California Water Bill Could Spawn Urban Irrigation Rules

California Assemblyman John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) introduced the urban water conservation bill that passed on Aug. 17. The legislation was sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority.

California legislators have approved a measure that could pave the way for more restrictive irrigation rules. Called Assembly Bill 2717, the legislation directs the state's water advisory council to draw up a list of water-saving steps, which could be implemented at a later date.

?EUR??,,????'??We're looking for more efficient use of irrigation water,?EUR??,,????'?? said Clyde Macdonald, a staff member for Assemblyman Laird. The bill directs the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) to explore water-saving steps that could force irrigation in urban landscape settings to meet more efficient standards.

Literature supplied by Laird's office suggests the council look at standards for irrigation equipment, water budgets for irrigated landscapes, training standards and price incentives.

Macdonald said the council would focus on automated sprinkler control and grading standards to minimize runoff.

Significant savings to the state's limited water supply would be the payoff if basic rules to limit runoff were enforced, he said.

In his own Sacramento neighborhood, Macdonald said, ?EUR??,,????'??every evening you can float a kayak down the gutter-people don't take into consideration how much water runs off the lawn and straight down the drain.?EUR??,,????'??

Landscape architects, contractors and maintenance supervisors are invited to join the council and offer input. More information is available at the CUWCC web site, www.cuwcc.org or by calling Assemblyman Laird's office at (916) 319-2027.