By using water-efficient gardening techniques, you can create a beautiful garden while cutting landscape water use from 20 to 80 percent. Whether you’re planting a new landscape or renovating an established one, the following Santa Clara Valley Water District programs can help you conserve water.
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For homeowners
Water-Wise House Calls
Are you concerned about high water bills and would you like to use less water? Sign up today for a FREE House Call. House Calls are available for Santa Clara County residents. Trained water surveyors will come out to your home or apartment complex and spend at least an hour with you, reviewing your water use, providing low-flow showerheads and aerators (if needed), and sugesting water-wise recommendations - including an irrigation schedule for your landscape.
Information is available at Water-Wise House Call Program.
Landscape Rebate Program
The Landscape Rebate Program is designed to assist homeowners and commercial, industrial and institutional property owners increase their outdoor water use efficiency by replacing high water use landscape and/or upgrading to high efficiency irrigation equipment. Simple changes in plant type and irrigation methods can greatly reduce the water required for an attractive landscape. There are many plants that use surprisingly little water; many flowering shrubs, annuals, perennials and trees that need little to no water once established. There are also several irrigation equipment upgrades that can be made to increase your irrigation system’s efficiency which can result in saving water and saving money. Click here for more Landscape Rebate Program information.
Water-Efficient Landscaping Workshops
Offered each spring to Santa Clara County residents, this FREE workshop series covers practical information such as water-saving garden design, plant selection and landscape maintenance. The classes are taught by landscape experts.
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For businesses
Landscape Survey Program
Since 1994, the Santa Clara Valley Water District has been helping landscape managers improve their irrigation efficiency. Through the innovative Landscape Survey Program, surveyors perform free site evaluations to assist property owners in better managing their water use. Our surveys have shown potential savings of up to $1,000 per year per acre of landscape.
Learn more about the Landscape Survey Program, click here.
Landscape Rebate Program
The Landscape Rebate Program is designed to assist homeowners and commercial, industrial and institutional property owners increase their outdoor water use efficiency by replacing high water use landscape and/or upgrading to high efficiency irrigation equipment. Simple changes in plant type and irrigation methods can greatly reduce the water required for an attractive landscape. There are many plants that use surprisingly little water; many flowering shrubs, annuals, perennials and trees that need little to no water once established. There are also several irrigation equipment upgrades that can be made to increase your irrigation system’s efficiency which can result in saving water and saving money. Click here for more Landscape Rebate Program information.
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For landscape professionals
Irrigation training workshops for professionals
Designed for landscape professionals, these workshops focus on the latest in water-efficient landscaping and irrigation techniques. Classes in both English and Spanish use classroom and field settings. To be added to our mailing list, call the Water Conservation Hotline at (408) 265-2607, ext. 2554, or e-mail us.
Best management practices (BMPs) for turf and landscape irrigation
The Irrigation Association is in the process of developing BMPs that will benefit the individuals and organizations that will implement them. Check the status of this effort at the Irrigation Association website.
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Additional resources
- Visit the California Landscape Contractors Association’s Certification Program to learn about certified landscape contractors or click here to view a list of CLCA certified landscape contractors.
- Demonstration Gardens offer great ideas for your water-wise garden. Water-efficient demonstration gardens are wonderful sources of inspiration and practical information. Visit demonstration gardens to find interesting plants suitable for our climate. All are open to the public at no cost.
Looking for plants that are
water-wise? Many nurseries in the Bay Area carry such plants and other water-efficient materials.
For more information, call our Water Conservation Hotline at (408) 265-2607, ext. 2554, send e-mail, or check out these organizations:
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