PC 08.a. DCA 15-002 Landscape OrdinanceMEMORANDUM
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: TERESA McCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: tt·~· KELLY HEFFERNON, ASSOCIATE PLANNER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 15-
002 TO AMEND CHAPTER 16.84 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
REQUIREMENTS; LOCATION -CITYWIDE; APPLICANT -CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE
DATE: NOVEMBER 3, 2015
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution recommending the
City Council approve the proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 16.84 of the Arroyo
Grande Municipal Code and adopting by reference the Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance of the State of California.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
No fiscal impact is identified at this time. There will be additional staff time necessary
to review water efficient landscape plans and materials to determine compliance with
State regulations, create a tracking and reporting system, prepare reports and transmit
annual reports to the State. The costs related to these additional activities are
unknown.
This item addresses the City's Critical Needs Action Plan measure to "implement
recommendations to address the City's water needs through a combination of
conservation measures, potential recycling efforts and additional water supply sources
that may become available."
BACKGROUND:
In 2006, the State Legislature adopted the "Water Conservation in Landscaping Act"
(Assembly Bill 1881), requiring the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to update
the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The updated model
ordinance contained several new landscape and irrigation design requirements aimed at
reducing water consumption and waste in landscape irrigation. All local land use
agencies were required to adopt the model ordinance, or develop an ordinance that is at
least as effective.
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PLANNING COMMISSION
DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 15-002
NOVEMBER 3, 2015
PAGE 2 OF 5
On June 14, 2011, the City adopted a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance that was
determined to be as effective in achieving water conservation goals as the State's
model, but was simpler to comprehend and implement, making it less onerous on
property owners and developers and less expensive to implement (reduce costs for new
homes and reduce the City's administrative costs as compared to the State's
requirements). The Ordinance was incorporated into a new Chapter 16.84 of Title 16 of
the City's Municipal Code.
In April 2015, the Governor of California issued an executive order directing the DWR to
update the State's Model Water Efficient Ordinance (CA MWELO) in order to address
the current four (4) year drought and build resiliency for future droughts. In June 2015,
the DWR invited comment on the new draft and held several public meetings. The
draft, meeting notices, and additional information can be found at:
http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/docs/2015/EO B 29 15 MWELO Update
06 12 15%28VL %29 Public Draft.pdf.
The DWR adopted the proposed CA MWELO in July 2015 and on September 15, 2015
the California Secretary of State ordered the regulations to be incorporated into Division
2, Title 23, California Code of Regulations to amend Chapter 2.7 Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance, Sections 490 through 495. Attachment 1 shows the regulations
as submitted by the State for publication.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
State law requires all land-use agencies to adopt a water-efficient landscape ordinance
that is at least as efficient as the CA MWELO prepared by DWR. DWR's model
ordinance takes effect in those cities and counties that fail to adopt their own. Cities
acting on their own are required to adopt their new MWELO by December 1, 2015.
Because it is anticipated that future amendments will be made to the CA MWELO,
adopting the State's MWELO, by reference, allows these amendments to occur without
requiring amendments to the City's Municipal Code. This also allows the City to follow
the State standards without having to add the CA MWELO in its entirety to the City's
Municipal Code.
The CA MWELO includes several provisions for new landscaping, including
requirements for:
.. •.
• Landscape documentation submittals • Greywater Systems
• Water efficient landscape worksheet • Stormwater and Rainwater
submittals Retention
• Soil Management • Water Waste Prevention
• Landscape and Irrigation Design • Public Education
Plans
• Irrigation scheduling and efficiency • Annual Reporting
Recy~led Water • .
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PLANNING COMMISSION
DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 15-002
NOVEMBER 3, 2015
PAGE 3 OF 5
In general, the CA MWELO requires specific water efficiency, and will make it difficult to
install and maintain turf in new developments that are dependent on potable water. Use
of recycled water is exempt from these limitations. The revisions to the CA MWELO
reduce the size threshold of landscape projects subject to the water efficiency
requirements from 2,500 square feet of landscaping to 500 square feet of landscaping
for commercial, residential, industrial and institutional projects that require a permit, plan
check or design review. The size threshold for existing landscapes that are
rehabilitated has not changed, remaining at 2,500 square feet. Only rehabilitated
landscapes that are associated with a building permit, plan check or design review are
subject to the CA MWELO. Land-use agencies will also be required to report on
ordinance adoption and enforcement each year, beginning December 31, 2015.
Specifically, the most significant revisions made to the CA MWELO include more efficient
irrigation systems, including requirements for:
1. Dedicated landscape water meters for residential landscapes over 5,000 square
feet, and non-residential landscapes over 1, 000 square feet.
2. Irrigation systems to have pressure regulators and master shut-off valves.
3. All irrigation emission devices to meet the national standard stated in the CA
MWELO to ensure that only high efficiency sprinklers are installed.
4. Flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions due to broken pipes and/or
popped sprinkler heads for landscape areas greater than 5,000 square feet.
5. Ten-foot (10') minimum width (changed from 8 feet) for areas that can use spray
irrigation. Areas less than ten feet (1 O') wide must be irrigated with subsurface drip
or other technology that produces no overspray or runoff.
The CA MWELO revisions also include incentives for greywater usage, improvements for
on-site stormwater capture, limiting the portion of landscapes that can be planted with high
water use plants, and annual reporting requirements for local agencies. Currently, the City
allows for certain types of greywater and rainwater reuse systems. It is anticipated that
State mandates for these water reuse systems for new construction will not occur until
after being further vetted through the statewide building code update process.
However, given the multi-year drought conditions and uncertain future water supply, the
Planning Commission might consider recommending to City Council as an amendment to
the ordinance that all new residential and mixed-use developments be required to install
plumbing for greywater reuse capabilities. To clarify, greywater is water previously used
by the interior of the house from clothes washers, bathtubs, showers, or bathroom sinks
and reused for outdoor irrigation. It does not include water from toilets, kitchen sinks, or
dishwashers. Greywater systems vary from simple and inexpensive designs that do not
require a permit to complex systems that require adherence to California Plumbing Code
regulations. There are basically two types of greywater systems: gravity fed manual
PLANNING COMMISSION
DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 15-002
NOVEMBER 3, 2015
PAGE40F5
systems and package systems. The manual systems do not require electricity or pumps
because they work on gravity taking the greywater to the area needed (e.g. "laundry to
landscape"). Packaged systems require electricity but are self-contained and can be
installed indoors.
Currently, San Francisco is the only jurisdiction within the State that requires greywater
and blackwater systems to be installed with new large development (250,000 square feet
or more). However, Tucson Arizona adopted a greywater reuse ordinance in 2008 that is
more applicable for residential projects. If the Planning Commission favors amending the
ordinance to include greywater reuse for all new residential and mixed-use development,
staff recommends that the following requirements apply (adapted from the Tucson
ordinance):
• All new dwellings shall include either a separate multiple pipe outlet or a diverter
valve, and an outside "stub-out" installation on clothes washing machine hook-ups,
allowing separate discharge of greywater for direct irrigation.
• All new dwellings shall include a building drain(s) for bathroom sinks, showers and
bathtubs, segregated from drains for all other plumbing fixtures, and connected a
minimum of three (3) feet from the limits of the foundation, to allow for future
installation of a distributed greywater system.
• All greywater systems shall be designed and operated according to the provisions
of the California Plumbing Code.
Please see Attachments 2 and 3 for more information on greywater.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are presented for the Planning Commission's consideration:
• Recommend the City Council adopt the ordinance as proposed;
• Recommend the City Council modify the ordinance to include greywater
requirements and adopt the ordinance;
• Recommend the City Council not adopt the proposed ordinance; or
• Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Adopting the proposed ordinance would have the following advantages:
1 . Reduces municipal water usage for the City;
2. Brings the City into conformance with CA MWELO requirements; and
3. Allows the City to follow the State standards without having to add the CA
MWELO in its entirety to the City's Municipal Code.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. The CA MWELO includes new reporting by cities to the State. City staff time will
be required to create a system of tracking and reporting, prepare reports and
transmit the annual reports to the State.
PLANNING COMMISSION
DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 15-002
NOVEMBER 3, 2015
PAGE50F5
2. The size of landscapes subject to the Ordinance has been lowered from 2,500
square feet to 500 square feet for projects requiring a permit, plan check or
design review. Therefore, a greater number of applicants will be subject to the
new regulations, which will add costs to the overall project (e.g. separate
irrigation meters, pressure regulators, master shut-off valves, high efficiency
sprinklers, flow sensors, on site stormwater capture).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The project is exempt from environmental review per CEQA Guidelines under the
General Rule (Section 15061(b)(3)). The project involves updates and revisions to
existing regulations. The proposed Municipal Code text amendments will have no
significant negative effect on the environment.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, October 29, 2015. The
Agenda and report were posted on the City's website on Friday, October 30, 2015. No
public comments were received.
Attachment:
1. State's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (CA MWELO)
2. San Luis Obispo Guide to the Use of Graywater
3. City of Tucson -Residential Graywater
ATIACHMENT 1
Title 23 Ilepartrnent of \Vater Resources § 490
entering into the loan contract For invcstor-·-{)VVncd utilities, n1cctings or
bearings held by the Public lJti !itics Con11nission 1nay serve as Project
feasibility ?v1cctings.
(b) Be fl) re a Project Feuslbility Meeting,_ the supplier sha!I:
( 1) Make available infonnation describing the project in a fonn and lo-
cation that will enable the water users to review i1 and to 1nake appropri-
ate con1n1enls. The inf01111ation inust be 1nade available for a period of
at least fifteen days before the Project Feasibility Meeting.
(2) Eswblish a date for the 1neeting agreeable lo the Departrnent and
Departrnen1 of I~Ieal1.h Services.
(3) Notify the Department, the Departnrent· of.Health Services and ap~
propriatc c0unt;1 health agencies in \Vriting at least t\vcnty calendar days
before the rnccting,. and notffy all water users and the local ne\VS tncdia
in \Vriting at least fifteen calendar days bcfOrc the 1nceting. The notice
shal! state: the date, tin1e, location, and purpose nfthe and the
location of inforn1ation describing the project for review by the \Vatcr us~
crs. San1plc notice fonns \Vil! be provided by the Dcpar'"tn1cnt.
(4) ()btain a inccting place of sufficient size and at a convenient loca-
tion to accon1n1odatc the anticipated attendance.
(c) The agcndci of the n1cetlng shall include the fo!!owing inatters: (1)
;\discussion of applicable public health and \Yater \vorks standnrds, ex-
isting and potential health hazards associated \vith the vvater syste1n. how
the prorosed project vvi!J bring the systen1 to n1ini111un1 health standards,
and alten1ative solutions to the proble1n. (2) The supplier shall describe
the proposed project in detail, using 111aps, charts, and other illustrative
devices, iC appropriate. The discussion shall in dude the costs, sources of
iltncls, the mnount of' the loan-grant co1nn1itn1ent, and changes in 1.vater
costs resulting fron1 the project
(3) A representative of the Sta.Te n1ay describe the Act, the State's role
in its adrninistration and the Dcpal'"t1ncnt's rccon1n1cndation regarding
the supplier's loan applic2,tion. Persons present at the n1ccting. sh<ill be
pcnnittcd to ask questions regarding all subjects discussed at the 1ncct-
1ng.
( d) ! Cno representative of the Dcpar1n1cnt is present at the n1ccting, the
supplier shall subn1it an official \.\Titten report to the Dcpartrnent describ-
ing the n1ccting and its outcon1c including the results of any vote taken.
NoTr:. Authority cited: Section 13834. \Valer Code. Reference: Section 13834.
\Yater Code.
§ 489.1. Plans and Specific,,!icins.
Before con1n1eneing constnJction, each Supplier shall provide de-
tailed plans and specifications to the Depart111ent of Hcahh Services for
rcvic\\r and approval by a registered Clvll Engineer ctnp!oycd by the De-
part111cnt of Health Services. Unless othcnvise authorized in \:vritfng by
the Dcpartrncnt of Hca!rh Services, the supplier shall not co1nn1cncc con~
struction vvi1hout \Vritten notification fl.-0111 the Departinent of Health Ser-
vices that the plans an<l specifications have bee11 approveLL
NOTE: Authority cited: Section J 3834, \\-'ater Code. Rcfrrcnci.;: Section J 38'.17,
\Va1er Code.
§ 489.2. Certification of Com1ileltim1.
Depart1nent· of Health Services shall inspect t11e co1npleted project and
if satisfied that the project has been co1npleted in accordance with ap-
proved plans and specifications, shall provide the supplier and the De-
partn1enl \Vith \VTitlen certification to that effect.
NOTE: Authority cited: Seed on 13834. Water Code. R.cfcrcncc: Sect.ion l 3834.
\V atcr Code.
Resources
NOT!·· Authority cited: Sections J 6 l, 401, 403 and 6078, \i\'atcr Code. Rcf"ercnce:
Sections AOL 402 and 403. Water Code and Sections 21000 et seq,. Public Re-
sources Code.
1.
HISTORY
(Aiiicles 1--5. Sections 49(J-.. ,:JJ)5.03. not consecutive) filed
thirtieth duy thereafter (Regisrer 79, ;..;o_ 39).
2. Rcpcnkr of Subchaptcr 2.6 {Aniclcs J-5, Section::: 490~95.03. noT consccu-
(1vc, not previously rtpcHlcd by OAL Order of" Rcpeu!) filed 6--5-1\6: cffccnve
thirtieth day t]1ercartcr (Register 86. No. 23 ). For prior history, sec Register 85.
No. 26; 8 J. Nos. 40 and 38; and 80, No. 7.
Ch;apbar 2.7. 1111oae1 Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance
§ 490. Purpose.
(a) The State Legislature has found:
( 1) that the \Vatcrs of the state arc of !i1nitcd supply and arc subject to
ever increasing denu·inds;
(2) that the continuation of C«ilifornia 's eeonon1ic prosperity is depen-
dent 011 the availability of adequate supplies of vvater for future uses;
(3) that it is the policy of the State !u pro1note the conservation and effi-
cient use of water and io preven(· the \vasl.e of this vnluablc resource;
(4) that lm1dscapcs arc essential to the quality of life in California by
providing t1reas for active and passive recreation and as an enh;1nce1nent
to lhc cnvironrncn1 by cleaning air and \Yater. preventing erosion, ollcr-
ing fire protection, and replacing ccosystc1ns lost to dc\lclopn1cnt;
(5) that landscape design. installation. 1naintcnance and n1anagcn1ent
can and should he 1vatcr efficient:
(6') that Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution specifics
that the right to use \Vatcr is li1nited lo the a1nount 1·easonably required for
the beneficial use to be served and the right docs not and shall not extend
to waste or unreasonable n1cthod of use.
(b) Consistcnr \.\'ith the icgislativc findings, the purpose of this inodcl
ordinance is to:
( 1) proinote the values and benefits of landscaping pnictices that inte-
grate and go beyond the conservation and efficient use of\vater;
(2) establish a stnicture fOr plunning, designing, installing, n1ain1ain-
ing and rnanaging water eJJicient landsc<ipes in ne\v construction and re-
habilitated projects by encouraging the use of a watershed approach thai.
requires cross-sector collaboralion of inclustTy, govcrn1nent and proper-
ty O\vners to achieve the n1nny benefits possible:_
(3) establish provisions for \Nater n1anngen1ent practices and \Valer
vvaslc prevention for existing landscapes;
( 4) use \vater efficiently without \11rastc by setting a Maxl1nun1 Applied
Water Allowance as ari upper lirnit for \vatcr LlSC and reduce \Nater use to
the Jcn:vcst practical an101nlt;
(5) proinotc the benefit-. of consistent landscape ordinances \Vith
neighboring loca! and regional agencies;
l 6) encourage local agencies and \:Vatcr purveyors to use cconon1ic in-
ccnfrvcs that pron)ote the efficient use ofvvatcr, such as finplctncnting a
tiered-rate structure; and
(7) encourage loca! agencies to dcsignntc the nci:essary authority tha1
i1np!ctncnts and enforces the provisions of the lViodc! Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance or its local landscape ordinance.
(c) Landscapes lhal are planned .. designed, insta!led. nlanaged and
rnaintainecl \Vi th the watershed based approach can irnprove CalilOrnia's
environ1nen1al conditions and provide benefits and realize sustainability
goa!s. Such landscapes will 1nake the urban environinent resilient in the"
fhce or cli1natic extre111es. Consistent \vith Lhe findings and
purpose of" the ()rdinance, conditions in the urban setting wiH be i1n-
provcd by:
( 1) Creating the conditions to support life in the soil by reducing con1-
pactlon, incorporating organic n1attcr tlwt increases \Yater retention, and
proinoting productive plant grov:th that leads to n1ore.carbon storage, ox-
ygen production, shade, habltat and csthctic benefits.
(2) 1\1 ini1nizing energy use by reducing irrigation i.vatcr rcqU"irc1ncnts,
reducing reliance on pctrolcurn based fertilizers and pesticides, and
planting clin1ate appropriate shade trees in urban areas,
(3) Conserving \Vatcr by capturing and reusing n.llnvvatcr and gro.yv;a-
tcr wherever possible and selecting c!i1natc appropriate p!ants that nccJ
111ini1nal supp!c1nental water at1cr establis!nncnt
( 4) Protecting air and wmer quality by reducing pLnver cquipn1ent use
and landfill disposal Lrips. se!ecting recycled and locally sourced 1nateri-
Page 37
§ 490.l BARCLAYS CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS Title 23
als, and using coinpost, n1tilch and efficient irrigation cquip1ncnt to pre-
vent erosion.
(5) Protecting existing habitat and creating ncvv habitat by choosing
local native plants, climate adapted non--nativc:s and uvoiding fnvasive
plants. Lltitizing integrated pest n1anagen1ent \Vi th least toxic n1ethods as
the first course of action.
NOTE: Au1horitvci!Cd: Section 65593, Govcrm11ent CoJc; and scc1ions 11 and 30,
Governor's Exe;. Order No. H-29-l 5 (April I, 20 J 5). Rcforcncc: Sections 6559 l.
65593 and 65596. Govcrnn1cnt Code: and section ! 1, Ciovcn1or·s Exec. Order No.
B-29-15 (April L 20l5).
HlSTORY
L New clrnpter 2.7 (scct·ions 490-495) l'lle<l T-31-92; operntive 7-31-92 (Rcgis-
lcr 92, No. 32).
'"' Arrn:ndrncn1 or section and NorL filed 9-10-2009: operative 9-10-2009 pur-
srnmt to Gove111111ent Code section 11343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
3. Amendment of subsections (u)(4) and (b)(l )-(2), new subsections (c)-(c)(5)
and an1endment ofNOTL filed 9-15-20 ! 5; operative 9-15-2015. Exempt from
OAL review and sub111i11cd t·o OAL ftir printing only pursuant to Governor's
Executive Order Nu. B--29-15 (4-J-20[5) (Register 20!5, No. 38).
§ 490.1. Applicability.
After Dcccn1bcr 1, 20 J 5, and consistent \vith Executive Order No.
13-.... 29 ...... 15, this ordinance shall apply to all of the fol.lo\ving landscape
projects:
(1) ne\V constructio11 projects \Vi1h an <1ggregale landscape area equal
to or f,,r-reater than 500 square feel requiring a building or landsc<1pe per-
rnit, plan check or design rcvie\v;
(2) rehabi!itated landscape projects 1.vi1h an aggregate landscape area
equal to or greater than 2,500 sqtmre feet requiring a building or land-
scape pern1it, plan check. or design revie\V;
(3) exis1ing landscapes lin1ircd to Sections 493, 493. l and 493.2: and
( 4) cen1etcrics. Recognizing the special landscape 1nanagcn1ent needs
of ccrnetcrics. nc\\-' and rehabilitated ccn1etcrics arc liinltcd to Sections
492.4, 492.1 J ', and 492. l 2; and existing cc1ncterics arc !in1itcd to Sec-
tions 493, 493. Land 493.2.
(b) For local !and use agencies working together to develop a region a I
\Vater efficient iandseapc ordinance, the reporting require1ncnts of this
ordinance shall beco1nc effective Dccen1bcr J., 2015 and the ren1ainder
oft.his ordinance shall he effective no !aicr than February I, 2016.
( c) Any project \Vi th an aggregate la.ndseapt.:: area of 2,500 square feet
or less n1ay co1nply Vv'ith 1hc pcrfonnance rcquin:n1cnts of this ordinance
or confOnn ro !he pre,s{,'riptive measures conlained in 1\ppendix D.
( d) For projec1s using treated or untreated grayv,rater or rai1nvater cap-
tured on site, any lot or parcel within the project that has less than 2500
sq. fl. of landscape and rneets the lot or parcel's landscape \Vater require-
n1cnt (Esrin1ated Total \Vater Use) entirely \vi th treated or untreated gray-
\Vater or through slored rain\vater captured on site is subject only to Ap~
pend ix D section (5).
( c) This ordinance docs no1 apply to:
( 1) registered loca L st<lte or federal historical sites;
(2) ecological restoration projects that do not require a pcnnancnt ir-
rfgation svstc1n:
~ (3) n1i1;cd-land rcc!an1ation projects that do not require a pcrn1anent
irrigation systcn1: or
(4) existing plant collections, as pan of botanic.al gardens and arborc-
tu1ns open to the puhlic
Norr-.: Allthoritv cited: Scctlon 6559:\ Clov;;rnmcnt Code: and sections I 1 and 30,
Governor's E·:xc'C. Order No. B-29-15 {_April \, 2015). Reference: Section 65596.
Cfovcrnmcnt Code; and section l I, C-iovcrnor's Exec. Order No. B-29-15 (April
l. 2015 ).
HISTORY
!. Nc\v sec1ion flied 9-.. JO 2009: operative 9---10-2009 pursuant to Uovennnen1
Code section l l'.143,4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
'"' Amcndinent of sect:ion and NOTE filed 9-15-2015: operative 9~ I 5-2015. Ex.-
en1pl from OAL review and subrnitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to
Governor's Ex~curivcOrdcr No. B-29-15 ( 4-J-2015) (Rcgis1er 2015, No. 38).
§ 491. Definitions.
The tenns used in this ordinance have the ineaning se1 forth belo\v:
(a) "applied \Valer" tncans the ponion ofvvatcr su.pplicd by the lrriga-
tion svste111 to the landscape.
{b) ··'auton1atic irrigation controller" n1eans a titning device used to rc-
n1otely control valves that operate nn irrigation syste1n. J\uton1atic irriga-
tion controllers are able to self~ .. -adjust and schedule irrlgation events us-
ing either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil inoisture data.
( c) °"backf1ow prevention device" n1eans a safety device used lo pre-
vent pollution or contarnination of the \Vater supply due to the reverse
Hovv ofvvater fron1 the irrigation syslen1.
(d) "Cen:ificate of Con1pletion" n1eans the docurnent required under
Section 492,9.
(e) --certified irrigation designer" ineans a person certified to design
irrigation systerns by nn accredited acaden1ic institution, a professional
trade organizntion or other progratn such as the US Environn1cntal
Protection Agency's WaterScnsc in·igation designer certification pro-
gran1 and Irrigation Association's Certified Irrigation Designer pro grain.
(f} "certified landscape irrigation auditor" 111eans a person certified to
perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited acaden1ic institu-
tion, a professional trade organization or other program such as the US
Environ111cn1-al Protection Agency's \\-'atcrScnsc irrigation auditor cc1ti-
fic<1tion progran1 and Irrigation ,\ssociation's Certified Landscape Ir~
rigation Auditor progran1.
(g) "check valve" or "anti-drain valve" n1eans a valve located under
a sprinkler bead, or 01her location in the irrigation system, to hold \vater
in the syste1n to prevent drainage fron1 sprinkler heads \Vhen the sprinkler
is off.
(h) "con1n1on interest develop1nents'' n1eans cotnn1unily apartlnent
projects, condo111iniu1n projects, planned developments, and stock coop-
eratives per Civil Code Section l 3 51 .
(i) "con1post" 111eans the safe and stable product of controlled blologic
dcco1nposition of organic nrntcr!als that is beneficial to plant grt.)\Vth.
(j) "conversion frtctor (0.62)" 1ncans the nun1ber that convert.<> aero--
inches per acre per year ro gallons per square foot per year.
(k) ''distribution unifonnity" n1eans the n1casure of the unilonnity of
irrigation Yvater over a defined area.
(!)"drip irrigation" nieans any non-spray low· vo!un1e irrigation sys-
ten1 utilizing cinission devices \Vith a l1o\V rate n1casured in g_aUons per
hour. Lovv \;olun1c irrigation systc1ns arc specifically designed to apply
s1na!! volu1ncs ofvvater slowly at or near the root zone of plants.
(in) "ecological restoration project" n1cans a project where the site is
intentionally <1ltered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosys-
1cn1.
(n) ''cflcctivc precipitation" or "'usable rainfidl" (Eppt) in cans the por~
tion of total precipilalion 1.,vhich beco1nes available for plant gro\vlh.
(o) "en1itte1"' 1neans a drip irriguliun e1uissio11 device that delivers \Va-
ler slov.rly fro1n the systen1 10 the soil.
(p) "established landscape" n1eans the point a1 which plants in the
landscape have developed significant root growth into the soil. Typical-
ly, 1nost plants arc established after one or tvvo years of grcnvth.
(q) ''cstabllshn1ent period of the piants'' 1ncans the first year after
installing the plant in the landscape or the first two years if irrigation ·will
be tenninatcd after establish1ncnt. Typically, rnost plants arc established
afrcr one or t\vo years of gro\-vth. Native habitat n1itiga1 fon areas and trees
1nav need three to five years for establish1nenL
(r) "EsrimateJ Tota! \.Vater Use" (ET\VU) rneans the total \Yater used
for the landscape as described in Section 492.4.
(s) "ET adjustrncnt fi1ctor" (ET1\F) 1neans a factor of0.55 for residen-
tial areas and 0.45 for non---residential areas. that. when applied to refer-
ence cvapotranspiration, adjusts for plant frictors and irrigation efficien-
cy, t\.VO n1ajo1· influences upon the a1nount of \Vatcr that needs to be
applied to the landsc<ipe. The ETAF for ne\v and existing ( non--rchabiii-
tated) Special Landscapt:: i\reas shall no1 exceed 1.0. The ET1\F for exist-
ing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
Page 38
Title 23 Departn1ent of Water Resources § 491
(t) "cvapotranspiration rate" 1ncans the quantity Of\vatcr evaporated
fron1 adjacent sni! and other· surfaces and transpired by plants during a
spcclficd ti1nc.
(u) "CTo\v rate" 1neans the rate at which vvater flcrws through pires,
valves and en1ission devices, n1easured in gullons per n1inute, gallons per
hour. or cubic feet. per second.
( v) "flow sensor" n1eans an inline device installed at the supply point
of the irrigation systcn1 that produces a repc<i.tablc signal proportional to
flov; rate. F]O\V sensors 1nust be connected to <ln auton1atic irrigation con-
troller, or !low n1oni1or capable of receiving Jlo\-v signals and operating
1naster valves. This cornbination f1ov; sensor/controller rnay a1so func-
tion as a lo.ndscapc 1,,varcr n1ctcr or subn1ctcr.
(vv) "friable'' n1cans a soil condition that is easily cru1nblcd or loosely
con1pactcd do\vn to a 1ninin1un1 depth per planting n1aterial tequirc-
1nents, whereby the root structure of newly planted material \\''ill be al-
lo\vcd to spread unin1pedcd.
(x) "Fuel. IV1odification Plan (i-uidelinc'' 1nca11s guidelines fron1 a local
fire authority to assist residents and businesses that arc dcvc!oping: land
or building structures ln a fire hazard severity zone.
