The New Paradigm of Landscape Irrigation

WATSONVILLE — After four years of drought in California, forecasts of a wet winter mean relief may finally be in sight. While the ongoing lack of rain has taken a toll on the state’s landscape production and water supply, it’s had at least one positive side effect: by forcing us to adapt our irrigation and planting techniques, it’s given us a greater sense of responsibility when it comes to our water use.

During the last four years, we’ve both improved the efficiency of our irrigation technology and implemented a more widespread usage of it. For example, many California residents are now installing water retention systems, which harvest water from home appliances like washing machines (as well as downspouts and trench drains) and reuse it for landscape irrigation. We’ve also increased the prevalence of water-efficient techniques like underground drip irrigation, which uses 60 percent less water than conventional sprinklers.

In addition to developing sophisticated irrigation technology, we’ve become more strategic in the way we plan and design our landscapes. For instance, drought-tolerant approaches like xeriscaping employ natural water-saving techniques like choosing plants that are appropriate for the local soils and microclimates. In addition to installing native plant varieties, many homeowners are installing native grass lawns, which use half as much water as conventional turf.