The State of California has taken another step in water conservation, adopting a stricter landscape ordinance that includes lowering the size threshold for projects that fall under the new water efficiency provisions.
As of Dec. 1, the size of landscapes subject to the ordinance has been lowered from 2500 sq. ft. to 500 sq. ft. The size threshold applies to industrial, residential, commercial and institutional projects that require a permit, plan check or design review.
Included in the new ordinance:
• Flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions due to broken pipes and/or popped sprinkler heads are required for landscape areas greater than 5,000 square feet. Master shut-off valves that prevent water waste in case of large failures of irrigation systems due to breakage or vandalism are required on all landscapes except where sprinklers can be individually controlled.