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Plant water needs are sensitive to the weather. Rain sensors and soil moisture detectors <br />are good, localized means of determining watering needs. However, a large, inter- <br />connected information system can reap substantial benefits. The most well -known <br />system is the California Irrigation Management System (CIMIS), which uses information <br />generated at about 100 computerized weather stations throughout the state to help <br />industrial, commercial and residential property owners determine when to irrigate. <br />Irrigators relying on CIMIS have found an average of 13% savings in applied water. <br />Several golf courses and municipal park managers report savings of 10 -25% and school <br />districts have reported 44% reductions in savings. <br />City ordinances can set the tone for outdoor water conservation.. Below are sample <br />ordinance provisions being employed or considered by cities across the southwest: <br />1. Fugitive water prohibited (no watering of sidewalks, driveways, and streets); <br />2. Cool season turf grass limited to 50 % of lan dscaped area; <br />3. Six inches of new soil (or organic matter) required prior to all turf installation; <br />4. Spray irrigation prohibited on slopes, narrow strips and within 8 feet of a street <br />curb; <br />5. Spray irrigation prohibited between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m: <br />6. Prohibition of covenants mandating bluegrass or preventing Xeriscape; <br />.7. Non -ULF (ultra low flow) toilets and showerheads to be upgraded when property <br />is sold; <br />8. Large Properties (over % acre) must have an irrigation audit;. <br />9. Very large. properties (over 3 acres) must irrigate with reclaimed wastewater or . <br />make plans to transition to reclaimed wastewater within five years; <br />10. Identified leaks must be fixed within five working days; <br />11. Penalties for violations start at $100 and move up quickly, including misdemeanor <br />charges and jail as potential penalties for repeat offenders. <br />Indoor Uses <br />While outdoor use is more discretionary than indoor use and comprises the bulk of <br />potential conservation savings, indoor uses may also be conserved. In the residential <br />sector the biggest bang for the buck comes from converting to efficient toilets and <br />washing machines. Plumbing fixtures are also appropriate conservation targets. <br />Most toilets more than ten years old use 5 gallons of water per flush. Since 1994, federal <br />law has required that new toilets sold be ultra -low -flow (maximum -1.6 gallons per flush). <br />There are an estimated one million "older" toilets in the Denver metro area. - Early <br />16 Peter Glieck, "Reducing Water Use in Residential, Industrial and Municipal Landscapes" in Sustainable <br />Use of Water at 49. <br />4 <br />