Earning Water-Saving Rewards Can Be As Simple as 1, 2, 3
FormLA owners Kirk Aoyagi, a certified water manager, and Cassy Aoyagi, a LEED accredited professional, recommend the following water-conservation strategies:
Use Smart Irrigation Strategies
Reducing irrigation system leaks and over-watering can make a big difference in outdoor water consumption rates. Strategies for improving irrigation include:
- Monitoring and maintaining existing systems, reducing water waste (and fines) associated with leaks
- Watering at night or early in the morning to reduce evaporation and maximize root-zone absorption
- Retrofitting older systems with weather-based controllers, rotators, and/or low flow irrigation devices
- Avoiding hosing of patios – sweep instead
- Creating enough irrigation system zones to service each plant community and microclimate effectively
- Installing weather-based controllers to ensure appropriate watering for the time of year
- Installing low-flow (drip) irrigation systems to maximize effective root zone watering and reduce evaporation
- Installing sub-meters to save money on sewer rates
Enjoy a Lawn Alternative
Lawn-like alternatives that provide all the beauty and utility of a traditional lawn while requiring less maintenance and less water to thrive include:
- IdealMow™ lawn alternatives, which look similar to traditional lawns and thrive on approximately 30-60 percent less water
- Ground cover and joint lawn substitutes, which create visual interest with juxtaposing colors and textures
- NoMow™ lawn substitutes that have a natural, meadow-like appearance thrive on 30-60 percent less water
Plant Native or Climate Compatible Foliage
Native gardens can be the most vibrant, lush and fragrant outdoor spaces in a community, particularly in low water years. To get familiar with native foliage and get started, we recommend:
- Visit one of our demonstration gardens
- Going on the Native Plant Garden Tour
- Plant small natives, which require less water to become established
- Place plants with similar water needs in zones to facilitate effective irrigation
Earn Rewards
State and local rebates, incentives and grants encourage water-conservation and other sustainable landscaping practices. Activities eligible for rebates in many Los Angeles communities include:
- Retrofitting spray nozzle sprinkler heads with pop-up spray heads
- Replacing large rotary sprinklers with high-efficiency nozzle retrofits
- Working with a certified sustainable landscape designer
- Using climate-friendly plant materials
- Installing weather-based irrigation controllers
- Adding rain barrels and cisterns
