This week, the Metropolitan Water District, which provides water to 26 agencies throughout Southern California, declared a regional drought emergency.
The timing may seem odd given the recent rain and cold weather; however, it would take an entire winter of storms to make a dent in the drought. While the declaration has not changed existing water restrictions yet, it is a reminder that we collectively need to do all we can to reduce water consumption to avoid severe restrictions in the future.
VMS Landscaping Department staff has been working diligently with the landscape committees to reduce water usage throughout the Village. Grass is the biggest culprit in landscape water usage; United, Third and GRF have all completed projects this year to install drought tolerant plantings, with more to come in 2023.
Click here to watch a video in which El Toro Water District Board Director Vice President Kay Havens discusses, among other topics, how landscaping can be transformed from water-thirsty grass to a multicolored array of California-friendly plants that attract butterflies and beautify neighborhoods. Click here to view a presentation Director Havens delivered at the GRF Landscape Committee on Wednesday, December 14.
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