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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPipeline 03 - Summer 2020T H E O T A Y W ATER DISTRICT • P R OUDLY SERVING E A ST C OUNT Y A ND TH E S OUTH B A Y SINC E 1956 A NEWSLET T E R FOR CUSTO MER S OF T HE OTAY WATER DISTRICT SUMMER 2020 FOLLOW OTAY WATER ON... / SIGA AL DISTRITO DE AGUA DE OTAY EN... OTAY WATER DISTRICT – Board of Directors The Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. and is currently meeting online via Zoom to help ensure public safety during the pandemic. The public is encouraged to view or listen in at otaywater.gov. PresidentGary Croucher, Division 3gcroucher@otaywater.gov Vice PresidentMark Robak, Division 5mrobak@otaywater.gov TreasurerMitch Thompson, Division 2mthompson@otaywater.gov Board MemberTim Smith, Division 1tsmith@otaywater.gov Board MemberHector Gastelum, Division 4hector@otaywater.gov Dedicated to Community Service FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE OTAY WATER DISTRICT CALL (619) 670-2222 OR GO TO OTAYWATER.GOV The Pipeline Newsletter is published quartely by the Otay Water District and can also be found online at otaywater.gov. Copywright ©2018 Otay Water District. All rights reserved. Otay Selects El Cajon Homeowner as Winner of the WaterSmart Landscape Contest El Cajon resident Patricia Wood has taken the title of “Best in District” in the Otay Water District’s 2020 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Her landscape demonstrates a well thought-out design, methods for efficient irrigation, and appropriate plant selection and maintenance. For more than 10 years, Wood had been struggling with a high water-use lawn and gophers digging holes in her yard. Then in July 2018, she came across a flyer announcing the four-class series of the WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program – presented by the San Diego County Water Authority and Otay. She decided to sign up. “The one thing that really inspired me was when they said to consider your front yard as another room in your home,” Wood said. “My daughter is in a wheelchair and spends most of her time in her bedroom or our family room, so giving her an outside room to enjoy was the best Christmas present for her that I could imagine.” Wood is president of the Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) Disorders Association — a small nonprofit dedicated to families affected by rare, genetic neurological disorders. She dreamed of one day surprising her daughter, who has NBIA, with a beautiful water-wise garden. With the help from a landscaper, she was able to transform 3,850 square feet of her yard and brought her design to life. Her garden now features a decomposed granite path for her daughter to access areas from her wheelchair up close. It also includes a dry creek bed to capture the rain from the roof and prevent overrun. Various water-wise plants such as foxtail agave, blue chalk sticks, Texas sundrop, sea lavender, little ollie, and a gold medallion tree fill up the yard. For irrigation, Wood replaced her overhead spray nozzles with a drip irrigation system that runs approximately twice a week for seven to 12 minutes, depending on the weather. A weather-based irrigation sensor automatically shuts off the controller when it rains and turns it back on when it is dry. She even solved the gopher problem by applying a wire mesh underneath the topsoil and a wire basket for each plant. According to Wood, her overall water bill was reduced by 30 to 40 percent. In 2018, she applied for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Turf Replacement Program, and as a result, in 2019, she received an incentive of $7,325 for her project. Wood says she recommends a WaterSmart landscape to others who are looking to save on water and cost. She says that another plus side is that plants, trees, and flowers can bring relaxation and healing versus a big grassy lawn that demands too much water. “It is so relaxing and stress-reducing to enjoy sitting outside and watching the birds and butterflies in our garden,” Wood said. “It has made staying at home much easier during the pandemic.” Otay selecciona a dueña de vivienda en El Cajón como ganadora del Concurso de Jardines WaterSmart Patricia Wood, residente de El Cajón, es la ganadora del premio “Mejor Jardín del Distrito” del Concurso de Jardines WaterSmart 2020 del Distrito de Agua de Otay. Su jardín cuenta con un diseño muy bien pensado; métodos de