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LANDSCAPE & OUTDOOR WATER CONSERVATION.
Like most of California, the Bay Area has a Mediterranean climate. Our seasonal weather pattern is characterized by hot, dry, sunny summers and a winter rainy season. Establishing water-wise gardening practices that meet the needs of a Mediterranean climate is one of the best ways to save water and money around your home or business.
California water utilities promote the use of drought tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems. To encourage the efficient use of water on the landscape, Bay Area water agencies offer several programs and a variety of resources. Local water utilities provide a number of technical services, including:
- Rebates and incentives on landscape equipment
- Free publications on water wise gardening practices
- Conservation landscape workshops and gardening classes
- Identifying retail outlets to purchase low water use species
- Recommendations for low water use plants
- Selection of water-efficient landscapers
- Identifying your soil type and the watering needs specific to your climate
Not all programs are available in all areas.
Click here to contact your local water agency and learn more about program eligibility.
Landscape Rebate Programs
Landscape rebate programs are designed to encourage customers with a cash incentive to upgrade selected irrigation equipment with new irrigation equipment. To improve the efficiency of your landscape, your Bay Area water utility may provide the following rebates:
- Sprinkler heads
- Weather-based or “smart” irrigation controllers
- Flow meters
- Drip retrofits
- Moisture sensors
- Water pressure-regulating equipment
- Point application drip systems
- Check valves
- Rotating, multi-stream nozzles
- Single-stream rotors
- Rain shut-off devices
- Mulch
- Soil conditioner
Gardening CD-ROM
Within the Bay Area a number of microclimates exist with different irrigation needs to make plants thrive. Many Bay Area water utilities have responded to this need by developing a FREE interactive CD-ROM to provide information on water wise gardening specific to your service area. This resource will help you learn to maintain a beautiful garden while saving water. Contact your local water utility to determine availability.
In most cases, a water wise gardening CD–ROM will include:
- Comprehensive plant selection guides
- Information on water wise irrigation
- Tips for maintenance of low water use species
- Guidelines for preventing pollution in the San Francisco Bay and Ocean
- Methods for eliminating pests
Irrigation Surveys
Many Bay Area water utilities help customers save water and money through on-site irrigation surveys. This consultation will assist your home or business with establishing a baseline to meet irrigation needs and stop wasteful irrigation practices. Depending on the water utility your irrigation survey will evaluate:
- Irrigation system operating efficiency, including leaks, sprinkler heads and runoff
- Irrigation schedules (automatic or manual)
- Plant species, and seasonal plant water requirements
- Water-efficient landscaping practices
Useful Water Conservation Links
California-Friendly® plant list – listed alphabetically by common name (PDF).
For those who would like to use a smaller list, see the Nifty 50 plant list, which is a subset of this larger list.
Nifty 50 plant list – non-illustrated (PDF).
This list is a subset of the larger California-Friendly® plant list, for those who would like fewer options.
Nifty 50 plant list – illustrated (PDF, 3.46 MB).
Stopwaste.org: Bay-Friendly Landscaping and Gardening
http://stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=8
California Native Plant Society
Irrigation Association
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