This column was contributed by Jennifer Cosio Arellano, water conservation program manager with the Water Resources Association San Benito County. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artÃculo en español aquÃ.
In California, the month of May is dedicated to showing our appreciation for water. As we begin to prepare for the hot summer months, we must remain water conscious in our daily lives. Residential landscapes account for over 50% of water use in a home. Residential water use starts increasing with the rise in temperatures which is why May has been set as Water Awareness Month in the state.
May is the perfect time for homeowners to adjust their systems and verify that they are working efficiently. By doing so, they can prevent water waste and runoff and in turn save more money on their water bill this summer.
The Water Resources Association of San Benito County offers a free service to San Benito
County residents, where our technician can go to your home or business and check for leaks. Our technician can also inspect your irrigation system and adjust it to water your lawn appropriately considering the weather. We can adjust your sprinklers to prevent them from spraying on the sidewalk, fences, or driveways. Your irrigation controller can also be programmed for the summer. With correct programming, we can eliminate runoff and water waste, especially if your lawn resides on a sloping hillside. Being water conscious and implementing these changes to your residence will save water and save you money!
The WRASBC also offers a Turf Removal Rebate Program to residents in San Benito County. This program helps residents who want to remove their grass lawns and replace them with a drought-tolerant landscape, to save hundreds to thousands of gallons of water. We offer to pay applicants $2 per sq. ft. of grass removed. Applicants are eligible to remove 100-1,000 sq. ft of grass and may receive up to a $2,000 rebate, depending on the square footage removed. A pre-inspection appointment is necessary to qualify for program participation.
These services and rebate programs are offered to customers of the City of Hollister, City of San Juan Baustista, Sunnyslope County Water District and San Benito County Water District. To make an appointment with us, please call (831)637-4378. Please visit our website for more information on water conservation tips, rebates, and programs.