Dealing with high water bills: how homeowner associations can make smart changes to save money.
Healthy landscapes add value to properties— from seven to fifteen percent*. The recent increase in water rates has left many associations asking how they can maintain an attractive common area landscape and property values, and keep their water bills affordable. Two approaches to conserving landscape water are:
- improve the efficiency of how water is applied to the landscape and
- change the landscape to one that requires less water.
Learn which short-term strategies keep water bills manageable until long-term changes for a water-wise landscape can be made.
Immediate strategies for savings:
- Hire a knowledgeable landscape company;
- Get a professional landscape evaluation;
- Set priorities for landscape water savings;
- Manage turfgrass areas;
- Protect mature trees and shrubs.
Working with a landscape company:
- Invest in a knowledgeable company;
- Develop open lines of communication;
- Pay for services that provide the greatest benefit.
Working with residents:
- Communicate landscape changes;
- Develop a neighborhood sprinkler watch.
Thinking ahead:
- Budget for future rate increases;
- Start planning a landscape conversion.
