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4 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | APRIL 2022 Notice Regarding Water Restrictions A notice received from our Landscape Company In February the Board and Management received a letter from our Landscaping Company. Below is a condensed version: Governor Newsom signed a proclamation in October 2021 extending the drought emergency orders for all of the state's counties. Californians were urged to "preserve available water supplies and protect water reserves" by voluntarily reducing water use by 15% from 2020 levels, dating back to July 2021. Unfortunately, cumulative statewide water use totals under the voluntary directive have fallen far below targeted levels. The majority of the state's large reservoirs remain well-below average levels for the year, despite the series of storms in December 2021. January was an exceptionally dry month across most of California. A recent study found that the extreme dryness we have been experiencing for more than two decades is now ranked as the driest 22-year period. The team concluded that dry conditions will probably continue through 2022 and may persist for several years. Water officials remain skeptical that water-year 2022 precipitation will alleviate current drought conditions. Additional conservation actions are necessary and emergency regulations promoting water conservation and prohibiting wasteful water uses were adopted by the State Water Board on January 4, 2022. The watering restrictions prohibit unreasonable outdoor water use, following are restrictions that agencies are implementing: • Hosing down driveways and sidewalks. • Running sprinklers in a manner that causes more than incidental runoff. • Application of water in landscape areas within 48 hours after measurable rainfall of at least 1⁄4" of rain. Infractions could be subject to fines of up to $500 for each day in violation. Each water agency will have specific guidelines and restrictions. Reductions to water budgets will cause overuse to go into higher tiered levels at higher rates. The same water used in prior years will cost more based on the reduced budget allocations. The reduced water budgets will have a direct impact on irrigation budgets for communities and could impact the health and vitality of turf, trees, and planting areas. We are requesting that our staff meet with the Board of Directors to discuss the implications of the changes. Our goal is to keep our valued customers informed of available information regarding landscaping and water management matters and concerns. ~ Environmental Concepts Landscape Management, Inc.

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