Task Force May Adjust Irrigation Standards

 

By the year 2010, irrigation standards may dictate that rotors like these run less. The result may be less turf and more xeriscape.

The task force that conducted a major review of the use of water in California landscapes is recommending research into a controversial proposal to reduce the ET scheduling modifier. Reducing the modifier would effectively reduce the water budget and limit plant choices for landscapes. The final report calls for a reduction in the ET adjustment factor in 2010 based on a three-year study of new and established landscapes. The task force also recommended the creation of a certification for irrigation managers by 2008, establishing water-conserving water-rate structures, requiring dedicated landscape water meters, requiring the use of smart controllers and promoting the use of recycled water in landscapes. Another recommendation calls for support of the statewide system for gathering and disseminating weather data for irrigation scheduling. The final report goes to the governor this month.