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Temptations of cool temperatures and light rain in early May to defer tough decisions on irrigation reductions will evaporate by late June. We need to remember that the long overdue El Niño is not a long term solution to our drought-prone landscape. Turf removal and replacement is the holy grail of water reduction efforts throughout our state. Governments have offered funds to supplement efforts, but they have been quickly exhausted. Coastal communities are re-evaluating salt water conversion plants, but the likelihood of sending this plant lifeblood inland is minimal. In essence, we are on our own in Four Seasons to address this problem with our own resources and priorities. Over the next several months the Landscape Committee will examine water saving proposals that will significantly change the appearance of our community, particularly in Phases A and B. These pioneer lots were landscaped with little thought to irrigation demands except for using the long-promised recycled water. Even if the city of Beaumont brings their treatment facility on line, the amount of recycled water will be insufficient. To meet the demand, water in the purple pipes will be blended with potable water in varying amounts as demand varies with the seasons. We will never not need some potable water for our irrigation demands, especially with our existing plant scheme. Changes being considered by the Landscape Committee include eliminating turf in side yards between houses. In phase D these areas are planters, not turf. We currently irrigate turf with three cycles per watering and planter areas with two cycles per watering, so this would yield a 33 percent savings for the front yard cost center account. In the common areas large open areas of turf at the end of cul-de-sacs and as separators between model types can be converted to mimic the front yard of the Summit. There are water reducing hardware and computer changes that could entice improvements of our existing irrigation system. But, they depend on flexibility of our watering schedule. Under current rules we lack that flexibility. Changing plant types to more drought tolerant along a complete irrigation line is a good possibility. We are doing this with our traffic circles and adding non-plant material as a ground cover. In our test along Crooked Creek changing turf to Myoporium saves 20 percent in water and changing sprinkle to drip saves an additional 50 percent. So we have opportunities to save with these types of changes along Four Seasons Circle. We need to endorse these types of changes and commit resources now. Our long-standing member as chairperson and board liaison, Jacque Sneddon, has relinquished her presence at landscape committee meetings to our new board member, Jean Sandoval, a committee alumni. Thanks for all your service, Jacque. There are openings for new members on the landscape committee and we need help to meet these challenges and opportunities. Applications are available at the Lodge front desk. ~ Len Tavernetti 18 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2015 Landscape Committee Above, right: Examples of Four Seasons landscaping converting to more drought tolerant planting. Green areas are slowly transitioning to areas that will demand less water.

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