Ladera Ranch Sprinkler Check Event Saves Water

Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) sends a big shout-out to the residents of Ladera Ranch who participated in the District's Fall Sprinkler Check and Timer Turn-Down Event during the week of October 27.

As the weather cools and the days get shorter, outdoor water use naturally drops - and that's the perfect time to give your sprinklers a seasonal tune-up. SMWD identified more than 2,000 Ladera Ranch households using higher-than-expected water amounts for this time of year and invited them to sign up for a free leak check or irrigation timer adjustment.

Residents could choose between a 20-minute meter leak check or a 40-minute full-system sprinkler inspection. The community response was fantastic - with over 85 residents signing up for this hands-on, white-glove service.

During the four-day event, SMWD's Water Efficiency Team was out in the field sleuthing for leaks and fine-tuning timers. Their efforts paid off - the team found and fixed an average of six leaks per day, helping residents save water and protect their landscapes for the months ahead.

"Evaporation rates in October are about 50% lower than in July and August," explained Amelia Herndon-Steen, SMWD Water Efficiency Manager. "That means you can cut your watering in half without harming your lawn or plants."

If your lawn looks a little soggy, it may just need a quick turn-down on your irrigation timer. Not sure where to start? Check out smwd.com/watering for easy step-by-step guides and seasonal watering recommendations.

Water-Saving Tips for Fall and Winter

• Check your bill's Service Usage Chart. The blue dashed line shows your customized water budget
• Inspect your irrigation system while it's running - or ask your landscaper to do it for you
• Adjust sprinklers each season to match the weather - or make life easy with a smart, weather-based timer. Rebates are available at smwd.com/rebates.

By working together, SMWD employees and Ladera Ranch residents are keeping landscapes healthy, reducing water waste, and making every drop count.

Have questions? Contact SMWD's Water Use Efficiency team at [email protected] or (949) 459-6593.