446-5706.
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people. Information regarding California American Water’s service areas can be found on the company’s website www.californiaamwater.com.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.
