Even though California is not in a drought at present, our state is still encouraging the efficient use of water. In preparation for future droughts, many water agencies have been increasing water rates to cover the burden of infrastructure improvements, expanding storage capacity, and beginning conservation programs. As water rates continue to increase rapidly, one way to stabilize expenditures on water utility costs is to reduce outdoor water use in a long-term, sustainable manner.
We must also remember that whenever we use water, electricity is required to move that water; so, when we reduce outdoor water use, we are also reducing the electricity required to pump water from storage and treatment facilities onto our urban landscapes.
In addition to the energy required to move water, many of our landscapes in California are irrigated with potable water that is treated to drinking level standards, which requires a tremendous amount of energy only to...
