Hydrozone Program

• Can I increase my annual water budget?

  Yes, at any time, the current owner may buy more water rights that will equate to an increased water budget and still stay on the program. The new water budget must be at least 25% below the 3 acre-feet per acre requirement for typical Kentucky bluegrass.

  Irrigators must meet the requirements of Municipal Code Chapter 18.08 (Landscaping and Buffering) and demonstrate a twenty-five percent reduction in water use from traditional bluegrass landscapes as set forth in Municipal Code Chapter 19.06 (Irrigation).

• How do I apply for a new development?

  1. Application: Applicant voluntarily applies to join the Hydrozone Program prior to City approval for the Public Improvement Construction Plans (PICP).
  2. Submit Plans: Submit plans that meet all program requirements included in Municipal Code Chapter 19.06 and briefly summarized below:
     • Landscape Plans – Plant areas grouped by distinct hydrozone categories. Identify location and size of the dedicated irrigation meter.
     • Hydrozone Plans – Include a table that lists each hydrozone category, square footage, and maximum gallons required per square foot per year.
     • Irrigation Plans – Schematic view of the irrigation system with the size and location of the irrigation meter, location of irrigation automatic controller and automatic rain sensors.
  3. Soil Amendment Affidavit: Add proper soil amendments*** prior to the planting of the landscaping and submit the soil amendment affidavit. 
  4. Hydrozone Agreement: Complete a hydrozone plan between the City and Applicant/Owner.
  5. Pay fees: Pay system impact and water rights fees.

  Example Hydrozone Plan Table
  Hydrozone Category	Sq. Ft. of Area	Max Gallons Required/Sq. Ft.	Water Budget
  High	2,000	X 20 =	40,000
  Moderate	100	X 12 =	1,200
  Low	1,000	X 3.6 =	3,600
  Very Low	50	X 0 =	0

   
  ***Amending soils with compost increases the soil’s capacity to hold moisture, which allows for watering to be reduced. Soil amendments are key to successfully staying under the annual water budget. 

• How does the hydrozone program work?

  The hydrozone program requires an a hydrozone plan. The plan includes irrigation and planting design that clusters plants with similar water requirements together to help conserve water. A water budget* will be calculated to the specific plants under the hydrozone plan. The landscape design must show at least 25% reduction from the 3 acre-feet of water per acre required to irrigate Kentucky bluegrass. Going forward, if the water budget is exceeded, an annual surcharge will be assessed, which can be very costly. This water budget will be monitored by LWP on an on-going basis.

• What happens if I exceed my annual water budget?

  Initial 3-Year Grace Period - Participants are allowed an initial 3-year grace period to establish plantings in which the water budget may be exceeded without penalty.

  After the initial 3-year grace period, surcharges are assessed on excess water usage. If the water budget is exceeded by more than 5% for 3 consecutive years, the site will no longer qualify to be on the Hydrozone Program. The difference between the water rights already paid and the amount owed for a standard irrigation meter will be due to LWP by the current owner, which can be very costly.

• What if I need to replant and use more water in a given year?

  If you're redesigning or replacing a landscape that participates in the Hydrozone Program, you may be eligible for a one-year exemption from water surcharge fees. This exemption, subject to approval, will not count toward the three-year limit that could trigger a full water rights payment. To apply submit the exemption form along with details of the new landscape design, receipts for soil amendments and plants, and photos or other evidence supporting your request. Applications are due by July 1 of the year the redesign will take place.
  
  Please note that while you may qualify for a one-year exemption, the irrigation required for the new or redesigned plantings must not exceed your original annual water budget. If the irrigation demand surpasses this budget, you may be responsible for additional water rights payments.

• Who can participate in the hydrozone program?

  This is a voluntary program available to LWP customers with dedicated irrigation meters for either new landscapes or for retrofitting** existing landscapes.

  * Water budgets are calculated from the square footage in each hydrozone category and their corresponding water requirements.

  **For retrofitting an existing landscape, contact Nathan Alburn.