On June 10, 2008, the Board of Directors adopted Ordinance 69 which became effective immediately.

The Following Restrictions and Policies are Now in Effect and Apply to the Use of District Water:

Water Use Efficiency

• IRRIGATION IS ONLY PERMITTED ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY
• Leaks must be fixed immediately upon detection.
• Run off is not permitted.
• Residential customers whose annual use is greater than 0.46 ac/ft are required to complete a water use efficiency audit.

Irrigation

• Irrigation must be shut-off from October 16th through April 30th.
• Irrigation is only permitted between 6pm and 8 am.
• Irrigation is only permitted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Irrigation is not permitted outside the boundary of the customer’s parcel.
• Broken or out of adjustment sprinkler components must be shut off until repairs are completed.
• Landscaping may not be watered beyond what is needed for natural growth and to sustain life.
  

Landscaping

• No installation or filling of water features such as ponds or fountains unless equipped with a recirculation system.
• No new turf grass may be installed.
• Existing turf grass may be refurbished only if total area of turf is reduced by 50%
• New landscaping may be installed under the following conditions:
• NATURAL ZONE
• At least 50 % of the undeveloped area of the parcel.
• Planted only with native tree and shrubs from LACSD reforestation natural zone plant list.
• Trees to be spaced at least 20’ apart.
• Irrigation by bubbler only until trees and shrubs are established (no more than 2 years), then permanently shut off.
• IMPROVED ZONE
• No more than 50% of the undeveloped area of the parcel
• Planted only with plants on the District drought tolerant and fire safe improved zone plant list.
• Up to 150 square feet may be planted with unapproved plants excluding turf grass.

Landscaping Basics

It is possible to significantly reduce your household's water consumption by planting drought-tolerant plants, avoiding or minimizing turf, and by landscaping with rocks, bricks, gravel, wood, and other materials. In most cases, a high water bill is directly related to your landscape irrigation practices. Don't over water and don't water too frequently. If you have grass, step on it and if it rebounds, wait another day to water. Group plants with similar watering needs together.

Before planting, check out these 7 design basics:

Planning and design. Taking the time to plan your garden for water efficiency and aesthetics is important. Using the services of a professional often saves time and money in the long run.

Lawn. Turf is the thirstiest of all landscape components. Alternatives include drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, boulders, mulched areas, pathways and other materials.

Efficient irrigation. Many recent innovations in irrigation technology enable slow and selected water application. In selecting an irrigation system, look for words like "low gallonage" or "low application rate." Consider drip systems for shrubs and trees and always irrigate turf (preferably minimized or removed) on a separate valve.

Soil analysis. The addition of organic matter to the soil before you plant increases water retention and penetration.

Mulching. Two to three inches of mulch will keep soil cool, enhance water retention and retard weed growth. Mulch can include rocks, wood chips, bark, or shredded wood.

Drought tolerant plants. There are numerous native and Mediterranean-climate plants that thrive in the Lake Arrowhead area. Replace high-water, high maintenance plant/lawn areas with drought-resistant shrubs and groundcovers. Group plants according to their water and sun needs.

Ongoing Maintenance. Seasonal irrigation adjustments and efficiency checks are maintenance practices that save water. Organic fertilizers and composting will improve texture and maintain vigorous growth.

Preventing Irrigation Failures

Many customers experience high water bills because of faulty irrigation systems. Most are part-time owners whose automatic irrigation systems fail without them knowing. You should change the battery in the irrigation controller every year just like you would a smoke alarm. Power outages are common in the mountains and they can wreak havoc on automatic irrigation systems.

• Turn off the water supply line valve when shutting off the irrigation system.
• Before turning on the water to the system, make sure all manual shut-off valves are in the "closed" position.
• Open the main system valve slowly to fill pipes gradually. Valves opened too quickly can cause pressure surges that may damage the system and cause line breakage.
• Verify the proper operation of each zone valve by manually activating it from the controller.
• Check for proper rotation and angle of sprinkler heads and adequate coverage. Check and clean filters on poorly performing sprinklers.
• Reprogram the controller for automatic watering. Replace the controller back-up battery annually (especially important in power-outage prone Lake Arrowhead).
• Uncover and clean the rain sensor if applicable.
• On drip irrigation systems, ensure that each emitter is distributing water equally and clean any in-line filters in each zone.

For more information on landscaping and irrigation, please read the Landscape Guide for Mountain Homes. Also available at the District Office.