(y) "grayv,1ater" ineans untreated \Vastev.'atcr that has not been con-
U1n1inated by an)'' toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious,
contan1inated, or unhealthy bodil;l 1vastes, and does not present a ihreat
fron1 conlainination by unhe<ilthful processing, 1nanufacturing, or oper-
ating \Vas1es. ··Gray\vatcr" includes, but is nol lin1ited to, w<iste\va1er
frorn bath1ubs, sho\vcrs, ba1hroo111 w·ashbasins, clothes \Vashing n1a-
chines, and laundry tubs, but does not include waste\vater fron1 kitchen
sinks or dishwashers. Health and Safety Code Section 17922.12.
(z) "hardscapes" rneans any durabl_e n1aterial (pervious and non-per-
vious).
(aa) "hydro1one ., n1cans a portion of the landscaped area having plants
\Vith si1nilar \Vater needs and rooting depth. A hydrozonc tnay be irri-
gated or non-irrigated.
(bb) "infiltration rate"' incans the rate of\vater entry fnto the soil ex-
pressed 8S a depth of water per unit of tin1c (e.g .. inches per hour).
{cc) "invasive plant species" n1cm1s species of plants not historically
fOund in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can darnage
cnvironniental or econon1ic resources. Invasive species 111ay be regulated
by county agricultural agencies as noxious species, Lists of invasive
plants are n1aintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and
USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.
(d<l) "irrigution audit'' n1eans an in-~depth eva!ua1ion of the perfor-
rnanec of an in·igalion systcn1 l'.onductcd by a Certified Landscape Irriga-
tion Auditor. /\_n irrigation audit includes, but is not li1nitcd to: lnspcc-
tion, systen1 tune·~up, systen1 lest \Vith distribution unifonni1y or
e111isslon uniforn1ity, reporting overspray or runolTlhat causes overland
flow, and preparation of an irTiga1ion schedule. The audit in.ust be con-
duc1cd in a n1anner consistent \vi!h the Irrigation Association's Land-
scape Irrigation Auditor Certification progran1 or other U.S. Environ-
1ncntal Protection Agency "Waterscnsc·· labeled auditing progran1.
( ec) "irrigation efficiency" { ! E) means the n1casurc1ncnt of the a1nount
of\.vater beneficially used divided by the ainount ol\vatcr applied. Irriga-
tion efficiency is derived frorn n1casurernents and cstiniatcs of' irrigation
systerri characteristics and lnanage1ncnt practices. The irrigation effi-
ciency for purposes of th ls ordinance arc 0.75 for overhead spray devices
and O.k J for drip systc1ns.
"irrigation survey" n1eans an evaluation of an irrigation systcrn
that is less detailed than an irrigation audit An in·igation survey includes,
but is not lin1ited lo: insrection, systen1 test, and \.Vri-Uen recon11ni:nda-
tions to i1nprovc perfonnnncc of the irrigation systcnL
(gg) "irrigation water use analysis'' incans an analysis of \.vatcr use
data based on n1cter readings and bil!ing data.
(hh) ''la11dsc<1pe architect'' means a person \Vho holds a license to prac-
tice landscape architecture in the state of California Business and Profe:s-
sions Code. Section 5615.
(ii) ''landscape area" n1eans a!l the planting areas, turf areas, and vvater
features in a !a11dscape design plan subject to the l'viaxin1un1 Applied \Va-
tcr A.llo\vancc calculation. The landscape area docs not include f0ol-
pri11ts of bui!dings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots.
decks, patios, gravel or stone \Valks, other pcrvious or non-·pervious
hurdscapcs. and other non-irrigated areas designated f(lr non-·tlevelop-
n1ent (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
Qj) "landscape contructor" 1neans a person licensed by the state or
c:ali!On1ia to construct, n1aintain, repair, install, or subcont.rac1 the devc!-
opn1ent of landscape &ysten1s.
(kk) "Lundscape Docun1entation Package" 1neans the docun1ents re-
quired under Section 492.3.
(//) "landscape project" n1eans total area of landscape in a project as
defined in "landscape area" ft1r the purposes of' this ordinance, m'oetm:g
rcquircn1cnts under Section 490. J.
\111n1) "landscape \Vatcr 1nctcr" n1cans an in line device installed at the
irrigation supply point that 1ncasurcs the :flo\v ofvvatcr into the irrigation
systcn1 and is connected to a totalizer to record v,1atcr use.
(nn) "lateral I ine" n1cans the \Vatcr delivery pipeline that supplies \Va-
tcr to the cinittcrs or sprinklers frorn the valve.
( oo) "local agency" incans a city or county. including a charter city or
charter county, that is responsible for adopting and itnplcrncnting the or-
dinance. The iocal agency is also responsible for the enforcen1cnt oftbis
ordinance, including but not lin1ited to, approval of a pcrn1it <Jnd plan
check or design revie\v of u project.
(pp) "local water purveyor" n1eans any en1ity, including a public
agency, city, count.Y, or private waler co111pany that provides retail water
service.
( qq) "low volun1e irrigation'' rneans the aprlicalion of irrigation \Vater
at hnv pressure through a syste1n of tubing or lateral lines and low-vol-
uine etnillers such as drip, drip lines. and bubblers. Lov.' volun1e irriga-
tion systc1ns arc specifically designed to apply sn1all volumes of\vater
slowly at or near the root zone. of plants.
(rr) "1nain !inc" 1neans the pressurized pipeline that delivers \Yater
front the \Vater source to the valve or outlet.
(ss} "rnaster shu(-o/T valve'· is an aulotnatic valve installed at their-
rigation supply point \Vhich controls \Valer flo>A' into the irrigation sys-
tc1n. \Vhen this valve is closed \Vatcr \Viii not be supplied to the irrigation
systenL A rnastcr valve \Viii greatly reduce any \Vater !oss due to a leaky
station valve.
(tt) "Maxl1nun1 Applied \Vater Allowance" (l\ll1\ \V 1\) nH.::ans rhe up-
per !i111it of annual app!ied water for the established landscaped area as
specified in Section 492.4. ft is based upon the area's n:ference evapo··
transpiration, the ET 1\djust1nent Factor, and the size of the ia11dscape
area. The J::stiinated Total Water Use shall not exc:ecJ the Maxin1un1 Ap-
plied Water .!\[knvance. Special Land::;cape 1\re<1s, including recreation
areas, areas pern1anently and solely dedicated to edible plants such <lS or-
chards m1d vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled \Valer are
subject 10 1J1c JvlA WA \Vilh an ETA._f not to exceed J .0. l'vtAWA = (ETo)
(0.02) [(ETAF x LA)+ ((1-ETAF) x St.A)!
(uu) "nicdian" is an area bctvvccn opposing lanes of traffic that tnay be
unpl.antcJ or planted \Vith trees, shrubs, perennials, and orna1nenta!
grasses.
(vv) ·;1nicrocli1natc'' n1cans the cli1natc ofa s1nall, specific area that
tnay contrast v.,;ith the clin1atc of the ovcra.H landscape area due to factors
such as \Vind, sun exposure, plant density, or proxin1ity to reflective sur-
faces.
(\V\v) "n1incd-·-land rcc!mnarion projects" n1cans any surface 111ining
operation 10.rith a reclan1ation plan approvt;':d in accordance 1vith the Sur-
face M-ining and Rechunation /\er of 1975.
(xx) "n1ulch" incans any organic 1natcrial such ns leaves, bark, stra\v,
co1npost or inorganic 1nincra! materials such as rocks, gravel, or dccon1-
posed granite Jefr loose and applied to the soil surfa<:e fi)r the beneficial
purposes of reducing e-vaponnion, suppressing weeds, 1noderating soil
Len1pcra1ure, :-n1d preventing: soil erosion.
"new constn1clion" n1eans, fOr the purposes of' this ordinance, n
new building with a landscape or other nc\v landscape, such as a park,
playground. or greenbelt \Virhout an associated building.
Page 38.! R~;:isvr 2ill:i. :---:o. 38: '1-l~-20i_'>
492 BARCLAYS CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS Title 23
(zz) "ncH1 .... ·rcsidcntial landscape" incans landscapes in con11ncrciaL
insTitutiona!, industrial and pubiic settings that n1ay have areas desig-
nated for rccrcution or public asscrnbly .. It also inc!udcs portions of con1-
1non areas ofco1nn1on interest developn1ents \Vith designated recreation-
al areas.
(aaa) "operating pressure" n1eans the pressure at which the parts or an
i1Tigation syslen1 nre designed by the n1anufac1urer to operate.
(bbb) ""overhead sprinkler irrigation syste111s" or "o;,.'crhcad spray ir-
rigation syste1ns" 1nt'.:il1S systen1s that deliver vvater through lhe air (e.g.,
spray heads and rotors).
(ccc) "overspray" rneans the irrigation water \vhich is dellvered be~
yond the targe( area.
( ddd) "'parkv,1ay" means the area bct\:vccn a sidc\valk and the curb or
traffic lane. It n1ay be planted or unp!antcd, and \Vilh or \v[thout pedes-
trian egress.
\cee) "permit" n1cans an authorizing docu1nent issued by local agen-
cies for nc\v construction or rchabi1 itatcd landscapes.
(fft) "pcrvious'· n1eans any surface or 1natcrial that allo\vs the passage
of water through the n1aterial and into the underlying sol!.
(ggg) ·'plant factor" or "plant \Vater use factor" is a factor, vvhcn 1nulti-
phed by ETo, estin1ates the an1ount ofvvater needed by plants. For puJ-
poses of this ordinance, the plant factor range f()r very !0\\1 \Yater use
plants is 0 to 0.1, the plant fi1c!:or range for lO\V \Vater use plants ic-; 0.1 10
0.3. the plant fnctorrange for 111oderate \Yater use plants is 0.4 to 0.6, and
the plant factor range for high vvater use plants is 0.7 lo 1.0. Plant factors
cited in this ordinance are derived fron1 the plihlication "Water Use Clas-
sification of Landscape Species". Plunt fl1ctors 1nay also be obtained
fl·on1 horticultural researchers fn.)JTl acadernic insri1u1ions or professional
associnrions as approved by the Calif()min Depart1nen1 or \Vater Re~
sources (D\VR).
(hhh) "project applicant" n1cans the individual or entity sub111itt.ing:, a
Landscape Docun1cntation Package required under Section 492.3, to re-
quest a pcnnit, plan check, or design rcvlcvv fro111 the local agency. A.
projec1 applicant 1nHy be the property O\vncr or his or her dcsignee.
(iii) "'rain sensor" or"rnin sensing shutoff device"' rneans a con1poncn1
\Vhich auton1aticany suspends an irrigation event \Vhcn lt rains.
(jjj) ''record dra\ving" or "'as ....... bui!ts" rncans a sc1 (}f reproducible dra\V-
ings \Vh!ch sho\\.' significant changes in the vvork 1nadc during construc-
tion and \Vhich are usually based on drawings 1narked up in the field and
other data furnished by the co111ractor.
(kkk) "recreationa! area" rneans areas. excluding priva!e single frunily
residential areas, designated for active play. recreation or public assein-
bly in parks, sports fidds, picnic grounds, a111phithcatcrs or golf course
tees, fair\vays, roughs, surrounds and greens.
(ill) "recycled \Valer," "redairned \Valer:' or ''treated scvvage effluent
water'' rneans treated or recycled waste \Valer or a quality suitable iOr
nonpotabic uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This \va-
tcr is not intended for hu1nan consu1nption.
(rnrnrn) "reference cvapotranspiration'·-or "ETo" 1ncans a stand8rd
n1casurcn1cnt of cn\"ironn1cnta! paran1etcrs -.,,vhich affect the \Vatcr use of
plants. ETo is expressed in inches per day, 1nonth, or year as represented
in Appendix A, and is an cs1.in1ate of the cvapotranspiration of a large
field of four~ to seven-inch ta!L cool·~scason grass that is \Vcll \Vatcrcd.
Reference cvapotranspiration is used as the basis of dctcrrnining the
Maxin1u1n Applied Water Allov.:anccs so that regional differences in cli-
inatc can be acco1nn1odatcd.
(nnn) ··Regional \Vater Efficient Landscape ()rdinance'' n1eans <1 local
C>rdinance adopte<l by t\VO or 1nore local aµencics, water suppliers and
other stakeholders for in1plcn1cnting a consistent set of landscape provi-
sions throughout a geographical region, Regional ordinances arc strong-
ly encouraged to provide a consistent framcvvork for the landscape indus-
try and applicants to adhere l'O.
( ooo) "rehabiliwted landscape'' 1neans any relandscaping project th al
requires a pennit, plan check, or design revie1-v, n1eets lhe requirernen!s
of Section 490. l, and the n1odlfied landscape area is equal to or greater
than 2,500 square feet.
{ppp) ··residential landscape" 1ncans landscapes surrounding single or
1nu!tifa1nily ho1ncs,
( qqq) "run off' n1cans \Vatcr \vhich is not absorbed by the soil or land-
scnpe to which it is applied and flo\VS fro1n the land.scape area. For exan1-
ple. run off rnay result frorn \vater that is applied at too great a rate (app!i-
c:.ltion rate exceeds infiltration nue) or when there is a slope.
(rrr) "soil n1oisture sensing device" or "soil n1oisture sensor'' n1eans
a. device that rncasures the arnount ofv,1ater in the soil. The device n1ay
also suspend. or initiate Hn irrigation event.
(sss) "soil texture" n1eans the classificai.ion of soil based on its percent-
age or sand, sill, and clay.
\ttt) "Special Landscape Arca'' (SLA) n1cans an area of the landscape
dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational arcns, areas irrigated \Vi th
recycled vvater, or water tCalurcs using recycled \Vatcr.
(uuu) "sprinkler head" or ··spray head" means a device \Vhich delivers
\Vatcr through a nozzle.
(vvv) ··static vv·atcr pressure"' n1cans the pipeline or n1unieipal \Yater
supply pressure when \Vater is not flcnving.
(v'/Vi1vv) ·'station" n1eans an area served by one valve or by a set of
valves that operate silnu[tancously.
(xxx) ''s\ving n1cans an irrigation co1npone11t thal provides a
flexible. !eak~free connection benveen the emission device and lateral
pipeline to allov ... · n1oven1ent in any direction and to prevent equipn1ent
da1nage.
(yyy) "sub1neler" n1eans a n1etering device to measure \Valer applied
to the landscape 1hat is installed afler the prin1ary uti!ity \Valer 1neter.
(zzz) "turf" 1neans <1 ground cover sudftce of' rnowed gras~. l\.nnu;1!
bluegrass, Kenlucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red f\:'.scue, and Tall
fescue are cool~--season grnsses. Bennudagrass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore
P<ispahnn. St. Augustincgrass, Zoysiagrass, and f:J.uffalo grass arc \Vai111~
season grasses.
(aaaa) "v<ilvc'' n1eans a device used to control the flo\v of\vatcr in the
irrigation systcn1.
(bbbb) "waler conserving plant species" n1cans a plant species idcnti~
fie<l as having a very' lov..r or Jov,1 plant factor.
( cccc) ''\vater feature" n1cans a design clcn1cn1' where open \Vatcr per-
fonns an aesthetic or rccrcarional function. Water features include ponds.
lakes, \Vate1·falls, fountains, a1iificia! strca111s. spas, and si.vin11ning pools
(\vhere \Vater is artificially supplied), The su1face area ofvJater features
is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area.
Construc1"ecl \Vetlands used for on-site \Vas!ewa1er treatn1ent or s1ornnva-
tcr best n1anagcn1en1 practices that are not irrigated and used solely lOr
vvater rreatrnent or storn1i.vatcr retention are not \Yater features and. there-
fore, are not subject 10 the \Yater budget calculiHion.
( d<ldd) '\vatering window" 1neans the li1ne of day irrigation is allowed.
( eece) "WU COLS'' n1eans Lhc \\later Use Classi.fication of Landscape
Species published by the University of Califon1ia Cooperative Extension
and the Dcpartinent of \:Vatcr Resources 20 J 4.
NOTE: Authoriiv cited: Section 65595, Govcrnmcnl Code; and sections 11 and 30.
Ciovcrnor's Ex.c~. Order No. 8-.. 29·-! 5 (April 1, 20 l 5). Reference: Sections 65592
and 65596, Government Code; and section 11, Go1,.crnor's l·:xcc. Order No.
B-29-15 (Aprill, 2015).
HtSTORY
1. NC\V section filed 7--31--92; opcralivc J ... .J 1 92 (Register 92, No. 32).
2. An1cndmcnt of scc1ion and NOTE fiicd 9-·1 () ..... 2009; opcraiive 9--\\)-.. 2009 pur-
suant w Govcn1mcnt Code ~cc1ion J l 343.4 (Register 2009. No. 37).
3. A1ncnd1ncn1 of SL'el'ion an<l Nui J· filed 9~1..'i-201 5; operative 9 .. ~J 5-·2015, Ex-
empt fron1 OAL review ;;nd sub1nilkd lo OAL for printing only pursuant lO
Gtrvcrnor's Exeeul'iV(' On.ll""r No. B--29-J 5 (4-1-2015) (Regisler2015, No. 38).
§ 492. Provisions for New Construction or Rehabilitated
Landscapes.
(a) /\ local agency 1nay designate by tnutual agrcc1ncnt. another
agenc-y, such as a \Valer purveyor, to i1npletnent son1e or all of the require-
n1ents contained in this ordinance. Local agencies inay collaborate v,'i!.h
\Vater purveyors to delJne enc11 entiry's specific responsibilities
to this ordinance.
NOTE: Authorily ci\cd: Section 65595. GuvlTnrncnt Code: and sections 11 anr.l30,
(iovenior·s Exec. Order No. B-~29--J 5 (April 1. 2015). Reference: Section 65596.
38.2
Title 23 Department of \Vat er Resources § 492.5
(fovcn1mcnt C11dc; and section 11, Governor's Exec. Order l"o. B-29-15 (April
J, 2015).
HISTORY
1. New section filed 7-31-·-92: operative 7-3 !~·92 (Register 92, No. 32).
2. Amendment of section heading. and ne\v section and an1endment of
NnTE filed 9-10-2009; operative 10-2009 pursuant to Goverrnnent Code
section 11343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
3. Amendrnc11! of section and NnTE filed 9 ..... lS.·-·20!5; operative 9-15-2015. P:x-
cmpt from OAL n:.·vicw and suhn1ittcd to OAL for printing only pursuant to
Governor's Exl'cutivcOnlcr No. B-29-15 ( 4-1-2015) (Register 2015, Nzi. 38).
§ 492.1. Compliance with Landscape Documentation
Package.
(a_) Prior to constructio11, the local agency· ~hall:
( l) provide the project applicant \Vith the ordinance and procedures for
pe1111its, plan checks or design reviews:
(2) reviC\i\i Lhe Landscape Docurnentation Package sub1niHcd by 1he
project applicant;
(3) approve or deny 1he Landscape Docun11:ntation Package:
(4) issue a perrnit or approve the ph111 check or design review for the
project applicant: and
(5) upon approval of the Landscape Docun1cntation Package, subrnir
a copy of the \Alatcr Efficient Landscape Worksheet to the local \Vater
purveyor.
(h) Prior to construction, the project applicant shall:
( 1) subn1it a Landscape Docun1c11tation Package to the local agency.
( c) Upon approval of the Landscape Docurnentation Package by the
local agency, the project apr!icant shaJJ:
( 1) receive a pcnnit or approval of the plan check or des"ign revie\v and
record the date of the pern1it in the Ceitificate of Con1pletion;
(2) sub1ni! <1 copy of the upproved Landscape Docu1nentationP<1ckage
along with the record dra\vings. und any other inforrnation to the properly
owner or his./her designe.e; and
(3) sub1nit a copy of the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet to the
local \Vatcr purveyor.
NOTE: Authority cited; Section (i5595, Gov;:mrncnl Code. Reference: Section
65596, Govcn1mcn! Code.
l-l!S'['()RY
J. New section filed 9 .... 10--2009; operative 9-! 0--2009 pursuant to Government
Code ~cction J 1343.4 (Regi~tcr 2009_ No. 37).
§ 492.2. Penalties.
(a) A local agency rnay establish and ad1ninister penalties to the proj-
ect applicant ror non--co1npliance i,vlth the ordinance lo the extent per-
111i1ted by lav:.
NOTE: Aulhority i:ited: Section 65595. Government Code. Relt:rcnce: Section
65596, Government Codi.:.
HJSTORY
L New ::;cction filed 9--10·-2009: operative 9--J 0-2009 pursuant w Govenuncn!
Code section l 1343.4 (Rcgisicr 2009, No. 37).
§ 492.3. Elements of the landscape Documenlation
Package.
(a) The Landscape Docu1nentation Package shall include the fr11loi,v-
ing six cle111ents:
(l) project infOnnation;
(A) date
(B) project '1pplicant
(C) project address (if available, parcel and/or lo1 nun1bcr(s))
(D) total landscape area (square feet)
(E) pn~jcct type (e.g., llC\V, rehabilitated, public, private, ccinctcf}\
homeovvner-insta!lcd)
(F) \Vatcr supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, \Vcli) and identify the loH
cal rcrnil Yl/atcr purveyor if the applicani is not served by a private \Veil
(CJ) checklist of all docun1cnts in Landscape Docun1cntation Package
(H) project contacts to i ncludc contact inforn1arion for the project ap-
plicant and property o\vncr
(1) applicant signature and date \Vi th staie1nent "!agree to con1ply \Vi th
the requiren1ents of lhc \Valer efficient landscape ordinance and sub1nit
a con1plete Lundscspe I)ocu1nentation Pack<c1ge''.
(2) \Vatcr Efficient Landscarc \Vorksbcet;
(A) bydrozonc tnforrnation table
(B) \Vater budget calculations
1. JY1axi1nrnn J\pplied Water Al!ov,rance (Mi\ \VA)
2. Estlrnated Total Water Use (ETWU)
(3) soil 1nanagen1cnt report;
(4) landscape design plan;
(5) in·igation design plan; and
( 6) grading design plan.
NOTf:: An1hority <:i!ed: Section 65595. Government Code. Reference: Section
65596, Govcrmncn1 Code.
Ill STORY
1. Ne\v section filed 9 ..... 10--2009; operative 9-10·-2009 purstwnt to Government
Code section 11343.4 (Register 2009. No. 37).
§ 492.4. Waler Efficient landscape Worksheet.
(a) A project applicant shall co1nplcte the Water Efficient 1,andscapc
Worksheet in Appendix B vvhich contains info1mation on the plant fac-
1ur, in·igation 1nethocL irrigation efficiency. and ares associated with
each hydrozone. Calculations are then n1ade to shoi.v that the evapotran-
spiration adjustrncni factor (ET AP) for the landscape project docs not ex-
ceed a factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential
areas. exclusive of Special Landscape Areas. The ETA F for a landscape
project is hased on the p!ant fitctors and irrigation n1cthods selected. The
tvlaximu1n Applied Water A!lovvancc is calculated based on the 1naxi-
n1un1 ETi\F sllo\vcd (0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residen-
tial areas) and expressed as annual gallons required. The Estiinarcd Total
Water Use (ETWU) i.s calcu!atcd based on the plants used and irrigation
incthod selected for the landscape ET\VU 1nus1 be bc!o\.V the
MAWA.
(J) Jn calculating the :V1axi1nu1n Applied \Vater Allovv<Jnce and Esti-
1nuled Total V./ater Use, a project applicanl shall use the ETo values fron1
the Reference EvapotranspinHion Table in i\ppendix r\. For geographic
areas not covered in ,i'\ppcndix A, use data frorn other cities located
nearby in the sa1ne reference evapotranspiration zone, as f()und in the
CEvIIS Reference Ev8po1ranspiration Zones JV1ap, l)epartn1ent ofWa!·er
Resources, 1999.
(b) Water budget calcufations shall adhere to 1he lOllov;ring require-
n1ents:
(!)The plant factor used shall be fro1n WU COLS or froni horticultural
researchers \Vi th acadcinic institutions or professional associations asap-
proved by the California Dcpartlnenr of Water Resources (DWR). The
plant factor ranges froin 0 to 0.1 for very lo\v water using plants, 0.1 to
0.3 for loi,,v water use plants, fron1 0.4 to 0.6 forn1odcraic \Vaterusc plants,
and fron1 0.7 to 1.0 for high \Vater usc plants.
(2) i\ll \Vatcr features shall be indudcd in the high \Yater use hydrozonc
and te1nporarily inigatcd areas shall be included in the lovv \Vatcr use hy-
drozone.
(3) Al\ Special Landscape /\reas shall be identified and \heir i.vater use
calculated as shown in Appendix B.
(4) ETAF /'or new and existing (non-rehabilitated} Spe\:ial Landscape
Areas shall not exceed 1.0.
"\JOTE: Authority cited: Section 65595, Government Codi:: and sections l ! and 30.
Governor':-Exec. Order No. f3-29·-l5 (April L 2015). Rcfc1Tnce: Section 65596,
Government Code: and section ! L Governor"s Exec. Order No. 8-29·-15 (.'\pril
I, 2015).
HJSTORY
l. Nc\v section filed 9-10-2009: opcralive 9. J () .... 2009 pursuant lO Government
Cmk section ! l343.4 (l\cg1stcr 2009. No. 17).
2. Amendment of section and N01T filed 9-l 5-2015; operative 0-·] 5 ..... 2015. Ex-
en1pt from OAL review Bnd submit1ed to OAL tOr printing only pursuant 1.0
Governor's Exccunvc Order i\o. B-29·-l 5 ('1···· J .... 2() 15) (Rcgisti.:r 2015, No. 38).
§ 492.5. Soil Management ><P1noi~
(a) in order to reduce runoff and encourage hea! thy plant grovvth, a soil
n1anageinent report shall be co111pleted by the project applicant, or bis/her
designce. as follows:
( l) Sub111it soil san1ples to a laboratory for analysis and recon11nenda-
tions.
38.3 R"gi.stc>r 2(1J5. No .. l8; <)-1N~2(lJ ·',
492.6 BARCI,AYS CAUFOR'IIA CODE Of' REGULATIONS Title 23
(1\) Soil san1pling shall be conducted in accordance \Vith laboratory
protocol, including protocols regarding adequate san1pling depth for the
intended plants.
(8) The soil analysis ::;hall indude:
1. soil texture;
2. intlltration rate detern1ined hy laboratory test or soil lexture infiltra-
tion rate table;
3. pl!;
4. total soluble salts;
5. sodiun1;
6. percent organic n1atter; and
7. reco1nn1endations.
(C) In projects \Vith 1nultiplc landscape installations (i.e. production
bo1nc dcvclop111cnts) a soil san1pling rate of 1 in 7 lots or approxin1atcly
J 5C}'0 i.vill this rcqulrerncnt. Large landscape projects shall san1plc
at a rate equivalent to 1 in 7 lots.
(2) The project applicant or his/her dcsignee, shall co1nply \Vith one
of the follo\ving:
(A) lfsigniflcant 1nass grading is not planned, the soil analysis report
shall be subn1itted to the !oca! agency as part of the Landscape Docu1ncn-
tution Package; or
(8) If significant n1ass grading is planned, the soil analysis report shall
be subn1itied to the iocal agency as part of the Certificate of Con1plelion.
(3) The so it analysis repon shall be 111ade available, in a tirnely inanner,
to Lhe professionals preparing the landscape design plans and irrigalion
desi11n plans to n1ake any necessary adjust111e11rs to the design plans.
( 4) The project applicant_ or his/her designee, shall sub1nil document<1~
tion verifying i111plen1entation of' soil analysis report reconunendations
to ihe local agency \<Vith Certificate or c:o1npletion,
NOTL: Authority cited: Section 65595, Government Code; and sections 1 J and 30,
Governor's Exec. Order No. B--29-15 (April I, 20 l .'l), Reference: Scc!ion 65596,
Govcrnn1<.:nt Code; and s.:ction 11, Gov0rnor"s Exec. Order No. n-29-15 V\pril
L 2015J,
f-IJSTORY
J. New section filed 9-1 0-·2009; operative 9-10-2009 pursuant to novernmcm
Code section 11343A (Register 2009, No. 37).
