Page 3 - Efficient Irrigation and Landscape Design Standards

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SETTING YOUR PURPOSE
6-7
APPLICABILITY
8-9
LANDSCAPE & IRRIGATION PLANS
10-13
LANDSCAPE DESIGN CRITERIA
14-15
IRRIGATION DESIGN CRITERIA
16-19
ADDITIONAL CRITERIA TO CONSIDER
20
DEFINITIONS
21
LIST OF APPENDICES
22
This guide provides local jurisdictions, agencies, and water purveyors the recommended elements that an ordinance or design standard could include, to ensure landscapes are designed with water efficiency in mind.
Most jurisdictions do not have strong provisions for water efficiency within their landscape codes. Also, the landscape irrigation industry lacks national or international standards for construction and operation.
Some of the recommended elements contained within this guide may be considered best practice in water efficient design. Others may include recommendations with “ranges” of standards a local jurisdiction can choose from depending on their
individual goals. There is not a one size fits all standard and local jurisdictions may choose to alter or apply these standards as they see fit.
If the regulating entity is a
water provider but has no land
use authority, the regulations
could be implemented
through their adopted design standards and specifications or through an agreement entered into during the application for water service (e.g. tied to applications for water availability).
This guide is key for both municipalities and water providers alike.
Should water conservation efforts be ignored at the permitting agency
level, water providers will ultimately be forced to increase water rates in order to meet increased peak demands.
Within water providers’ design standards for water systems, landscape water efficiency should also be addressed. Water providers could consider requiring a separate meter
for outdoor irrigation in an effort
to monitor and bring awareness to outdoor water usage and inefficiencies.
EFFICIENT IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE DESIGN STANDARDS 3