The State Legislature determined in the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (the "Act"), Government Code sections 65591 et seq., that the State's water resources are in limited supply. The Legislature also recognized that while landscaping is essential to the quality of life in California, landscape design, installation, maintenance and management must be water efficient. Consistent with the Legislature's findings the purpose of this chapter is to:
(a) Promote the values and benefits of landscaping practices that promote the conservation and efficient use of water in a manner at least as effective as the Act and implementing Regulations.
(b) Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining and managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and projects with modified landscapes.
(c) Promote the use, when available, of tertiary treated recycled water and graywater for irrigating landscaping.
(d) Use water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water Allowance as an upper limit for water use and reduce water use to the lowest practical amount.
(e) Encourage proper planning, design, installation, management, and maintenance of landscapes that will achieve the conservation and efficient use of water in landscapes by:
(1) Creating the conditions to support life in the soil by reducing compaction, incorporating organic matter that increases water retention, and promoting productive plant growth that leads to more carbon storage, oxygen production, shade, habitat and aesthetic benefits.
(2) Minimizing energy use by reducing irrigation water requirements, reducing reliance on petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides, and planting climate appropriate shade trees in urban areas.
(3) Conserving water by capturing and reusing rainwater and graywater wherever possible and selecting climate appropriate plants that need minimal supplemental water after establishment.
(4) Protecting air and water quality by reducing power equipment use and landfill disposal trips, selecting recycled and locally sourced materials, and using compost, mulch and efficient irrigation equipment to prevent erosion.
(5) Protecting existing habitat and promoting the creation of new habitat by choosing local native plants, climate adapted non-natives and avoiding invasive plants, utilizing integrated pest management with least toxic methods as the first course of action.
(f) Incorporate greenhouse gas reduction strategies that contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the Global Warming Solutions Acts of 2006 (Assembly Bill 32) and 2016 (Senate Bill 32).