2. A1nendment of suhsection (a)( l)(B), new subsection (a)( I )(C) and amendment
of Nun-; filed 9-15-2015: operative 9-·-15-2015. Exen1pt from 0/\L review and
subinittcd to OAL t(irprinting 011lypurnuant to Governor's Executive Order No.
B--29-J 5 (4--1-2015) (Register 2015, No. 38)
§ 492.6. landscape Design Plan.
(a) for the efficient use of 1,.vater, a landscape shall be carefuUy de-
signed and planned for the i11tended function of the project./\. landscape
design plan 1nccting the follo"'·lng design criteria shall be subn1irtcd as
part of the Landscape Docun1cntation Package.
(I) Plant '.\1aterial
(1\} Any plant n1ay be selected for the landscape, providing the bsti-
n1ated Tot·al \Vater Use in the landsl'.ape urea Joes not exceed lhe IV1axi-
1nu1n Applied \\later /\J]o\vance. Melhods to a1..:hieve water efficiency
shall include one or n1ore of the 101lowing:
1. protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;
2. selection of v;.1ater--conserving plant, tree and 1urf species, especially
local native
3. selec1ion of plants based on iocal cli1nate suitability. disease and
pest resistance;
4. selection of' trees based on applicable local tree ordinances or tree
shading guidelines, and size at n1aturity as appropriatG for the planting
area; and
5. selection of plants frorn local and regional landscape prognun plant
lists.
6. selection of plants frorn local Fuel lv1odification Plan Guidelines.
( B) Each hydro zone shall have plant n1atcria!s v,rith si1nilar water use.
with the exception ofhydrozoncs ,1.,,ith plants of 1nixcd \Vatcr use, as spe-
cified in Section 492.7(a)(2)(l)).
Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their
adaptability to lhe clirnalic, geologic, and topographil'.al conditions of the
project site. l\1cthods to achieve \Vatcr efficiency shal! include one or
rnorc of the folhf\ving:
1. use the Sunset Western Clfinatc Zone Systcn1 \vhich takes into ac-
count te111perature, hun1idity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying de-
grees of continental :n1J inarlnc influence on local 1,;lirnate:
2. recogni:c:e the horticultural attributes or plants (i.e., n1ature plant
size, invasive surfi1ce roots) to n1inin1ize dainag:e to property or infra-
structure [e.g., buildings, side\valks, ]JO\Ver lines]; nllo\v for adequate soil
volun1e fOr healthy root growth: and
3. consider the solar orientation IOr plant placenient to rnaxirnize surn-
iner shade and \vintcr solar gain.
(D) Turf is not allo1,ved on slopes greater than :25?tl1 where the toe of the
slope is adjacent to an i1npenncablc hardscapc and vvherc 25 1~/o 1ncm1s I
foot ofvertieal elevation change for every 4 feet ofhorizontal length (rise
divided by run x l 00 slope percent).
(E) High \Vatcr use pl.ants, characterized by a pi ant factor of0.7 to 1.0.
arc prohibited in streer 1nedians.
(F) A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall ad-
dress fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a
building or structure is required per Puhllc Resources Code Section
4291 (a) and (b ). A void fire--prone plant 111aterials and highly flainn1ahle
n1ulches. Refer to the local Fuel Modification Pian guidelines.
(G) The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed the
CalifOrnia Invasive Plant: Council, is strongly discouraged.
(H) The architectural guidelines of a eon1nion inleres1 develop1nenl,
\Vhich include co111111unity apartn1ent projects, condo1niniurns, planned
developn1enls, and stock coopcrutives, shall not prohibit or include
conditions that have the eHCct of prohibiting the use of lo\v·--watcr use
plants as a group.
(2) Water rcaturcs
(A) Recirculating \Yater systc1ns shall be used for \Yater features.
(B) Where available, recycled. water shall be used as a source t(w deco-
rative water features.
(C) Surface area or a \Valer feature shall be included in the high vva1er
use hydro7.one area of the water budget calculation,
(11) Pool and spa covers arc highly rcco1nn1cndcd.
(3) Soi! Preparation, Mulch and An1endn1cnts
(,L\) Prior to the planting of any tnateria!s, coinpactcd soils shall be
transf-<)nned to a friable condition. ()n engineered slopes, on!~y ainendeJ
planting holes need rneet this requiren1ent.
(B) Soi! an1end111ents shall be incorporated accor<ling to reco1n1nenda-
lions of the soil report and \Vhat ls appropriate fi:.Jr the plants selected (sec
Section 492.5).
( C) For landscape installations, coinpost ata rate of a n1ini1nlll11 of iOur
cubic yards per 1,000 square fee1 of'penneable urea shall be incorporated
lo a depth of six inches inl'o the soil. Soils \Vi!l1 greater than 61!.<1 organic
nrntter in the top 6 inches of soil are exe1npt frorn adding con1posl and
tilling.
(D) A 111inin1u1n three inch (3") laycrofn1ukh shall be applied 011 all
exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or
rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where n1uk:h is con-
traindicated. To provide habitat for beneflcial insects and other \Vildlifc,
up to 5 (;,;)of the landscape area n1ay be left \Vithout rnulch. Designated
insect habitat n1ust be included in the landscape design plan as such.
(E) Stabilizing n111lehing products shall be used on slopes that meet
current engineering standards.
(F) The mulching portion of the seedhnulch in hydro--seeded
applications shall n1eet the 111ulching requiren1cnt.
(Ci-) ()rganic 111u!ch 1naterials n1adc fro111 recycled or pos1-..... consrn11cr
shall take precedence over inorganlc 1nuterials or virgin forest products
unless the recycled post-,consun1er organic products arc not locally avail-
able. Organic 1n1dches are not required where prohibited by local Fuel
JV1.odificalion Plan Ciuide!ines or other app!i1..:able local ordinances.
(b} The landscape pl.an, at a n1ininuun, shall:
38.4 R;yistcT :.'IJ1:3, Nu. JS; 9-JR-2(115
Title 23 of \Vater Resources § 492.7
(l) delineate and label each hydrozonc by nun1bcr, letter, or other
1ncthod;
(2) identify each hydrozonc ;is k)\v, inoderatc, high \Yater, or n1ixcd
\Vater use. Te1nporarily irrigated areas of the landscape shall be included
in the lo\v \Vater use hydrozone 1-iJr the \Vater budget calculation;
(3) identiI}· recreational areas;
(4) identify areas pern1nnent!y and ~olely dedicated 10 edible plants;
(5) identify areas irrigated \vith recycled \vatcr:
(6) identify type of1nulch and application depth;
(7) identify soil m11cndn1ents, type, und quantily:
(8) identify type and surface area ofv.'ater features;
(9) identify hardscapcs (pervious and non-pcrvious);
(I 0) identity location, installation details, and 24-hour retention or in-
filtration capacity of any appl icablc stonn\vatcr best 1nanage1ncnt prac-
tices that encourage on-.. sitc retention and infiltration of stonn\:vatcr.
Project applicants shall refer to the !ocal agency or regional V\fatcr Quali-
ty Control Board for infonnation on any applicable stormvvatcr technical
rcquircn1cnts. Stonnwatcr best n1anage111cnt practices arc encouraged in
the landscape design plan and exa111plcs arc provided in Section 492. I 6.
( 11) identify any applicable rain harvesting or catch1nent technologies
as <liRcussed in Section 492.16 and their 24-houT retention or infiltration
capacity;
( 12) idt::ntify any applicable gray\vater Jischarge piping, syste1n co1n-
ponents and arca(s) of distribution;
( 13) contain the JOllo\ving s1aten1ent: "I have cornplied with the crite-
ria of the ordinance and applied then1 fbr the erficient use of water in the
lnndscape design plan""; and
( 14) bear the signature of a licensed landscape archi!ect, licensed land~
scape contractor. or any other person authorized 10 design a landscape.
(Sec Sections 5500.1, 5615. 5641. 5641.l, 564!.2, 5641.3. 5641.4.
5641.5. 564 l .6, 6 70 l, 7027 .5 of the Business and Professions (~ode, Sec~
tion 832.27 of Title! 6 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section
6721 of the Food and Agriculture Code.).
Norr: Auth(1ri1y cited: Section 65595. Govc111rncnlCode; and sections 1 J and 30.
Gnvcn1or's ExcC. Order \fo. n .... 29·-l 5 (April 1, 20 J 5). Reference: Sccti011 65596.
(Jovcn1men! Code: Section 1351, Civil Code; and section J i, Governor's Fxcc.
Order Nu. B-29 .. -J 5 (April l. 2015).
HISTORY
1. New section filed 0-10-2009; operative 9-10-2009 pursuant to Government
Code section 11343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
2. i\mendrncnt of section and NOTE filed 9-15-2015: operative 9-15-2015. Fx-
c1npt from O;\L n.'1/icw and Sltbmitted w OAL for priining only purnuan! to
Governor's hxcculivcOrdcr No. g ..... 29 .. _J 5 (4---· l-2015) (Registc1·20 l 5, No. 38).
§ 492.7. lrrigalion Des1~1n Plan.
(a) This section applies to landsc<1ped are8s requiring permanent ir-
rigalion, not areas tbal require ten1porary irrigalion solely fDr the plant
establish111ent period. for the efficient use of water, an i1Tigation systen1
sh<1ll rneet all the rcquirei.ncnts lis1ccl in 1his section <1nd the nl<1n1.di1ctur-
crs' rccornrncndations. The irrigation systctn and its related components
shall be planned and designed to allo\v for proper installation, 111anagc-
n1ent, and n1aintcnance. An irrigation design plan n1eeting the folhnving.
design crileria shall be subn1ittcd as part of the Landscape Docun1cnta-
tion Package.
( J) Systcrn
(A) Landscape \Vatcr n1ctcrs, defined as either a dedicated \Vater ser-
vice 111ctcr or private subn1etcr, shall be insta1lcd for all non-·-rcsidcntia\
irrigated landscapes of l ,000 sq. ft. but not rnorc than 5,000 sq.ft. (the lev-
el at \Vhich Water Code 535 upp!ies) and residential irrigated landscapes
of 5,000 sq. fl. or greuter. /\ landscape \V<l'fer 1neter 1nay be either:
1. a custon1cr s.:rvice 111ctcr dedicated to landscape use provided by the
local water purveyor; or
2. a privately owned 1ncter or subinctcr.
(B) J\uio1natic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapolranspira-
tion or soil 1noisl.ure sensor data utilizing non-vofatile 111e1nory shall be
required for in:iga1ion scheduling in all irrigation systerns.
(C) If the \Nater pressure is belo\v or exceeds the reco111rnended pres-
sure of the specified irrigation devices, the insta1lation n::gu-
lating device is rcq1iircd to ensure that the dynan1ic pressure at each cn1is-
sion device ls \Vithin the 1nanufacturcr's rccon11ncndcd pressure range
for opti1nal pcrfonnance.
L lfthe s!'i.itic pressure is above or belo1v the required dynan1ic pres-
sure of the irrigation syste1n, pressure·-regulating devices su1..:h as in line
pressure regulators. booster pun1ps, or other devices shall be instnllecl 10
n1eet the required dyna1nic pressure of the irrigation sys1en1.
2. Static water pressure. clyna1nic or operating pressure, and flow read-
ing or the water supply shall be rneasured at the point of connection.
These pressure and llo\v n1easure1nents shall be conducted at the design
stage. If lhe rneasurements arc not available at' !'he design s1age, the 1nea-
Stll'en1ents shall be conducted at installation.
(D) Sensors (rain, freeze, \Vind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that
suspend or alter operation during unfavorable \Vcathcr condi-
tions shall be required on al! irrigation systen1s, as appropriate for !oca!
cliinatic conditions. Irrigation should be avoided durlng Yvindy or freez-
ing \\.'Cather or during rain.
( F:) l\!lanual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butter-
fly valve) shal [he required, as close as possible to the point of connection
of the \Vatcr supply, to 1ninin1izc water loss in case of an cn1crgcncy (such
as a rnuin !inc break) or routine repair.
CF) Bnckflo\V prevention devices shall be required to protect the \Vater
supply fro1n contan1i11ation by tl1e irrigHiion sys1en1. /\project applicant
shall refer to the applicable local agency code (i.e., public health) for
additional backJlo\V prevention requirernents.
(CJ) Flov./ se11sors that delect high flo\v conditions created by sys1en1
dan1age or111nlfu11ction are required for atl on non-residential landscapes
and residential landscapes or 5000 sq. rt.. or larger.
(H) JV1aster shut-oJT valves are required on all projects except land-
scapes that make use of technologies that aJhnv for the individual control
of sprinklers that arc individually pressurized in a syste1n equipped \Vith
knv pressure shut do\vn features.
(!)The irrigntlon systcn) shall be designed to prevent n.1notT. lov.1 head
drainage, overspray, or other si1nilar conditions where irrigalion -.:vatcr
flo\VS onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated
areas, harclscapcs, road\vays, or structures.
(J) Relevant infonnation fro1n tbe soil 1nanagcrncnt plan. such as soil
type and infiltration rate, shall he utilized when designing irrigation sys-
tems.
(K) The design of the irrigation systen1 shall confonn to the hydro-
zones of the landscape design p!nn.
(L) The irrigation s:vsten1 1nust be designed and installed Lo n1cct, at a
minin1un1, the irrigation efficiency criteria as described in Section 492.4
regarding the Nlaxirnu1n i\pplied \Vater Allo\.vance.
( M) J\ll irrigation e1nissio11 devices 1nust 1neet the requiren1ents set in
the r\n1erica11 National Standards lnslitute (ANSI) srnndard. An1erican
Society of Agdculturn.! and Biological Engineers'/Inten1ational Code
Council's (ASABE/lCC) 802··-2014 ''Landscape ln·igation Sprinkler and
Ernlttcr Standard, All sprinkler heads installed in the landscape 1nust. doc-
un1ent a distribution uniformity lcnv quarter of 0.65 or higher using the
protocol defined in ASABE!ICC 802-2014.
(N) ft is highly reco111n1endcd tha1 the project applicant or local agency
inquire \Vith the local \Vatcr purveyor about peak \Vatcr operating Jc-
n1m1ds (on the \Vatcr supply systcn1) or v..ratcr rcstric1lons that may i111pact
the effectiveness of the irrigation systcn1.
(OJ ln n1ulched planting areas, tbc use of lo\.V volun1e irrigatlon is re-
quired to 1naxin1ize vvater infiltration into the root zone.
(P) Sprinkler heads and other en1ission devices shall have n1atched
precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's rec-
on1n1endations.
(Q) Head to hcud coverage is rccomrncnded. However, sprinkler spac-
ing sba!l be designed to achit::ve the highest possible distribution unifor-
1nit.y using the n1anufi1cturer's recon1tnen<luiions.
(R) S\-vingjoinl's or other riser--proleclion co1nponenls are required on
all risers subject 10 darnage that are adjacent !o or in high traf-
fic areas of tnrfgrass.
i:•age 38.5 Rc.>rislcT 2015, :\"o. Yt ')-J,~-2015
492.8 BARCLAYS CALIFORNIA CODE Of REGULATIONS Title 23
(S) Check valves or anti-drain valves arc required on all sprinkler
heads vvbcrc !o\V point drainage could occur.
(T) ,i\rcas less than ten ( l 0) feet in width in any direction shall be i1Ti-
gaied \Vith subsurface irrigation or other n1eans that produces no runoff
or overspray.
(lJ) ()verhead irrigation shall not be pennitted vvithin 24 inc bes of any
non-penneable surface. Allowable in·igation within the setback fron1
non-pcrn1cablc surfaces rnay inc!udc drip, drip line, or other low flo\v
non-spray technology. The setback area niay be planted or unplantecl.
The surf3cillg of ihe setback 1nay be n1ulch, gravel, or other porous n1ate-
rial. These restrictions n1ay be n1odilicd if:
l. lhe landscape area is adjacent to pcnneable surfacing and 110 runo!T
occurs; or
2. the adjacent non-pcrn1cab1c surfaces arc designed and constructed
to drain entirely to landscaping; or
3. the irrigation designer specifics an alternative design or technology,
as part of the Lm)(lscape Docun1cntation Package and clearly dcnion~
stratcs strict adherence to irrigation systc1n design critcrla in Section
492. 7 (a)( I )(I). Prevention of overspray m1d runotT 1nust be con finned
du.ring t·hc irrigation audit
(V) Slopes greater thun 25% shul! not be irrigated \Vith an irrigation
systetn \Vith a application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This re~
striction 1nay be 1nodified if the landscape designer specifies an alterna-
tive design or technology, as pan of 1he Landscape Docun1entation Pach.~
age, and clearly cle1nonstrates no nmoffor erosion \Vil! occur. Prevention
of runoff and erosion n1ust be confin11ed during the irrigation audit.
{_2) 1-fydrozone
(A) Each valve shall in·igale a hydrozone with sin1ilar site. slope, sun
exposure, soil conditions, and plant inaterlals v ... 'ith si1nilar \vater use.
(B) Sprinkler heads and other cn1ission devices shall be selected based
on \Vhat is appropriate fOr the plant type \Vithin that hydrozonc.
(C) \/./here feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves fron1
shrubs, groundcovcrs, and turf to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of
trees. The n1aturc size and extent of the root zone shall be considered
\:vhcn designing irrigation for the tree.
(D) Individual hydrozoncs that n1ix plants of 1nodcratc and !ovv \Yater
use, or inodcratc and high \Yater use, 1nay be allowed if:
l. plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective
p!anl water uses and their plant fi1ctor; or
2. the plan1 factor of the higher \Vater using plant is used for c.:alcula-
tions.
(E) Individual hydrozonos that n1ix high and lc)\v 1,,vaterusc plants shan
not be pern1ittcd.
(F) On the landscape design plan and irrigarion design plan, hydrozone
areas shall be desigrmleJ by nur11ber, letter, or other design11lion. On the
irrigation design plan, designate the areas in:iga1ed by each valve, and as-
sign a ntnnber to each valve. Use this valve nu1nber in the Bydrozone In-
fonnatlon Table (sec Appendix B Section A). This table can also assist
\vith the irrigation audit and progran1rning the controller.
(b) The irrigation plan, at a rninln1un1, shaH contain:
(I) location and size or separate \Vatcr 1nctcr.s for landscape;
(2) location, Lypc and size of all co1nponents of' the irrigation systc1n,
including_ controllers, n1ain and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads,
rnoisturc sensing devices, rain s\vltches, quick couplers, pressure regula-
tors, and backflov.-' prevention devices;
(3) static V•/atc-r pressure at the point of connection to the public \Vater
supply;
(4) flo\V rate (gallons per ininute), application rate (inches per hourL
and design operating pressure (pressure per square fiw each station:
(5) recycled \Vatcr irrigaiion systc1ns as specified in Section 492.14;
(6) the follcnving state1nent: "l have con1plied with the criteria of the
ordinance and applied the111 uccordingly for the t:fTicient use or water in
the in·igarion design plan": and
(7) the signature ofa licensed landscape architect, certified i1Tigation
designer, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized
to design an irrigation systen1. (Sec Scctlons 5500. J, 5615, 564 J, 564 i .1,
5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 670L 7027,5 of the Business
and Professions Code .. Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code
of Reguh:itions, and Section 6721 of the Food and Agricultural Code.)
Ncrrc: Authority cited: Section 65595, Government Code; and sections l l and 30,
Governor's ExcC. Order No. B-29-15 (April 1, 2015). Reference: Section 65596,
Government Code; and section 11, Governor's Exec. Order No. B-29-15 (April
l, 2015).
l-l!STORY
l. New section filed 9-l 0-2009: operative 9-10·~2009 pursuant to Government
Code section 11343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
2. Ame.ndrnent of section and NOTL filed 9-15-2015: opcrntive 9-l S-2015. Ex-
empt from OAL review and suh1nittcd to OAL for printing 011ly pursuant to
Governo1·'s Executive Order 0:0. B-29--J 5(4 .. ··l-·2015)(Registcr2015, No. 38).
§ 492.8. Grading Design Pian.
(a) For the efficient use of \O/Llter, grading of a project site shall be de-
signed to r11ini1nize soil erosion, runoff~ and water \Vas1e. A grading plan
shall be subn1iued as part of the L<:u1dscape Docun1entafion Package. A
co111prehensive grading plan prepared by a civil engineer for other local
agency pen11its sutisfies this requiren1enl.
(l) The project applicant shall sub1nit a landscape grading plan 1hal in-
dicates finished con figurations and elevations of the landscape area in-
cluding:
(A) height of graded slopes;
(B) drainage pattcn1s;
(C) pad elevations~
(1)) finish and
(E) stonnwatcr retention in1provcn1cnts. if applicable.
(2) To prevent excessive erosion and runoff_ it is highly recon11nendcd
that project applicants:
(/\) g.radc so ihat all irrigation and norn1al ralnfall rc1nains \Vithin prop-
erty lines and does not drain on to non--penne<ible hardscapcs;
( B) avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undistuibeJ soil;
and
avoid soi! cornpac1ion in landscape areas.
(3) The grading design plan shall contain the follt)\ving statc1nent: "I
have con1plied with the criteria of the ordinance and applied then1 accon-1-
ingly for the efficient use of\vater in the grading design plan" and shall
bear ihe signature of a licensed professional as authorized by la\v.
1\JOTE: Au1horiiv cited: Section 65595. Govcn1mcn1 Code. Reference: Section
65596, Govcnm;.::nt Code.
"f{!STORY
I. New section filed 9~ ... J 0-2009: operative 9-10-2009 pursuant to Government
CQde secti~m 11343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
§ 492.9. Certificate ol Completion.
(a) The Certificat.t' of Co1nple1ion (see Appendix C h.lr a sa1nple certif-
icate) shall include the fr1llovving six (6) clen1c:rtts:
(1) project infonnation sheet 1hat contains:
(A) date:
\B) project nan1c;
(C) project applicant nan1e, telephone, and rnailing address;
(D) project address and location; and
(E) properiy o\vner naine, telephone, and 1naili11g address;
(2) certification by either the signer of the landscape design plan, the
signer of the irrigation design plan, or the licensed landscape contractor
that the landscape project has been installed per the approved Landscape
Docutncntat!on Package;
(,\) \Vhc.rc there have been significant changes 1nadc in the field during
construction, these "as-buiH" or rer..:ord dnnvings shall be inc.:iudcd \Vi th
the certification:
(B j A diagnun of the irrigation plan sho\ving hydrozones shnll be
with the irrigation controller fOr subsequent n1anagcn1cnt purposes.
irrigation scheduling paran1eters used to set the controller (sec Sec-
tion 492. I 0};
landscape and irrigation 111aintenance schedule (see Seclion
492.11):
(5) audit rcpon (sec Sect.ion 492.12); and
38.6
Title 23 l)epartrnent of Water Resources § 492.13
(6) soil analysis repon, lfnnt sub1nittcd \Vith Landscape Docu1ncnta-
tion Package, and docun1cntation verifylng i1nplcn1cntation of soi! report
rccon1n1cndations (sec Section 492.5).
The project applicant shaH:
( 1) subn1it the signed Certifit.0ak: of Co111p!ction to the !ocaJ atrencv for
revievv: ~ .
(2) ensure tha1 copies of the approved Certificate of Co1npletion nre
sub1nittcd 10 the local 1,.vatcr purveyor and propc1iv o\vner or his or her
designee. .
(c) The local agency shall:
( 1) receive the signed Certificate of('.0111pletion fron1 the project appli-
cant:
(2) approve or deny the Certificate of Co1nplction. If the Certificate of
Con1plction is denied, fhc local agency shall provide infon11ation to the
project applicant regarding rcapplicati.011, appeal, or other assistance.
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 65595, Govcrunw:nt Code; and scc1ions l \ and 30,
Governor's Exec. Onkr No. Ji. .. 29. 15 (1\pril l. 2015). Rcl'crcncc: Section 65596.
Govermnent Code; and section ! ! . Governor· s Exec. Order No. B--29--l.5 (April
L 2015).
HtSTORY
!. New section filed 9-J() ...... 2009: operative 9--10 -2009 pursuant to Goven1Tnent
Code sectiou 11343.4 (RcgiSLer 2009, No. 37).
2. Nn".. subsection (a)(2!(B) and mncndmcnl ofNo-1 L filed 9~15~2015: operative
9~1:>~2015. ~xcn1pt J.ron1 OAL revic\v and sub1nittcd Lo OAL forprinrinu onlv
pun;uant to Governor's Executive Order No. B-·29·-15 (4~1--2015) (R.Cg1slCr
2015, No. 38).
§ 492.10. Irrigation Scheduling.
(a) For the efficient use Of \-vater, a!l irrigation schedules shall be devel-
oped, 1nanHged, and evaluated to utilize the n1inin1ltn1 amount of \Vatcr
required to inaintain plunt heallh. Irrigation schedul.es shall n1eet the fol-
lo\ving criteria:
(I) hTigation scheduling shall be. regulaLed by aulon1atic irrigation
controllers.
(2) ()verhead i1Tigation shall be scheduled bct\vcen 8:00 p-.111. and
10:00 a.111. unless wearher conditions prevent it. If aU.o\vabie hours oC ir-
rigation differ fro1n the local V\'ater purveyor, the stricter of the l\VO shall
apply. Operation of the itTigation systcn1 outside the nonnal watering
i..vindo\-v is allo\vcd tOr auditing and systcTn n1ai.ntenancc.
(3) For ir11p!cn1cntatlon of the irrigation schedule, particular attention
rnust be paid to irrigation run ti1ncs, cn1ission device, flo\V rate, and cur-
rent rctCrcncc cvapotranspiration, so that applied \Yater n1ects the Esti-
1nated Total Water Use. Total annual applied \Yater shall be less than or
cqua! to Maxin1un1 Applied Water AJJo\vancc (MA \/VA). Actuai
ti on schedules shall he regulated by automatic irrigation controllers using
current reference cvapotranspiration data (e.g., Clf\r1IS) or soil rnoisture
sensor data.
(4) Para1nctcrs used to set the auton1atic controHer shaH be developed
and subn1iued for each of lhe lOllo\ving:
(A) the phint estab!islnnent period:
(B) the established landscape; and
(C) te1nponirily in·igaled areas.
(5) Each lrrigation schedule shall consider f"i.)r euch station all of the
following that apply:
(;\)irrigation interval (days between irrigation):
(R) irrigation run tin1cs (hours or 1ninules per in·igatlon event to avoid
runoff);
(C) nun1ber of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid
run oft
(D) amount of app!icd V.'atcr scheduled to be applied on a 1nonthly ba-
sis;
(E) application rate setting;
(F) root depth setting.:
(Ci-) plant type setting;
(H) soil t)1)c;
(l) slope fi1ctor
(J) shade fllctor setting; and
(K) irrigation uniforniity or efficiency setting.
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 65595, Govcrnrncm Code. Rcf-"crcncc: Section
65596, Govcrnn1cnt Code.
}{JSTORY
l. New section tiled 9~1("--2009: operative 9-10-2009 pursuant to Government
Code section J 1343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
§ 492.11. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule.
(a) Landscapes shall be inaintaincd to ensure \Vatcr use efficiency. A
regular n1aintenance schedule shall be sub1nilt1.:d with the Certific<Jte of
Con1plct.ion.
(b) A. regular n1aintcnance schedule shall include, but not be litnited
to, routine inspection; auditing, adjust111cnt and repair of the irrigation
syste111 and its con1ponents; a era Ling and de1hatching turf areas; topdress-
ing \Vi th co1npos1, replenishing 111ulch; fertilizing; pruning; \:Yeeding in
all landscape areas, and ren1oving obstructions to en1ission devices. Op-
eration or the i1Tigation systcn1 outside the norrnal \Valcring windo\v is
allowed for auditing and systcn11naintcnance.
( c) Repair of all irrigation equip1nent shall be done \Vi th the originally
JnsiaUed ccnnponents or t.heir equiva!ents or with co1nponents wit!; greal:-
cr efficiency.
