Page 6 - Efficient Irrigation and Landscape Design Standards

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Landscape standards may be adopted for many reasons. The original purpose may have been for beautification, or to protect property values. Standards may serve to minimize erosion on sensitive slopes, or to retain specific locally important plant species. This section of the guidelines provides purpose and goal statements that may be incorporated into a water efficient irrigation and landscape ordinance to respond to the specific goals that would be achieved through the implementation of newly adopted standards for water efficiency in landscape and irrigation design. It is important to note that water conservation compliments other landscaping goals. The goals of this chapter should harmonize with local jurisdiction goals.
The following includes a summary of the recommended
elements that may be included within design standards for water efficient landscaping and irrigation systems. A local jurisdiction may choose to alter or amend these standards to comply with their own local goals or vision.
Efficient landscapes can still achieve the purposes of their landscape ordinance, not by asking people to remove turf, but by using drought tolerant plantings and efficient irrigation systems and watering practices.
SETTING YOUR PURPOSE

From the Colorado Model Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance for Commercial Businesses:
The City Council has found that it is in the public interest to conserve the public’s water resources and to promote water- efficient landscaping. The purpose of this ordinance is to protect and enhance the community’s environmental, economic, recreational, and aesthetic resources by promoting efficient
use of water in the community’s landscapes, reduce water waste and establish a structure for the designing, installing and maintaining of water-efficient landscapes throughout the City.
The Water-Smart Landscapes publication by the Environmental Protection Agency includes language that may be a source of inspiration for purpose statements in a water efficient irrigation and landscape ordinance:
• Reducing outdoor irrigation which can account for up to 60 percent of a household’s water use.
• Replacing eye-catching landscapes, which require extensive watering, fertilization, and pesticide application, with drought-tolerant and water-smart landscaping. These landscapes can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing, save water, and protect the environment.
From the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO):
• Create the conditions to support life in the soil by reducing compaction, incorporating organic matter that increases water retention, and promoting productive plant growth that leads to more carbon storage, oxygen production, shade, habitat, and aesthetic benefits.
• Minimize energy use by reducing irrigation water requirements, reducing reliance on petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides, and planting climate appropriate shade trees in urban areas.
• Conserve water by capturing and reusing rainwater and greywater wherever possible and selecting climate appropriate plants that need minimal supplemental water after establishment.
• Protect air and water quality by reducing power equipment use and landfill disposal trips, selecting recycled and locally sourced materials, and using compost, mulch and efficient irrigation equipment to prevent erosion.
• Protect existing habitat and create new habitat by choosing local native plants, climate adapted non- natives and avoiding invasive plants. Utilize integrated pest management with least toxic methods as the first course of action.
6 IDAHO WASHINGTON AQUIFER COLLABORATIVE