Water Conservation
Water is essential for life - and that's especially true in the high desert. This page has resources to help you save water. The information was prepared by the Ad Hoc Water Conservation Committee.
Public Service Announcements
You can now watch our public service announcement videos online.
Note: You will need Windows Media Player to see the videos.
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Is it Raining in Your Neighborhood?
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- Is Water Runoff a Problem in Your Neighborhood?
Call us: 1-866-955-4H20 or 1-866-955-4420
Landscaping
Landscaping typically consumes up to 60% of the average homeowner's water bill. To conserve water in a desert climate, consider a xeriscape. This is a type of landscaping that conserves water by incorporating low water demanding vegetation with efficient irrigation techniques.
- Recommended Xeriscape Plant List (revised October 1st, 2008)
This printer-friendly list lists drought-tolerant plants approved for Victorville's high desert climate. Print a copy to take along when you go plant shopping at the local nursery.
- To water efficiently :
- Use drip, bubblers and other water conserving irrigation systems.
- Group together plants with similar water needs
- Use moisture sensors to prevent over-watering
- Use computerized stations to provide irrigation as per each plant's requirements
- Avoid irrigation during the hottest periods of the day
- Have a maintenance program to compensate for seasonal water demands
- Minimize over-spray onto non-landscaped areas
Online Resources
Local Water Agencies
Landscaping Resources
GreenVenture Xeriscape Tips and Information
This site has tips and information about xeriscaping including a history of the word, "xeriscape."
www.greenventure.ca
WaterKeep: Beat Drought With Xeriscaping
This helpful article explains xeriscaping techniques and the use of water conserving crystals in the landscape.
www.water-keep.com/
Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District: Xeriscape
This website is dedicated to xeriscape information. Although the site is focused on the Colorado climate zone, there are some good tips to be gleaned for the high desert.
www.secwcdxeriscape.org
General Resources for Saving Water
Mojave Water Agency
This web site has a section dedicated to conserving water in the High Desert.
Don't miss their Complete Guide to Hi Desert Water Conservation.
www.mojavewater.org
Be Water Wise
www.bewaterwise.com
This site is jam-packed with water saving tips, landscaping information and much more. The site is sponsored by the Southern California Family of Water Agencies.
California State Department of Water Resources
www.dpla.water.ca.gov/urban/
The State of California’s Department of Water Resources water conservation programs.
California Urban Water Conservation Council
www.cuwcc.org
The California Urban Water Conservation Council was created to increase efficient water use statewide through partnerships among urban water agencies, public interest organizations, and private entities.
California Water Awareness Campaign
www.wateraware.org
California residents should start thinking about summer water
conservation practices and can find information throughout this web
site.
Energy Star
www.energystar.qov
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star site featuring water and energy efficient appliances for the home.
H20 House
www.h2ouse.org
Water Saver Home virtual tour by the California Urban Water Conservation council. The tour points out common places for water conservation.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
www.usbr.gov
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s site for water-wise gardens and sustainable landscapes.
U.S. Geological Survey: Water Science for Schools
ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/
This site offers information on many aspects of water, along with pictures, data, maps, and an interactive center where you can give opinions and test your water knowledge.
Water Education Foundation
www.water-ed.org
This site is sponsored by the Water Education Foundation, a source of water education materials.
Water Savings
www.watersavingties.org
This site has water conservation tips and programs for all of Santa Cruz County. While their climate is different from the High Desert, there are useful tips and information on this site.
Water Wiser
www.waterwiser.org
American Water Works Association site for resources on water efficiency.