\ d) A project applicant is encouraged to i1nplc1ncnt established land-
scape industry sustainable Best Practices for all landscape 1naintcnancc
activities,
NOTJ.:: Authority cited: Section 65595, ()ovcrnmcnt Code; and sections ! land 30,
Govcrnor·s Exec. Order No. B-:29-15 (April l, 2015). Reference: Section 65596.
Govcinment Code; and section l l, Governor's Exec. Order No. B--29-15 (!\pri!
1. 2015)
HL'-;TOR\'
1. Nev,· section filed 9-10--2009: operative 9 ...... J0---2009 pursuant to Govcrnrncnl
Code sectinn ! 1343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
2. Amcnd1ncnl of section and NOTE filed <J ... J ) .. -2() 15: opcrn.tivi:: 9--1 5~2015. Ex-
~;np1 f"r01~1 \~/\L r~vic\v and ~uhn1ittcd t9 OAL for pri1l1ing only pur:o;uant
Crnvcmor s i·:xccutJvc Order !\n. B---29-J ."> (4-J-2015) (Register 2015, No.
§ 492.12. Audit, Irrigation Survey, and lrriaalfon
Waler Use Analysis.
\a) All landscape i1Tigation audits shall be conducted by a local agency
landscape irrigat..ion auditor or a third party certified landscnpc in·igation
auditor. Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the person vvho de-
signed. the lm1ctscape or installed the landscape.
(b) In large projects or projects \Vith n1ultiplc landscape installations
(i,c. production hornc dcvclopn1cnts) an auditing rate of l in 7 lots or
approxi111ately 151/0 \viH satisfy this rcquirc1ncnt.
( e) For nc\v construction and rchabi litatcd landscape projects installed
after Decen1ber 1, 2015, as described in Section 490.1:
(1) the project applicant shall subn1it an irrigation audit report \Vlth the
Certi Rcate of Con1plction to the local agency that 1nay include, but is not
li111itcd to; inspection, systcrn lunc--up, systcn1 test \vith distribution uni-
formity, reporting over:-;pray or run off duit causes overland flo\-v, and
preparation of an irrigation schedule, including configuring irrigation
controllers \Vith application rate, soil types, plant factors. slope, exposure
and. any other factors necessary fOr accurate progran1111ing:
(2) the iocal agency shall adrninister prograins that n1ay include, bu1
not be li1nitcd to, i1Tigation \Vatcr use analysis, irriQ:ation audits, and ir-
rigaLio11 surveys !Or con1pliance \vith the Maxi1nu1; Applied Wat.er Al-
lowance.
NOTE: Autllorii:y died: Section 65595, Go\·cn1n1ent Code; Hntl section::; l \ and 30,
Governor\; Exec. Order No. B--29-15 (.April l, 2015). Rcfcrc~n.cc: Scc1ion 65596.
Government Code; and section 11. Govc111or's Exi:c. Order No. B-29-15 (April
l.20!5).
H1s·10RY
1. Nc\v section tiled 9----10··-2009: operative 9-10-2009 purf;uant to Government
Code section 11'.i43.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
2. Amendment of section and NOTE filed 9-15-2015; operative 9 .... J 5~2015. b,x-
c_111pt from OAL review and subn1lllcd to OAL frir pnnting onlv pursuanl 10
Governor\; Executive Order No. B-29-15(4-1-2015) (Register io 15. No. 38).
§ 492.13.
(a) For the purpose of detennining Estin1ated Total \Valer Use, aver-
age irrigalion e!Ticiency is assumed to be 0.75 kn overhead spray devices
and 0.81 for drip systen1 devices.
NOTF: Authl'.rity cited: Scetion 65595, Govcm1ncnt Code: <md seuions 11 and 10,
Ciovernor's Lxec. Order No. fl .... 2iJ ... i 5 (Aprii l, 2015). Reference: Section 65596.
Page 38.7 9-J~-2\IJS
492.14 BARCLAYS CALIFORNIA CODE OF R}:GULATIONS Title 23
(iovcrnmcnt Code; and section l L Governor's Exec. Order No. B--29-·-·15 (April
J, 20 l 5).
!-(\STORY
l. Nmv section fiicd Y-10-2009: operative 9-10-2009 pursuant to Govcn1mcnr
Code si.:ction 11341.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
2. An1endmcnt of section ;ind Nun_: filed 9-l 5-2015; operative 9-15-2015. Ex-
empt fron1 OAL revievv· and submitted to ()AL fOr plinting only pursuant to
Governor's Executive Order No. B 29-1 S (4-1--2015) (Register 2015, No. 38).
§ 492.14. Recycled Water.
(a) The installalion of recycled water irrigation systcrns shall allo\v for
the Cl1n·ent and future use of recycled water.
(b) /\ll recycled water irrigation syste111s shall be designed and oper-
ated in accordance \vith all applicable local and State laws.
(c) Landscapes using recycled \Yater are considered Special Land~
scape A rcas. The F.T Adjusttncnt Factor for new and existing: (non~rcha~
bilitatcd) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed J .().
NOTE; Authority cited: SecLion 65595, Government Code; and sections J 1 and 30,
Govcn1or·s Exec. Order No. B-29-f 5 (April l, 20 15). Reference: Section 65596.
Govcrrnnent Code; m1d so.:-cfion 11, Govc111or·s Exec Order No. B·-29-15 (April
L 2015].
HISTORY
l. New section filed 9-HJ-2009; operative 9·-10-2009 p1irsuant to Government
Code s.:ciion ! J 343.4 (Rcgi'>tcr 2009. No. 37).
2. Amendment of section and NOTE filed 9--15-20 !5: operative 9 ...... ] 5 .... 2015. Ex-
c1npt frmn 0!\L rcvicv<' and ~ubrniltcd t0 OAL for fllinting only purs:uani to
Govcmor·s Exccui.ive Order No. n .... }() .. -. 15 ( 4 J ..... 2015) (Rcgisicr20 ! 5, No, 38).
§492.15. Gravwa;ler Systems.
(a) (}ray1.vatcr systc1ns proinote the efficient use of water and arc en-
couraged to assist in on-site landscape irrigation. All graywatcr systcins
shall confon11 to the California Plun1bing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter
! 6) and any applicable local ordinance standards. Refer to § 490. l ( d_) for
the applicability of this ordinance to landscape areas !ess lhnn 2,500
square feet 1.vilh lhe Estin1ated Total Vv' at er Use n1et entirely by gray1.va-
ter.
Nore: Authority cited: Six.:tion 65595. Government Code; and secti{)ns l l m1d 30.
Governor's Exec. Order No. B-29·-15 (April l, 20 l 5). Ref'Crence: Section 65596,
Governn1ent Code: and section 11. Governor·~ Exe<> Order No. B-29-J 5 (April
l, 2015).
I!JSTORY
J. New-section filed 9 J 0-2009; operative 9-J 0-2009 pursuant to Gover11men1
Code section 11343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
2. Rcnu1nbcring of former section 492. J 5 to 492. J 6, new section 492.15 and
m-ncndmcnt of Nuno filed 9-15-2015; operative 9-! 5 ... -20 ! 5, Exempt fr01n
OAL review and submitted to OAL for printing only pursunnt to GovtTnor's
Executive Order No. B· .... 29--15 (4-J .. ~20 J 5) (Register 20 l .'.i, Nf1. 38).
§ 492.16. Stormwater Management and Rainwater
Retention.
(a) Stornnvarer n1anage1nenl practices mini1nize runoff nnd increas\:
infiltration which recharges groundwater and irnprovcs water quality.
hnplernenting ston11\v<itcr best n1anagcnlcnt practices into the landscape
and grading design plans to n1inin1izc runoJf and to increase on~sitc rain-
\Vater retention and infiltration are encouraged.
(b) Project applicants shal! refer to the local agency or Regional \Val-er
()uality Control Board for infonnation on any applicable storn1\vatcr
technical rcquircrncnts.
( c) All planted landscape areas arc required to have friable soi [to rnax-
i1nizc \Valer retention and infiltration, Refer to § 492.6(a)(3),
(d) [tis strongly rccon11ncnJcJ that land:.;capc areas be designed for
eapturc and infiltration capacity that i::> sufficient to prevent runoff fron1
i111perv-ious surfaces (i.e. nlof and paved <Jreas) fro1n either: the one inch,
24--hour rain event or (2) the 85th percentile, 24---hour rain event, and/or
a<lditiona! capacity as required by any applicable local, regional, state or
federal regulation.
( e) It is reco1nn1ended that stonn \Vater projects incorporate any of the
following elements to in1prove 011-site stonn water and dry V·/ealher run-
off capture and use:
e (Jrade in1pervious surfrtces, such as drive\vays. during cons!ruc-
tion to drain to veg.e1-<He<l areas.
e Minin1ize the area of irnpervious sur!'aces such as paved areas, roof
and concrete drivc\vays.
0 1ncorporatc pervious or porous surfaces (e.g .. gravel, pcn1lcable
pavers or blocks, pcrvious or porous concrete) that n1inin1ize run-
off.
• Direct runoff fron1 paved surfaces and roof areas into planting beds
or landscaped areas to n1ax-ln1izc site \\-'aler capture and reuse.
• Incorporate rain gardens, cisten1s, and other rain harvesting or
carchn1ent systems.
• Incorporate infiltration beds, s\valcs, basins and dryv,1eHs to cap-
ture storn1 \Vatcr and dry weather runoff and increase percolation
into the soil.
o Consider constructed \Vetlands and ponds that retain \Vater, equal-
ize excess flow, and filter pollutants.
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 65595, Government Code; and sections 11 and 30,
Govcn1or's Exec. Order No_ B·-29-15 (April 1, 2015). Reference: Section 65596,
Government Code; and section 11, GovcrnDr's Exec. Order No. B-29-15 (April
L 2015).
l--!JSTORY
!. New s:cction filed 9-10-2009: operative 9-JO 2009 pursuant w Goven1rnent
Code section 11343.4 (Register :2009, No. 37).
2. Renumbering or Conner section 492.16 to section 492, 17 and renumbering of
former section 492.15 1.0 new scc1ion 492.16, including an1cndn1en1 of section
heading, section and NOTb, filed 9-·15-2015: opcn11'ivc 9-15-2015. Fxcn1pl
from OAL review and submiltc:d to OAL for printing only pursua11! 10 Gover-
nor's Executive Order No. B-29 ..... J 5 (4-J ...... 2015) (Rcgisicr 20 J 5. No. 38).
§ 492.17. Public Education.
(a) Publications. Education is a critical coniponcnt to promote the effi-
cient use of 'Nater in landscapes. The use of appropriate principles of de-
sign. installation, 1nanagc1ncnt and n1aintenancc that save \Vatcr is en-
couraged in the conununity.
( 1) A local agency or water surplier/purveyor sh ail provide infonna-
tion to O\;vne.rs of pern1itted renovations and ne\v, single-fa1niiy resiJen~
lial hon1es regarding the design, installation, 1nanagen1en1, and 1nainte-
nance or water efficient landscapes based on a \Vater budgeL
(b) Model Hon1es. AJI 1nodel ho1nes that are landscaped shall use signs
nnd VvT!H.en inforn1ation to dernonstrnte the principles of vvater efficient
landscapes described in this ordinance.
( J.) Signs shall be used to identify the inodel as an cxarnple of a \Valer
efficient landscape featuring elcrncnts such as hydrozoncs, irrigation
cquipn1cnt and others that contribute to the overall \vater efficient theme.
Sign age shal! include inforn1ation about the site \Vater use as designed per
the local ordinance; specify who dcs·igncd and instaJlcd the \Vater effi-
cient landscape; and den1onstratc low 10/atcr use approaches to landscap-
ing such as using native plants, gray\vatcr systcrns, and rai1nvatcr catch-
n1cnt systc1ns.
!nfonTHltion sha!l be provided about installing,, inanag.-
and maintaining water efficient landscapes.
NO'rE: Authority cited: Section 65595, Govermneni Code; and HCCtions ! 1 and 30,
Governor's Exec. Order No. B-29-15 (April I, 2015), Reference: Section 65596,
Gover111nent Code; and section 11, Governor's Exec. Order No. B-29-15 (April
L 2015').
lTJSTORY
1. New section fikd 9-1 0-2009; opcrntivc 9-J 0-2009 pursuant lo Guvernn1cnt
Code scclion l 1343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
2. Rcnurnbcring of lOnner section 49:2.17 to new section 492.1 i) and n:numbcring
of frwmcr si.::ction 492. l 6 to new section 492.17, including amend1ncn1 or ~cc
tion and Non,,, filed 9-15-20 l 5; operative 9-15-2015. Exen1pt fron1 OAL re-
view and subinitred 10 OAL for printing only pursuant to Govcrnor·s Executive
Order No. B-29 .... -] 5 (4-l-2015) (Register :20 l5, No. 38).
§ 492.18. Environmental Review.
(a) The local agency inust co1nply v .. ·ith the California Environn1cntal
Quality Act as appropriate,
NoTF: Authority cited: Section 21082, Public Resources Code: and sections J l
and 30, Governor's Exec. Order No. B-29-15 (Aprii l, 2015). Reference: Sections
21080 and 2 \082, Public Resources Code-; and section l l. Governor's Exec. Order
No. 11-29-15 (April L 2015).
l-TISTORY
l. Renumbering oCfonncr ::;cc Lion 492. J 7 to new ~cct.ion 492.18, including arncnd-
men1 of NOTL. filed 9·-15--20 JS; opcnitive 9-15-2015. Exempt frmn OAL re-
view and subtnittcd U.\ OAL for princing unly pursuant to Governor's Executive
Onkr No. B-29--15 (4~1--2015) (Register 2015. No. 3g).
Page 38.8
Title 23 Departrnent of'~·vater l{esources § 495
§ 493. Provisions for Existing Landscapes.
(a) A local agency 1nay by inutua! agrccn1cnt, designate another
agency. such as a \Vatcr purveyor, to in1plc111cnt son1e or all of the rcquirc-
Tnents contained in this ordinance. Local agencies nuiy col!abonite \Vit:h
\VHter purveyors to define each entity's specific responsibillties relating
to this ordinance.
NOTE: Authority dti.'<l: Scction 65595. Govcrnn1cnt Code~ and sections 1iand3()_
Govcn1or's ExcC. Order No. B-29-15 (April l, 10 J 5). Rc-fcrcncc: Scction 65596,
Govcrm11cnt Co<lc: and section 11, Governor\: Exec. Order No. B-29-15 \April
L2015J.
I !!STORY
1. New c:ection filed 7-31 · 92; operative 7-31-92 (Rtgister 92. No. 32).
2. Repealer and ne>v section and mncndmcnt of NOTE filed 9-l 0-2009; operative
9 ..... f 0-2009 pursuant to Government Code section 11343 .4 (Register 2009. No.
37).
-'· A1nend1nent of section and NOTE filed 9-15-2015; operative 9-15-2015. Ex-
c1npt fro111 OAL review and sc1bmiued to O!\L for printing only pursuant to
Governor's Executive Order No. B---29 .... 15(4 ..... J .... 2015) (Rcgis1cr 2015. No. 3R').
§ 493. 1, Irrigation Audi!, Irrigation Survey, and Irrigation
Waler Use An1aii1sl!;.
(a) This section, 493.1, shall apply to all existing landscapes that \Vere
instal.led before Decernber 1, 2015 and nre over one acre in size.
( 1) For all landscapes in 493. l (a) that have a \Vater rneter, the local
agency shall adrninister programs that inay include. but nQl be !i1nitcd to,
irrigation \.Yater use analyses. irrigation surveys, and irrigation 3udits to
evaluate \.Vatcr use and provide recon11ncndations as necessary to reduce
landscape \Yater use to a level that docs not exceed the Maxi.n1un1 Appl led
Water Allov,'ancc for existing landscapes. The lvlaxin1un1 Applied \\later
Al !o\vancc for cxlsting landscapes shall be ca!culatcd as: f\.1A \VA= (0.8)
(ETo) (LA) (0.62).
(2) For all landscapes ln 493.l(a), that <lo not have a !neter, the local
agency shull adn1inister progran1s that 1nay include, but not be lin1ite<l 10,
in·igation surveys and irrigation audits to evaluate \Yater use an<l provide
recon11nendations as necessary in order to prevent \Yater \\'asrc.
(b) /\_ll landscape irrigation audits sha!l be conducted by a certified
1<1ndscape irrigation auditor.
NOTE: Authority cited: Section (i5595, Govc111111cnt Code; anU sections l ) and 30.
Governor's Exec. Order No. B~29~J 5 (April L :20 J 5). Rcf1..'rencc: Section 65596,
(iovernn1ent Code; and section IL Guvcrnor's Exec. Order No, 13 ..... 29.,] 5 (April
1. 2015).
HISTORY
l. New section filed 9 -10--2009: opcrc11ivc 9 J 0·-2009 pursu<mt to Govcr11mcnt
Code sedion l 1343.4 (Rcgi:::tcr 2009. No. 37).
2. Amcndrntn1 of subsection (a) und NoTL filed 9-15-2015; opcracivc
9~ l 5-20 l 5. Exempt from OAL review and submitted to OAL fOr printing only
purswu1i to Governor\; Executive Order No. B-29-15 ( 4-1·-2015) (Register
2015, No. J8).
§ 493.2. Waler Waste Prevention.
(H) Local agencies shall prevenr vvater \Vaste resulting fro1n inefficient
landscape irrigation by prohibiting runoff fron1 leaving the target bnd-
scapc due to ]()\y head drainage, overspray, or other sin1ilar conditions
\Vhere \Vater flov,1s onto adjacent property, non----irrigated areas. \Valks,
roa.chvays, p<irking: lots, or stru<.:tures. Penal Lies for violation of these pro-
hibitions sh<!ll be established locally.
(b) Resu·icl ions regarding overspray and runof.T rnay be 111odified if:
( l) the landscape area is adjacent to penncablc surfacing and no runo1T
occurs: or
(2) the adjacent non-pcrn1cablc surfaces arc designed and constructed
to drain entirely to landscaping.
NCYJT: r\u1hori1y cited; Section 65594. Government. Code. Reference: Section
65596, Government Code.
I !!STORY
1. Ne\\r section filed 9--10-2009: operative 9~ I 0 ·2009 pursuant to Governn1ent
Code section 11343.4 (Register 2009, No. 37).
~ 494. Effective Precipitation.
(a) 1\ local agency inay consider Effective Precipitation (25(~/o of annu-
al precipitation) in tracking v;,,ratcr use and n1ay use the foll(nv!ng equation
to calculate lVlHximu1n Applied \Varer 1\llowance:
MAWA~ (ETo -Eppt) (ll.62) [(0.55 x LAI+ (0.45 x SL\)] for resi-
dential areas.
MA WA~ (ETo-EPPT) (0.62) [(0.45 x LA) (0.55 x SLA)] for non-
residential areas,
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 65595. Govcrmnenl Code; and sections J ! and 30,
Governor'::; ExcC. Order No. B-29-15 (April J, 20 J 5). Rcficrcncc: Section 65596,
Government Code: Hild section IL Governor"s Exec. Order No. B--29-·15 (April
1, 2015).
H!STORY
l. Repealer and nccv section: lll'.'\V NOTL and new Appendices A-C filed
9-l 0~2009: operative 9·-10-·2009 pnrsunnt to Govern1uent Code section
1134:;.4 (Register 2009, '.\o. 3 7)
.., Amendment of section and NoTL filed 9-15-2015; operative 9··-15-2015. Ex-
empt fron1 OAL reviei.-v m1d sub1nittcd t0 OAL for printing only pursuant to
Govcn1or':; Exccufrvc Order No. B-29-· 15(4 .... J .... 2015) (Register 2015. No. 38).
§ 495. Reporting.
(a) Local agencies shall report on i1nplen1entation and cnforccincnt by
Dcccn1bcr j 1, 201 S. Local agencies responsible for adrninistcring indi-
vidual ordinances shall report on their updated ordinance, \vhi!c those
agencies developing u regional ordinance shall rcpo11 on their existing
ordinance. Those agencies crafting a rcgio-nal ordinances sha!l also re-
po1i on their ne\\i or(tinancc by l\!larch l, 2016. Subscgucnt!y, reporting
for a[! agencies \vi!l be due by January 3 J st of each year. Reports shall
he subtnlttcd to the Dcpartinent of Water Resources.
(b) Local agencies arc to address the follovving:
( l) State \Vhether you are adopting a sing!c agency ordinance or a re-
gional agency alliance ordinance, and the date ofadopt·ion or anticipated
date of adoption.
(2) Define the reporting period. The reporting period shall con1n1ence
on Dece1nber 1, 20 l 5 and the end on Dccetnbcr 28. 2015. For local agen-
cles crafting regional ordinances wi1h other agencies, there shall be an
additional reporting period co1nrnencing on February I. 2016 m1cl ending
on February 28, 20 I 6. ln subsequent years, all local agency repo1ting will
be for the calendar year.
(3) State !fusing a locally n1odified Water Efficient Landscape Ordi-
nance (WELC)) or the l\1WF.L(). If using a locally rnodi fi.cd \VFLC), how
is it different than l\,1WI::'.L(), is it at least as efficient as f\1WEL(), and arc
there any excn1ptions specified?
(4) State the entity responsible for i1np!c1ncnting the ordinance.
(5) State nun1bcr and types of projects subject to the ordinance during
the srccified reporting period.
( 6) State the total area (in square feet or acres} subject to the ordinance
over the reporting period, if available.
(7) Provide the nun1ber ofnevv housi11g starts, ne\v con11nercial proj-
ects, and landscape retrofits during the reporting period.
(8) Describe the procedure for re\1iew of projects subjecl to the ordi-
nance.
(9) Describe actions taken to con1pliance. Is a plan check per-
fonned; if so. by what entity? Is a si!e inspection perfOrn1ed; if so, by whai
entity? Is a post--installntion audit required; if so, by -.,vhon1?
( i 0) Describe enl'oree1nent n1easures.
( 1 1) Explain challenges to in1plc1nc111:ing and enforcing the ordinance.
( 12) Describe educational and other needs to pt·opcrly apply t·he ordi-
nance.
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 65595, Government Code; and sections 1 l and 30.
Gnvcrnor·s f-,xcc. Order No. B-29-15 (April l, 2015). Reference: Section 65596.
Government Code: and scc1ion J l, Governor's Fxcc. Order No. n-29 .... J 5 (April
1. 2015).
HISTORY
l. New section tiled 9-15· 2015: operative 9-J 5-2015. Exen1pt from OAL review
and subn1itted to OAL for printing only pursunnt to Governor's Executive Order
No. B--29-I 5(4--!~2015) (Register 2015. "Jo. 38). I•\)r prior history. see Regis~
ter 2009. No. 37.
38.9 R,;y1S\('l 2(115. No .. 1Zi; 9·-JS--20 I~
495 BARCLAYS CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS Tille 23
Appendix A. Reference Ev:apr1tnrnspirati<an (ETo) Table
~~~~~~~~-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~··~~~
~.E'ndix A -Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*
Dec
Annual
ETo I Countv and Citv Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun I Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov ---i-~-r-~.-.,~~+--~-t-~"-+~--,~~+-~--r-~--+~~.......-; ! ALAMEDA I I
Fremont 1.5 1.9 3.4 4.7 5.4 6.3 6.7 6.0 4.5 3.4 1.8 1.5 47.0
Livermore l.2 1.5 2.9 4.4 5.9 6.6 7.4 6.4 5.3 47.2
c-c~~~~~~~~-J-~-+-~-+-~c--+-c--c-rc~+--~-+-~c--t-
1 Oakland 1.5 1.5 2.8 3.9 5.1 ' 5.3 6.0 5.5 : 4.8
3.2
3.1
1.5 0.9
1.4 i 0.9 ~ i 41.8 i
Oakland Foothills I.I 1.4 2.7 3.7 5.1 6.4 5.8 4.9 3.6 2.6 1.4 1.0 39.6 i
Pleasanton 0.8 1.5 2.9 i 4.4 5.6 6.7 7.4 I 6.4 4.7 3.3 1.5 1.0 46.2
UnionCity 1.4 1.8 3.1 4.2 5.4 5.9 I 6.4 5.7 4.4 3 .1 1.5 1.2 44.2
ALPINE
Markleeville
AMADOR
Jackson
Shaflandoah valley
BUTTE
Chico
Durham
Gridley
Oroville
San Andreas
COLUSA
Colusa
Williams
CONTRA COSTA
o.7 o.9 2.0 3.5 i s.o 6.1 7.3 6.4 I 4.4 2.6 i.2 o.5 40.6
1.2 1.5 2.8 4.4 6.0 7.2 7.9 7.2 I 5.3 3.2 I 1.4 0.9 48.9
1.0 I 1.7 2.9 1 4.4 5.6 6.8 7.9 7.1 5.2 3.6 1.7 1.0 48.8
!
1.2 1.8 2.9 4.7 6.1 7.4 8.5 7.3 5.4 i 3.7 1.7 1.0 51.7
l.l 1.8 3 .2 5.0 6.5 7.4 7.8 6.9 5.3 3.6 1.7 1.0 51.1
1.2 1.8 3.0 4.7 6.1 7.7 8.5 7.1 5.4 3.7 i 1.7 1.0 51.9
1.2 l. 7 2.8 4.7 6.1 7.6 8.5 7.3 5.3 3. 7 1.7 1.0 ' 51.5
1.2 1.5 2.8 4.4 I 6.o 7.3 7.9 1.0 5.3 3.2 1.4 , 0.1 48.8
1.0 1.7 3.4 5.0 6.4 7.6 8.3 7.2 5.4 3.8 1.8 l.l 52.8
1.2 1.7 I 2.9 4.5 6.1 7.2 8.5 I 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.6 1.0 50.8
Brentwood 1.0 j 1.5 2.9 4.5 6.1 7.1 7.9 6.7 5.2 3.2 1.4 0.7 48.3
I Concord 1.1 1.4 2.4 , 4.0 5.5 I 5.9 7.0 I 6.0 4.8 3.2 1.3 0.7 43.4
I Comtland 0.9 1.5 2.9 i 4.4 6.1 6.9 7.9 6.7 5.3 3.2 1.4 0.7 48.0
f--c---c-~~-~~~~-t-~-+--c-c-+--c---,.-c---lf---c-+-~·"--··~·~~f---+-~-+-~-+-~~t---~+--~~--1
f--M-,-a_rt_in_e_z _____ __,_1.2-+_l,.....4-+_2'".
