California Water Legislation

With California’s growing population and construction projects occurring in the hottest and most dry interior regions of the state, one half of the state’s residential water is being used for landscapes. There’s no doubt that soft, green neighborhoods improve everything from visual presentation to positive mental health among neighbors. Water efficient landscapes not only reduce demands on the water supply, but also the cost of energy and water treatment. Pacific Institute estimates that California could reduce residential outdoor water use by 25% to 40% through various forms of landscape management. The acknowledged need to protect the water supply led to the California Assembly Bill 2717 being passed in September, 2004. Passing the bill led to the creation of a Task Force comprised of representatives from water agencies, landscape contractors, green industry, cities and counties, environmental groups, and state and federal agencies. Based on their findings, recommendations of the California Assembly Bill 2717 Task Force have become Assembly Bill 1881, which in its current form would carry out some of the task force recommendations. The Task Force’s extensive review of water use in landscapes includes 43 major recommendations, with 16 specifically related to irrigation. These steps taken by California lawmakers that will modify, and hopefully improve, California’s use of water when it comes to landscapes is a clear indication that water conservation is a legitimate issue. SYNLawn’s artificial turf applications continue to allow many business and homeowners the opportunity to replace the rock and dirt farms that are associated with xeriscaping, with lush, green lawns that minimize the overuse of the diminishing water supply.