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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2023 | 17 It is June and the flowers are blooming and the weeds are growing taller. It is time to consider setting your sprinkler controls to add additional watering time. Speaking of watering… on March 24, 2023, Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order deleting many of the controls and regulations he had previously placed on our ability to use unlimited water. This order became effective on March 24, 2023. The order did not end the State of Emergency that existed because of the drought condition, but it did relax some of the rules and regulations concerning the use of water he decreed in his Executive Order of Oct. 19, 2021. The Governor indicated the state needs to address the ongoing consequences of the Drought Emergency including groundwater supplies which have not been replaced by our heavy snowfalls and record-breaking rains. He indicated next winter's hydrology is uncertain and Californians need to continue their ongoing efforts to make the conservation of water a way of life. Even though the northern part of the state, with its record snowfalls and rain, has replenished and filled its lakes and reservoirs; those areas using groundwater have not replenished their supplies. Banning's water supply is from underground water sources. It will take several years of above-average rainfall to replenish our water supply. As I have interpreted the Governor's order we are now allowed to: • Irrigate landscapes. (50 percent of all personal usage of water is for watering landscape). • Operate waterfalls and water fountains as long as the water is recycled. • Run dishwashers and washers with less than a full load. • Wash cars so long as the hose has a shut-off nozzle. • Take longer showers. The Governor encourages us to conserve water as our new way of life. Sun Lakes residents depend on groundwater for our water supply. It will take three or more years of above-average rainfall to replenish our underground water supply. If the hydrology over the next few years is less than average rainfall, Sun Lakers will be facing drought conditions, drought mandates, and orders concerning water usage. Please consider drought-tolerant landscapes or artificial turf. The Master Architectural Committee has recommended rule changes to allow 70 percent hardscape (concrete, rock, crushed granite, etc.) and 30 percent softscape (plants, bushes, flowers, cacti, etc). Our present rules require a 50/50 hardscape/soft-scape ratio. Artificial turf is considered a soft-scape. Since the State of Emergency due to drought conditions is still in effect and since Sun Lakes relies on groundwater for its water supply, the Master Architectural Committee hopes to continue to approve a 70 percent hardscape 30 percent softscape drought-tolerant landscape provided there is one tree in each front yard. (Our rules require that every home/lot have one tree in the front yard.) Remember palm trees, yucca trees, fan palms, and other palm trees qualify as long as they are five feet tall and have a three-inch circumference. Have a great summer and learn to live using less water. ~ Roy Nierman, Chairman of the Master Architectural Committee Master Architectural Sun Lakes Committee Reports Library Advisory TUES., JULY 4 TUES., JULY 4 9 am to 2 pm in the Main Clubhouse Fireplace Room and on the Veranda ONLY ONLY $2 PER BAG $2 PER BAG Proceeds go towards the purchase of new books. Show support for your libraries by finding some great buys at this sale! 4th of July Books & Puzzles Sale… 4th of July Books & Puzzles Sale… Just in time for summer! Just in time for summer!