irrigación eficientes; y una selección idónea de plantas y mantenimiento adecuado. Durante más de 10 años, Wood tenía una lucha constante ya que tenía un césped que utilizaba mucha agua con topos que cavaban agujeros en su jardín. En julio de 2018, vio un volante que anunciaba el Programa de Transformación de Jardines WaterSmart que consistía en una serie de cuatro clases. Este programa es de la San Diego County Water Authority y Otay. En ese momento, Wood decidió inscribirse. “Lo que realmente me inspiró fue la idea de tratar a mi jardín delantero como otra habitación de mi casa”, mencionó Wood. “Mi hija está en silla de ruedas y pasa la mayor parte del tiempo en su recámara o en el cuarto de televisión, por lo que regalarle una zona exterior para que ella disfrutara fue el mejor regalo de Navidad que le pude dar”. Wood es presidenta de la Asociación de Trastornos Neurodegenerativos por Acumulación Cerebral de Hierro (NBIA, por sus siglas en inglés), una pequeña organización sin fines de lucro que ayuda a familias afectadas por enfermedades neurológicas poco comunes de origen genético. Ella soñaba con sorprender a su hija, que tiene NBIA, con un hermoso jardín de bajo consumo de agua. Con la ayuda de un especialista en jardines, ella pudo transformar un área de 3,850 pies cuadrados al darle vida a su diseño. En la actualidad, el jardín de Wood cuenta con un camino de granito descompuesto para que su hija tenga acceso a varias áreas con su silla de ruedas. También incluye un arroyo seco para capturar la lluvia del techo y evitar el desbordamiento. Varias plantas de bajo consumo de agua adornan el jardín como el agave de cola de zorro, los palitos de tiza azul, la onagra, la lavanda de mar, el olivo pequeño y un árbol lluvia de oro. En relación con el sistema de riego, Wood reemplazó sus boquillas de aspersión por un sistema de riego por goteo que funciona aproximadamente dos veces por semana de siete a doce minutos, dependiendo del clima. Un sensor de riego basado en el clima apaga automáticamente el programador cuando llueve y lo vuelve a encender cuando está seco. Al mismo tiempo, Wood resolvió el problema de los topos colocando una malla de alambre debajo de la capa superior del suelo y una canasta de alambre en cada planta. Según Wood, está ahorrando aproximadamente un 50 por ciento más en su factura de agua. En 2018, Wood presentó una solicitud para ingresar al Programa de Reemplazo de Césped del Distrito Metropolitano de Agua del Sur de California, y como resultado, en 2019, recibió un incentivo de $7,325 para la realización de su proyecto. Wood recomienda hacer un jardín WaterSmart a todas las personas que desean ahorrar agua y costos. Wood también mencionó que el otro lado positivo es que las plantas, los árboles y las flores brindan mucha tranquilidad en comparación con una gran área de césped que requiere demasiada agua. “Poder sentarse afuera y observar las aves y mariposas en nuestro jardín es muy relajante y reduce el estrés”, mencionó Wood. “El nuevo jardín ha hecho que quedarse en casa sea mucho más fácil durante la pandemia”. Not Only is Her Garden Beautiful, but is Also Wheelchair Accessible El jardín de la ganadora también es apto para personas en sillas de ruedas. To view photos of the winning landscape, visit otaywater.gov/landscape-contest-winner-2020. Para ver las fotografías de los jardines ganadores, por favor visite otaywater.gov/ganadora-concurso-watersmart-2020 Nan Sterman is a garden expert, author, designer, and educator. Nan leads international garden tours, is the author of several books, and hosts the show A Growing Passion on KPBS TV, www.waterwisegardener.com The coronavirus quarantine has sent many of us into our gardens for sanctuary, escape, enjoyment, and new beginnings as well as to grow food and feed your family. If you are a longtime gardener, this is a great time to prepare your garden for climate change. If you are brand new to gardening, get things started with climate change in mind. What can we expect from climate change? You have probably heard climate scientists talk about warmer temperatures, but there is much more to climate change. Rainfall overall may not change but the rainfall pattern will. Rainstorms will not be as frequent, so we will have longer dry periods in between. When the rains do arrive, they will be far more intense. We have already received hints of that. Do you remember the rains we had back in mid-April? My home weather station recorded more