Camarillo Officials Encourage Residents to Apply For Water Saving Rebates

CAMARILLO, Calif. - July 10, 2015 - PRLog -- Funding for turf removal rebates that were allocated by the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) in May have already been depleted, but the City of Camarillo is urging residents to apply for other MWD rebates that are still available.

         Rebates are still offered when residents purchase high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets, rain barrels and landscape irrigation controllers, moisture sensors and rotating sprinkler nozzles. The rebates on these purchases can amount to several hundred dollars. Rebates for high-efficiency washers start at $85 while rebates for high efficiency toilets begin at $100.

         According to the MWD, about 60 percent of water usage by the average residential water customer goes towards outdoor irrigation. “Weather-based irrigation controls take into account weather, soil conditions and plant types so watering is more efficient,” says Mayor of Camarillo Bill Little. “Rotating sprinkler nozzles apply water slowly and evenly, which is better for plants and avoids water runoff. These and other measures can mean thousands of gallons in water savings each year.”

         On July 8, the Camarillo City Council authorized changes to the landscape guidelines to comply with state law. Up to 90 percent of front yard landscaping can be artificial turf. The remaining 10 percent must be live plants. For drought tolerant landscaping, at least 30 percent must be live plants with the remaining 70 percent made up of non-plant material such as bark mulch, decomposed granite and decorative rock.

         Landscaping along parkways adjacent to sidewalks and the street can be made of decorative rocks, wood chips and decomposed granite but must include plants 10 feet on center. Pea gravel is not permitted. The parkways must be maintained so that the materials are kept off the street and sidewalk.

         For drought-tolerant landscape ideas, go to www.camarillogardening.com. “There are plenty of beautiful designs to choose from. Local landscapers can do the work or you can do it yourself,” says Little. “Besides saving water, these new landscapes typically take less time and money to maintain.”

         To apply for a MWD rebate, go to http://socalwatersmart.com. If new turf removal rebates become available, applications will be available on the site as well. For Camarillo’s landscape and irrigation guidelines, call Camarillo’s Office of Community Development, 805-388-5360.

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The City of Camarillo provides water to more than 14,000 homes, businesses and growers. It accesses its water from the Metropolitan Water District, groundwater and through water recycling programs. Although a relatively small municipality, the City of Camarillo has successfully worked over the last decade to develop a diverse, cost-effective water portfolio that delivers a reliable, quality water supply, accommodates responsible growth and adheres to the mandated potable water-use reductions during one of the most devastating droughts in California’s recent history. For more water conservation tips, upcoming drought gardening workshops and rebate information go to www.cityofcamarillo.org/savewater or call (805) 388-5373.