In light of continuing drought conditions, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California on Feb. 9 outlined scenarios that could limit imported water deliveries to the San Diego region starting July 1. The Water Authority purchases about half of its water supplies from MWD.

After a historically dry January and a wet start to February, MWD laid out a range of possible water allocation actions - from no supply restrictions to cutbacks of 5 to 10 percent or more. The range of potential cuts is mainly based on State Water Project delivery scenarios from Northern California in 2015, although Colorado River deliveries and local supplies also are part of the equation.

 

Two decades of San Diego regional investments in water supply reliability will reduce the impact of any allocations by MWD by about half. Those investments include independent Colorado River water transfers and the Carlsbad Desalination Project, which is expected to start producing 50 million gallons a day of drinking water as soon as fall. San Diego County farmers, residents and businesses also have significantly increased their water efficiency, lowering potable water use in the region by more than 20 percent since 2007. 

 

For more information about drought conditions, including mandatory water-use restrictions by community, go to whenindrought.org. 

Residents, businesses and public agencies across the San Diego region can save money on artificial turf and save water at the same time through a pilot program launched by the Water Authority in partnership with artificial turf companies.  

 

 

The Artificial Turf Discount Program is part of the agency's drought response effort and is designed to help increase water conservation during what is shaping up to be a fourth consecutive dry year. It offers a 10 percent discount on turf materials and installation from participating retailers. Participating companies currently include Turf Evolutions, EasyTurf, Hellas, Athletic Turf Solutions and Players Turf USA.  

 

The program is open to residential, commercial and public sector property owners. No application is necessary. Customers can call any of the participating vendors and mention the Water Authority's program.

 

Discounts offered by artificial turf companies can be combined with a turf removal rebate of $2 per square foot from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to provide substantial savings on both professional and do-it-yourself artificial turf projects. Turf removal rebates are partly funded by the Water Authority through water rates paid to MWD.

 

 

For more information about the artificial turf pilot program, click the "Artificial Turf Discounts" button on WaterSmartSD.org.

The Water Authority and nearly a dozen local member agencies have teamed with The Home Depot again this spring to offer significant savings on water-efficient plants at San Diego County Garden Friendly Plant Fairs through May.
 
Specially marked containers of low-water-use plants such as lavender, bougainvillea, society garlic and rosemary will be discounted during plant fairs at select The Home Depot stores. Industry experts will be at the events to provide information about water-efficient irrigation supplies, and how to select and grow low-water-use plants. The Home Depot certified nursery consultants will host how-to workshops, and local retail water agency staff will be on-hand with water conservation information.

To view the full plant fair schedule, click here.