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10 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | APRIL 2022 | April heralds the magic of spring when our gardens come alive with spring blooms. We start looking outside and plan to unveil our patio furniture for outdoor entertaining. Some of us will plant spring blooms, and maybe if there is room, a few vegetables. For the past 10 years we have been receiving warnings from EMWD that we must find ways to conserve water due to the serious drought conditions in Southern California. Our task has been to work out where and how we can do that and still keep our landscape pristine. We are pleased to say we have been successful in achieving a far reaching goal, by converting to reclaimed water in all areas where the rules regarding usage of reclaimed water is permissible. You have no doubt have seen the pink signs in the common areas of Four Seasons which indicate the use of reclaimed water. We have also replaced spray water heads to a drip system where ever possible. In addition, we have cut back on some turf areas and installed plants that are drought-resistant. The benefit of using recycled water is that the cost is lower than potable water. There is an expectation that there will be a sizable cost increase for water in the near future and the price of reclaimed water will remain the same. This has been a lengthy and expensive goal to achieve. However, we have taken advantage of rebates offered by EMWD to cover a good portion of the expense. Our Board Liaison Greg Rockvam along with Rick Ruth, FirstService General Manager, have been responsible in obtaining the rebates for our projects along with Maria Donti who provided the documentation required by EMWD for processing. It was with great pride that at the last Landscape Committee meeting, Board member Greg Rockvam informed us that the Four Seasons Landscape Committee has done more to save water than any other local community. Recently, the area on the south side of the World Cup entrance was re-landscaped and refurbished with rock, a retaining wall and new water-wise plants. When you drive in, take a look to your left and straight ahead by the gate entrance to see the changes. Thank you, Artistic Maintenance, for the great work. Landscape Committee A recycled water sign in our community Outside of the World Cup Gate Entrance