Community’s water-saving efforts pay off

One of the sad facts about living with drought is that common-area landscaping in most Southern California cities – not just Canyon Lake – has taken a hit due to state-imposed watering restrictions. But Canyon Lake’s water conservation efforts come with a bright side.

The Association reports that, over the past 12 months, the CLPOA saved nearly 10 million gallons (30.6 acre feet) of water in outdoor water use through a combination of landscape monitoring, turf reduction, sprinkler system maintenance and improvements, and adherence to mandatory water district restrictions enacted due to the ongoing California drought. This is enough gallons of water to serve an estimated 60 homes per year, according to the California Water Foundation.

“I’m proud to say the Association is doing its part during the state’s historic drought by committing to responsible water conservation, which has not only saved our members money but also demonstrates our goal to practice sustainable outdoor watering practices,” says POA Operations Director Mike Morrow.

He reports that, during the past year, the Association took proactive measures to improve and repair sprinkler systems, and to balance water use restrictions and conservation with aesthetics to reduce outdoor water in common areas and avoid significant financial penalties associated with being labeled as a water-wasting community.

With the easing of some water restrictions, the Association is reviewing its outdoor water conservation measures to reduce impacts on aesthetics of common areas and parks while remaining mindful of the approaching hot summer months. The Association will continue to work with its landscape consultants to ensure outdoor water usage is efficient in keeping parks and common areas green.

Stage 4a to Stage 3a

Nancy Horton, Canyon Lake’s representative on the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District board of directors, recently expanded on the news from EVMWD that it had changed its water restrictions from Stage 4a to 3a and had removed surcharges.

Nancy reports the following:

“The Governor has removed his restrictions and the mandatory conservations efforts which compelled EVMWD to hold customers to a 28 percent reduction in residential water use. The new requirements mean that the water district must certify its supply for a three-year period and monitor use.

“The best news is that the drought surcharges have been removed. Some customers should see $20-30 less on their bills. This went into effect on June 1.

“Customers in Canyon Lake are to be commended for their outstanding efforts over the last eight to nine years to remove turf, install California-friendly plants, lay down artificial turf, and reduce household use with recirculating hot water pumps, weather sensitive irrigation timers, low-flow toilets, restrictors on shower heads, and use of hoses only when necessary.

“Customers may now water three times a week. There are no odd-even residential numbers and days of the week.  The homeowner may choose the days.  But the time of day remains after 6 p.m. and before 6 a.m.  Watering during the hours of direct sunshine results in evaporation and loss of moisture on the ground.

“There is still to be no watering down of driveways, sidewalks or patios. Use a broom. No runoff or spray is permitted while irrigating. You can use a hose to wash your car as long as it has a shutoff nozzle. Fountains or water features may be used as long as there is a circulating pump.

“Common sense is needed when automatic sprinklers systems are timed: No watering 48 hours after a rain, and no watering on windy days. Pool owners may not fill, refill or add water to uncovered pools or spas.

“We must all continue to observe conservation measures to stay within our indoor and outdoor water budgets, and not go into tiers three and four, inefficient and excessive use. Fines are in effect for water waste: written notices for the first and second offenses, and fines of $200 for the third, $400 for the fourth, and $500 for subsequent violations. After the sixth violation, a flow restrictor may be installed at the meter.

“Maintaining water efficiency measures is essential since we are still in a drought and there is no sign of an end to it. Thank you to everyone who reduced or eliminated inefficiency. We are all making a difference.”