Here are a few steps to saving water and a Water Wise Landscape Plan to get you started.

• Select ‘water wise’ plants adapted to our dry climate. This reduces the amount of water required and ensures long term survival in the harshest dry seasons.
• Plant trees on the south and west sides of your home to shade and cool your house and driveway and reduce air conditioning use and electricity costs.
• Reduce the lawn area. Lawns use the most water and reducing the lawn area or using a lawn substitute you will give your home a new look and avoid the maintenance of mowing, edging and fertilizing.
• Use water efficient irrigation systems. Less wasteful drip irrigation or rotary spray heads use less water and less waste by putting the water right to the root zone instead of running off into the street or sidewalk or to be picked up by the wind.
• Change your watering habits: Plants require more water when first planted in order to grow and spread their roots. After the first few seasons, you can reduce watering as the plants become established.
• Add mulch: Place a 2-3” layer of shredded bark mulch between plants to shade the soil and slow down evaporation. Wood mulch also nourishes the soil and feeds the plants.

Ontario WaterWise

Chino Basin Water Conservation District

Be Waterwise - Metropolitan Water District

Inland Empire Utilities Association

Water Use Classification for Landscape Species

California State Model Water Ordinance