7
4_,.i _3,.,.9-+_5_,.. . .,_3_,._5,...6c-·L 6.7 5.6 4.7 I 3.1 1.2 0.7 41.8
Moraga 1.2 1.5 3.4 I 4.2 5.5 6.1 I 6.7 5.9 4.6 I 3.2 1.6 1.0 44.9
•C7"-+--=-:c-+-=-""'i-c-c-l~·=-+-c=--~--l Pittsburg 1.0 ' 1.5 2.8 I 4.1 5.6 6.4 7.4 6.4 5.0 3.2 1.3 0.7 45.4
Walnut Creek 0.8 1.5 2.9 4.4 5.6 6.7 7.4 6.4 4.7 3.3 1.5 1.0 46.2
DEL NORTE I I
Crescent City 0.5 I 0.9 2.0 i 3.0 3.7 3.5 4.3 3.7 3.0 2.0 0.9 0.5 27.7 ----I ELDORADO
o.9 1.7 2.5 I 3.9 5.9 7.2 7.8 6.8 s.1 3.1 1.5 0.9 47.3
·~·+-~--r-~--+~~r--+-~~-j
Clovis 1.0 1.5 I 3.2 4.8 6.4 7.7 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.4
~-t-~-r~--J~~+-~-+-·~-+~~t---~+----r~-r-~~--j
Coalinga i 1.2 I 1.7 I 3.1 I 4.6 6.2 7.2 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.6 0.7 50.9
! Firebaugh i 1.0 1 1.8 3.7 5.7 7.3 8.1 8.2 7.2 5.5 3.9 2.0 I.I 55.4
e-~~~~~~~~-+-~-+---t-~--+~--+
FivePoints j 1.3 2.0 I 4.0 ' 6.1 7.7 8.5 8.7 8.0 6.2 ; 4.5 2.4 1.2 60.4
Fresno i 0.9 1.7 I 3.3 ! 4.8 6.7 7.8 8.4 7.1 5.2 3.2 1.4 0.6 SJ.I
Fresno State 0.9 1.6 3.2 5.2 7.0 8.0 8.7 7.6 5.4 3.6 l.7 0.9 53.7
_F1_·ian_1 _______ +_1._2-'-1.5 \ 3.1 i 4.7 6.4 I 7.7 8.5 7.3 5.3 3.4 1.4 0.7 51.3 f Kerrn<m i 0.9 I 1.5 I 3.2 + 4.8 6.6 7.7 8.4 I 7.2 5.3 I 3.4 l-J.-4-+~0~.7-+-5-1-.2--il
ttii:;;::g -r:~+L~T!~ I :~ ~.~ ~.~ :: ~.~ ~.~ ! !: ~:. ~.~ ~:~--~
i Orange Cove 1.2 , 1.9 3.5 4.7 7.4 8.5 , 8.9 7.9 5.9 3.7 1.8 1.2 56.7
Panache 1.1 2.0 4.0 I 5.6 7.8 1 8.5 8.3 I 7.3 5.6 3.9 1.8 1.2 57.2
Parlier 1.0 1.9 3.6 i 5.2 6.8 7.6 8.l 7.0 5.1 3.4 1.7 0.9
L...~~~~-~~~-'-~-'-~~~---'~~L...~-'-~--'-~---'~-.L...~_L.. _ _L..
52.0
38.IO Rcp;istn 2!)]5. N,,. 9-J::; .... 2()1:'
Title 23 l)cpartment of \\1ater Resources § 495
38.ll
§ 495 BARCLAYS CAUFORNTA CODE OF REGULATIONS Tille 23
38.12
Title 23 of \\Tater Resources 495
55.1
50.0
I 51.5
43.2
Monterey
Pajaro
~ Salinas. ------·------·
, Salinas North L2 L5 2.9 4.1 4.6 5.2
S:m Ardo LO u 3 .1 4.5 5.9 7.2 I
San Juan 1.8 2.1 3.4 4.6 5.3 5.7
L7 2.0 3.4 4.4 5.5 5.4
6.0 I 7.1
5.7 7.1 I 7.9 7.1
38.13 Rc:gi,;ln 2015. ""o. J~: 0-1~ -20 I~
§ 495 BARCLAYS CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS Title 23
38.14
Title 23
Lon1poc
Los Alamos
Santa Barbara
Santa Maria
J)epart~uent ofV\later llesources
8.0
8.1 6.8 5.3
7J 7.9 6.7 5.3
4.7 4.3 4.6 3.8
6.0 6.7
Page 38.14(a)
§ 495
0 0 5L2 ''"°
3.2 49.1
J.2 48.5 ----
3.2 ' 24 I 1.7 40.0
1.7 1.0 43.7
L7
49.1
44.9
59.7
48.l
.?OL~. ."lC:: <l--JK--201S
§ 495 BARCLAYS CAUFORNIA CODE OF RRGUI"ATIONS Title 23
Page 38. l 4 (Ii) R.c_giskr ~\Jl5. No . .18: 9-rn-2!ilS
Title 23 Department of\Vater Resources § 495
\.Vere
1) CalifOnlia Irrigation Managem_ent Infonnation System (CIMIS);
2) Reference EvapoTranspiration Zones Map, l!C Uept. of Land, Air & Water Resources and California I)ept of Water
Resources 1999; and
3) Reference Evapotranspiration for California, University of California, f)eparunent of Agriculture and Natural Resources
( 1987) flulletin 1922;
4) Reference Evapotranspirarion, Cooperative Extension UC I)ivision of Agriculture and Natural Resources
(I 987), Publication Leaflet 21426
Fl!STOR'{
1. New Appendix A filed 9 -HJ-2009; opcrativ~' 9-l 0--2009 pursuan\ to Govcn1-
rncnt Cock section 11:143.4 \Rcgi:itcr 2009. No. 37).
2. Repeakrand new A filed 9-J 5-2015; operntive 9-15-2015. Exe1np1
from OAL review submitted to OAL for printing only purs11ant to Gover-
nor"s Executive OnJer NC\. B-29-15 (4-l-2015) (Register 2015, No. 38).
495 BARCLAYS CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
Appendix B -Sample Water Efficic11l Landscape Worksheet.
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
This worksheet is filied out by the project applicant and it is a required elen1ent of the Landscape Documentaiion Package,
Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) _____ _
~rezone# Plant Irrigation
I
Irrigation
I
ETAF I Landscape ! ETAF x Area Estimated Tota!
Methodb !anting Factor (PF) Efficiency {PF/IE)
I
Area {sq, ft,) I Water Use
Description a
Regular Landscape Areas
I
I Special Landscape Areas
aHydrozone #!Planting Description
Eg
1.) front lawn
2.) tow water use plantings
3-) mediwn water use planting
I
!
i
!
I
(IE)'
..
I
!
I
I
I ----
blrrigation Method
overhead spray
or drip
.. MAWA (Annual Gallons Allowed)= (Eto) ( 062) [ (ETAF x LA)
+ ((1-ETAF) x SLA)J
where 0.62 is a conversion factor that converts acre-
inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per
year. LA is the total landscape area in square feet SLA
is the total special landscape area in square feet,
and ETAF 1s -55 for residential areas and 0-45 for non-
residential areas
ETAF Calculations
Regular Landscape Areas
I Total ETAF x Area
I Tota! Area
i
I Average ETAF
All Landscape Areas
(B) I
I <Ail
Total ETAF x Area ---~--(B+D)
Total Area (A+C) .
L: __ ;i_ew_ici_e_E_T_A_F ____ _L_(_B_+_D_)_"_(_A_+c_-;_-_-_-·__c·]
I (ETWU)'
.
I I I
•
i I --1 I
=r-=:: I
I Totals
!
(B) I
I
Totals (C) (0)
ETWU Total j
Maximum Allowed Water Allowance (MAWA)" j
clrrigation Efficiency
0. 75 for spray head
0.81 for drip
d ETWU (Annual Gallons Required}=
Eto x 0.62 x ETAF x Area
where 0.62 is a conversion
factor that converts acre-
inches per acre per year to
gallons per square foot per
year.
Average ETAF for Regular Landscape Areas must
be 0.55 or below for residential areas, and 0.45 or
below for non-residential areas.
Title 23
I
I
•
I
HISTORY
1. Ncvv A.ppcndix B fikd 9-10-2009: operative 9-Hl-2009 purnuanl lo Govcrn-
n1cnt Code section l lJ.:!J.4 (Register 2009, Nu. 37).
2. Repenler and new Appendix B filed 9-15-2015; operative() ..... l 5-20 J 5. Ex<:'mpt
from OAL review and sub1nit1ed to OAL for printmg only pursuant 1.o Gover-
nor·s Executive Order No. B-29-J 5 (4-J-2015) (Register 2015. No. 38).
Page 38.14(dl) Rc,'3'.i~kr 21Jl5, Nu. 3ti: 9-J~-2\ll.'i
Title 23 Departnient of '\7\later Resources
Appendix C -:Sam1>ieCcrtificate of Completion.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This certificate is filled out by the project applicant upon compleHon of the landscape project
PART 1. PROJECT INFORMATION SHEET
Address and Location:
Owner or his/her
Proa«""!" Owner
"I/we certify that I/we have received copies of all the documents within the Landscape Documentation Packfige
and the Certificate of Completion and that it is our responsibility to see that the proiect is maintained in
accordance with the Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule "
Property Owner Signature Date
Please answerthe questions below:
1. Date the Landscape Documentation Package was submitted to the local agency _____ _
2 Date the Landscape Documentation Package was approved by the local agency_~--~-
3 Date that a copy of the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (including the Water Budget Calculation) was
subrnitted to the local vvater purveyor _____ _
§ 495
495 BARCLAYS CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
PART 2. CERTIFICATION Of INSTALLATION ACCORDING TO THE LANDSCAPE
DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE
"I/we certify that based upon periodic site observations. the work has been completed 1n accordance with the
ordinance and that the landscape planting and irrigation installation conform with the criteria and specifications of
the approved Landscape Documentation Package."
contractor.
PART 3. IRRIGATION SCHEDULING
Attach parameters for setting the irrigation schedule on controlle1· per ordinance Section 492.10
PART 4. SCHEDULE OF LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE
Attach schedule of Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance per ordinance Section 492.11.
PART 5. LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AUDIT REPORT
Attach Landscape Irrigation Audit Report per ordinance Sectmn 492. 12.
PART 6. SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT
Attach soil analysis report if not previously submitted with the Documentation Package per ordinance
Section 492.6.
Attach documentation verifying implementation of recommendations from soil analysis report per ordinance
Section 492.6
Title 23
HISTORY 2. Repealer and new Appendix C filed 9-J 5-2015~ operative 9-l 5-2015. Exen1pt
1. New Appendix C filed 9-l0-2009; operative 9-10-2009 pursucrnt to Govern-from OAL review and subn1ittcd to OAL for printing only pursuant to Gover~
ment Code section I J 343A (Register 2009, No_ 37). nor's Cxecutive Order No. B--29-15 (4-1-2015) (Register 2015, No. 38).
38.14(f)
Title 23 Department of'\\'ater Resources § 497.2
-~l''P""u•A D -!'r,escri1>ti•ve Compliance Option.
(a) This appendix contains prescriptive rcquirc1ncnts \Vhich nrny be
used as a co1npliancc option to the lvlodcl Water Efficient Landscape Or~
di11ancc.
(b) Con1pllancc \Vlth the fo!knving iten1s is n1andatory and 1nust be
docun1cntcd on a landscape plan in urder to use thi..: prescriptive con1~
pliance option:
(1) Sub1nit a Landscape Docun1cntation Package \vhich includes the
following elen1ents:
(A) date
(B) project applicant
(C) project address (if available, parcel andior lot number(s))
(D) lntal landscape aret'l (square feet). including a breakdown of turf
and plant n1aterial
(E) project type (e.g., UC\\', rehabilitated, public, private, ccn1clery,
hon1eo\v11cr-installcd)
(f) ·water supply !ype (e.g., potable. recycled, well) and identi.f y the lo-
cal retail \Yater purveyor if the applicant is not served by a private \\'ell
(G) contact infonnation for the project applicant and property O\vncr
(H) applicant signature and date \Vith statcn1cnt "I agree to con1ply
\vi th the rcquircn1cnts of the prcscripfrvc co1npliancc option io the iv1\VE~
L000
•
(2) lncorporate con1post at a rate of at least four cubic yards per l ,000
square feet to a depth of six inches into landscape area (unless contra· 111-
dicatcd by a soil test);
(3) Plant n1atcrial shall con1ply with all of the fo!lovving;
(A) For residential areas. insta!l climate adapred plants that require oc-
casional. httle or no su1nn1er \Yater {average WUC:(JLS plant fitdor 0.3)
for 75~10 oCthe plant area excluding edibles nnd areas using recycled \Va-
ter; For non~residential areas, install clin1ate adapted plants that require
occasional. liltlc or no suJ.nrner water (average \VUC()LS plant factor
0.3) for l O(Y/~1 of the plant area excluding edibles and areas usingrccydcd
\Valer;
(B) A n1ini1nu1n three inch (3 ") layer or rnulch shall be applied on all
exposed soil surfaces or planting areas. except in turf areas, creeping or
rooting groundcovcrs, or direct seeding applications \Vhcrc n1ulch is con-
traindicated.
(4} Tutf shall con1ply \Vi th au of the j~)l\()\ving:
(A) Turf shall 1101 exceed 25~'0 of the landscape area in residential
areas, and there shall be no trni' in non--rcsidcntial areas:
(B) Turf shall not be rlanted on sloped areas which exceed a slope of
l foot vertical elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length;
(C) Turf is prohibited in park\vays less than 10 feet \Vidc, unless the
park\vay is adjacent to a parking strip and used to enrcr and exit vehicles.
Any turf in parkvvays n1ust be irrigated by sub-surface irrigation or by
other technology that creates no overspray or runoff.
(5) Irrigation syste1ns shall co1nply \Vith !he follo\ving:
(A) Auto1natic irrigation controllers are required and 1nusl use evapo-
transpiration or soil n1oisture sensor data and ulilizc a rain sensor.
(B) Irrigation controllers shall be of a type which does not lose pro-
gran11ning data in the event the prin1ary po\ver source is in1errupled.
(C) Pressure regulators shall be installed on the iiTigation syste1n to en-
sure the dynan1ic pressure oC1he sys1e1n is \Vithin the manufacturers rec-
omn1endcd pressure range.
(D) fv1anual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve. ball valve, or butter-
fly va!ve) shall be installed as close as possible to the point of connection
of the ;vatcr supply.
{E) 1\ll irrigation cinission devices n1ust meet the rcquircn1cnts set in
the ANS! standard, ASABE/lCC 802-2014. ''Landsc.'.lpc !1Tigation
Sprinkler <-tnd En1itter Standard." Al I sprinkler heads inst.ailed in the land-
scape niust docun1cnt a distribution unifonnity \o\V quarter of {L65 or
higher using the protocol defined in ;\SA.BE/lC:C 8Q2 .. .,2()J4.
(F) Areas less than ten ( 10) feer in width in any direction shall be irri-
gated \vith subsurface irrigation or other 1neans rbat produces no runoff
or overspray.
(6) For non-residential projects 1vith landscape areas of l,000 sq. tl.
or 1norc, a private sub1nctcr(s) to measure landscape 1,,vater use shall be
installed.
(c) At the tirnc of final inspection, the perrr1it applicant 111ust provide
the O\Vncr of the property \Vith a certificate of con1plction, certificate of
installation, irrigat·ion schedule and a schedule of landscape and irriga-
tion n1aintcnancc.
H!STOJl.Y
l. New Appendix D filed 9-15-2015; operative 9-15-2015. Exempt fron1 OAL
review :md subn1ittcd to OAL for printing only pursuant to Governor\; Execu-
tive Order No. B--29-l 5 \4-1-2015) \Register 2015, No. 38).
Chapter 2. 7 .1. Flood Protection r:nrririnr
Program of the Costa-Machado w,,,t.,r
2000
§ 497.1. Scope.
(a) These regulations i1npie1nenl Sections 79035 through 79044, and
79044.9 in Article 2.5 of Chapter 5 of Division 26 of1he Vv'ater Code,
\vhich Division is theCosta-·Machado Water Act of2000. They establish
a process for funding acquisition of property rights and related activities
for flood protection con·idor projects undertaken by the Departrncnt of
Water Resources directly or through grants to local public agencies or
nonprofit organizations.
(b) Tl1c Flood Protection Corridor Progran1 is statc\vide in scope.
Within the geographic scope of the CALFED Bay-Delta Progran1, funds
in the suhaccount for this progran1 shalf be used for projects that, to the
greatest extent possible, arc consistent with the CAL.FED long-tcnn plan
identified in the Progran11natic Record of Decision of August 28, 2000.
NOTJ:.: Autho1·ity cited: Sections 8300. 12580 and 79044.9. V./aterCode; 2000 Cal.
SrnL Ch. 52, I1em Nu. 3G60-10l-6005; 2001 CH!. Swt. Ch. 106, Item Gio.
3860-001-0001. Provision 3: and 2002 Cal. Stat. Ch. 379, !ten1 No.
3860-101-6005. Refereni.:e: Sections 79037, 79043. 79044 and 79044.9. Wate1
Code
HtSTORY
Nc>v chapter 2.7.1 (sections 497.1-497.12) and section filed 8-! 9. ·2003; opera~
live 8-19-2003 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2003_
No. 34),
§ 497.2. Definilions.
The words used in this chapter have n1eanings set fonh as follo\A'S:
(a) "A List" nlcans the preferred priority list of projects described in
Section 497.6.
(b) "Applicant" n1cans an entity that is acting as the principal paiiy
inaking an application for funding under the provisions of the Costa--;\/la-
chado \Vater 1\c1of2000.
(c) "B LisC' ineans the reserve priority lis1 of projects described in Sec-
tion 497.6.
(d) "CE()A" 1nem1s lhc Cahfon1ia Environ1ncntal Quahty Act, Public
Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq.
(e) ''Depari.n1en1" ineans the Califon1ia f)epart1nent of \\Tater Re-
sources.
(J) "Director'' n1cans the Director of 1he Departrnent of Water Re-
sources.
(g) "FEMA" rneans the Federal En1ergency !V1anag:cn1ent Agency.
(h) ''Fully funded" with respect to a grant project n1cans funded to the
full an1ount of the requested ihnds ot· to the funding lint it, \Vhichcvcr is
less.
(i) "(irant application fonn" rne~ns the Dcpart1nent's forr:n entitled
'"Flood Protection Corridor Progrnn1 Project Evaluation Criteria and
C:on1petitive (Jrant Application Forn1" dated 1\prl! 9, 2003 and incorpo-
rated herein by this reference.
(j) "Local public agency"' n1eans any polirical subdivision of the Stale
of California, including but not limited to any county, city, cily and
counLy, district. plnvers agency, or council of governn1ents.
Rcgiskr 21!15. No. 3!-:; 'l-lN-· 201 S
497.3 BARCLAYS CAUFOR'ITA CODF OF REGULATTONS Title 23
(k) "M ilcstonc" n1cans a ti1nc ·when a signlficant portion of a project
!s cotnplctcd, as defined in the contract as u tin1e for disburscn1e11t of
grant funds,
(I) "Nonprofit organization'· 1neans an organization ihnt <loes not operH
ate for profit and has no official governinental statu::;, including but not
lirniled Lo clubs, societies, neighborhood organizations, advisory coun-
cils. conservation organizations and priva1ely run local con11nunity con-
servation corps.
(m) "Progran1'' 111eans the Flood Protection Conidor Progran1 estab-
lished by Water Code Division 26, Chapter 5, Article 2..5.
(n) "Property interest'' rneans any righ1 in real property,, including
casc1nenl, fee title, and any other kind of right acqtrired by legally binding
n1eans.
( o) "Project" n1eans all planning, engineering, acquisition of real prop-
erty interests, construction and related activities undertaken to i1np!c-
n1ent a dlscrctc action undertaken under the progratn pursuant to \\/atcr
Code Section 79037.
(p) "Sponsor" n1cans an appllcant \Vho has received grant funding
through the npplicatlon process dcscrihcd in these regulations.
(q) "Subaccounf' n1cans the Flood Protection Corridor Subaccount
created by \\later Code Section 79035(a),
NOTE: Authoritv cited: Sections 8300. 12580 and 79044.9, \"later Code. Refer-
ence: Sco::tions 79035. 70937, 79038{21) and 79043. \Valer Code; and Sections
2 ! 000 et seq., Public Resources Code.
HJSTOR'r"
I. New section filed 8-19-2003; operative 8-19-2003 pursuant to Government
Code section J 1343.4 (Register 2003. No. 34).
§ 497.3. Program Management Process.
'The Departn1ent selects, approves, funds, and 1nonitors projects
f\1nded by grants under the prograrn. The process ofn1anaging the pro-
gratn includes these steps:
(a) Tl1e I)epartment shall appoint. and n1aintain n Project Evaluation
Tcarn con1poscd or Dcparlnient staff and other consulting govcn1nrcntal
agencies. The Departn1cnt rnay request consultation Vlith any appropriate
governn1en1 agency, including but no1 lin1ited to 1he Deparunenl of Con-
servation, the Departrnent offish and Cianie, the Departn1ent off ood and
Agricul1ure, the 011.lce of.Ernergency Services, and the CALFED Bay-
Dclta Progran1.
(b) Local public agencies or nonprofit organizations qualified under
Section 497 .4 1nay apply for prognnn grants for projects at such tin1es as
the Dcpaiin1ctn n1ay designate. Applications for proposed projects shall
be subn1ittcd in response to a solicitation issued by the I)cpartincnt. A.s
long as uncon11nittcd funds rcn1ain available to fund llC\V pn~jccts, the
Depan1nen! shall solicit proposals at least onr.;e per calenJur year. The
ti1ne period for subinitting applications shall be 90 days fro1n the date no-
tice is by the Departn1ent that project proposals are being so!iciled.
Notices shall be provided 10 cities, coun!ies, Hood control districts, recla-
n1ation districts, and other local govcmrncnl entities that manage flood
plains and Hood control projei:ts. The Departn1eni will al8o provide no~
t.ice to nonprofit orgaffizations \vi th interes1 in flood managen1ent issues,
and shall send notice to all individuals and organizaiions that have re-
quested notice oCthe opportuni1y to sub1ni1 npplications. Notices n1ay be
given by n1aiL electronic n1aiL 1,.vebsitc posting, or any other rncthod that
provides easy access and pron1pt availability. Projects shall rncct the re~
quircn1cnts of Section 497.5~ Applications shaU rncet the requircn1ents
of Section 407.7.
(c) The Project Evaluation Tcan1 shall review each application and
evaluate the subject project t.:vithin 60 days of the close of the specified
sub111ittal period, or \Vithin 60 days of receipt of requested addjtional in-
fonnation, whlchever is later.
(d) The Project Evaluation Tcan1 shall notify the Departn1ent to re-
quest the applicant to provide additional !nfonnation \Vithln 30 days of
the Dep;irtn1ent's request if
( 1) The project appears po1entially eligible but is inissing infOnnation
needed Lo evaluate the nierits of d1e project, or
(2) Additional information is needed to evaluate the merits of the proj-
ect in cornparison 1o others received.
(e) If' the requested additional infr)n11a1.ion cannot be provided in 30
days, the applicant rnay refile its application \vith tl1e additional infonna-
tion at the Departn1cnt's next solicitation of proposals.
('f) \Vhen a proposal that 111ects n1inin1un1 qualifications is con1plctc
and aH requested additional infonnation has been supplied, the Project
Evaluation Tcain shall co1nplete the evaluation of the prqject including
recon1n1ending its place on a priority list as described in Section 497.6.
{g) After each solicitation of proposals, Dcparuncnt staff, using the
cvaluatio11s and rccornrncndcd priorities of tbe Project Evaluation T earn,
shall rcco1nn1cnd projects, priority._ and an1ounts per project to be flmdcd
and subn1it the rcco1nn1endations to the Director for approval of the prior-
ity lists. Dep:.nin1ent staffn1ay reco1nn1end:
I.The ncx1 page is .l8. ! 5.j
Rcyi.\rer 2015, Nu, J;.:: 9-· li-:-20!5
Constructed vvetland reed beds, r;age 2! -22.
riparian habitat page. 2i -22.
This is the first ()fan c:ducational seric;; ref!_arding \Yater and waste applications of appropriate technology for San Luis ()hispo ('ounty.
Appropriate technology is defined as:
J\pplying tcchnoh)gy to <lddrcss prohlctns rc1atc,d to energy use. the vvatcr cycle. and affordable
building at the s1nallcst and tnost accessible scale possihlc
rhcc;c guideline:.-. <UT being de\ eloped by the San Luls ()hispo c:oalltion of Appropriate Technology (SL() .. ( '().-\T) tn specificall·.Y
addrc,ss cflfnts to 1naintain a healthy hydrologic cyck' in San Luis C)bispo c:nunty.
SI ,()-(~()A'f is a jolnt cfi(fft by SLC) ( irccn BuilcL the San J.uis l{ay C~haptcr of the Surfridcr Foundation ~1nJ the Santa Lucia ( 'hap[cr
of the SilTni ('1ub. The int(H"ination presented is frn· g.cncral education rurposes. Final details and construction inust be developed a11d
dl~siµncd for spccifir ~ite conditions~ therefore, SI..f)-( '( ).i\T is hereby indemnified frorn any liahillty ari:-.ing fro1T1 tht~ use of this
i11fiJrmatinn
\,,\~[ tt '\
].',
"
HISTORY
During Jerry Brown's Administration in California from 1972 to 1980,
the State Office of Appropriate Technology was developed. OAT as it
was called was headed by Sim Van der Ryn, the State Architect at the
time. OAT encouraged the application of appropriate technologies to
address the economic and environ1ncntal concerns of develop1ncnt.
SJTUATIOl'i
The dismantling of OAT by the next administration in 1980 proved to be
sho1i-sightcd given the ongoing concerns about energy and the double
threat of climate change coupled with peak fossil fuel supply. The water
imbalances in San Luis Obispo (~aunty have become evident as many
municipalities i1nplc1ncnt water rationing policies. Growth has always
been naturally restrained due to scarce \Vater resources in the (~ounty, so
increased infrastJucturc costs burden new development. Fortunately,
over the past thirty years, the research and rcfinc1nent of appropriate
technologies have inuch to offer us today.
SLO-COAT believes it is imperative that we revisit. at a local scale, the
encouragement and application of appropriate technology, San Luis
Obispo County is in a position to be at the forefront of these efforts to
reconcile growth and environmental quality. This San Luis Obispo Guide
to the Use of Graywatcr was produced to encourage the use of graywater
in a safe and legal manner.
Contributing men1he1:~ of)>L(J-.('OAT· Ken Jlaggard-Architect &· J>Jannc1; Afikel
Robertson-General (:ontractor & Green Building Afateria! Specfrliist, Rachel
Afjilani-LEED AP; Joshua Carinicluiel-Landscape Designer & ('ontractor
Special thanks to:
Brad Lancas1e1; Art Ludivig, Brock .f)obnan and Johnathan Todd ivho have
helped educate our con1111uni~i: on the current trends in appropriate technology
applicaiions and re:::,ritlations. (Jj' course this would not be possible irithou/ the
support of Sl.(J-('(JAT nicmbers: A.fladen Bandov, Andn'11· ('hristie, Afar:.,:
f"ullivood.. Chc1:i,:/ Lenhardt. Steve Paige, Scotr Peterson, Lawson Schaller:
Jessica Stee~v. Karen T 'cnditli, ,_\,'ani Suuie1; and the 1nonerous fa111ifv a11df;·iends
i-vho arc also concerned ahout warcr rcso/frccs and sustainable devciopn1cnt.
A MBA1-THY··<'NATU·AAL HYD;ROtlOGtC CYCLE.
•, •'','''""" '"'" > •"•'· -,,,,;,:,_,,,' '' '-~">,o",'•')•''''•'•'''"''""'•/'<•: ' '•') 'o'•' ''•''MO-o' ·•'!><-'"'', '•'~-:::.: ,,,,: ,:.,;:,,;:,:;:'.~~:::,,;-~-~-;,;,i:;:::;\,: ,_, ,;,;~,:-\ •. ,,, ''"" ' ' -~--->"'' •,,o; ,,.,;,~-"-'°"'"'''" \".'' '"' ••'•" '"'" ' ,'"
APPROP·RIATE TECHNOLOGY SUP·P·ORTS
EXISTS IN
A healthy hydrologic cycle provides fresh water in
the forn1 of precipitation and condensation. 'fhis
water is transn1itlcd to riparian systc1ns consisting of
rivers and strcarr1s \Vhich in turn charge underground
aquifers. In its natural state. this cycle creates healthy
watersheds, pn .. '·vcnts erosion. -;tahilizes salt v..ratcr
intn1sion and supports rich ecological systcn1s.
fncrcascd built areas usually accentuate adverse
changes to the natural hydro logic eye le: Jhcreforc. it
hccorncs of vital necessity tC:lr us to mirnic the natural
hydrologic cycle. using the sa111c processes regarding
Welter n1ovcn1c:nt, filtration, and storage.
