Dear Residents,
As you are aware, California is experiencing a significant drought. The drought is not only impacting the water supplies to residential locations but to the vast industry throughout the state. The purpose of this communication is to share with you the impact on the San Elijo Hills community and to discuss the ways we can work together to ensure San Elijo Hills supports our agencies and neighbors through conservation efforts.
Mandatory Water Conservation Regulations
On April 1, 2015, Governor Brown ordered the State Water Resources Control Board to implement reductions that will cut usage by 25%. As a result, the Vallecitos Water District raised its drought restrictions to Level 2. For a complete list of conservation actions, please visit www.vwd.org. We have also posted the drought restriction information (published by Vallecitos) on the Community Network at www.sanelijohillsnet.
Mandatory conservation actions related to landscape and irrigation include:
• Residential and commercial landscape irrigation is limited to no more than one day per week from November to May (no more than three days per week June through October).
• Irrigation is limited to no more than ten minutes per watering station. Systems using new water-efficient devices are excluded to this time constraint).
• Irrigation may only occur between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
• All water leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of notification by the water district.
• Outdoor watering is prohibited during and up to 48 hours after a rain event.
• Stop operation of ornamental fountains unless reticulating water is used.
• Prevent waste water associated with inefficient landscaping as well as flows onto non-targeted areas.
These regulations include both residential landscaping as well as the common areas, parks, etc. throughout the community. The San Elijo Hills Community Association is cooperating with the restrictions and has cut back irrigation accordingly. Please note: there are locations throughout the community with water efficient devices. These areas will operate with different run times to ensure the plants receive the appropriate level of irrigation within the restricted time frames. The Board is also continuing to look at areas where irrigation conversion is appropriate (switching from spray heads to drip tubing), and we will implement upgrades to the system throughout the year.
Maintenance Requirements
We understand the water restrictions will impact the health of plant material. The Association will continue to maintain its landscaped areas through regular weeding, mowing, edging and removal of dead material. Owners are expected to do the same. Therefore, please continue to maintain your yards. Owners should remove dead plant material and keep areas neat and tidy but weeding, mulching, trimming, etc.
Landscape Renovation Options
There are many options available to owners wishing to upgrade their landscaping and introduce drought tolerant themes. The Community Design Standards spell out a number of approved low water use plants from front yards. This list is NOT all inclusive but is an excellent starting point for residents. The Standards also include details on plant coverage and the use of rock in landscaping. Owners who wish to upgrade the landscaping on their properties must obtain approval from the San Elijo Hills Architectural Committee prior to installation. The regulations, explanation of process and application can be found on the Community Network at www.sanelijohills.net. Please contact Liz McCardle at lmccardle@waltersmanagement.com with questions.
Other Important Items to Note
The recent changes to the drought regulations will impact the Questhaven Park renovation project. The second part of the project was scheduled to begin on April 27. This project is on hold until the drought alter is reduced. Unfortunately, the new turf installed in the first phase of the project will be impacted. Please, please, please take care of the new grass area by reducing usage as much as possible. Wear appropriate shoes, use different areas to avoid wearing down the middle section, and avoid using the new grass for organized sports as much as possible.
In addition, while it uses recirculating water and is excluded from the ordinance, the fountain located in the town square will be turned off. The goal is to send a message that the community is sensitive to the water restrictions and will reduce opportunities for water loss and evaporation as much as possible. Please take a moment to talk with your children about the fountain and ask them to refrain from playing in the structure or vandalizing the area. The cost to repair assets from vandalism directly impacts our HOA dues.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and efforts to work together during this challenging time.
Regards,
Board of Directors
San Elijo Hills Community Association
Since I follow the mandatory water restriction, my front lawn is turning brown and i receive letters from the HOA complaining about the state of my front yard.I don’t have any weeds, the only problem is the lack of water affecting the plants and lawn.
Do I have to do like my neighbor who is watering everyday to be trouble free from the HOA?
At least my front yard is looking way better than the dirt lot in the middle of the town center!