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West Basin tells Palos Verdes Estates it can help repurpose turf and fund drinking-fountain upgrades
Summary
West Basin Municipal Water District outlined conservation programs for the Palos Verdes Peninsula, announced state nonfunctional-turf restrictions through 2029, and said it offers free landscape designs, rebates for turf removal and funding for water bottle filling stations.
Representatives from West Basin Municipal Water District told the Palos Verdes Estates City Council on April 14 that the district has programs and incentives to help the peninsula reduce reliance on imported water and to prepare for upcoming state restrictions on nonfunctional turf.
Tommy Favai, West Basin board member, introduced EJ, the district's general manager, who walked the council through the agency's Water for Tomorrow program and local offerings. EJ said the state will ban potable-water use for nonfunctional turf in phases: local governments in 2027, commercial properties in 2028 and HOA/common areas in 2029.
To help communities adapt, West Basin offers design assistance and rebates for turf removal (program funding varies; residential rebates noted as low as $2 per square foot and up to amounts contingent on grant availability) and free rain barrels. The district also will provide funding support for drinking-fountain or water-filling station upgrades: $1,000 for an indoor replacement and $2,000 for outdoor installations, EJ said.
The presentation noted West Basin's broader conservation, recycled-water and groundwater-injection strategies aimed at diversifying local supplies. Council members pressed staff and the presenters on whether groundwater on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is potable and how feasible moving recycled or captured water around the peninsula would be; West Basin explained technical and cost constraints and offered follow-up coordination on specific projects (including possible help with the Lunata Bay fountain request).
Council and staff asked West Basin to publicize upcoming workshops and events and to share program materials for posting on the city website. West Basin representatives also listed upcoming community events and training opportunities focusing on conservation and wildfire preparedness.
Council did not take action; presenters offered to follow up with staff about site-specific incentives and support.