GROWTH & A HEALTHY
Applicatiou of appropriate technologies as described in thi.'
guide can allow development whik still maintaining a healthy
hydrologic cvclc. In addition to gravwater, appropnatc
1cchnoiogy topics related to a healthy water ecology are:
Low lmpacl Development
Rainwater Harvesting
Waterless \Vaste Treatment
Biorcmediation Strategies
Look f(ln.vard to nlorc infonnation and educational events
presented by SLO-COAT on these topics. If you would like to
hccomc involved contact SLO Green Build through the web
a1 ,_\
HYDROLOGIC CVCLE
NTRODUCTIDN
WHAT rs <iRAY\VATER I
(Jray\vatcr is 11ntrcated household or
building vya,-;tc v.·ater that has not cnn1c in
~-011~;.u,;_t __ \Y.ifJ1 toilet.or .. !<ih;hcn sink \vastc.
Essentially. g:ray\vatcr is soapy \Yater
fi.·orn \Vashing machines. bathroo1n sinks,
hathtuhs. and sho\vc-rs. _(..irJJY\Vati;r sh!J:tlliJ
Di!Lh.~:._i!!JIQJi as it \Vill quickly bcco1nc
foul and turn into blackvvatcr unless
treated. Ciray\Vdk'r is kept St~paratc fi·ont
black\vatcr. which c~n11cs Crorn kitchen
sinks, dish\vashcrs and toilets
Biackvvater is not sat~~ for reuse: \Vithout
n101T elahnratt.' procedures for trcatn1ent
& filtration . .1\.ll gray\valcr systcins tnust
bL' valved to send \Yater to either the
gray\vatcr distribution area (I!" the SC\NCr/
septic (black water) line. Most plurnhing
<.:\nnbines tht: \Vaste\vater from all
fix_turcs to tlo\\' together into either a
SC\\'t:T systc1n or a c;cptic tank .. Although
combined \V<.lS1CW;Jtcr (gn1y\vatcr and blackwater) can be trt·atled and reused. the:
rigorous t'.tandards, systcn1 costs and pcnnittinµ rcquirc1ncnts for this type of\vatcr
recycling ;ire prohibitive for rnost hnrnen\vners_ fn con1pariso1L a gray\vatcr system
uffcrs an effective \\/ay to reuse your \va;.;tewcttcr \Vith rninirnal cost and effort The
g:ray\vatcr designs pn:-scntcd in this guide can provide: you \Vi th a better understanding
frlr developing your oy1.:n grayv,.'att'r systcn1.
IS GRAYWATER LEGAL'! ... YES!!!
There is an incrcnscd dc1nand for water due to population and
cconornic grovvth. In addition, pnllution of and reduction in
the v.1atcr table has adversely affected our once balanced
ecosystems, 1nnking vvatcr an increasingly in1poriant and
valuable natural resource. ('lean potable \Yater is the rnl)St
valuable type of \VatcL hut gray\vater is useful in rnecting our
\Vat er needs as \vcll. i.ili!Y-~Yill£:J_~hi1!.!ltl.J.1i!.tJ1r_~nfiljDfrrd_JI
.~~hl~ .. vr.nd11£th<:_Ll!-!L'i£ . .itjf .. .si..sal uabJg __ _r_t;_~lliLC'.c_~ tl1: 1 t c an b c
WHY TS GRAYWATLR SO IMPORTANT'
applied to irrigation and other no11-potable 'vater uses.
Ifarvesting grayv,ratcr to n1cct your non-potable V\':Jter
dc1nand utilizes an appropnatc technology thal can re.cover
initial costs quickly. 'rhc added benefits to your \\'<11crshcd
and con11nnnity infrastructure make having a gr<1y\vatcr
systc1n an c-nviron1nentally friendly solution to scarce v.'atcr
supplies, since tnorc than half of your indoor \\'atcr can be
reused as graywatcr. Ifs time to tap into g:ray,vatcr 1
POSITIVE IMPACTS OF GRA YWATER SYSTEMS
1. Lo\vcr \:Valer u1ility hills for bon1c or
husincss occupants
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Potcnti::ii for lnndscapc irrigation
(irou1Hhvater or aquifer recharge
Reduced strain on septic or sc\vcr
systcrns \Vhich in turn !ov>'cr energy
loads al central tn:atn1c1H plants
Riorc1ncdiation strategies can clean
\:v:ncr :ind i...~nhancc the Joc;il ccolPgy
Feel good about conser\·ing a precious resource essential lo our li\'cs
Preserve potabh~ \Vatcr sources f()r future u:-;cs
PAGE 3
c
[)
(j
INDEX
Introduction ..
How to (ict Started ..
('alculations & Standards
CJ-rayvvatcr Process ('?t.. [)esi.~111 ()ptions
Checklist .
Summary & References.
Appendix I -llc!crgcnls for Graywatcr Systems .. .
1\ppcndix 2 Plants for ( i-ray\vatcr S:vstetns ....... .
(f h)ssary of (fray\vatcr 'f e11ns .
piig£_J~
.............. ~)-4
. 5-·6
7.x
... 9-10
11
11
.......... 12
.. . .. . . .. . .... 1.1
.............. 14
16
.. ... . ..... . ............. 17
18
. 21-22
............ 24
. .................. ·~::i
................ _. ... 26
. .... 27
. 28
. ............. 29-.l l
'I'his gujde has hccn sct-ur in a \N:i~' that alln\VS you to consider options that arc appropriate for your specific ~itc'
conditions and grayvvatcr resources. pages 7-10.
()nee you choose a gra.vvvatcr systcn1 thal is rig:ht li)r you. then :lou can use the recipe cards to d.:h:rn1inc the ctln1poncnts
and overall design.
PAGE 4
H D W T D
10 Easy Steps to Develop Your Own Gravwater Svstem
Adopt a baseline conservation progra1n. ____ _ __________ -----------------------------________________ _
2
3
4
l)o a fc\v caJcu1at'ions to determine:
a. llray\vatcr
b_ Soil absorption capacitv & distribution
c. Site planning
F:valuatc systen1 options to dctern1inc the solution for your situation .. ----·-·----·-.. --·-·---·-·------·~·
Drav.· up your chosen systcrn using page 8 and the recipe
5 !Jsc the checklist provided to refine your
JO
1-24
6 Provide and keep an operations and rnaintcnance n1anual fi)r your systcnL 'f"his rnLJnual shall rcrnain with
the building throughout the life of the sys tern and upon change of ownership_ the new owner shall be
notified the structure contains a gray\\'atcr system. [Ref IJ]
7 Apply and obtam a permit from the County or your Criv-(rfncccS>arv)_
8 Construct your system
9 ()perate &_ tnaintain your systc.rn.
10 r:njoy your grayvvatcr use and educate othc:rs ;:ihout the procc~s and benefits.
PAGE 5
cG E .A R T. E D
You can use graywater, it is legal under state regulations. This guide illustrates how to design, pcnnit and maintain your
own graywater system as interpreted by the California State Graywater law I•"· •I·
Maintaining and Using Graywater
a Graywater should be avoided when irrigating edibles in your landscape. {IM 91
a Avoid planting invasive water loving plants (pampas grass, Anmda donax, scotch broom, etc.).
a Avoid using graywater in hoses that can be used to wash or play with.
a Potable and graywater supply pipes should never be connected.
a Graywater that has come in contact with soiled diapers is black water.
a Corrugated pipes for graywater discharge should be avoided, they slow the flow
a Use a subsurface drip system when irrigating lawns.
a In general, tilling organic matter into soil that comes in contact with graywater is good.
Detergents & Cleaners Jcet 11
Additional information regarding the composition of detergents can be found in appendix l Detergents for Graywater
Systems, page 27.
Hand soaps and shampoos by and large do not damage plants or clog soil profiles, in fact graywater is a light fertilizer.
La1111dry detergents commonly have sodium and boron which are chemicals that can have a negative effect on landscapes.
The following arc detergents or cleaners to avoid:
a Bleaches or softeners
a Detergents that advertise whitening, softening, and enzymatic powers
a Detergents with the following ingredients: boron, borax, chlorine, hlcach, petroleum distillers, sodium and
pcroxygen
a Products designed to open clogs without scrnbbing
a Water softeners that use sodium chloride
Plants that Typically Love Graywater i"t u
Oleander, bougainvillea, fan and date palms, rosemary, roses, agapanthus, Bemmda grass, honeysuckle, Australian tea
tree, Italian stone, oaks, Arizona cypress, cottonwood, olive, ice plant, juniper, purple hopseed, manzanita, ceanothus,
rushes, coffceberry, toyon, western redbud, califomia wax myrtel, penstemon.
Plants that Tvpically Don't Like Gravwater 1cer. 11
Rhododendron, bleeding hearts, wood sorrel, hydrangeas, azaleas, violets, impatiens, begonias, ferns, foxgloves,
gardenias, philodendron, camellias, primroses, crape mcrtyle, redwoods, star jasmine, holly and deader cedar
For more information on graywatcr plants, see appendix 2-Plants for Graywatcr Systems, page 28.
PAGE 6
Bathroorns
LI Check for leak:-; JJ·orn pipes and
C1ucets. the srnallest drip can
\vastL' up to 2 gallons per day·~
0 lnsta!! dtul-11ush or ultra ltl\\
fhnv 1oilc1s.
0 Install lovv-ll\)\\' faucets or t~1ucet
acn1tors.
CJ Turn offv,·,11er \Vhilc hrushing
your teeth :u1d sh:1ving.
CJ Takl: ) n1inutc or shorter shu\vers
and turn \Vatcr nlT during and
\\'hilc soaping.
Kitch(•n
O Scrape': rather than rinse dishes
hcforc placing thcrn in the
dislrv .. :asher.
-l f)o not 1hav./ frozen Cood under
running \\'atcr.
J \\"hen hand \\.'ashing dishrs, illl
one basin \\'ith soapy \Vatcr and
the t)ther \Vilh rinse \Vatcr.
U Install Energy SL.ir rated
dishv,.·,ishcr and only \vash ful!
load.'-'.
::J :\vl)id runnin):! \Vah~r
continuously \vhilc \vashing
di:;hcs
Laundry
U Install Energy Star clothes
\Vasher and S•'t \Valer volun1c to
the n1inin11n11 rcquircrncnt per
Jo;_id.
lJ lJsc short \.Valer c:/ck~s fi.ir
lightly soiled lo;1ds
Ll Prc-lreat stains to <1<.-oid n1ultiplc
W'ashings.
:J Soak hcavil_y Sltilcd itcn1s in a
sink one third full 10 pn::y1,·ash.
PAGE' 7
CONSERVATION FIRST, THEN
STEP I: BASELINE CONSERVATION
13efore incorporating gn.1y\vatcr into your lifestyle, first start t)ffhy adopting a
baseline conservation plan. ('onservation is the n1ost affordable technology· and
practices arc readily available that require little ifan:y behavior change_ lV1ost \vatcr
providers have progra1ns to help you conserve thnt offC-r free or discounted lo\\'
flo\Y sho\vcr he.ads. faucet aerators. toilet tun11Tiics and rr1ore.
\Vhile this docutncnt docs not <1tten1pt to provide a thorough cost benefit anal:-,:sis.
\VC rccog:nizc it is a \\'Orth\vhilc consideration. ('ost/hcncfit \Yill Yary greatly
depending on the gray\vater systen1 selected. the local cosi of\vatcr and the
volun·1es tnilized. Sornc :;ysten1s are './cry sitnplc, In\\' cost and can he done by the:
ho111eo\vncr \Vith fc\\' nc\v parts and suppllcs, orb)' integrating salvaged/used
rnatcrials. ()ther systctns arc n1orc con1plex. requiring professional installation, and
expensive cornponcnts. Regardless of the syslcm selected and the volumes utilized.
the user \Vill have the satisftction and bcncllt of reusing \Vatcr. helping the
cnvironnient, and having a drought resistant suppl:y during rnandatory \Vatcring
restrictions.
STEP 2: CALCVLATIONS A-Graywater Flow
Using the number of bedrooms m your residence provides an estimate of the
graywatcr flow for typical households:
Enter the number of bedrooms =
Calculate the number of occupants =
• Start with two (2) occupants for the first bedroom
9 Add one (I) occupant for each additional bedroom
(fray\vater can be cstlmatcd as generated fforn each occupant on a daily
basis. ('hoosc fron1 the following hst of sources based on your grayv.ratcr systcrn.
Fach graywatcr flow estimate 1s based per occupant.
Showers. bathtubs, wash basins & clothes washer 40 gallons per day
Showers. bathtubs & wash basins (only) 25 gallons per day
Clothes washer (only) 15 gallons per day
Multiply the rnunbcr of occupants by the cstin1atcd gray\vater flovi.1 in gallon~
per day (gpd) per occupant to determine the total estimated graywater flow.
Number of
occupants x
x
Graywater flow
per occupant
gpd
Total estimated
graywater flow
gpd
f•\n example, the gray\vatcr flo\V for a four-bedrourn n1ain house. \Vhich includes
all fixtures-such as ~ho\vcrs, sinks, and clothc-s \:Vasher. and a one-bedroon1 guest
house. \Vhich includes only a 1'ho\Vcr ;UH.I sink. is cstirnatcd:
Main House (4 bedroorn)
Guest House (1 bedroorn)·
5 occupants x
2 occupants x
40 gpd per occupant
25 gpd per occup0nt
TOT/\l GRAYWATER
2DO ppd
50 gpd
2f:i0 gpd
CAL ULATION & STANDARDS
STEP 2: CALCULATIONS B -Soil Absorption Capacit~· & Distribution Arca
f)csign the graywater systctn hascd on the soi] and groun(l\vatcr conditions of the
property. Select an area within the property boundaries to be used for irrigation or
disposal of the g:ra~/\vatcr. 'fhe surf~1cc and subsurH1cc soil n1ust be suitable to accept lbc
design flow of gn1y\vatcr. T'hc fundarncnlal soil characteristic is the percolation rate,
which indicates how fast the soil can absorb water. Soil types like fine sand or sandy loam
have better percolation rates than clay. for instance. l:~cttcr percolation rates mean that less
area will he required to adequately disperse all the graywatcr
Percolation Raft Table·
Percolation Test Infiltration Type 18"Widc Subsnr{~1ct: l)rip
Soil Type IZcsults frrigation Mini-Lcachfil.':ld System
{rninlinch) ( :dlgnd) (1111ear ll/cnd) ( sf1f!Od)
() 4 not allcn-vcd -too fr1st
(
1oarsc sand or ' I \ 0.20 (l.\3 0.82 £ravel
cine sand 12-J 7 0.2) 0 17 [) 95
Sandv loam 18 oo -__ ) 0.-10 027 L:::'.2
Sandy c\a; 24 47 0.60 0.40 I .50
('lay \Vitb
considerable sand 48 59 0. 90 0. (,() 2.18
or gravel
C 'lay' with sn1all
'nnount 60 1.20 O.XO 2.72
of sand or gravel
61 + not a!hnvcd -too slOV·i
STEP 2: CALCliLATIO"IS C -Site Planning f<d. >1
rn:n1 ic:-~ch
he lei
Percolation Test l'roct•dures
Select percolation test locations
in the ;u·c<1 tn he used for
gr;_ry\vatcr dispos<Jl. [)lg a fc\v
test holes (8"-12" dia1ncter) to
the sa1nc depth as the hotto1n of
the di:-:pos~d area_ Cover the hole
bottorn \Vith '.2" of gravel. Prc-
soak holes ovcrnigh1. f)uring the
test fill the hulcs at least X"-lOn
above the grave!. llsinp: a stctkt:
1narkcd at l/4tt intcr\'als.
rnca;;urc the frilling water level
at 30 minute inter\'als \Vhilc re-
filling after each rncasurcnicnt.
( )htain at Ic~ist 12 n1l~asurcrricnts
(i.e .. a pl~I"C test it> at least 6
hours long.) The drop dunng the
final 30-rninutc interval is the
calculated pcrcoh1tion rate
convc1ied to rninutcs per inch.
For sandy soils \vhcrc the v..«ttcr
lcvl:l drops faster than h" in 2)
1r1inutcs, take 12 IUL'a~urcmcnts
every ] 0 minute~.
NDt~'..'.-When n11oi,!carh field.~ :ire in.'>tdllcd in .'-lop1ng grounrL the n1ininn1111 hnrizont!d distance h1.:hVCC'll any part of the distriburi(ln systcn1 :ind ground
surfo.Cl' shall hL· 15 feet
1 Including: porches and steps. \Vhcth.::r covered or uncovered, but docs not llKlud...: carport;;;. covered walk~. driveway;.; and sin1Ilar structur-.:s .
. , Thl' distance in<ty be h:d111.:cd to /cro feet for ah'°n·c~n1und tanks if approved by till~ Adn1inistrat1vc .1\nrhorit)
'Th,~ distanc~' 1nay be n:::duc('d to f\.\'O kc1, \\ i1h a wntlT banicc by the >"1.dnunistn1tive Authori1y. upon con,-,idcration of the ~oil cxpnnsion index
1 \Vhcrc spccnl h:vards are in\·oh·c<L the di~t:nKc rna_y b1.· incrca:-:~·d bv tbl..' Adu1inistr;1tiv1.' .-\uthnrit\
/\pplics to the rnini ... Jc:ieh-fi,'.kl type :'ystcn1 only_ Plus t\vn fed f(w each additional frlot of depth tn c>:ccs::; ,)f one foot [l,~lo\\-the bo1tnn1 nf th.: drain line
1\pplivs tu 1nini-!cach-ricld t>p.: -;ysl..:111 only .
.. ,-\ l\vr1 root separation i, ... r,;quircd for subsurLKl' drip systcn1s
'For r:iralL:l con_-;tnKnnn or for crnssing,s. appn1val bv the Ad1ninistnlt1vc Authnrity shall he r,·quircd
·l t\1ini1nu1n .~cparation (n11n higlll':\( kl1l)Wll -~J"Olllld\\'i1tcr is i'i\·C fr·ct
~·nnp sv~tcn1-: n1a:-· alkn1· ior a reduction in 0,·1h;ick:-:.
PAGE 8
ARTS F A GRAYWAT
Collection of
(~raywater
Individual
plumbinf'. of
laundry or sho\.\'Cr/
tuh or sinks
Dual plumbing
whole house
(especially
rccon1n1cnded for
new construction)
Provide Surge
Capacity
gravity surp:c tank
-or-
Filtration
J)i~k or in-linL·
filter
-or-
1 Hag. rncsh or fabric
-or-filter
surge cap~lcity in -or
the distribution
systcrr1 (Le. (Jravity sand filter
branched irrigation
systcrn) -or-
Prcssuri;r,1.~d sand
filter
Salt Build lJp -What to do?
Distribution
(fravity fed
-or-
Ptnuped
-nr-
Siphoned
Salt builds up in the soils of gray\\-atcr systc1ns. cspcciall:y in \vannl~r areas. Salt
can he leached out hy flushing the systern \\'ith fresh \\'atcr 'lou n11gbt he
surprised to find out thal apprnxnnatcly cvcry 1 000 square feet of propcrt~y' can
yield 600 gallons of \\ii.Her 1n a I inch rain stonn. By directing the flo\v of onr
roof·s drip Jines. gutters. and driVC\\·ays into the landscape \'ia dcprCSSl011S or
has ins_ ins1cad of rnounds, the grayv .. ·atcr systcrn is flushed naturally and salt
build up docs nnt hccon1c a prohlcn1.
PAGE 9
YSTEM
Using (;ray\vater
Irrigation and
aquifer recharJte
hy
Mim leach field
-or-
Branched systc1n
· or -
Watering Moat
Field consisting of
a drip systcn1
-or-
\~lashing rnachinc
;;uiup
(/se in the building
(toilet flushing)
c:istern Mode
or-
co1n1ncrcially.
:1vaiL.1blc tank
A.qu(f"er f?echarge
& septic syste111
relief'
DESIGN 0 F Y 0 UR GRAYWATER YSTEM
'fhis page shovvs the ba:->ic cornponcnts of all gn:iy\vat.cr systems and sornc options a\.'ailab1c to you. ('hoosc the best
option for your site. soil type, financial resources and n1aintcnancc preferences. ()nee a systen1 is cho:->ClL y·ou can use
the recipe cards for details of construction.
.. __ DlAGRAM QE.S.'fSIEM_DEilfl~NS __
BASELINE CONSERVATION IS THE f'RFREQU!Slf[ AND
FIRS1 STEP IN GRAYWATER IJTLIZATION.
GRAYWATER SHOULD NOT BE STORED BUT SHOULD
BE u·r ILIZEll AS FAST AS YOU CAN PROCESS IT.
ALL GRAYWA1I.R SYSTEMS NEED TO HAVE A VALVE
TO SWITCH TO YOUR SEPTIC OR SEWER SYSTEM.
THE SURGE TANI< ALLOWS YOU TO TEMPORARILY
HOLD GRAYWATEP If THE FLOW EXCEEDS YOUR
ABILITY TO UTILIZE IT
DUAL FIELDS ARE USED IN LEACH AREAS FOR
IPRIGATION 10 GIVE ADEQU/\TE ABSORPTION TIME
10 l/\CH '.,Im. r HE !LOW l'.S CONHOLLED BY A
DISTRIBUTION OPTION SHOWN ON PAGE 11.
THE DRIP SYSTEM REQUIRES A PUMPED SURGE TANK
TO MINIMIZE CLOGGING.
IN HOUSE UTILIZATION CAN BE FOR TOILET
FLUSHING WITH EXCISS PLOWS TO IRRIGATION
SYSTEMS
AL THOUGH NOT HELPFUL FOR IRRIGATION A
fRADll IONAL LEACH FllLD CAN BE USED TO TAKE
SOME LOAD OFF OF A SEWER SYSTEM OR RECHARGE
THE LOCAL AQUIFER.
HOUSE WITH BASELINE CONSERVATION
GRAYWATER
ESTIMATING DISCHARGE
EVALUATING SOIL. CONDITIONS
SITE STANDARDS & PLANNING .
SURGE TANK.& DJSTRIBUTlON OPTIONS
A. SURGE TANK OPT IONS
;'.1-----B. DISTRIHLITION OPTIONS
C. BRANCHED SYSTEM (NO SURGE TANK)_.
UTILIZA TLON OPTIONS
(OTHER THAN THE BRANCHED SYSTEM)
1. LEACH OPTIONS FOR IRRIGATION
D. FLOWE.R POT EMITTER
E. MINl·LEACH FIELD __
f. VEGETATED LEACH FIELD
G. MULCHED WATERING MO/\"f
H. TREL WATERING MOAT -............. .
I. !NHL TRATION GALLEY
· ·-T. DRIP SYSTEM FIELD.-
L. WASHING MACHINE SUMf'
2, IN-HDUSEUTIUZATJON
M. GRAYWATFR TOILET FLUSHIN(,.
-3-TRADITLQNAL LEACHflELD
Nc\V technologies an_· constantly hcing refined and irnprovcd
REFERENCE
H
' '
PAGE 1 0
A -URGE TANK
GRAVITY PUMPED
-
All grnywatcr systems need to be able to handle the peak flows. or surge capaeily from the various plumbing fixtures. For
most homes. a surge capacity of-+'\ gallons is sufficient. For instance. a JO-minute shower could generate 20-50 gallons of
g:ray\vater at a time. lJse tbe estirnatcd daily flo\v rates as a guide for the surge capacity needed. l f daily water use
combines showers. bathing. and laundry all at the same time. the surge capacity shonld be ad1usted accordingly.
Ci-n-iy\vatcr systcrns \vlthout sufficient .surge capacity \vill cause pipes to backup.
Surge tanks arc the standard solutions fl)r providing surge capacity, usually ranging bct\vccn 30 to'.)) gallons. Specific
construction details and requiren1cnts including n conceptual diagra1n are given in the phunhing code. 'l'hc stuge tanks
sho\vn in this guide are exan1plcs and n1ig:ht not include all the pcr1nit r0quircrncnts s1lch as venting, back,vatcr valves.
bracing. labeling, etc. !Y1ultiple tanks could he joined together to provide additional sur~e capacity.
In addition to the inlet and outlet ports .. surge tanks al:.-10 have an en1crgcncy drain valve and ovcrflovv outlet, which
conth.:ct to the rnain s~vver line. ·rhe ovcri10\\-outlet should not have a valve ;Jnd rcrnain pennancntly op0n to the 1nain
sevh~r line. \Vhi1c other valve~ can be opcratL'd during cleaning and other tnaintcnance activities.
Surge tanks can be gravity-fed or pun1p-b~t-;~::d tli:--;tribution as vvcl! as ha\·c various filter configurations. Inadequate
filtration and clogged pumps are 1\.VO issues \Vith the ptnnp surge tank. lJslng pun1ps i..lcsig:ncd for \Vastc\vatcr such as
effluent purnps arc expensive but last longer than cheaper \Vc-H water or sun1p putnps. Filters ~hou!d he si'.led to n1inin1izc
the changc-ou.1/clcaning frequency_ Even \Vlth the best level l)f filtr:-ition, subsurface drip systcn1s arL': likely to clog O\·cr
tirne. so sy~terns uslng an autornatL·d sand filtration \.-vith back\vash capabilities fair even better than the-prescribed drip
systen1 fi·orn the pltnnbing code.
PAGE l 1
Distribution is automatic in the branched system shown on
recipe card C, but with the other absorption systems,
distribution must be regulated to a give adequate time to each
absorption area. This is done by a distribution box (D-box). A
distribution box evenly splits the flow of gray\vater between
Ya!ve Control
Flow is controlled by a valve
which can be operated manually
or electrically. Requires attention
but does not need to be as level
as the other options.
BRANCHED DRAIN SYSTEM
" Y" Outlet
Automatic system for splitting
flows equally between 2
absorption areas.
absorption areas therefore they should be installed perfectly
level on undisturbed ground. Pre-made D-boxcs have 4"
diameter inlet and outlet pipes vvith the inlet 1 r higher than
the outlets. Various options are shown belo\v:
D-Box w/ Multiple Outlets
Automatic system for splitting
flow equally between more
than 2 areas.
D-Box w/ Dipper Option
This system provides automatic
1.5 gal surge to help prevent
the build up of solids. *
available co1nmercially as
Polylok dipper box.
Surge capacity can be provided in the distribution plumbing and the receiving landscape if properly designed. Carefnl
calculations are necessary to ensure that flow splitting and distribution piping fnnction as intended and that piping fittings
and slopes are installed properly. Constant slopes, adequately-sized outlets, and precise flow splitting are among the
challenges with this approach to providing adequate surge capacity. The Branched Drain System, detailed by Art Ludwig,
uses special double ell flow splitters, dipper boxes, and free-flow outlets such as a mulched moat system. Other emitters
can also be used provided all the surge capacity is met. This option necessitates a sloped topography where lower elevation
areas receive more water and should be planted accordingly.
is the only system that doesn't
require :surge tank since th:e capacity of
the system i's great
Various emitters such as the flower pot emitter, tree watering moat, or
infiltration galley can be used at te1minal ends of the branched system.
As the bottom ernitter fills
to-capacity, the gra_y¥vct.ter
fills up the system
BC1JVlitln{j the
erriitters; therefore, the
system must he on a
THE FOLLOWING RELATIVE RATING GUIDE WILL HELP YOU COMPARE THE VARIOUS UTILIZATION OPTIONS, LOOK FOR THESE IMAGES AT THE TOP OF THE RECIPE CARDS:
LEAST ((t) TO MOST((-?; r'f'tf) ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE
LOW (1() TO HIGH (1< 1( ~)COMPLEXITY OF DESIGN, INSTALLATION OR MAINTENANCE
LOW($) TO HIGH ($$$)COST FOR MATERIALS
PAGE 12
D -FLOWER POT EMITTER
SUSTAINABIL.TY: (f tf)
COMPLEXITY: ~ ~
MATERIALS COST $ $
Best s11itcd for small tree or shrub groups with deep roots systems
Work; best with gravity surge tank. pumped surge tank or branched drain svstcm
Potential beneficial reuse of flo\ver pots, buckets, or sirnilar containers
The flower pot emitter is a passive outlet from the distrib11tion lines atlcr a surge tank (or branched drain system). If each
c1nittc-r is at the end of a branching pipe, careful flov,: control is needed to prevent o\·crflovving at any .'>inglc outlet. 'Trees
and shrubs with deep root system benefit the most from this simple system. Ball valves or other control devices cau be
used to regulate flow to each emitter.
