Resident Goes Native for Water Savings

Long-time Pasadena resident and entrepreneur Jerry Robin turned the landscape at his home into an eco-friendly, water-saving environment – and gained well-deserved recognition in the process.

For his efforts in transforming his front yard from a tired old St. Augustine lawn into an attractive, low-water-use space featuring sedum, fescue, a self-designed water feature and a succulent rock garden, Jerry received a coveted Golden Arrow Award from Pasadena Beautiful Foundation.

But it’s his back yard that showcases the most effort. Furthering his interests in California native plants, cooking and wildlife conservation – not to mention creating a healthy, stress-busting living space – Jerry turned his yard into a native plant/edible garden. A variety of sages, penstemons, mallows and ceanothus share space with fruit trees, berries plants, grape vines and raised vegetable beds made from reclaimed concrete.

“Native plants need only infrequent watering,” he said. “I’m conserving water and I get to enjoy all the sights, scents and sounds of nature. And nothing beats home-grown fruits and vegetables.”

His property is registered with the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat providing food, water, cover and places to raise young for a year-round parade of wildlife. Visit www.nwf.org/backyard for more information.  

Free Workshops for Water-Wise Residents

Learn to set up a water-efficient irrigation system for your yard by attending a brand-new series of workshops. Free to all Pasadena Water and Power water customers, the workshops are perfect for anyone interested in maintaining a beautiful landscape without wasting water.

Sessions are set for:

• Wednesday, July 23, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 23, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 27, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

A certified landscape professional will teach you about the latest irrigation equipment and sprinkler systems, how to calculate your watering needs and irrigation schedule, plus plenty of water-wise gardening tips.

All classes with be held at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Dr. Go to www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater to reserve your spot!

Energy Resource Planning Kicks Off

PWP is preparing a new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and is seeking public input and participation in the planning and review process. The IRP is PWP’s roadmap for ensuring reliable, cost-effective and environmentally responsible electric supply for its customers over the next 20 years. This important document takes into consideration future energy demand, electricity rates, environmental impacts, emerging technologies and renewable energy, among other factors. To stay informed, receive updates about public meetings and be a part of planning your city’s energy future, join the IRP mailing list and submit your comments and questions on the PWP website. 

Pasadena’s Water Conservation is Off Target

Despite extensive outreach about a projected water shortage and a plea by the mayor and city council to reduce citywide water use by 10 percent, Pasadena’s water consumption increased this spring!

The cause is most likely an increase in lawn and landscape watering due to higher temperatures in April – 50 percent more that month than in April 2006. This may come as a surprise, but healthy lawns can cope with variations in weather patterns.

Over-watering actually disturbs the ability of grass to acclimate to hotter temperatures. Watering your lawn just twice a week should do the trick for most properties.

The Pasadena Municipal Code’s Water Shortage Plan I, put in effect by the Pasadena City Council in December 2007, puts voluntary measures in place for conserving water and achieving that important 10 percent reduction. Nine water conservation measures are the focus of this plan:

• Refrain from hosing or washing sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas and other paved surfaces.

• Refrain from cleaning, filling and maintaining levels in decorative fountains, ponds, lakes and similar structures unless such structure is equipped with a water recycling system.

• Refrain from serving drinking water, unless at the express request of a customer, in all restaurants, hotels, cafés, cafeterias and other public places where food is sold, served or offered for sale.

• Promptly repair all leaks from indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures, including sprinkler systems.

• Refrain from allowing water to run off landscape areas into adjoining streets, sidewalks, parking lots and alleys.

• Refrain from allowing water to run off into adjoining streets, sidewalks, parking lots or alleys while washing vehicles.

• Refrain from landscape watering more often than once every three days.

• Refrain from landscape watering between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Refrain from filling or refilling swimming pools.

This voluntary plan is still in effect. As we face a long, hot summer and potentially greater water supply challenges, adherence to these measures is more critical than ever before.

If you see examples of water waste, such as broken sprinklers, watering during midday hours, etc., visit www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater or call PWP’s 24-hour Water Shortage Hotline at 744-8888.