California is currently experiencing drought conditions and conserving water is more important than ever. The City of Temecula's mission is to protect water resources, maintain water quality, and use water wisely. The City's draft Sustainability Program addresses water conservation and the resourceful use of this precious resource.
Did you know?
97% of the world's water is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% for consumption by humans and all plants and animals.
Updated Water Efficient Landscape Standards
The City recently updated their Water Efficient Landscape Standards in response to water conservation needs and in anticipation of changes being made to the State of California’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. The new landscape requirements include the use of “smart controllers” which adjust the amount of water being used for landscaping based upon the weather, and it requires drought tolerant plant materials be used for both commercial and single family residential production homes.Click here to access the Chapter 17.32 (Water Efficient Landscape Standards) in the city's Municipal Code.
Reclaimed Water Use
The Temecula Community Services Department has several landscape medians, slopes and parks that are irrigated with reclaimed water. All of Harveston is irrigated with reclaimed water, including the lake.
Drought Tolerant Landscaping
 On average, 70% of the potable water that is consumed at a home is used for landscaping. This percentage can be reduced by using plants that are appropriate for Temecula's climate and by irrigating efficiently.
Sustainable landscaping practices can result in significant economic and environmental benefits including: reduced maintenance and water costs, less fertilizer and pesticide use, and can reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and other toxic runoff from entering storm drains and polluting creeks, lakes, and rivers.
Learn more about sustainable landscaping practices, water conservation, mulching and composting.
Watering Calculator The Water Calculator is a tool that estimates the right amount of water to give your landscape or garden every week. It has been designed to give you a schedule for the maximum amount of water which your plants may need each week of the year.
Click here to access the Water Calculator tool.
Water conservation tips
Indoor
- Turn off the water when you brush your teeth and save 3 gallons per day.
- Shorten your showers by one or two minutes and save 5 gallons per day.
- Fix leaky faucets and save 20 gallons per day.
- Wash only full loads of laundry and save 15 to 50 gallons per load.
Outdoor
- Water your yard only before 8 a.m. to reduce evaporation and interference from wind and save 25 gallons per day
- Install a smart sprinkler controller and save 40 gallons per day
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks and save 150 gallons each time.
- Check your sprinkler system for leaks, overspray and broken sprinkler heads and save 500 gallons a month.
- Mulch! Save hundreds of gallons a year by using organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.
Resources
Click here to access the City's Sustainable Resources page and learn more about water conservation.
Water Conservation Rebates
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