Despite early winter storms, California remains in a drought. On January 4, 2022, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted an emergency regulation that prohibits certain wasteful water use practices statewide and encourages Californians to monitor their water use more closely while supporting habits to use water wisely. That regulation will be effective for one year starting on or about January 15, 2022, unless the State Water Board determines it is no longer necessary, modifies it, or renews the regulation.
We have developed an FAQ to address the following commonly asked questions.
Q. What does the state regulation mean for public areas within the City of Palm Springs?
A. Compliance by the City is not voluntary. The directive requires the City to adjust its landscaped public spaces that require water, which includes the replacement of ornamental grass with xeriscape landscaping. Trees will continue to be watered as they provide many social and environmental benefits, such as shade, carbon sequestration, and habitat – and they reduce energy use by shading buildings, reduce heat island effects and associated health impacts, absorb and filter storm runoff and urban flooding, and protect air quality.
Residents will notice changes to some popular City locations because of these new state regulations. Please be aware there will be brown grass for a time after the watering stops while new xeriscape landscaping is selected and installed in the following medians:
- Kirk Douglas Way on the south side of the airport and around the airport parking areas
- Palm Canyon Drive between Farrell and Cerritos drives
- Ramon Road from Cerritos Drive to Sunrise Way
- Sunrise Way from Ramon Road to Camino Parocela
- A stretch of Ramon Road east of Farrell Drive to about a block west of El Cielo Road
A. No. The water fountains at the Airport, Village Green, the new Downtown Park and the Rain Maker fountain at Frances Stevens Park use recirculated water and will continue to operate. There is one fountain at the County building across from City Hall that will be shut down.
Q. Why did the State Water Resources Control Board adopt an emergency regulation to supplement voluntary water conservation?
A. Despite early winter storms, California remains in a drought and there is no guarantee that winter precipitation will alleviate the current drought conditions. While many Californians have taken bold steps over the years to reduce water use, the severity of the current drought and uncertainty about Water Year 2022 (Oct. 1, 2021 – Sept. 30, 2022) require additional conservation actions from residents and businesses.
View FAQ
View the list of locations where ornamental grass will be replaced with xeriscape landscaping HERE.