'fotal graywater flow (-->-bedroom ho11sc) at
Sandy loam soil (sec Percolation Rate Table) at
Required total area (i e . 200 x 0.40)
Design area for flower pot cnuttcr
Mmnnum number of cirnttns (i.e .. 80 · 9)
200
0.40
80
9
gallons per day (gpd I
gpd per square foot
square fCct
square feet per crrnttcr
flower pot emitters (rounded up)
Fill a pit with clean gravel or river rock lmimmum I") at least 1 foot deep and :1 foct on each sick. Cover the gravel with
filter fabnc. Place a flower pot (mmimum 5 gallons) upside down on the filter fabric Use V4" PVC pipe and a conplmg to
secure the pipL" inside of the pol. l Tse a ball valve to help regulate the gray\vater f1ovv to each cn1ittcr ("oycr the gravel and
filter fahnc with mulch or soil at least 9 inches abm c the bottom of the flower pot.
('lcar rnulch or soil to expose tlo\\'Cr pot lift up and clc;in nut any clogging rnatcriaL Replace filler fi1bric if needed. Flush
out pipes and ball valves with clean waler when flow is rcstnctcd.
PAGE: 1 3
SUSTAINABIL TY: (?'
COMPLEXITY: ~ '.)(
MATERIALS COST $ $
')::
E -MINI-LEACH FIELD
licst suited i(>r ~traight rows of vegetation
Vv'orks best \Vith filtered gra\·ity surge tank
Most beneficial for high flows. groundwater recharge or septic tank relief
Detailed requirements provided in the plumbing code for simplified permitting
'
The mini-lcachficld is a standard design similar to a septic system kachficld with a fow differences. including shallower
placement. The mini-lcachficld has low irrigation efficiency (i.e., most of the water drains away instead of used by the
vegetation). }'actors such as root intrusion. clogf:!ing potential, and the an1ount of irnportcd gravel or stone O\/crshadcn.v the
mamtcnancc and sustainability benefits (compared to other designs.)
·rot al gray\.vatcr fl<nv ( .f-bcdroorn house l at
Sandy loam soil (sec Percolation Rate Tahlc) at
Required Iota! area (i c. 200 x 0.40)
200
0.'.'7
gallom per day (gpd)
gpd per square foot for standard l 8'. wide trench
linear feet (!W' wide trench)
Install valves to allovv for s\vitching bctv..-ccn irrigation zones. L,evcl each leach field along contours to allow t<.n-even
distribution, ivith a n1a.xirnurr1 slope of 3'' per IO<r. Lise non-corruixatcd P\/(' perforated pipe (n1ini1nurn 3··, n1axinn1m "'r')
with holes facing down. lnstall a 90 degree sweep elbow fitting to the surface with a removable cap as an observation port
(optional). Fill a trench (mirnmum l'.2". maxnnum 36" width) with clean stone or gravel at IT' (or 18'') below the surface
for a .r (or -:J") PVt' pipe. Place the PVC pipe on a 3" !aver of gravel (3/4" to'.'" diameter) with at least a 2'' layer over the
PVC pipe. Cover the gravel with filter fahnc. Backfill with soil to the surface with a 9" rnmimum cover.
H.c1novc invading routs u~ing the obscr\·ation port:~ \\'hen needed.
PAC'<E 1 4
F -VEGETAT D LEACH FIELD
SUSTAINABILTY: (~ rf';
COMPLEXITY: '){ ?/:
MATERIALS COST $ $
Best suited for larger lots (or long runs) with well-designed landscaping
Works best with filtered gravity surge tank
• l.Tses gravel or stone-rnatcrial f()r an aesthetic dry creek-type -fealurc
'fhc vegetated lcachficld is sin1ilar to the n1ini-lc-achficld using perforated piping to distribute-graywatcr to the
surrounding landscape. Native grasses. sedges and shrubs suitable for wetland and drier conditions arc located according
to root access and proximity to the lcachficld pipe. Stormwatcr flows along the swak during rainy periods to help flush
out accumulated .salt and sediment.
Iota! grnywatcr flow (4-bcdroom house) at
Sandy loam soil {sec Percolation Rate Table) at
Required total area (i.e .• 200 x OAO)
Design length for vegetated lcachficld
Minimum lcn?th rcqturcd (i.e .• 80 ' 0 5)
200
(J .40
80
0.5
160
gallons per dav (gpd)
gpd per square foot
square foct
square foct per linear foot or
6-inch wide trench
linear foct of vegetated leach field
Note: maximum single nm is 100 foct
(:rcatc a depression (s\valc) along contour lines in the soil and rnoundcd sides, I,ay dcn.~'n a French drain (3 .. pcrfr.'>ratcd
P\l(: pipe. non-corrugated) in a()" \Yidc trench at b .. bclo\\ the ::;\vale hottonL c:onncct pipes fro1n p:ray\vater and roof
runcrtf sources at a n1inimu1n 1°/;) slope. ('over perforated pipe \Yith filter fr1hric to prcvcn!-clogging. Place atncndcd soil on
top of the planting areas. Plant wetland-type plants at the hottom of the swalc and upland-t~pe plants alon~ the mounded
banks. COi-er entire swalc with 4" tc> (>" river rock and gravel mulch, wtth at least 9" directly over the perforated pipe.
Install vault boxes at 1hc ends of the p1pe runs.
Hcgular landscLJpe nlaintcnancc and f!.ardcn upkeep required during the grcJ\Ving seasons. Flu:-;h out at seasonal interval:~
and che:ck for clogging and root intrusion. l\rlost \vctlund plants get cut to the ground every \vinter. 'frees and ::>hruhs get
pruned hack as needed. Rcrnovc debris collected Jfon1 \-ault hoxcs at the ends of the pipe
PAC.SE 1 5
SUSTAINABILTY: (~ (~ 'fl
COMPLEXITY: ')(;
MATERIALS COST:$
I.LCU.NOl_Qc_uJl!QHl-l(ilJI
G -MULCHED WATERING MOAT
•
•
Best suited for small flows from single individual plumbing sources
Works best with filtered gravity surge tank nr branched dram system
Potential beneficial reuse of woods chips, bark, or other mulch material
'rhc 111tdchcd watering n1oat is the simplest pas,sive outlet yet requires rc-gular rnaintcnance to re.move ;ind replace·
decomposed mulch material. Whether plumbed from indi1-idual sources or an entire graywater sysrcm_ each mulched
watering n1oat needs to have well-draining soils (i.e., little or no clay) and sufficient surge capacity to prevent \Yater fron1
surfacing.
Total graywatcr flow (4-bcdroom house) at
Sandy loam soil (sec Percolation Rate Tabk) at
Required total area (i,c,, 200' 0-40)
[)esigned .irca for tnulchcd \vatcring rnoat
Minimum rmmber of moats (i,c, 80 lJ)
:'00
0-40
80
9
9
gallons per day (gpd)
gpd per square foot
square feet
square fCct per tnoat
watering n1oats (rounded up)
Fill a pit \vith clean gravel. river rock, hark. or \Vood chlps (lnini1nun1 2") 3 feet wide on each side at ground surface. (J~c
soil to create a berm at least lf' above the surfricc, \vith a maxi111urr12:1 slope to the pit· hottonL Place J/411 PVC' pipe at
least 9" hclo\.V the ground surface into the rnoat. li~c a screen around the outlet area to keep out pests.
flush the nmlched moats periodically to reduce salt build up, Remove decomposed mulch material and replace with nev,
rnateria! as necessary. ( 'hcc k for clogging and rooJ-intrusion at the pipe outlet.
PAGE 1 6
H -TREE WATERING MOAT
SUSTAINABILTY: (~ (.q., ('!-
COMPLEXITY: 'j( '){
MATERIALS COST:$$
• Best suited for high flow volumes and irrigation of trees and large shruhs
Works best with gravity surge tank or branched drain system
• Potential beneficial reuse of woods chips. hark. or other mulch material
T'hc tree v,:atering moat is si1ni1ar to the flower pot design \vith a larger basin for better percolation. I~ach tree \vatcring
moat needs to have \vell-draining soils (i.e., little or no clay) and sufficient surge capacity to prevent \.Vatcr fi·o111 surfacing.
Planning the location of the n1oats requires kno\\-ing the tree canopy si:r.c (or Jriplinc) at mc1turi1y.
Total graywatcr flow ( 4-bcdroom house) at
Sandy loam soil (sec Pcrcolat10n Rate Table) at
Required tnial area (i.e .. 200 x 040)
[)csigncd area f(Jr tree vvatcring n1oat
Minimum nrnnkr of moats (i.e .. ~() -12)
200
OAO
80
12
7
gallons per day (gpd)
gpd per square foot
square feet
square i:Cct per tree 'W'atcring n1oa1
tree \Vatcring Tnoats (rounded up)
Dig a rectangular pit at 2 feet wide by 6 fret long at least 12·· helm\ the natural surface. Slope the sides at a maximum of 3
feet horizontally for each foot vertically and berm up extra soil for an addit10nal 6 .. above the ground. Place 3/4" PVC pipe
at least 9•· below the ground surface into the flower pot or bucket emitter (see Flower Pot Emitter profile) with brick
supports. c:rcate an open access for bucket cn1ittcrs covered V\rith a heavy stone f()r easier maintenance.
Fill moat with clean gravel, river rock, bark_ or wood chips (minin1un1 ~--)-lJsc roadside \\'ood chips, con1postcd
n1unicipal \Vastc and recycled aggregate if possible. _Locate each tree \vatcring tnoat bctv .. ccn ~J?., tinles and l-112 tin1es tbc
radius of the tree canopy \vhcn fully gro\YtL (Jsc 6' for mcdiun1~sl1cd trees. 12, for large trees .. and 24, for very larµc trees.
Keep \Vatcr a\vay from the trnnk to avoid root roL
Flu'h the tree watering moats pcriodi.callv to reduce salt hmld up. Rcmo\c decomposed mulch material and replace with
nc\v n1atcrial a~ ncccsf.;ary. ( 'herk the bucket crnitter and rcnlP\"C any clogging n1atcrial JS necessary.
PAGE 1 7
SUSTAINABILTY: (~
COMPLEXITY: ;){ ;){
MATERIALS COST: $ $
TECl!NOLOGY HIGHLIGHT
I:·. -•..• JJl'IF"'l :LJ:.RATl.0 N' ·GALLE¥
r--access
• Best suited for high flow volumes and irrigation of trees and large shrnbs
• Works best with gravity surge tank, pumped surge tank or branched drain system
Proven technology with septic systems
The infilh·ation galley uses half-cylinder structures, such as manufactured infiltrators, barrels cut in half, or large
diameter pipes, to create a large void space beneath the soil. The large capacity also allows for more surge volume for
each galley. Manufactured infiltrators can be linked together to reduce piping. Design and install prefab infiltrators
according to the manufacturer insh·uctions.
EXAMPLE OF DESIGN CALCULATIONS
Total graywatcr flow ( 4-bcdroom house) at
Sandy loam soil (sec Percolation Rate Table) at
Required total area (i.e., 200 x 0.40)
Typical infiltrator disposal area
(for example, 75" long x 34" wide x 12" deep)
Minimum number of infiltrators (i.e., 80"' 17)
INSTALLATION
200
0.40
80
17
5
gallons per day (gpd)
gpd per square foot
square feet
square feet per infiltrator
infiltrators (rounded up)
Prefab infiltrator galleys should be installed according to the manufacturer instructions. Modify access ports and
observation ports with stone markers for easier maintenance (optional). Alternative infiltration galleys include plastic 55-
gallon drums cut lengthwise, large diameter plastic pipes cut lengthwise, and constructed box troughs; Constrnct with
splash blocks, brick or mesh fabric supports (to keep galleys from sinking into the soil), and removable lids, if possible.
Cover the galley with soil at least 9" from the bottom of the galley. Locate similarly to tree watering moat for tree
i1rigation (and away from tree trunks to prevent root rot.)
MAINTENANCE
Check access ports (if available) for any clogging material and remove as necessary.
PAGE 1 8
J -DRIP SYSTEM
SUSTAINABILTY: (~ '4':
COMPLEXITY: ')< X '.)(:
MATEPIALS COST: $ $ $
•
•
Best suited for lawns. clay soils. and sloped sites
Works best with filtered pumped surge tank
Standard (prescribed) technology for graywatcr
A subsurface drip irrigation system is complex and also has the greatest potential for system failure. The drip svstcm
requires a well-maintained filter and a properly sized pumping system to prevent clogging. Further details on required
equipment and materials arc given 111 the plumbing code Drip irrigation systems require at least 11 psi operating pressure.
and generally include filters. tubing, valves. drip emitters. and controllers. Despite costs and mamtcnanec. drip systems
are highly cf1icicnt at irrigation~ spreading the g.raywatcr over the largest possible area \Vith the greatest control.
Total graywatcr flow (4-hedroom house) at
Sandy loam soil (sec Percolation Rate Table) at
Required total area (i.e .. 200 x 1.22)
En1ittcr spacing, using l ·r' spacing in all directions
Minimum number of emitters (i.e .. 24.f ' 1.36 J
200
l.22
244
U6
180
gallons per day (gpd)
gpd per square foot
square fret (sl)
square fret per emitter
emitters (spacing at !-:r· in all directions)
Note: Fu1ihcr drJp systcn1 design is required to ensure that the pu1np cycling n1ccts the gray\vatcr f10\t' rate.
Follow manufacturers instructions for mstallat10n of subsmfacc drip system equipment. includmg pre-filters. filters.
pumps. drip tubing. and emitters. Pre .. filters arc an initinl filter required to catch most of the lint. hair and particles found
in graywatcr. This filter should be easily acccsoible for cleaning and replacement. They arc commonly located at the inlet
pipe in the surge tank. The surface area of the filter should be at leasl c square fret. Material can be PVC polyethylene.
woven n1csh bag or paper canister filter.
Pmnp options available include a sump pump, a centrifugal pump or submersible high head effluent pump. Use pressure
regulators to maintain the pressure below 25 psi. whccrc most fittings must be kept to prevent damage. Multiple dnp
system rnncs arc useful to reduce the pump s11.c and provide better operations. Zoned asscmh!tcs have a limited number
of running feet to nJaintain the necessary pressure. St.iggcr drip lines bctv.'ccn 12-14''· apart so that crnittcrs altcn1ntc fro1n
ro\v to ro\v. {Jsc rnanua1 hall valves or actuated divcrtcr val\ cs to help distribute the flo\v.
Check and clean all filters routinely. Flush system with clean water or slightly acidic solution sevcrnl times a year at !he
beginning of each watering season. Check flushing valve periodically for scd1mcnL Flush the Y-l'il!cr monthly. Chi.'Ck
tuhing f(Jr rodent~. digging and other abn-1sion dan1agc 1Jlihcrc surh1ccd tubing is v1:-;iblc.
PAGE 1 9
.J -DRIP SYSTEM WITH PR SSU IZED SAND FILTER OPTION
•
SUSTAINABILTY er
COMPLEXITY: ~ ~ '.)<
MAfERIALS COST: $ $ $
Best suited for lawns, clav soils. and sloped sites
.t\uton1atL·d syste1n \Vith n1inirna1 n1aintcnancc or o\vncr intervention
Developed propnctary system with high rate of operational success
A subsurface drip irrigation svstcm with pressurized sand filtration and automatic back flushing may he one of the best
approaches for challenging project~. f)rip systems \Vith pressurized sand filtration require liulc 1naintenance compared to
regular filter cleaning in surge tmks. The high degree of filtration (similar to swimming pool filtration) provides longer
life of pumping equipment dnp lines. and emitters. Although relatively expensive and complex. this system achieves
efficient irrigation \Vith low rnaintcnaucc.
"fotal graywatcr flow (4-hcdroorri house) at
Sandy loam soil (sec Percolat10n Rate Table) at
Required total area (i.e .. 200 x 1.22)
I~1nittcr spac1ng: using I "-r· spacing in all directions
Minimum number of emitters (i.e .. 244 1..16)
200
1.22
244
l.16
180
gallons per day ( gpd)
gpd per ~quarc foot
square fret (sf)
square-feet per crni1tcr
emitters (spacmg at 14" in all directions)
Note: Further drip system design is required to ensure that the pump cycling meets the graywakr flow rate.
The drip irrigation systcn1 \Vith prcssuril'.cd sand filtration is si1nilar to the basic drip syste1n, using a auto1natic sand filter
vc~:--:cl under pressure~ autornatcd hackf1ush1ng with potable \Valer, and special cmfrtcr cones tinstc.:ad of in-line e11tittcrs)_
Follow the manufacturer instrnctions (provided by ReWatcr Systems). Anticipated maintenance includes checking yearly
and. as needed. replacing the sand filter media.
PAGE 20
SUSTAINABILTY: i''!J (f'
COMPLEXITY: ')< ')< ')<
MATERIALS COST $ $ $
Note: \Vatcr is not allo\Yed tn pond~. --~
on the surface vvithout <lnthorization
frorn the local hL:alth dtpann1ent of
enfl)rring agency. [Rd 91
K -REED BED
bed :t 7 horrzonta!
reec! bed
bed #2 vertical
reecf beef
l~est suited i(Jf large area:) Vv'ith slow percolation rates
•
T}roYidcs graywater trcatrnent n1lrnicking natural ccologlcal systcrns
Allows for better controlled plant growth and possible cultirntion
beef f! 3 oxidation
Recd l{cds, also knov.-'n as constructed \\'ctlands. are man made. engineered. marsh like area designed and constructed lo
treat wastewater. Wetlands are cost-effective. ecological systems, and simple to both install and operate. Recd bed systems
arc hcs.1 1-vhcn soil pcrcoJation ls very lov.:. space is li1nited and there is a need to trt.'at large volumes of water Recd hcds
provide a hornc for bacteria_ fungus and inicrobes that digest effluent \vhilc deterring flo\v and retaining suspended solids.
Reed beds can be designed as either horizontal or vertical. Horizontal recd beds allow water to enter one 81dc of the bed
and flow slowly across and through hed uutil reaching outlet on opposite side, which then flows into another bed or
percolates into the soil.
l{ccd beds do not have inuch popularity in this country. thus partnerships and co111rrn111ication vvith the buildin.f.?.
department will be helpful. Vertical recd beds allow water to be evenly dispersed along the top of the soil profile. The
water slowly percolates through a sandy. rock soil profile until it exits from below or simply percolates into the soil.
Reed beds provide an ecologically based filtration of \Vastc,vatcr while proYiding higher biodiversity and beauty. Recd
beds when rnature host various species of plants, horncs to butterflies. dragon'!1ies and other irnportan! species. Plants can
he harvested fi.lr tcxtil(: and building purposes. Tn dry areas recd beds provide a
contrast to othcrV1risc arid lands.
Recd hcd con~trnction requires further research for proper design. Plant nntivc :-;pc-ciL:s, such as n1crnhcrs of the
( 'yperacac_ Junacaccc and Typhaccac fi1111ilic~. Aquatic plant species should also he selected hased LHl the foll(nving
criteria: rapid and relatively constant growth rate: case (lf propagation) capacit) of absorption of pollutants. case of
harvesting, potential for uscJulncss of harvested rnatcriaL high oxygen transport ability. tolerance to adverse clirnatc
condition~ auJ resistance to pests and disease. f)o not plant invasive specie::;.
Reed beds require a cornhlnatjon of vertical and hori1ontal recd hc<ls. I-Iorizontal beds increase v .. :utcr
transpiration ru1d nutricnL nitrogen and phosphorous. uptake through anaerobic rnicro org,inisnls. \/crtical
recd beds increase the presence \)f uxygcn \vhich host aerohic rnicro organis1ns. 1\U recd beds should have
ovcrflovv ;:ones for ~tonn \Vatcr cnnditions. _1\ftcr passing through the beds. install a pond supporling aqua-cultures for
fish .. fnrgs .. and other ecology.
PAGE 2 ·1
K -R ED BEDS
Typical rooting depth -cattail and hulrnsh
R D D
Note: \i\."atcr is not allnvved to
pond on the surface vvithout
authorization fron1 ihc local
health dGpartrnent of cnfon.:ing
agcncv. fR(·.f 9J
///
PAGE 22
L -WASHING MACHINE SUMP
SUSTAINABILTY (~
COMPLEXITY: '){
MATERIALS COST:$
Best suited for all projects. especially remodels and existing construction with slab foundations
Mini1nal n1atcrial and equipinent saves on costs
I3asic systern design alhnvs t<Jr easy installation for most O\\.'llcr:>
The w'l'hing machine sump. also know as a drumlcss laundry wstcm. 1s a simple design smtable for all houses with a
standard washing machine. San Lrns Obispo County permits this system as an alternative to a fltll dual-plumbed system.
Most washing machines arc located <l11 exterior walls with access already Alterm1t1ve designs may include adaptability to
various distribution and irngat10n options. such as the flower pot emitter. Be careful to ensure that the pressurized sur?c
capacity is included in design.
Washing machine flow ( 4-bcdroom house) at
Sandy loam soil (see Percolation Rate ·fable) at
Required total area (i.e .. 75 x 0 -10)
75
OAO
:io
?allnns per dav (gpd)
?Pd per square foot
square feet
Continue with design calculations for selected irrigation option. such as the mini-leach field, !lower pot emitter, mulched
watering moat, SLO County sump permit etc.
Note San Lrns Obispo County permits require that the sumps have a minimum volume of96 rnlnc feet For more
in forrnat ion. please v i sit http_:_/l~V\ y_1~~,_s_lurs21Ll11.Y.~'.lt.1ill>.'ip1Jnn ln¥lh11ildin_gLH.11ihli14~.~tl~:tni.l1:1_,"j_nt~1:'££P.li!:_JH1u
Material List: 1" bra:<s three-way. I" PVC pipe and fittings. check valve or "auto vcnC used for air gap. swing check
valve (if yard is lughcr than washer). l" HDPF !black polyethylene plastic) tubing and barbed fittings. and 1" and 1/2"
ball valves
'rhc \Va;-{hing t1u1chine 1s internal pu1np pressurizes the gray\vater. so syste1n cnn irrigate plants that arc sJ.U;.htU .. uphill or
further a\\·ay along flat ground. IJo not over stress the \Vashing 1nachine pu1np. vvhich could require costly repairs. 'J'he
\Vasher hose is connected to a ?1-way valve that can divert gray\\iatcr either to the sewer or the-graywatcr systcn1. lJsc r·
rigid HfWE ptpe to connect to the outside pipe. Split the flow using barbed Tee fittings to allow graywater to spread out
to several frcefall locations. such a:-:: tbc tlo\vcr pot crnittcrs, tree rnoats. or n1ulch basin. f)rip irrigation \Vlll overburden
the washmg machine and most likclv burn out the pump.
('heck irrigation einittcrs f(Jr clogging. especially lint material. Lint filters arc available specifically f(>r \Vashing n1achincs
if lint bccornc-s a problem. Ensure that the piping fiction and c-rn.ittcr elevations arc 11JH ackhng unnecessary friction
re;-;istance. Every 50 feet of run adds about as rnuch re.'.'istancc as I ff" vertically. For t'x.arnpic, a ~ysten1 that sends \Valer
through I 00 fret of I" pipe that ends up I, .. lower 111 elcvali1m than the lid 1' eqwvalcnt to pumping ~·' above lhe lid of
the washer (20.. 12' 8")
PAr3E 2 3
SUSTAINABIL TY: ~ (~ (~
COMPLEXITY: '.)< '.)< '.)<
MATERIALS COST: $ $ $
TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHT
iaundrf
tank wlth
pump &
valve
shower
tank
•
•
Paired with irrigation reuse, indoor reuse systems can significantly reduce potable water use
Mainly used for toilet flushing
• Proprietary systems arc readily available and easy to install
toilet
Indoor reuse of graywatcr systems arc primarily designed to treat and reuse graywater for toilet flushing. Some systems
collect all the graywater (such as in a dual-plumbed house), provide treatment at a central location, and redistribute the
treated stream to all the toilets. Other systems provide a direct connection from the adjacent sink and either treat and
temporarily store the graywater for later flushing or allow the graywater water to be fill up the toilet tank immediately
prior to flushing. Providing finer filtration coupled with chemical, UV or ozone disinfection allows longer storage time
with graywater for toilet reuse. While most indoor reuse have been for commercial projects, residential systems arc
becoming more popular. [Rd. 9J
Most systems for indoor reuse are complex and expensive, compared to the basic systems used for irrigation. but may
have greater environmental impact. Highly treated graywater that meets a certain purification standard in Canada, for
example, is allowed for some non-potable uses, such as showers and swimming pools. Units are available for single
family. shared central system located at co-housing or apartments.
DESIGN. INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE
Design. installation and maintenance of indoor reuse systems vary by manufacturer. Most systems are purchased through
a vendor and installed by a professional licensed plumber. Some systems requires a minimmn storage tank, where similar
installation requirements with a surge tank may apply. Maintenance may require filter cleaning. handling of chemicals.
and checking for clogging. For example, the Brae system consists of a pump, filter, and holding tank. The Pontos
AquaCycle system includes aeration, disinfection. and filtration as well.
PAGE 24
GRAYWATER CHECKLIST
Planning
o Esti111atc gn1y\vatcr tlo\\' (page 7)
D Estin1atc g:r<I)i\Vatcr absorption area based on soil type or percolation test rc~ults (page 8)
D Fstin1atc distribution area for absorption
CJ Plot plan to scale showing:
o Lot lines. structures, and slopes of surfi1ccs
n Location of drmnage channels, supply lines, wells
CJ Location of sc\vage disposal systen1 if appJicablc. plus I 00°10 expansion area
r_) Location of graywatcr systetn consistent \Vith standards on page 8
Surge tank (unless using a branched system)
o /\nchorcd on dry level con1pactcd soil or on a :r· concrete slab
CJ Capacity permanently marked on the tank
u "Cin1y\vatcr systern 1rrip:.ation danger unsafe water'· pcrrnanently n1arked on tank
C..l Ilrain & overflow pennanently connected to sc\ver or tank systcn1
o rest surge tank to ensure it is \Vatcr tight v,rhen filled
l.ltiliza!ion system of your chok<'
U Insure that installation conforms to the plot plan
u l)eve:lop a n1aintcnancc rnanual and operating: log
PAGE 25
SUMMARY
"fhc dcn1and for potable water is increasing and at the san1c 1in1c. clirnatc change is tnaking the consistency of \Vatcr
supplies less predictable. The effect is an increase in demand for imported water from distant sources which is associated
\Vith energy intensive and ecologically disruptive processes. 'fhc alternative to itnporting water usually n1cans increased
prc"urc on the local aquifer resulting in aquifer depletion.
"fhls challenging situation forces us to produce and use \vater carefully. Reduce_ reuse and recycle ;u·e concepts applied to
consurncr products: \Yater should be thought of as one of these products. nlnst in1portantly. it is the line product \VC rnust
consun1c to :-:urvivc. ( lray\vatcr utilization is an important part of this c1fort to rcdtH.::e, reuse and recycle watcL f Icaltby
and sustainable con1rnunitics of the fi1turc \:Vill usc gray\.vatcr for all non-potahlc \Vatcr use::; such as irrigation and toilet
flushing. Innovators today include REEF well known for their contribution to the surfing mdustry. REEF's global
headquarters in Carlsbad, CA, uses reclaimed water for ll'rigation and gravwatcr for toilet flushing. Despite the fact that
REEF docsn 'town thcrr building. thev were ahlc to integrate appropriate technologies yielding cost savings of $200 per
month on utility hills and lots of water saved for the foture' !S!
