Throughout the Country, areas such as Riverside County are facing drought conditions.  As our region continues to grow, water demand continues to increase.  Landscape irrigation is a primary factor in our water consumption practices.  There are practical solutions that we can employ today by designing efficient irrigation systems, selecting water-wise plant species, and explanding our use of recycled water.

Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 859 with the goal of promoting water-efficient landscaping and irrigation practices.  To further this goal, the Planning Department created the Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscaping (Guide) which includes a California Friendly Plant List to assist in the selection of low-water use plants.  The Guide also describes landscape and irrigation standards which will ensure that the finished product contributes positively to the community aesthetic.

The standards contained in the Guide will be applied during the development review porcess for projects within the unicorporated areas of Riverside County.  Riverside County Planning Department staff look forward to working with landscape architects, water agencies, plant nurseries, irrigation designers, contractors, planners and the public to promote water-efficient landscaping practices.

For more information concering this program, please contact Kristi Lovelady at (951) 955-0781.

The Temescal Valley Water District receives all of its water from Northern California, which is transported south by the State Water Project. State Project water is treated at Metropolitan Water District’s Henry J. Mills Filtration Plant. Chloramine is used for disinfection instead of chlorine. Chloramine treatment is not a new technology. Chloramine has been used for disinfection purposes for many years and is an effective disinfectant. Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia and is used instead of chlorine to reduce the level of total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in the water and to meet the TTHM drinking water standard.

Chloramine does not pose any health threat to the general population. However, Chloramine can be a serious problem to individuals with kidney disease undergoing dialysis treatment on artificial kidney machines unless the Chloramine contained in the water used for the dialysis treatment is reduced to levels acceptable for this purpose. Anyone currently using or contemplating the use of an artificial kidney machine should contact your physician and the County Health Department to assure that the proper precautions are taken.

Chloramine, like chlorine is toxic to fish. Holding the water for a period of time may dissipate chlorine, but it will not remove Chloramine. Chloramine must be neutralized prior to the water being able to support fish life. Local pet and fish shops should be contacted to determine the best measures to cope with a chloraminated water supply.

If you have any questions regarding our water treatment, please contact Ken Caldwell at (951) 277-1414.