Full Description

In the summer of 1993, the North Marin Water District analyzed water use during the peak summer months for 382 single family detached dwellings in Novato, a city situated in a semiarid inland coastal valley near San Francisco, California. Half of the homes were landscaped with mature water thrifty plant materials (xeriscape) and half were traditionally landscaped. Water use data for the prior year and winter were also compiled. A detailed survey of the occupants was conducted. Multivariate regression analysis of data obtained was performed to determine equations which best explain water use. For this type of work, relatively good correlations were observed. The study's hypothesis that homes with xeriscapes use significantly less water and that lawn irrigation is one of the most important variables explaining water use was proven. The study found that xeriscape sites used 17% less water than the traditionally landscaped single family sites.

Product Details

Published: 01/01/1994 ISBN(s): 0898677734 Number of Pages: 13File Size: 1 file , 550 KB