In 2008, 20"'o of the clcctncity consumed in California was used to move and pump water. On-site harvesting and
treatment of water c<1n greatly reduce the amount of electricity used for this purpose. Graywatcr is but one appropriate
tcchnologv that will enable us to meet the resource demands of today.
REFERENCES
l. City of Malibu, Ca -Cimywatcr llandbooke
hilp;/!1L1lll'JJ~LJH!i!m.,;;1.1IB/.indcx. ctin'.'Ji!gJJ\Ji\lll :de; tar I gro~J1i1L id '.:7.±&1'id_ ~'9.f 2
2. (J~i1tU11~ ... lUJ.Jla0i2_syjth_i.ir.rr;iLstat~L /\_rt Lu(hvig, ()asis J)csign. 2007.
ratn\\:atcr.com
4. 2009 California Plumbing Code-Appendix G
'i Carlsbad Mag,mne March/ April 2009
6. Carnm:hacl Environmental Design/ Build
7. San Lui' Obispo County Public Works Department
9. l'rn;lf)Scd l:·x1n·css lt 1r11v.,, 1:-nll'l~e-encr ('/)(' (111/c :!-!. ('haptcr /6,·1. !'art/) ... (irar1i·a1t'r ,Stantlanl~·-flousing and
Housing :md Comnmnitv Dcvch>pmen\ (f!C!Ji. Julv l. 2009.
PAGE 26
APPENDIX i -DETERGENTS FOR GRAYWATER SYSTEMS
VVhen lookin~ for appropriate detergents, read the foUo'''/ing infor1nation rrg·arding the contents.
Is Biodcpradable Better'?
The V/ord biodegradable means that a complex chcrnical is broken do\vn into sin1plcr components through hiological
action. Do not be confosed hv the word hiodcgradahlc, which is often used to imply environmentally safo. I !armful
chctnicals as \-\1cll as beneficial ones may be hiodcgradab1c.
A Note About Chlorides
Although chlonnc in bleach and detergents ts generally expended in the washmg process. some may he ktl in the
g:ray\vatcr that reaches plant~. C'hlorinc ~hould not he used in the garden because it n1ay suhstitutc fi>r sin1ilar nutrients.
hlocking norrnal metabolic processes. 'fhc addition of chlorine to \Yater used fiJt irrigation should be kept to a ininin1turL
( 'hoosc your detergents mid clothes-washing products keepmg in mind that it is netter for your plants and soils to have a
low alkalinity. boron. conductivitv, and sodium content in the water. Personal preference may affrct yt>ur choice of
products since higher levels of these constituents may add to their cleansing ability.
Alkalinily
Alkalinitv refers to the relative amounts of alkaline chemicals in a solution. Sodium, potassimn. and calcium arc alkaline
chemicals: they often arc combined with carbonates. sulfates. or cbloridcs. Plants do not tolerate high concentrations of
alkali salts.
Boron
Boron is considered a plant micro-nutrient required m only very. very small amounts. Most soils provide adequate
amounts of this chcn1ical. ("onccntrations only slightly higher than those considered beneficial can cause severe injury or
death to plants'
Conductivitv
c:onductivity is a simple measure of the an1ount of dissolved chcnticals in a solution, 'These chen1icals can he hcneficial or
harmful. The higher the conductiv1tv, the more dissolved salts and mmerals arc present. fn ~cncrnL the higher the
concentration of dissolved salts and n1incra1s in the \Vatcr. 1hc greater the potential ft.n· adverse affects on the cnviron111cnt
and plant health.
Sodium
Sodium can act as a plant poison by reducing the plants ability to take up water from the soil. Too much sodium can
destroy the st111cture of clay soils .. n1aking thc1n shck and greasy by rcrr1oving air spaces and thus pn .. :vcnting good
drainage. ()nee a clay soil is damaged hy sodiu1n_ it can be very difficult to restore it to a viable condition.
Phosphate
Phosphate is a plant food and is added to soil as a fertilizer. Soils in the San Luis Obispo area arc typically low in
phosphates: thus, there may be some benefit to plants if phosphate is present in graywatcr. However. this may be
inaccurate slncc n1any forn1s of phosphate arc not readily usable by plants and soils.
Som<' rccornmemlecl products arc:
Alfo Kleen
Bold
Oasis
Bio Pac
Cheer Free
l~cocovcr
Sha kl cc Basic L
Sun Ultra
White King
Yes
PAGE 27
APPENDIX 2 PLANTS FOR GRAYWATER
Plant List -some recommended species by hydrozonc:
Wetland Type-reeds. rushes. & sedges
C'arcx ~P-· -Sedge species----C'. tu1nilicola, ('. ~pissa. (~. Pracgracilis. etc.
Juncus sp. ·-Rush species-J. patens. J. dlusus
Fquiscrum sp---Horsetail species E hycmak (plant in container to keep from spreading)
Canna sp. --Canna species-Hybnd Clllors \plant in container to keep from spreadmgJ
*Chondropctalum clcphantium -Cape Rush
llpland Typt~herhs, shrubs. & trees
Arbutus 'Marina· -Strawberry Madronc ·free
Cercis occidcntalis -Western Redbud
Myrica californica ·-Califorma Wax Myrtle
Rhamnus californica-Cotfocbcrry
Hctcromcles arbutifolia-Toyon
*Rosmarianus offtc1mJis· -Roscmmy
Artipkx sp. --Salt Bush species
Arctostaphylos sp.--Manzanita species
Ccanothus sp. ---California Lilac species
Salvia sp. --Sage species -S. spathacea. S. 'Pt Sal'. S. elegans
Penstemon sp.--Pcnstcrnon species -P heterophyllus. P digitalJS
Achillea sp.-· Yarrow species
*Lavandula sp. -Lavender species
-"Fragaria chilocnsi~---Beach Strav.-bcrry
Grasses-used in both plantinr groups
rvtulhenbcrg"ia rigens-----[)ccrgrass
Fcstuca sp.. l'escue species--Blue Fescuc. California Fcsrnc
c:'alarnagrostis sp.-------Rced ( i-rass species.----{:. ·Karl Foerster .. C' "()verdan1.
Scslaria sp. ----Moor Ci-rass spccil'.s· · S. cacrulca, S. autnn1nalis
YSTEMS
Note: rnore coin11Hn1 edible plants can he used as long as no edible parts touch the actual graywater flo\v. ·rhe t(HHis
produced above ground from plants rnntcci in graywatcr arc .iust as fit tn eat as plants grown in drinking quality water. Do
not drink graywatcr!
* Plants \Vith an asterisk beside lhc1n arc not native plants to ('alift)rnia~ but arc clin1atc appropriate specie::: for San Lui~
Obispo ( 'ountv.
PAGE: 28
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
i\l)/\PTFR: J\ny plurnbing or drip irrigation part i.Vhich
con11cch; one ~i1.c pipe or part to another. ()ften ust:d to refer to
the fc111nlc fitting. vvhcthcr glued or thrcadcct \Vhich _joins
diflCrcnt parts together.
_:\(~TCJ;\l()R: ,,\24\l [)(' n1otorizcd value. used to
automatically control valves. l.1nlikc a solenoid. this Yalvc·s
opening and closing is pO\Vl~rcd by the rnotor_ not the pressure
in the pipe. Bccauc-:c it \Vorks \vithout any \lii<ltcr prcs;-;urc in the
ptpcs. it is the n1nst pr;1ctical vt1lvt: f()r rnany' gray\vatcr
systems.
AER(H3I(' S()fl.· /~\Veil drained soil \\'ith sutlicicnt pore spctce
to alhnv plenty uf air circulation. 'I'hc pore space is usually
dependent upon the texture (sand is n1oc>t open) and a
reasonable a1nount of organic rnatter and hurnus.
ANIONIC SURFACTANTS: A clemnng agent most commonly
~omc forrn of sodiun1 salt. l.Jt>uall) found in high sud.sing
detergents (see sodiun1 chloride).
IlA.Ll. \1/\I .\lE: r\ val\'c \Vhich has a p·lobc shaped rotating
intcrtor. The solid globe has a circular tunnel through it. When
the handle of the valve is rotated, the solid portion of the ball
cuts off the l1o\\' ofvvatcr. Another rotation lines up the tunnel
and vvater flows through the valvt:. Ball Yalves are oftc:n fl)l!nd
at thL' discharge port of quality y-filters. lSccausc ba1J-valvcs
shear off any conta1ninants and because they don't easily \.Year
out like gate valves. they are the preferred\ alve for !,!f<l}'\Vater
systcins.
HE;-\(.fIFR< >NT A.REAS: Areas with a sand profile verses a
soil profile.
CENTRIHJ(iAL PllMP A pump tnstalkd outside the surge
tank, not suhn1crscd in lhc grayv,.:atcr. The centrifu~:1l pun1p
along \Vi th a diaphrag:tn pressure tank should be housed in or
under a weatherproof structtlIC,
( ~FlE('K-\-';\LYE: 1\. backtl(l\V preventer \Vhich ~tops any vvatcr
;;iphoning hack to\vard tht: house. ()ffcn not l\.:gal as the only
hack flow preventer in potable-water drip >ystcln. lV1u::-:1 be
coupled vvith ~ornc form of atniot-:phcric vacuurn breaker.
Tl.RIP· .r\ style or tcchn<)1ogy of irrigation \Vhcre a tiny tricklL" of
\.Vatcr is s!o,vly applied to the soiL
IJRJP H< JSE ADAPTER The first fitting atler the main
assen1hly or a drip irrigation system. Altnost ahvays an Fl IT
( fr~1nale hose thread) S'vvi vc 1 X drip hose adapter. The ft;tnale
hose thread:-: of the s·\vive! go on to the n1ah:: hose thread~ of a
hose-bib l)f a transition nipp_lc_ The s1vi\·cJ action 1nakcs it ca~y
to quickly <idd lH rcrnovc this fittin¥. The other :->idL· of the
ad:iptcr is either a slip (gltte ). or con1p1\.'s->ion. depending 011 the
syste1n.
[>RIP LINE 1\ lcngtb of solid drip irrigation hose or in-h11c-
'-'1nittcr tuhinp:.
P/:>..GE 2 9
[)RlPLINF· The \.vidtb ofa tree\ or shrub·s foliage. v..1here
\Yater \\ould drip off Ha: edge of the canopy. Nut an indicator
of the \Vidth of the root systc1n ;is roots gro\Y fron1 one half to
three times \.Vidcr than the drip!inc.
DUAL PLUl\!BrNCi A pcnnancnt separate set of pipes for all
the graywater sources in the hon1c.
ELH()V\7' A fitting \.Vhich nllov;s drip hose or pipe 1o rnakc 90
deµrcc tun1.
EIVIITTER· ·rhc little µiI111os attached to <'f built in to solid
drip irrigation hose which control lhc floV\' of\\rater to the soil.
There are tnany nan1c hrands that basically fi1ll into four
generic st:.,iles or i-cchnologics: single diaphragnL double
diaphragm. tortuous (or cornplex) path. or sirnph: orifice
ENI) (';\P: The fitting added at the end of a lateral to n1akc it
easy to open the tubing for draining or flushing. IIas a f;:n1alc
hose thread cap \Vith a \Vasher vvhich threads on to the m<Jlc
hose thrc<td fitting. 'fhc other end wil! he either a co1npn:ssion.
in'.{crt or other opening. depending on the systc-n1 you use-.
EVAPOTRANSPIRXHON IF[): The lo" of water from a
plant or crop via transpiration (exhaling) by f<Jliagc and
evaporation fro1n the plant "sand soil's surt:icc. '['he f·:T rate is
influenced by hu1nidity, rain1~1lL slope aspc:cL wind speed,
tc1npcraturc. pl:1nt care and soi].
FliiliRF FJ(iflT FND < TOSURF· A simple end closure
\Vhich involYcs threading the end of the drip hose through one
side of tht: figure eight bending-over the end of the end of the
drip hose and securing the bent end inside the other half uf the
fig.urc eight.
FILTER: A device V.'ith a scrcc11 (cheap. poor quali1y 1nodcls
have plastic screens) \Vhich is used to trap any p~irticulatcs. dirt
or scu1n bt:forc it can enter th(: drainficld or clog the drlp
cn1ittcrs. !\n t:ssential con1ponent of all gray\vater drip systcn1s.
FlJf: Plu1nbing shorthand for a fen1alc iron pipe thread.
FLAPPER CHICK V·\IVL A \a}vc that prevents any water
tT01n siphoning h~ll:k into the surge tank.
GFI: _A, ~round fault i11terrupt ontlct. i\ll surnp puinps must he
plu~ged into a ( i-FI nutlct.
}{}j\f): A purnp"s head i:-: the t:ross difference in elc·vation
\r/hich it pun1p~ .. J\s a safety factor. the head for a g:rayv..1atcr
systcin is dctcrtnincd b:y addin~ the total ehnngcs. both up and
dO\Vll, in the c]cvatiOJl frorn the surge tank to the point of
di:::po:-:aL Tl) this fig:un: add ,tt least J 5°,0 1no1T fL:et oftht: total
head.
H< )SL· BIB: 1\11othcr narnc for a ::arden LJ.uci.:L Tlh; :o;tandard
gi:tnH1 on the pipe sticking nut of thl: house ·.s exterior v.,:all (1r
nn tnp \)fa llll'tal \':atcr pipe in tbe yard and n11to \Vhich the
g:inicn ht)S(" is att1L-lk·d.
LOSSARY OF TERMS
HOSF SHl IT ( lFF VJ\! VE: A small ball-1alvc \\ luch can be
added at the end nf a hliSC to cnnrrol \vatcr \Vithou1 having to run
back to the hose' bib. With a fcv;: extra rarts. this valvc can he
spliced into any drip hose and allov,.· th~: gardener to exclude
water fro1n portions of a systcrn ()ftcn used to rotate gray\vater
tn di flcrent ;;,ont:s as needed
lN-LINF EMITTER HOSE A morcc recent and cfkctive type of
drip irrigation hose where thi: crnittcrs arc rr1anu.L1cturcd inside
the hose at regular inter ... ab. 'fht'. pre-spaced e1nlth.:r1:> use a
tortuous path technology for \Vatcr regulation \Yithout clogging.
Watt;r can he distrihnted at 112, 1. and:?_ gal/hr. rates at rnany
separate intervals ranging tfo1n 1.2-72 inches.
INSERT FITT!NCi: These fittings have male-shaped parts with
barhcd exteriors \vhich insert inside th~: drip irrigation hose. ,.\;:,
the-water pressure increases, the fitting is rnore likely to fiti1
he-cause the s\vctling: drip hose can blo<Jt av.·ay frorn the barbed
posts. \1 ust use <1 ring t::larnp tn secure the hose -against too
1nuch pressure.
J-s·r,\KF: i\ landscape pin usl'd to secure drip irrigation hose.
landscape netting and l 2v J)(~ wiring. Made like the upside
version of the letter 'J'. not as sturdy :is thL' best lJ .. stakcs.
L1\BH .. YINTll: ;\ cornplc:c tortuous path inside certain emittc-rs
'fhc labyrinth ofpas;;agcs keeps any scdirncnt in the \Vater in
suspension to pctss out the emitter\ orifice .. A.JI in-line c1nittcr
tubing uses sonic fOnn of labyrinth to alhn~: for a relatively large
crr1ittcr orifice and to keep the L'.Initter frorn clogging.
LA'fER/\L: /\ latcn11 is a water-bearing pipe or drip hose \Yhich
1_iriginatcs ~ls an otTshoot of a rnain supply pipe. Laterals arc
usually attached to the supply head..::r via a tee.
i\1AIN ASSE!V1I~l.Y: The collection of p;uts at the beginning of
a gra)i\Vater systcrn which filters the g:r<tj\V<ttcr systein t,) the
dnp c1nittlTs and regulates the \Vatcr pressure In keep the drip
systcn1 intact. ( ·ornposcd of a filter and pressure rcgulaior pins
the n1iscellaneous parts needed to connect everything together.
MAIN SWITCHJN(i VAVLF A main valve is required to allow
thv hon1cov\11er to alternate hct\vcen the g_ray\vatcr systern and
the septic tank or SC\VCT. lJsc the tnain valve \Vhen the grouud is
saturated \Vith rairnvater_ v,,-hcn someone is ill \vith an infectious
disease or tht: occupants don't v...·ant to USL' the gray\vatcr
irrigation systc1n. 'fhc tnain valve, \Vhcthcr n1anual or clectro-
rnechanicaL is h~:st plun1b~;d near the surge tank.
-~vlESIL t'vf1.)S1 drip irrigation filrcrs arc rated by Illl.'Sll size. The
larger the rnesh nun1hcL the better the filtration hecausc smaller
particles c;n1 hr..: trapped. Man) tnt:tal :;creen filters are either· 60
n1csh (254 n1icrons or .OJ inclk~s), 100 1ncsh (152 tnicrons or
OO<i inches), 1-lO tnesh (!04 n1icrons or .(Hl4 inches) or 250
1ncf'h (6 ! rnicrons or .002 .. + inches), (J-n1yv1atcr svsterns shuuld
use a 200 n1esh or better filter.
l\ 1 {( 'R () N: i.\ conunon rncasurenient for Irrigation parts. The
hig~er the tnicron nutnhcL the big1;~cr rile opening:. 1'\ .single
n1icron i:quab onc-rnillionth of a 1nctcr. It takes 254 111icrons to
equal .Ol 1nchcs, which is a 60 inesh scrccn. J\iJost )!,Ia~.-\Vatcr
systcrns .\hould ha Ye a 7 5 micron or be Her filter.
!\·IIPT: Plurnbing shorthand for a n1ale iron pipe thrc<HI.
NIPPLE: (~omcs in plastic and iron vr:rsions \Vith rnale iron pipe
threads on each end. Plun1bing nipples ran~e in si;;c fron1 3/4
inches to 4~ inches. lJscd to join tvvo i\:rnalc iron p1pc thread;-;
together.
OVERFLOW PORT (AFTOMATIC 1: An 0\ crflow ptpc near the
top nf the tank dump:' gr:ry·,vatcr to the SC\Vi.T or septic. tank in
ca:::e something: clogs the ;-;urge tank or the sun1p pntnp rails.
Pi\'fif()(fENS: f)iscasc causing organisms. 'T'o bccon1c inftctcd,
an individual 1nust be exposed to a large enough dosage and be
vulnerable to the pathogen. Most pathogens can reside out nfthc
body of a host, in tht..: soiL but each cliscasi...' has a ditTcrcnt Iii!:
span in the soil.
PERCOLATION f'EST: A test to determme the ability of the sml
to accept gra_vvvater. The test is onl_v required at the request nfthc
('ity IIcahh ()ffiLTr. Percolation tests can be useful but thc:y n1:1y
not reflect long tenn acceptance rates
P1l'fl(JPf£Tll(lH..J\: (icnus of various species offtn1g:a\ diseases
\Vhich attack the upper portion of the roots to destroy the bark's
acti vc layers of transport. ( Htcn called cro\.vn rot.
Pf)R<>US fl()SL: lJnlikl' an emitter, \\'here the \Vatcr dribhlcs out
at ;.;elect points: the \\·atcr in porous drip hose oo;;c~ out through
the entire surface area of the hose ·s walls. The genre or drip husc
only \vorks \Vcll v..-ith chlorin;1ted city \V<1tcr because irs so prone
to p:.ctting clogged by scdi1ncnt and bcconiing scaled off
internally due to the huiltl-up of various types of algae slin1cs.
Not recnmmended at all wiJh gn.ty\vatcr. no matter ho\v \Veil
filtcrccL
P<YLABLE \VATFR: Fresh drinking vv;itcr. city or pure \\·-ell
w-ater
l'RESS\JRF COMPFNSiiflNG EMITTER: A special type of
emitter cuginecred so that the flovv rate stays the san1e regardless
of the length of the line (up to <l point) and any change in
elevation. Required \Vhen irrigating !andsc.apcs vvith :L total
elevation l.'hange of 20 feet or 1nore.
PRF-Ff!TFR Usually a h'1.<kct with a mesh hag v.foch catches
rno:--;t of the offending lint hair and parti,:tilatcs before entering
the surge tank. lts fil1cring, surface :irca should he at least 2
square fr'.c.t so that it doc~ not clog quickly. The bigger the prc-
filtcr_ the better Must be ust·d Vv'ith <l gnly\vah:r drip irrigation
systt:ni.
PRESS URI: RF«T 11.ilTOR. A gi/lnn which reduce' the water
pressure in :.1 gr:1y\vatcr drip irrip-ation to 25 p:-:i or ltnver to
protect the subscqtL:nt drip irri_gCJtion fittings l\.1ust De installed in
e\'ery rnain a:>scrnhl~
PAGE 30
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
PSI: Pound:: per square inch. the unit of rneasurc for \\'ater
pn:ssurc. Typical hornc \\-'atcr prc~surc is -i0~80 psL f)rip
irrigation systcrri.s gene-rally operate at 11-25 psi.
PVC': A type of sc1ni-rigid plastic that is n1a<lc fl·on1 polyvinyl
chloride \Vhich is often used for garden plumbing. Sornc of the
more co1nnHn1 grades of this pipe (frorn the sturdiest to the
weakct>t waHs) arc Scht-:dulc 80. Schedule 40. ('lass 200 and
('Liss 120, Vi'hich resist hursting up to. respectively, 800. 400.
200 and l'.~O psi.
Sl\LINF \~/i\"l"ER· Irrig,uion or 12round \Yater \·vhich i~ high in
salt (sodiutn chloride). \Vhilc saline \vatcr is u;:;cful in 1nctny
n1cdical applications, it is not healthy for n1any plants.
(i-n.ty\\'atcr can he particularly saline due t.n the salts in n1any
detergent<-:. especially powdered detergents
S(>fl: Shorthand for 'schedule . l.lscd to dcnnte the type or
grade of P\/(.~ pipe and fittings.
SLIP: A PVC~ fitting \Vith an opening which requires glue, as
opposed to thtTll.ds \Vith pipe dope. to '\veld' the hvo parts
together. iJsually the end of the rigid PV( ·irrigation pipe an<l
the fitting arc n1oistened with PV(' glue and the pipe is slipped
into the v.·et round opening: of the \Vaiting fitting.
S()[.ENCfll): /\n electric v;ilve used to control drip irrigation
systems. The \Vires tt1 the solenoid usually carry 24 volts of
AC 1 power. The irrigation controller has <l transforrr1er to step
do\vn the house current lt is dependent on the static line
pressure of the vvatcr supply to assist in the l1pc:ning and
clo.-:ing of the-valve, then:forc they often can't be used \-Vith :i
grayvv11tcr sy:::tc1n unless the systc1n is Cully prcssuri/cd at all
tunes.
SP/\CilffTT! TUBINU: A tmy nr slender tvpc ofpnlyctbylcnc
tubinr which can be used to distribute \Yater to emitter:-. or
plants. (\nucs in I /4 and l/:S inch diarncti.::rs. Hccnusc of this
tuhing·s propensity tl) t\vist around itself, it \Vill 1nakc a
tangled rnes.s in the landscape. Can be con1Tolled "'·hen used in
rlintaincr plantings
SlJI{-.S YSTEM: . ./\branched systcn1 of drip irriµation laterals
orjg:inating fron1 a 111ain supply line or hcndtT. LJnlikc a sinf;lc
lateral, a suh-systcm. also called a sub~rnain, has several
subordinate lines all connected hy tees in a pattern sirnilar to
the lines on a :-;h~ct of n1usic
SllHMERSJRU' HHifl-l!EilD EFFLUENT PUMP c\~ inch
dian1etcr subtntrsiblc tnrhinc pun1p rnadc of stainless ste-cl and
hig'l1 quality thcrmopla:)1ic:; spcl'.ifically fiJr pun1ping
1vas1l'\Vatcr effluent. TJevclops higher pressures than c.;urnp
pumps.
SlH\.1P Pll'fyfp ",\pump designed to be subn1ergcd in 1,vatcr. to
aHtnrnatically turn on 1vhcn the \Vai'cr reaches a pJcdctcrniincd
le\ cl and to f1t11np the 'vVatcr a certain rn:.ixinnun height and
dist<1ncc at <l specific rate in gprn of gph. Installed in the surge
tank
SlJPPLY t lf<,\l)LH .. : rrhc <'nlid p!a:-:tic pipe. solid drip hose or
in-line dnp trngation ho:-::e \vhich supplies 1.Hh.~ or niorc laterals
PAGE 3 1
SlJRF:\('E: Refer:-> to the top of a thick pcrn1;1ncnt rnulch
coyering the soil or the top of an un-n1ulchcd soil Cln1y\v<ltcr
1nust not daylight ou the surface
S'Vl/I\'EL. The rotating fittini:: that can be scn:\vcd onto anolht:r
fitting. lJsu;1lly refers to fctn<tlc ho~e threads which arc
threaded onto 1hc end of a hose, huse-bih:-: or drip irrigatil1n
parts. ll:-;ual!y reqLnres a rubber µ:asket in the .c;wi\el to prevent
leaks_
I'EE: ,\fitting which joins ct lateral line (solid PVC. pirc. in-line
etnitter tubing or solid drip hose) to another vvati..::r supply line
THREE WAY SWINU D!VFRTER VALVE:/\ spa tvpe swing
gate valve 'hhich conics in n1anual ft1rn1 or with a ~-f\7 J)C
:1ctuJtor f()r auton1atic control. T.Jscd tn divert gray\vatcr flo\\
frorn one zone to another ;:nnc.
TT~1ER: A battery pcl\:vcrcd controlh:r \Vhich controls one
irrigation !inc. Attaches to the hose-bib and controls the flo\v of
\Vater to a hose or drip irrigation :.-:yRte1n.
TORTUOUS PATH FMJTTERS: Drip inigat10n emitters with a
con1plc:c tortuous or labyrinth path within the cniittcr vvhich
allo\VS larger particles to flo\V through thl: c1nitter wlthout
clogging. Best l,jffiittcr for use \Vi th gr<1y\vater and Olll'. of the
rnore rl'.Ccnt devcloprncnts in drip tcchnolog~1,·.
J'RANSIT!ClN NIPPLE A plastic or metal fitting with a male
hose thread and a n1alc iron pipe thread used to connect
conventional garden plurnbing to drip itTigation fittings.
TWO-WAY SWING DIVFRTFR VALVF: A 'P" type swing
gate valve v\:hich comes in 1nanual forrn or \Vith a 24V l)C
actuator for autotnatic contToL Turns graywatcr flc)\v on and
off
LJ-S'TA.KE: .1\ landscape pin used to sccurL; drip irrigation hoses.
land.'.>capc netting and 12V {)(: \Viring. Shaped like ;in inverted
·tr, sturdier than the J-stakc~
lfNI()N: Related to a coupling. a uninn is a plun1hing part
\vhich. after unthrcading the locking ring, scparatcs into l\Vo
piece::-: and allo\1..::-; you ro take u portion of any irrigation sysh.:rn
(providing then.' is a union on each end of the :->cction) out fr•r
repair:.--: \:vithout having to cul' the pipe. The use of unions allows
for the quick rcin~tallation of thL~ repaired section \Vithout
having to rc-glue \Vi th extra fittings
WFT SPU[ 'Ik wc1 spot in drip 1m~at10n has both depth and
breadth. the extent of V.'hich is dependent upon the rate of thl:
dribble (in gphJ, the duration ofr:ll.._, trickll' (in hours). thl'. soil
type. thi: slopL' of the Lu1d and the clirnatc
Y-FfLTER: The hcst type df filter fqr 11 gray\vatcr drip
irrigation sy:-:ten1 Easil.v ult:ntifi.,;d by the filter charnbcr \vhich
is integrated into the filter at ;1n obtuse angh~. The best y··filtcrs
ha\T a 1nctal-<:;crccn filter \Vithin the filter chamber to rnake 11
ca:-;y to tlu:.;h nut lhc screen.
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