than 9 inches of rain in a week and 4.5 inches of rain on one day. That one day’s rainfall was more rain than in all of 2018! How can you prepare your garden for heat, intense rainfall, and longer dry periods? • Plant water-wise plants. They require little irrigation and have a better chance of surviving the long, hot, dry periods between winter rains. Our native plants, succulents, plants from other Mediterranean climate regions of the world, and plants from dry regions of Baja California, Mexico, are the best choices. • Upgrade your garden’s irrigation to in-line drip. In those long, dry periods, ornamental plants will likely need watering. In-line drip irrigation (not point-source irrigation, which involves individual emitters at each plant) is the most efficient and effective irrigation and is very low maintenance. This kind of drip irrigation wets the entire root zone, so there is no need to add emitters over time. Run in-line drip irrigation for an hour or more each time, but not very often. Water-wise plants need the soil to dry out in between watering. • Install a rainwater collection system. Every square foot of your roof collects 0.6 gallons of water per inch of rainfall. That translates to 1,200 gallons of water for a 2,000 square-foot roof during a 1-inch rainfall. Collect that water in a cistern or tote. Then use it to water your garden in dry periods. • Create dips and swales to capture rainfall on your property. In the old days, the goal was to direct water off your property as soon as possible. Now, the goal is to keep as much water onsite as possible. Create swales, dry streambeds, dips, and depressions in your landscape. In these places, water can collect, sit, and sink into the soil slowly over time, making it available to plant roots between rainstorms. • Spread a 3- or 4-inch-thick layer of mulch. As wood-based mulches break down, they support the important soil microbes that move water and nutrients to the plants’ roots. Improved soil texture is a mulch byproduct, as is the soil’s ability to soak up and hold water like a sponge. A layer of wood-based mulch or rock mulch insulates the soil to hold in moisture between rainstorms or between watering. In a rainstorm, mulch also helps slow erosion by buffering the impact of raindrops hitting the soil. Just remember to leave some bare dirt somewhere in your garden (at least 5-by-5 inches) for bumblebees and other ground-dwelling native bees. They seldom sting and are very important pollinators. • Plant trees. Climate change is largely the result of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees capture and store that carbon dioxide; their shade cools our homes while the water that trees release cools the atmosphere. Trees help stem soil erosion, filter particulates and pollutants from the air, and create the oxygen we breathe. The best time to plant a tree was yesterday. The second-best time is today. Let’s plant trees! Nan StermanWaterwise Gardener Six Ways to Prepare Your Garden for Climate Change Otay Continues to Keep Your Water Safe and Flowing During the Pandemic As an essential service provider, Otay continues delivering safe and reliable water to all its customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has no impact on drinking water supplies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends continuing to drink, cook, and bathe with tap water as usual. For more on water quality, visit otaywater.gov/water-quality. 2019 Water Quality Report AVAILABLE ONLINE In 2019, the water delivered by the Otay Water District met all state and federal drinking water standards. The District’s water quality report is available online in English and Spanish at otaywater.gov/ water-quality. If you prefer to have a printed copy, email info@otaywater.gov, call (619) 670-2222, or visit the District’s office at Sweetwater Springs Blvd., Spring Valley, CA 91978. Leak Detection Program Reduces Water Loss Earlier this year, the Otay Water District launched its annual Leak Detection Program. The District surveyed approximately 172 miles of potable and recycled main using ground microphones and correlators. Correlators find noise made from active leaks over a large distance, and when a leak is detected, the microphones pinpoint the leak. This year, 31 leaks were found and repaired, saving 30.25 gallons of water per month. For more on the program, visit otaywater.gov/working- to-keep-rates-low. Stay Alert Against Utility-Related Phone Scams