Conservation Links, Resources and "watersavingtips.org"

WaterSavingTips.Org

 

 

 

 

This is a local website hosted by the PVWMA and co-sponsored by the Soquel Creek Water District. It is also supported by eight local water public and private water purveyors in the Santa Cruz county area. It is a good place to find links to all the local conservation programs, rebates and regulations for your community.

 

Conservation Tips, and Best Management Practices

This excellent interactive website takes you on a room by room tour of the typical home and shows how and where water can be saved inside and outside of the house.

 

 

The Soquel Creek Water District conservation page has a number of great water-saving tips, practices and links in addition to their own specific programs and rebates.

 

Water Awareness Committee of Monterey County

WAC members develop, fund and present programs for the community, students and water-industry members throughout Monterey County. Their efforts include seminars, tours, Q&A workbooks, and links to local water agencies and water purveyors. Designed for both water purveyors and consumers.

 

 

Local Outdoor Conservation: Drought-tolerant Landscaping, Native Plants and Restoration

Elkhorn Native Plant Nursery

Described as a premier source of quality California natives and non-invasive, water-wise, non-native ornamental grasses. Two nursery locations open to the public; Soquel and off Struve Road near Moss Landing.

 

Rana Creek Ranch and Rana Creek Wholesale Nursery

Located in Carmel Valley, this innovative firm specializes in native plant restoration, specialty landscape design and now produces a number of local, drought-tolerant grasses available to the public. Tours are available.

 

Integrated Watershed Restoration Program

Here you can find information about the Integrated Watershed Restoration Program for Santa Cruz County. It is meant to be a resource for individuals and organizations doing watershed restoration work within the county.

 

Santa Clara Valley Water District- Landscaping Programs

Contain a number of useful links and information on local and state programs and services.

 

Green Gardener Program - Monterey Bay Area

Ecology Action and local partners certify individuals having successfully completed the green gardener training. The program provides practical and effective guidance on appropriate chemical use, solid waste reduction, composting, sustainable design, and other tools needed for “greening” a gardening or landscaping business. Provided in English and Spanish.

 

Master Gardener Program- University of California Cooperative Extension- Watsonville

To sign up for 72 hour course to be certified as a master gardener based on collaborative efforts between the US. Department of Agriculture, the county governments of Monterey and Santa Cruz, and the University to better serve the home gardening community.

 

California Native Plant Society- Santa Cruz Chapter

 

California Native Plant Society- Monterey Chapter

 

More local resources to be posted soon...

 

State and National Urban Water Conservation Organizations

State Office of Water Use Efficiency- Department of Water Resources

The OWUE provides support for the stewardship of California's water resources and energy efficient use of water. This office is responsible for water use efficiency planning and coordination. Our services include technical and financial assistance, information collection and dissemination, resources evaluation, and implementation.

 

California Urban Water Conservation Counsel

The goal of Council's 354 members is to integrate fourteen urban water conservation Best Management Practices into the planning and management of California's water resources.

 

Water Education Water Awareness Committee

The mission of the Water Education - Water Awareness Committee is to promote the efficient use of water and to increase public awareness of the importance of water in Southern California. This kid and teacher friendly website, is interactive and contains exercises and information so that the conservation message can be incorporated into the regular curriculum.

 

California Urban Water Agencies

This web-site contains links to several studies and research papers regarding water conservation as part of an overall strategy to supply water to major urban areas of California.

 

WaterSense- United States Environmental Protection Agency

Water Saving made easy. Water Conservation tips, publications, product testing and national water information.

 

Studies and Publications

Urban Water Conservation Implementation Challenges and Opportunities

This 2004 study commissioned by the California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA) identifies the challenges of implementing urban water conservation programs, and develops findings and general recommendations regarding implementation challenges.  The CUWA is comprised of the largest water purveyors and agencies throughout California. (364 KB PDF download).

 

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