News Release

2009

Jul 17

CVWD’s Seminar for Pro Landscapers Focuses on Water Use

It may be the hottest week so far this summer, but the timing is right for the Coachella Valley Water District to help local landscape professionals learn to more efficiently irrigate their clients' lawns and gardens in this arid, hot climate.

CVWD hosted its inaugural Water Management Seminar for Professional Landscapers July 16 at UC Riverside's Palm Desert campus. In attendance were representatives from more than 35 local landscaping firms, homeowner associations, nurseries, cities and a school district.

“As CVWD asks professional landscapers to take our water conservation message to heart, we understand that they are also under pressure by their clients to produce year-round green lawns and lush landscapes,” said Steve Robbins, general manager–chief engineer. “This seminar provides technical information to help them achieve those goals without wasting water.”

Certified water conservation managers, turf management experts and water management specialists presented to nearly 80 professional landscapers on soils, drip systems, smart controllers, water pressure and irrigation scheduling. These proven methods reduce water usage and often lower monthly bills.

Up to 80 percent of all domestic water use in the Coachella Valley is outdoors. For this reason, CVWD's conservation programs focus on reducing outdoor water use. Current conservation programs include installation of reduced-rate irrigation controllers for homes and large landscape users, and an annual residential landscaping workshop for the home gardener.

The Water Management Seminar for Professional Landscapers is the first CVWD class focused specifically to the more technical and business needs of professional landscapers. Future seminars for professional landscapers will be scheduled throughout the year. Visit www.cvwd.org for updates on both residential and professional landscaping seminars.

The Coachella Valley Water District is a public agency governed by a five-member board of directors. The district provides domestic and irrigation water, agricultural drainage, wastewater treatment and reclamation services, regional storm water protection, groundwater management and water conservation. It serves more than 106,000 residential and business customers across 1,000 square miles, primarily in Riverside County, but also in portions of Imperial and San Diego counties.