Don’t be Fooled, Hang Up! Recently, water agency customers throughout San Diego County have received threatening phone calls from scam artists demanding immediate credit card payment of water bills to avoid having their water shut off. The Otay Water District does not make phone threats for immediate credit card payments. Typically, before disconnecting a customer’s water service, the District will send one or more notifications via phone, email, and/or mail; and currently, the District is not disconnecting water service. If ever in doubt, call the District at (619) 670-2222. For more information, visit otaywater.gov/scam-calls. Otay Works with Customers to Arrange Payments The Otay Water District understands the difficulty that some customers may be experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic and is not assessing late fees, but does encourage customers to stay current in paying water bills to avoid accumulating large balances that will have to be paid later. Per Governor Newsom’s executive order issued April 2, water agencies are prohibited from disconnecting service to water customers during the pandemic. However, nothing in the order eliminates the obligation of customers to pay for water service, prevents a water system from charging a customer for such service, or reduces the amount a customer already may owe. To discuss payment arrangements, contact us at (619) 670-2222 or paymentsupport@otaywater.gov. Register for online classes or events with safe social distancing at thegarden.org or call (619) 660-0614x10 Water-Saving Rebates Available! Save on the cost of replacing your toilet, washing machine, sprinklers, and more. The Otay Water District offers various rebates for upgrading to water-saving devices for homes and businesses. Customers may also apply for the Turf Replacement Program to receive $2.00 per square foot to upgrade to a WaterSmart landscape. To learn more and apply, visit otaywater.gov/rebates. Save Money Now! Don’t Forget About Your Water Bill General Manager’s Name: Jose Martinez Note: In the spring issue of our newsletter, we stated that the District hired a new general manager, but we neglected to mention his name. The new general manager’s name is Jose Martinez. Read more about Mr. Martinez in the last issue here: bit.ly/OtaySpring20 Nan Sterman is a garden expert, author, designer, and educator. Nan leads international garden tours, is the author of several books, and hosts the show A Growing Passion on KPBS TV, www.waterwisegardener.com The coronavirus quarantine has sent many of us into our gardens for sanctuary, escape, enjoyment, and new beginnings as well as to grow food and feed your family. If you are a longtime gardener, this is a great time to prepare your garden for climate change. If you are brand new to gardening, get things started with climate change in mind. What can we expect from climate change? You have probably heard climate scientists talk about warmer temperatures, but there is much more to climate change. Rainfall overall may not change but the rainfall pattern will. Rainstorms will not be as frequent, so we will have longer dry periods in between. When the rains do arrive, they will be far more intense. We have already received hints of that. Do you remember the rains we had back in mid-April? My home weather station recorded more than 9 inches of rain in a week and 4.5 inches of rain on one day. That one day’s rainfall was more rain than in all of 2018! How can you prepare your garden for heat, intense rainfall, and longer dry periods? • Plant water-wise plants. They require little irrigation and have a better chance of surviving the long, hot, dry periods between winter rains. Our native plants, succulents, plants from other Mediterranean climate regions of the world, and plants from dry regions of Baja California, Mexico, are the best choices. • Upgrade your garden’s irrigation to in-line drip. In those long, dry periods, ornamental plants will likely need watering. In-line drip irrigation (not point-source irrigation, which involves individual emitters at each plant) is the most efficient and effective irrigation and is very low maintenance. This kind of drip irrigation wets the entire root zone, so there is no need to add emitters over time. Run in-line drip irrigation for an hour or more each time, but not very often. Water-wise plants need the soil to dry out in between watering. • Install a rainwater collection system. Every square foot of