Results tagged “sprinkler”

The end of Daylight Savings Time means more than just gaining an extra hour of sleep. To many, it's changing out fire alarm batteries and checking up on earthquake supplies. And now with water and energy conservation as a big theme in L.A., the LADWP is advising the public to not forget about adjusting automatic sprinklers as it could save you a citation. And considering that sunset will be at 5 p.m. tonight, you might want to change your lighting timer.

Officials with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa tell NBC4 that the illegal use of sprinkers at his city-owned mansion, The Getty House in Windsor Square, was probably due to "a program malfunction" and now has been fixed. They thanked NBC4 for pointing out the problem and has the Department of Parks and Recreation "double-checking the sprinkler system to make sure it's working right." The good news is that the city has reduced water and energy consumption in record breaking numbers. Despite the illegal sprinkler goof, the announcements help him with his goal of making Los Angeles "the greenest big city in America.”

Although he tells the denizens of Los Angeles to cut down on their water use or face fines and higher bills, Mayor Villaraigosa's city-owned mansion has had its lawn watered during illegal hours several times, NBC's Joel Grover found in a month long investigation.

The LADWP took notice of last week's "Comment of the Week" about breaking city water conservation rules in order to sustainably grow your own veggies. They say it's doable, so take listen up, says spokesman Brooks Baker in an e-mail:

Under the new drought rules banning sprinkler use--save for early mornings and nights on Mondays and Thursdays--city parks, especially those in the sweltering Valley, are turning brown. Now they want an exemption from the strict water rules so the public doesn't have to picnic and play soccer on brown fields. They claims they've reduced water consumption by 40% over the past two years and the LADWP Board of Commissioners seem to agree larger than normal properties such as parks, colleges and cemeteries deserve a break from the rule if they can show a 20% reduction in water. The City Council will consider that measure today in a meeting.

A city proposal could do just that. Smart Sprinklers, as explained by the Catalina Island Conservancy's Isla Earth podcast, works like this: "a weather-based controller starts talking to your local weather station. It gets data about things like rainfall, air temperature, and wind speed. It then uses those data to figure out how much water your plants will need and how much will be lost to evaporation. It turns on the sprinklers to deliver just the right amount."

The Department of Water and Power knows there are plenty of people using sprinklers while it's raining. "Under the city's Water Conservation Ordinance, it is illegal to water outdoors when it's raining," they said in an e-mail out to press. "Violators are subject to citation and fines under the municipal code." This is especially important this year due to drought conditions and a 50% less snow pack than usual. If you want to tattle on a water waster, call 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397) 24 hours a day or send an e-mail to the water conservation team at waterconservationteam@ladwp.com.

Just in case you need a good laugh today... (thanks Rory!)