We are seeing more and more instances of homeowners overwatering their landscaping and this is creating safety situations as well as damaging common area landscaping including parkways where the turf and trees are becoming saturated. Excess water on sidewalks is found more frequently these days and can cause people to slip and fall.

These problems may be due in large part to the fact that we are in a transition period from hot dry weather to colder and cloudier conditions. When we reach this transition it is vitally important that homeowners check their irrigation system and assess the amount of and timing for watering. 

Below is a chart that our landscaper, BrightView uses that shows landscape water requirement by month – without precipitation. As you can see October is almost ½ of peak summer season. If you are watering 4 days a week you should be cutting back to 2 days a week. BrightView is seeing substantial runoff from resident’s landscaping in other associations as well.

In following these guidelines you will not only improve safety but also reduce water costs. Remember that our water costs will be increasing this fiscal year. The proposed plan calls for a 9% increase in the variable water usage charge line item from the San Dieguito Water District which serves most of Encinitas Ranch.