Project Info
In collaboration with the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority), the Schmidt Design Group, Inc. produced technical guidelines, specifications, and training resources to communicate the requirements of the Water Authority’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) to a variety of audiences. The Water Authority’s WaterSmart Landscape Conversion Pilot Rebate Program (Program) assists a limited number of customers in converting non‑essential turf areas to alternative water-efficient landscaping. These landscape conversions will also demonstrate the beauty and diversity that reflect the Water Authority’s WaterSmart ethic of “a better way to beautiful”. The Program voluntarily applies the latest landscape design standards adopted by the State of California in its MWELO.
The guidelines and specifications will be used as technical reference for the industry (landscape contractors, landscape designers, etc.) and include elements such as water budgeting, irrigation design plans incorporating a smart controller, irrigation schedules, installation instructions, and maintenance and monitoring plan/schedule. The owner’s checklist will serve the dual purpose of providing the typical homeowner with a complete picture of the project they are undertaking, as well as a management tool to ensure any products/services they procure align with the Program. It includes a typical homeowner’s landscape conversion project; from initial planning through final completion and long-term maintenance. This checklist is written in layperson’s terms so it can be used as a reference for guiding homeowners in the landscape conversion process.
Awards
- Merit Award, Communication, American Society of Landscape Architects, San Diego Chapter