BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glen Acosta, Vice President Matt Disston, Director Mike Safranski, Director Jim Haselton, Director Ed Mandich, Director GENERAL MANAGER Don Chadd

ON TAP

Save Water, Save Money

What is the source of TCWD’s water?

When the seasons and the weather change, the plants in our yards will provide us with reminders about the need to either begin or change the watering schedules. Have you ever forgotten to water the yard? Have you suddenly noticed that the grass and plants look dry and limp?

The change in weather causes a change in the evaporation rate of water; industry specialists in the field of irrigation use the term Evapotranspiration:The loss of water from the soil by evaporation and by transpiration (think of it as plant sweat) from the plants growing in the soil.

Sometimes when you do remember to water your yard, you can even forget to turn the water off because your sprinklers were not on a timer system. Even if there is a timer system, many customers confess that adjusting the timer system can be time consuming, confusing, or are unsure of how to set the time for each station for each area to be watered.

Ironically, surveys show that overwatering yards appears to be a malady in the western states. Yet, common sense tells us that watering a yard too much encourages the lawn to grow faster. And when the lawn grows faster, it's necessary to spend more time in the yard and increases water waste.

So, let’s look at a way you can take one day a month off—and save water and money in the bargain.

Lawn grasses are either warm-season or cool-season species. Warm-season grasses go dormant and turn brown in winter. In general, they are best adapted to the Southern California area and are the most drought-tolerant.

Conversely, year-round growth and green color characterize the cool-season grasses. They are considered to be higher maintenance grasses because they require more water and careful management in the summer, and they are more susceptible to disease.

Remember, for efficient water use:

Mow your lawn at the correct height.

• Cool-season grasses at 1-1/2".
• Warm-season grasses from 3/4" to 1-1/4" as follows:

• Vertical mow or heavy rake to remove dead and dying thatch.
• Aerate to overcome compacted soil and minimize runoff.

Suggested Weekly Watering Schedule for June and July

* By "cycling" your irrigation timer to turn on for the suggested number of minutes an hour apart, you reduce runoff and gain deeper watering and healthier root growth.

Start with the weekly schedule and increase the times only if your plants show signs of stress. If stress occurs only in isolated areas, check your irrigation system before increasing the time.

To access excellent web sites for water conservation and irrigation tips, go to -bewaterwise.com

California-Friendly Landscape Design

As we’ve previously informed you in our ON-TAP publications, the District is converting its exterior landscape at the Administrative office so that the District may provide residents with samplings of California-friendly landscape options.

TCWD is pleased to announce that it has begun a phased re-landscaping at the District’s Administrative office. The California-friendly landscape plants are drought tolerant and colorful and adapt well to our climate. The first phase at the monument area is nearing completion. While the plants are small, they will fill in quickly. The remaining portions of the landscaped areas around the Administrative office will be re-landscaped during the next few months.

The District received a professionally landscape design and is making plans to go forward with this project. We invite you to watch our progress and invite your comments.

If you are interested in the professional services we used for the landscape design, you may wish to refer to calown.com. The web site has many colorful photos about plants that may be of interest to you.

The Regular Board Meeting is held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office located at 32003 Dove Canyon Drive, Trabuco Canyon. The public is encouraged to attend.

Board Highlights

• May 17, 2006 – Conducted a Public Hearing relating to rate adjustments and adjusted the domestic water irrigation and reclaimed/recycled rates effective July 1, 2006.
• Approved the final revised Sub-Area Master Plan for the Saddleback Meadows development.
• Authorized the Board presiding officer to vote for the Independent Special Districts of Orange County LAFCO Commissioner and Alternate Commissioner.
• Provided staff direction regarding election transmittal information.
• May 31 – Adopted a Resolution appointing a Director to the Board.
• June 3 – Reviewed the Fiscal Year 2006/07 Draft General Fund Budget Guideline, Capital Improvement Programs and Debt Service Budgets.