Unincorporated Riverside County sees new water regulations

Earlier this week, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed new landscape regulations in response to the California drought. The Board of Supervisors’ regulations prohibit new subdivision in unincorporated areas from having turf lawns. Lots must have drought-friendly landscaping and plants. The regulations also restricts the amount of recycled water that can be used for outdoor irrigation.

The Board of Supervisors has the power to make decisions that impact unincorporated areas. It’s estimated that around 300,000 of the county’s 2.2 million residents live in unincorporated areas.

In addition to prohibiting natural grass, the regulations prohibit natural grass from being planted on medians and roads maintained by Riverside County. County buildings are being retrofitted with drought-tolerant landscaping.