The San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects is concerned and involved in the on-going management and conservation of water in Southern California Region. Uncertain water supplies and increasing population demands pose a threat to both the quality of life and economic viability of San Diego. The members of the San Diego Chapter recognize their responsibility to manage water effectively by our design and encourage the development of responsible water management within our communities. Consistent with the ASLA National Policy on Conservation of Water, the San Diego Chapter offers the following policy as its position:

1. Chapter Members have a leadership role in water management and have a responsibility to participate in the formulation of regulations and regional water management strategies.


2. Effective water management at the local level must begin with equitable allocation of water at the state level. This includes disparities between agriculture and urban water uses, geographic distribution between northern and southern California and the balance of water costs throughout the state.


3. Any proposals to limit the use of water for existing landscape must recognize the value of existing plantings towards the quality of life and attractiveness of the region for residents as well as visitors. Public areas receiving the highest intensity of use such as parks and public gathering places should receive the highest priority for greater and/or continued water consumption.


4. Water management in the urban landscape setting is most effectively implemented through careful long-term maintenance of both new and existing landscapes. Most irrigation water is wasted through careless maintenance practices. Onsite irrigation practices must be recognized as the primary focus of effective water management.


5. Alternative water resources should be used for landscape irrigation. These include treated effluent, desalination of salt water and the capture and use of natural rainfall.


6. The design of landscapes should include water conservation as one of its primary criteria. Providing the future landscape user with maintainable and efficient plantings and irrigation is a basic responsibility of the Landscape Architect.


7. Public education must be recognized as a primary means of conserving water with the region.


8. The San Diego Chapter and the national organization of the American Society of Landscape Architects urge governments to draft adequate legislation directed at eliminating water pollution and salvaging water now being wasted.