There's much in the news lately about California's infamous drought and the, perhaps even more notorious, water restrictions recently imposed by the state. Since an estimated 50 to 80 percent of household water use goes to outdoor landscaping, these issues are of particular interest to those of us who keep gardens. But what are these new restrictions, and what do they mean for you? This short summary aims to tell you what you need to know to avoid a run-in with your local water police.

In addition to other changes not directly related to home garden watering, the current state restrictions:

• Prohibit the application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a way that causes runoff
• Prohibit the use of hoses without shut-off nozzles
• Prohibit the use of potable water for washing driveways and sidewalks
• Prohibit the use of potable water in non-recirculating fountains or other decorative water features
• Prohibit the application of water to landscapes within 48 hours after measurable rainfall
• Limit outdoor irrigation of all ornamental* landscapes and turf to limited watering days

*Vegetable gardens, fruit trees, etc. are exempt

City-specific water restrictions in Solano County include:

Some cities have also put into place fines for violators of these ordinances and/or ways that residents can report water waste. Check city websites or mailings for updated or more detailed information as it becomes available.

For those of us who've been looking for a good time to convert our lawns to more water wise landscaping, there's no time like the present, since Solano County Water Agency (SCWA) is offering cash rebates for water customers (including businesses) that take the plunge into a lawnless lifestyle. Find more information on this and other rebate programs (including a program for installation of smart irrigation controllers) here: http://solanosaveswater.org/rebates/.

These changes in our outdoor watering habits can also be better for our gardens…

-          Watering with more water wise systems, like drip irrigation, can also be better for our plants, since overhead watering can sometimes lead to more plant diseases, like molds.

-          Planting native plants, many of which are more drought tolerant, can be good for bees, birds, and other beneficial insects in the garden.

-          Watering at the right time of day/night (i.e. not at noon) reduces stress on plants, resulting in healthier plants and happier gardeners!

The California Climate Action Network in its Water Conservation Leadership Guide notes that, “Using drought tolerant plants, along with water efficient irrigation practices, may reduce outside water uses by as much as 25 to 50 percent.” It's great to know that it's in our power to positively impact the future of water in the state, since we've not yet figured out a smart irrigation controller for that big faucet in the sky.

For more info:

Dixon ordinance: http://ca-dixon.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/4739

Fairfield Water FAQ: http://www.fairfield.ca.gov/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=10772

Rio Vista Municipal code: http://qcode.us/codes/riovista/view.php?topic=17-17_68-17_68_025&frames=on

Suisun restrictions: http://www.suisun.com/wp-content/files/20140903_Drought_Informational_Flyer_v2.pdf