During this time of drought, we would like to share some helpful information with our customers.  Please review the important material provided below.

What is Executive Order B-29-15?

Governor Brown issued an executive order to all of California’s cities and towns to reduce water consumption by 25% as compared to amount used in 2013 and increase enforcement against water waste effective May 1, 2015.

Due to the drought the State has implemented mandatory water use reductions for the first time in California’s history, saying the state’s four-year drought had reached near-crisis proportions after a winter of record-low snowfalls.

The City of Clovis is dependent on groundwater and surface water for its water supply. Due to the new State regulations residents are required to conserve water with a goal of 36% reduction in their personal use and particularly for landscaping irrigation. Because the City is committed to conservation, the following outdoor watering schedule is in effect throughout the City:

• Customers with EVEN numbered addresses will be allowed to use water outdoors on Sundays, and Wednesdays
• Customers with ODD numbered addresses will be allowed to use water outdoors on Tuesdays, and Saturdays.
• Customers are required to reduce their water consumption by 36% from 2013 usage.
• Effective 3/27/2015, the application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall is prohibited.

During your watering day, you are not restricted to a particular hour for watering. Please keep in mind that watering earlier in the day will reduce the amount of evaporation that occurs.

Where do I use the most water?

If you have a front or back yard that is landscaped, most likely a large percentage of your water is being consumed to keep your landscape heathy and alive. This is especially true with Fescue grass. Fescue can require up to 40% more water than Bermuda. Overhead spray irrigation in flower beds can also waste water if watering bare areas.

What can I do to save water and keep the yard green?

Here are some suggestions to make your current yard more drought tolerant:

• Convert flower beds to drip directly to shrubs
• Bark all flower beds to help hold the moisture in soil
• Convert Fescue grass to a drought tolerant grass such as Bermuda, Buffalo Grass or a low growing groundcover
• Irrigate in several short intervals to allow the ground to absorb water to avoid run off. This will also help push the water deeper in the soil.

Other Options?

Here are a few other options that you might consider:

• Replace your grass with synthetic turf. Call South West Greens for a free quote at (559)294-7888
• Call Mauricio at the WeedMan (559) 286-4843 to treat your grass with a moisture managing chemical that will help the soil retain water and reduce your landscape irrigation needs up to 30%.

Help Conserve Water Tips:

You can help conserve water by following these guidelines:

• Landscape Audits – If you would like to get ideas on how to save water in your landscape irrigation, please contact the City at 324-2600 to schedule an audit. Staff can assist with programming sprinkler controllers and provide tips on how to reduce your water needs for outside irrigation.
• Drought Tolerant Plants – The City has developed a list of plants which are very low, low and moderate water using plants to assist customers in selecting the appropriate plants for their landscapes. Plants which use similar amounts of water should be grouped together and be placed on the same sprinkler valve so that irrigation can be tailored to the plant’s specific water needs. The Clovis Botanical Garden has additional information on plants that are native to the area.  See their website for information at http://clovisbotanicalgarden.org/.
• Swimming Pool Draining – Customers are discouraged from draining their pools during the drought however if it has to be done for major repairs, customers need to contact the Public Utilities Department at 324-2600 prior to draining their swimming pool. Pool water must be clean, dechlorinated and the gutter clear of obstructions in order to drain to the gutter. Water which is chlorinated, has diatomaceous earth, algae or other impurities must be drained to the sanitary sewer cleanout. For additional information, please contact the Public Utilities Department at 324-2600.
• Save Our Water – A State sponsored web site with ideas and tips on how to save water during the drought. See their website for information at http://saveourwater.com.

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