your roof collects 0.6 gallons of water per inch of rainfall. That translates to 1,200 gallons of water for a 2,000 square-foot roof during a 1-inch rainfall. Collect that water in a cistern or tote. Then use it to water your garden in dry periods. • Create dips and swales to capture rainfall on your property. In the old days, the goal was to direct water off your property as soon as possible. Now, the goal is to keep as much water onsite as possible. Create swales, dry streambeds, dips, and depressions in your landscape. In these places, water can collect, sit, and sink into the soil slowly over time, making it available to plant roots between rainstorms. • Spread a 3- or 4-inch-thick layer of mulch. As wood-based mulches break down, they support the important soil microbes that move water and nutrients to the plants’ roots. Improved soil texture is a mulch byproduct, as is the soil’s ability to soak up and hold water like a sponge. A layer of wood-based mulch or rock mulch insulates the soil to hold in moisture between rainstorms or between watering. In a rainstorm, mulch also helps slow erosion by buffering the impact of raindrops hitting the soil. Just remember to leave some bare dirt somewhere in your garden (at least 5-by-5 inches) for bumblebees and other ground-dwelling native bees. They seldom sting and are very important pollinators. • Plant trees. Climate change is largely the result of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees capture and store that carbon dioxide; their shade cools our homes while the water that trees release cools the atmosphere. Trees help stem soil erosion, filter particulates and pollutants from the air, and create the oxygen we breathe. The best time to plant a tree was yesterday. The second-best time is today. Let’s plant trees! Nan StermanWaterwise Gardener Six Ways to Prepare Your Garden for Climate Change Otay Continues to Keep Your Water Safe and Flowing During the Pandemic As an essential service provider, Otay continues delivering safe and reliable water to all its customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has no impact on drinking water supplies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends continuing to drink, cook, and bathe with tap water as usual. For more on water quality, visit otaywater.gov/water-quality. 2019 Water Quality Report AVAILABLE ONLINE In 2019, the water delivered by the Otay Water District met all state and federal drinking water standards. The District’s water quality report is available online in English and Spanish at otaywater.gov/ water-quality. If you prefer to have a printed copy, email info@otaywater.gov, call (619) 670-2222, or visit the District’s office at Sweetwater Springs Blvd., Spring Valley, CA 91978. Leak Detection Program Reduces Water Loss Earlier this year, the Otay Water District launched its annual Leak Detection Program. The District surveyed approximately 172 miles of potable and recycled main using ground microphones and correlators. Correlators find noise made from active leaks over a large distance, and when a leak is detected, the microphones pinpoint the leak. This year, 31 leaks were found and repaired, saving 30.25 gallons of water per month. For more on the program, visit otaywater.gov/working- to-keep-rates-low. Stay Alert Against Utility-Related Phone Scams Don’t be Fooled, Hang Up! Recently, water agency customers throughout San Diego County have received threatening phone calls from scam artists demanding immediate credit card payment of water bills to avoid having their water shut off. The Otay Water District does not make phone threats for immediate credit card payments. Typically, before disconnecting a customer’s water service, the District will send one or more notifications via phone, email, and/or mail; and currently, the District is not disconnecting water service. If ever in doubt, call the District at (619) 670-2222. For more information, visit otaywater.gov/scam-calls. Otay Works with Customers to Arrange Payments The Otay Water District understands the difficulty that some customers may be experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic and is not assessing late fees, but does encourage customers to stay current in paying water bills to avoid accumulating large balances that will have to be paid later. Per Governor Newsom’s executive order issued April 2, water agencies are prohibited from disconnecting service to water customers during the