Implementation
Amend the Sacramento County Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance to require that 80 percent of landscaping area is dedicated to low-water, drought-tolerant species for new residential and nonresidential buildings.
Partner with RWA and other water districts in the County to expand existing rebate programs (e.g., Cash for Grass Program or River Friendly Landscape Programs) to create incentives to incorporate low-water, drought-tolerant species in lieu of water-intensive lawns and high-water vegetation in existing residential areas.
Partner with the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District and local water providers to expand the existing recycled water system service areas where feasible.
Benefits: Revising the County’s landscaping standards as defined by the Sacramento County Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance and County Zoning Code, improving rebates to residential water users to incorporate drought-tolerant landscaping, and increasing the size of the recycled water system would reduce the amount of water used for landscaping. These savings could be allocated to other, more vital purposes (e.g., agriculture, potable water). These actions would also result in reductions in pumping energy and associated GHG emissions reductions.
Timeframe: Near term
