One homeowners association in Bakersfield, California, broke the mold in 2023 by removing grass lawns and installing “water-wise” landscaping, 23ABC reported.
California has suffered from a long drought that has left the state’s water reserves low, even after a brief period of record rains earlier in the year. To combat the dry conditions, officials are encouraging residents to conserve water. 23ABC reported restrictions on car washes and all outdoor water use, especially after it rains.
One successful initiative has rewarded residents for conserving water by reimbursing them for installing water-saving landscaping. These innovative garden designs use techniques like xeriscaping — installing hardy native plants and other drought-tolerant species that can get by on minimal drip irrigation — to replace water-guzzling grass lawns…