pandemic. However, nothing in the order eliminates the obligation of customers to pay for water service, prevents a water system from charging a customer for such service, or reduces the amount a customer already may owe. To discuss payment arrangements, contact us at (619) 670-2222 or paymentsupport@otaywater.gov. Register for online classes or events with safe social distancing at thegarden.org or call (619) 660-0614x10 Water-Saving Rebates Available! Save on the cost of replacing your toilet, washing machine, sprinklers, and more. The Otay Water District offers various rebates for upgrading to water-saving devices for homes and businesses. Customers may also apply for the Turf Replacement Program to receive $2.00 per square foot to upgrade to a WaterSmart landscape. To learn more and apply, visit otaywater.gov/rebates. Save Money Now! Don’t Forget About Your Water Bill General Manager’s Name: Jose Martinez Note: In the spring issue of our newsletter, we stated that the District hired a new general manager, but we neglected to mention his name. The new general manager’s name is Jose Martinez. Read more about Mr. Martinez in the last issue here: bit.ly/OtaySpring20 T H E O TAY WATER DISTRICT • P R OUDLY SERVING E A ST C OUNT Y A ND TH E S OUTH B A Y SINC E 1956 A NE WSLET TE R FOR CUSTOMER S OF T HE OTAY WATER DISTRICT SUMMER 2020 FOLLOW OTAY WATER ON... / SIGA AL DISTRITO DE AGUA DE OTAY EN... OTAY WATER DISTRICT – Board of Directors The Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. and is currently meeting online via Zoom to help ensure public safety during the pandemic. The public is encouraged to view or listen in at otaywater.gov. PresidentGary Croucher, Division 3gcroucher@otaywater.gov Vice PresidentMark Robak, Division 5mrobak@otaywater.gov TreasurerMitch Thompson, Division 2mthompson@otaywater.gov Board MemberTim Smith, Division 1tsmith@otaywater.gov Board MemberHector Gastelum, Division 4hector@otaywater.gov Dedicated to Community Service FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE OTAY WATER DISTRICT CALL (619) 670-2222 OR GO TO OTAYWATER.GOV The Pipeline Newsletter is published quartely by the Otay Water District and can also be found online at otaywater.gov. Copywright ©2018 Otay Water District. All rights reserved. Otay Selects El Cajon Homeowner as Winner of the WaterSmart Landscape Contest El Cajon resident Patricia Wood has taken the title of “Best in District” in the Otay Water District’s 2020 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Her landscape demonstrates a well thought-out design, methods for efficient irrigation, and appropriate plant selection and maintenance. For more than 10 years, Wood had been struggling with a high water-use lawn and gophers digging holes in her yard. Then in July 2018, she came across a flyer announcing the four-class series of the WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program – presented by the San Diego County Water Authority and Otay. She decided to sign up. “The one thing that really inspired me was when they said to consider your front yard as another room in your home,” Wood said. “My daughter is in a wheelchair and spends most of her time in her bedroom or our family room, so giving her an outside room to enjoy was the best Christmas present for her that I could imagine.” Wood is president of the Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) Disorders Association — a small nonprofit dedicated to families affected by rare, genetic neurological disorders. She dreamed of one day surprising her daughter, who has NBIA, with a beautiful water-wise garden. With the help from a landscaper, she was able to transform 3,850 square feet of her yard and brought her design to life. Her garden now features a decomposed granite path for her daughter to access areas from her wheelchair up close. It also includes a dry creek bed to capture the rain from the roof and prevent overrun. Various water-wise plants such as foxtail agave, blue chalk sticks, Texas sundrop, sea lavender, little ollie, and a gold medallion tree fill up the yard. For irrigation, Wood replaced her overhead spray nozzles with a drip irrigation system that runs approximately twice a week for seven to 12 minutes, depending on the weather. A weather-based irrigation sensor automatically shuts off the controller when it rains and turns it back on when it is dry. She even solved the gopher problem by applying a wire mesh underneath the topsoil and a wire basket