WM0.4: Common Area Water Conservation

Requirement

Purpose

Conserve potable water resources.

Criteria

Design provisions requiring all new common-area landscaping within the property boundary line to use 50% less potable water than mid-summer baseline conditions.

Areas with no new landscaping automatically meet this requirement.

Strategies to attain this requirement include:

• Reduction of turf areas 
• Specification of appropriate turf species
• Landscaping with drought-tolerant species 
• Use of bioswales and rain gardens 
• Use of efficient irrigation systems 
• Use of irrigation controllers 
• Mulch landscaped areas to retain soil moisture 
• Irrigate with rainwater, treated wastewater (publicly conveyed or sourced on site), air conditioning condensate, stormwater or foundation drainage

Well water and onsite streams are not acceptable sources for landscape irrigation.

Temporary potable water irrigation systems are allowed during a 12-month establishment period.

Exemptions

Any edible streetscapes, community gardens, working farms or other landscaped areas used for food production.

Verification 

• Calculation of the baseline and the design case to show reduction percentage. 
• Landscape plan showing the planting schedule and irrigation system. 
• Controlling documents, such as land lease referencing design guidelines, deed restrictions or regulating plan. 
• Inspection by an ECC Technical Advisor to ensure irrigation installation is non-potable sourced or temporary.