Water Conservation

26th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day

FREE National Geographic Download for World Water Day 

Learn about freshwater resources and how they are used to feed, power, and sustain all life. See how the forces of technology, climate, human nature, and policy create challenges and drive solutions for a sustainable planet.

Top 10 Tips for the Home Gardener

1. Water infrequently, deeply and thoroughly - Most lawns need about 3/4 to 1 inch of water once per week, or once every two weeks when the weather cools. Infrequent but deep watering will encourage deep rooting, healthier and hardier plants with a greater tolerance for drought. 

2. Water at the right time of day - Water early in the day, especially in warmer weather, when evaporation rates are lowest. 

3. Watch your lawn rather than a calendar - Your lawn needs watering when:

• Grass blades are folded in half
• Grass blades are blue-gray
• Your footprint remains on the lawn
• If water restrictions are in effect, adapt your watering to fit the restrictions.

4. Too much water can hurt plants - over-watering creates shallow roots, making plants more vulnerable to disease and pests, as well as drought. 

5. Drip or micro-irrigation systems save water - These systems deliver water to the root of plants, and much less is lost to the atmosphere. 

6. Mulching - Adding mulch helps to keep water in the soil around plants. At least two inches is suggested around shrubs, trees, annuals and vegetable and flower gardens. 

7. Remove Weeds; Add Native Plants - Weeds or other unwanted plants use water. Removing them means more water for the plants you want. Native plants are adapted to our rainy and dry seasons, and offer habitat to area wildlife. 

8. Install a rain sensor - This recognizes when nature brings the water your lawn needs, and shuts off automatic sprinklers. 

9. Adjust your lawnmower blades - Most lawns are healthiest when blades are 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches long. Longer blades shade the soil, and keep in water. 

10. Keep lawnmower blades sharp - Clean, sharp cuts cause less trauma to grass blades, making the grass more resistant to disease.
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WATER CONSERVATION

Did you know that Newport Beach has three municipal codes regulating the use of water? Before you decide to clean that patio or re-landscape your yard please familiarize yourself with the water saving and water quality codes.
NBMC 14.16 Conservation and Supply Level Regulations
NBMC 14.17 Water Efficient Landscaping and Landscape and Irrigation Design Standards [PDF]
NBMC 14.36 Water Quality

Water conservation is a way of life here in Southern California, and not just in dry years. It has now become imperative that we make permanent changes to the way we use water, and it’s critical for us to look at every aspect of our lives for places to conserve.  Currently, the city is asking for a voluntary 10% reduction in water use.  A good place to start saving your 10%  is outside the home where more than half of all household water is used for landscaping irrigation. By cutting outdoor watering by just one day per week you can help save water one drop at a time. Collectively we can make a huge difference in the amount of water we save. As an added side benefit, our lawns will be happier and healthier too!

WHEN THE RAIN COMES

We have been fortunate enough to get a host of storms this winter. However, we have to keep in mind that our water worries are far from over. Another dry summer is in the forecast. Although, Newport Beach has done a pretty good job in conserving water, Orange County as a whole needs to be very conscious of conserving and not using up our water reserves. All of the water supply gains we have made this winter can be drastically reduced by regulatory efforts and the anticipated summer dry conditions. Take a look at the information above and the "outdoors" tab on the menu bar for some good water saving tips.

REDUCING OUR WATER USAGE

The City of Newport Beach urges everyone to reduce their water use by volunteering to reduce by10%. If we each do a little, we can all make a significant difference.

REBATES AND MORE INFORMATION

The City Newport Beach offers several Water Use Efficiency Programs for residential and commercial appliances and devices. For more information on how you can cut your water use, please select the "rebate" tab on the menu bar or call us at 949-644-3214.