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:: Redirect your downspouts
:: Lose the lawn: 21 inspiring yards
    
:: Irrigation System Maintenance
   
:: NEW LANDSCAPE REBATES!!!
On December 9, 2010 the Scotts Valley Water District updated the Landscape Rebate program. Rebates for lawn replacement, weather based irrigation controllers, rain catchment systems, and low flow irrigation systems are now available.
:: Water-Smart Gardening
Does your water bill skyrocket during the summer? Do you spend hundreds of gallons a day watering your lawn? Need ideas on what to do? View gardens of the water-smart garden contest winners to get ideas for saving water in your garden. Also, check out the NEW gardening resource site put together by the Water Conservation Coalition which focuses on Water-Smart Gardening in Santa Cruz County.
:: California Native Plants
:: Water-Smart Demonstration Garden
Looking for some water-smart garden inspiration right here in Scotts Valley? Come check out the NEW Water-Smart Demonstration Garden located at the District Office, 2 Civic Center Drive, Scotts Valley. For more information on the Water-Smart Demonstration Garden, click HERE.
:: Smart Irrigation
Fine tune your irrigation system to save money and get better results with these smart irrigation tips.
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:: Too much water can kill your trees!
Trees planted in lawn areas may be receiving too much water. View more information about over watered tress.
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:: Artifical Turf
Tired of spending too much energy and money maintaining your lawn? You may want to consider artificial turf! Scotts Valley Water District now offers rebates for replacing lawn with artificial turf.
:: FREE Water-Wise House Calls
Do you want to know how to save money on your water bill by using less water? Sign up for a free Water-Wise House Calls!
:: FREE Automatic Shut-Off Hose Nozzles
Stop by the district office at 2 Civic Center Drive to pick up a free automatic shut-off hose nozzle.
:: Watering Schedule
Most of the soil in Scotts Valley contains a large amount of sand. Sandy soil does not hold moisture well. For this type of soil we recommend frequent but short watering cycles. For example, a lawn could be watered every day for 5 minutes or four days per week for 9 minutes. Low water using plants require half that much water or less. Use our lawn watering guide to create a schedule for your home.
:: Quick and Easy Tips
Note: If you have an older irrigation system, over 50% and even more than 75% of the water can be lost to leaks.
• Fix irrigation system leaks (check for excess water in gutters or mud puddles).
• Don't overwater. Water when the grass or plants show signs of needing it.
• Check the weather forecasts so you don't water the lawn when it's going to rain.
• Avoid watering on windy days.
• Water in the cool of the day to avoid excess evaportation (early or late).
• Set a timer when using sprinklers (you can lose over 600 gallons in a few hours).
• When washing the car, use a bucket for soapy water and a hose only for rinsing.
• Use a rake and broom to clean up sidewalks, not the hose.
• Don't forget to "Winterize your Irrigation" by turning off the valves to the irrigation system and draining any water that might freeze in the system during the winter months.
:: Rainwater Harvesting
Learn more about local rainwater harvesting by visiting:
http://www.earthcraftdesign.com/rainwater_harvesting.html
http://www.rainsourcewater.com
:: Looking for a landscaper?
The links below will provide a good starting place for finding the right landscaper for your needs.
• Local contractors
• Monterey Bay Green Gardener
• California Constractors Landscaping Association
:: Visit www.h2ouse.org to:
• Find out how much water you can save outside your home
• Calculate you and your family's water usage and create a water budget
• Search for plants that don't require much water and view the helpful plant list in the Garden Guide
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