for each plant. According to Wood, her overall water bill was reduced by 30 to 40 percent. In 2018, she applied for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Turf Replacement Program, and as a result, in 2019, she received an incentive of $7,325 for her project. Wood says she recommends a WaterSmart landscape to others who are looking to save on water and cost. She says that another plus side is that plants, trees, and flowers can bring relaxation and healing versus a big grassy lawn that demands too much water. “It is so relaxing and stress-reducing to enjoy sitting outside and watching the birds and butterflies in our garden,” Wood said. “It has made staying at home much easier during the pandemic.” Otay selecciona a dueña de vivienda en El Cajón como ganadora del Concurso de Jardines WaterSmart Patricia Wood, residente de El Cajón, es la ganadora del premio “Mejor Jardín del Distrito” del Concurso de Jardines WaterSmart 2020 del Distrito de Agua de Otay. Su jardín cuenta con un diseño muy bien pensado; métodos de irrigación eficientes; y una selección idónea de plantas y mantenimiento adecuado. Durante más de 10 años, Wood tenía una lucha constante ya que tenía un césped que utilizaba mucha agua con topos que cavaban agujeros en su jardín. En julio de 2018, vio un volante que anunciaba el Programa de Transformación de Jardines WaterSmart que consistía en una serie de cuatro clases. Este programa es de la San Diego County Water Authority y Otay. En ese momento, Wood decidió inscribirse. “Lo que realmente me inspiró fue la idea de tratar a mi jardín delantero como otra habitación de mi casa”, mencionó Wood. “Mi hija está en silla de ruedas y pasa la mayor parte del tiempo en su recámara o en el cuarto de televisión, por lo que regalarle una zona exterior para que ella disfrutara fue el mejor regalo de Navidad que le pude dar”. Wood es presidenta de la Asociación de Trastornos Neurodegenerativos por Acumulación Cerebral de Hierro (NBIA, por sus siglas en inglés), una pequeña organización sin fines de lucro que ayuda a familias afectadas por enfermedades neurológicas poco comunes de origen genético. Ella soñaba con sorprender a su hija, que tiene NBIA, con un hermoso jardín de bajo consumo de agua. Con la ayuda de un especialista en jardines, ella pudo transformar un área de 3,850 pies cuadrados al darle vida a su diseño. En la actualidad, el jardín de Wood cuenta con un camino de granito descompuesto para que su hija tenga acceso a varias áreas con su silla de ruedas. También incluye un arroyo seco para capturar la lluvia del techo y evitar el desbordamiento. Varias plantas de bajo consumo de agua adornan el jardín como el agave de cola de zorro, los palitos de tiza azul, la onagra, la lavanda de mar, el olivo pequeño y un árbol lluvia de oro. En relación con el sistema de riego, Wood reemplazó sus boquillas de aspersión por un sistema de riego por goteo que funciona aproximadamente dos veces por semana de siete a doce minutos, dependiendo del clima. Un sensor de riego basado en el clima apaga automáticamente el programador cuando llueve y lo vuelve a encender cuando está seco. Al mismo tiempo, Wood resolvió el problema de los topos colocando una malla de alambre debajo de la capa superior del suelo y una canasta de alambre en cada planta. Según Wood, está ahorrando aproximadamente un 50 por ciento más en su factura de agua. En 2018, Wood presentó una solicitud para ingresar al Programa de Reemplazo de Césped del Distrito Metropolitano de Agua del Sur de California, y como resultado, en 2019, recibió un incentivo de $7,325 para la realización de su proyecto. Wood recomienda hacer un jardín WaterSmart a todas las personas que desean ahorrar agua y costos. Wood también mencionó que el otro lado positivo es que las plantas, los árboles y las flores brindan mucha tranquilidad en comparación con una gran área de césped que requiere demasiada agua. “Poder sentarse afuera y observar las aves y mariposas en nuestro jardín es muy relajante y reduce el estrés”, mencionó Wood. “El nuevo jardín ha hecho que quedarse en casa sea mucho más fácil durante la pandemia”. Not Only is Her Garden Beautiful, but is Also Wheelchair Accessible El jardín de la ganadora también es apto para personas en sillas de ruedas. To view photos of the winning landscape, visit otaywater.gov/landscape-contest-winner-2020. Para ver las fotografías de los jardines ganadores, por favor visite otaywater.gov/ganadora-concurso-watersmart-2020