Lawns

[Dolores Pink]

Dear Chrissy,
I manage a 620 site community. In October 1999 we installed water meters at each homesite and our residents stopped watering their lawns.

This year we experienced weeks of 90 degree tempertures and no rain. Needless to say we now have many lawns that are dead and it makes the community look terrible.

We have a landscape contest each year and our guidelines state that they are responsible for maintaining their lawns. It is our understanding that because we supply their water from our wells and are in essence their untility company, we cannot force them to water their lawns.

What do you suggest we do to encourage our residents to start watering and maintaining their lawns.

Sincerely,

Dolores Pink

[Chrissy]

There are two things that have helped managers in your situation be successful in greening up the community. First - offer $5 reduction off the water bill to the residents who water their grass. Second - educate them about how much it costs to water their lawn. Find out the flow rate of the line or hose, then calculate how much water they would use if they let it run for an hour - provided you are not on water restrictions, that is! Then, share that information. Don't stop there. Tell them how much it costs to take a bath, run the dishwasher, run the washer, brush your teeth, etc. There are a hundred ways you can show them how inexpensive water is. Lastly, if necessary, take a picture of a brown lawn. Then, take a picture of a green lawn. Put the pictures side by side on a piece of paper. At the top, put this question: Which lawn would you rather have?

[Lance Nerland]

We give a water credit of $5 a month just like chrissy said. Cheap price for how nice green lawns make your park look.

[TL]

My park also switched residents to individual meters, with the same result. The few dollars saved from the minority "water abusers" isn't worth it when you consider the overall lowered value of the park due to masses of brown lawns. Given that you're on community well, as is my park, the water is probably grungy and tastes horrible. The residents were angry that they had to pay extra for the nasty water, when many of them are already paying extra for filters and softeners, and the lot rent is already high. ($430-470/month for tiny lots, an average school district, and no amenities other than a clubhouse and tiny playground.)