GRF has turned off sprinklers on its non-functional turf
Mutuals reviewing turf areas to see what can be legally watered
California is in a record-breaking drought with 2022 being the driest year on record so far. The state’s worsening conditions prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to proclaim a Drought Emergency last month, triggering regulations requiring all urban water suppliers to escalate ongoing water conservation efforts.
At the Presidents’ Council meeting July 7, the City of Seal Beach alerted the Golden Rain Foundation and Mutual officials that the watering of non-functional and purely ornamental turf must immediately cease, in addition to other restrictions.
That means the GRF has turned off sprinklers watering grass that is purely decorative in all Trust areas.
Non-functional turf defined as a ground cover surface of mowed grass that is ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation purposes. It does not include school fields, sports fields and areas regularly used for civic or community events, according to the State Water Resources Control Board.
So the ban does not apply to the LW Golf Course and the picnic areas, both of which are being watered, according to GRF Facilities Director Mark Weaver.
There is also an exemption for irrigation of trees to keep them healthy. The GRF has already directed gardeners to begin hand-watering Trust trees.
Mutual officials are now determining what areas they must stop watering in their neighborhoods.
The State Water Board rules also required local water suppliers statewide to activate Level 2 of their local contingency plans to prepare for target water reductions of up to 20%.
To meet Level 2 water restrictions, Seal Beach has limited residential watering schedules to three days a week and implemented the following water use restrictions that apply at all times:
• The watering of landscaping and all other vegetated areas is prohibited between 6 a.m.-6 p.m. and is limited to no more than 15 minutes per station per day. Drip irrigation and hand watering are exempt.
• Do not water lawns and landscaping while it’s raining or for 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
• Do not allow excessive water flow or runoff onto sidewalks, driveway, street, alley or gutter when watering lawns, landscaping and vegetated areas.
• Plumbing system leaks must be immediately fixed.
• Do not hose or wash down hard or paved surfaces such as sidewalks, gutters, driveways, patios, pool decks, parking areas, tennis courts and alleys, except to alleviate immediate fire or sanitation hazards.
• Wash vehicles with a bucket and/or hose with a positive shutoff hose nozzle. This includes cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, boats, or trailers. The LW car wash at Clubhouse 2 uses recycled water. The emergency regulation will remain in effect for one year, unless the State Water Board modifies it, readopts it or ends it before then.
