COUNTYWIDE : County Takes Steps to Conserve Water

The county’s Environmental Management Agency on Friday announced several new conservation methods that the agency hopes will dramatically reduce water consumption by county government.

Among other things, the agency wants to use reclaimed water for the irrigation system at Laguna Niguel Regional Park.

The county anticipates that it will save nearly 90% of the potable water now used there, according to Barbara Foster, a spokeswoman for Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder.

Wieder’s office, which has a record of calling for improved water management, announced the conservation measures in a brief news release.

The Orange County Water Conservation Task Force, formed by Wieder, prompted the proposals.

The EMA, the county’s land-management agency, wants county parks officials to reduce their irrigation needs by at least 10%.

Foster said that many parks already are watering less or watering in the evening and early morning when evaporation is the least.

To provide the public more examples of how to landscape with drought-resistant plants, the county has authorized a $5,000 grant from its Harbors, Beaches and Parks Divisions for a study in Rossmoor.

The Rossmoor Community Services District, which has received a $31,000 state grant, has been working for more than a year on two mini-parks which will demonstrate the use of drought-resistant plants.

Community services district president Germaine Erskine said that playgrounds and picnic areas will serve as models for visitors to see how the park’s designers can attractively arrange the plants.

Ground-breaking ceremonies for the mini-parks are scheduled for Monday morning.