This past summer has been a hot one! Our normal summer average is 109 degrees and while I haven't yet seen the average for this past summer, it was at least that! During the first week of August, the average was 113 degrees per day!
Four degrees above average might not seem like a lot and it isn't really to us going in and out of it, but it can be huge to your landscape. The biggest problem with heat so high is there have been plants all over the desert suffering extreme burning and/or completely succumbing to the heat.
This year and last had more plants suffer than any other summer in the last 12 years -- or so it seems to me.
And yet, we have had quite a number of calls from clients who report bills with zero water usage! They know we are visiting their home, flushing toilets, running faucets and showers. They know they have landscape irrigation and yet -- zero water use. Why? How is that possible?
Before we explain why it is not only possible, it is accurate, let us share with you why some plants suffer more than others during our extremely hot summers.
There are many factors that contribute to the survival of our desert plants and water is just one of them. Where plants sit in your yard can make a huge difference. Those that receive direct morning and afternoon sun suffer second only to plants up against block walls where the masonry acts like an oven, baking the poor plant(s).
New plantings are also at risk as often nurseries offer desert species not raised in this climate; instead coming from San Diego, near the ocean or up North. Or, the nursery has kept their inventory under shade and so the plants experience substantial shock when placed in direct sun.
Sometimes, a plant just doesn't survive and they might be no explanation other than it is old or maybe had some sort of invisible health issue. And clients who want their home here to resemble their home elsewhere, often select plants not suitable for this climate. For the best chance at survival, all plants should be desert specific, drought resistant and grown in the sun.
It can take up to six months (sometimes more) before a new plant really takes root and gains enough exposure in this climate to thrive so all changes or new plantings should take place during season (Oct through May) if possible.
So for our snow birds, those who know we visit their home weekly and manage water and for those who have pools and landscape irrigation -- why then, might a homeowner show 'zero' water usage?
The Coachella Valley Water District (aka CVWD) explains that a home must use at least one unit of water before a bill will show water usage. Currently, a unit of water is 748 gallons. And the gallons roll over each month so while one month might not show usage, the next one should.
Homes with drip irrigation systems use very little water and our water management doesn't take a lot of water either so it's pretty easy to see why a bill might not show usage. If your bill shows no water usage, there is likely no reason to panic.
On the flip side, we also get calls from clients who report a significant increase in their bill and these charges can result from a number of issues such as:
--Running toilets
--Broken irrigation valves
--Dripping faucets or shower heads
--Running pool auto-fills (often can't be helped as evaporation
increases in the summer)
--Broken pool plumbing or cracked plaster
--Broken water main lines
--Other plumbing leaks inside the home
Leaking showers, faucets and running toilets are common here. Our water is very hard and the cartridges get clogged with deposits and sand. The toilet flappers get old, shrink and crack. HVAC systems that don't have regular maintenance can have clogged condensate lines which can result in flooding.
If you see a significant increase in your water bill, it is best to contact us right away. Sometimes the source is obvious but often it is not and then a leak detection service is necessary.
Whatever the cause, high water bills should be addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid over-consumption or, heaven forbid, flood damages.
Our Absentee home care services are all customized by home and can help identify these issues before they reach crisis mode. Whether you're gone for the weekend or the whole summer, it's best to have someone (Executive Errands®) check your home.
And if you are experiencing excessive water consumption, we are available for flood remediation (both the dryout and any reconstruction), water leak tests, plumbing repairs, pool repairs, HVAC services and more.
I don't know if you know this: If you set up an account with us, we will put your key on file and you can name us 'first call' on your alarm system. There is no monthly minimum and the hours you purchase never expire.
That means you can have an account with us for emergencies or occasional use as well as regular weekly support. We are flexible and here to enhance your desert experience through concierge, home maintenance and personalize assistance services.
To set up an account or for more information, please give us a call at 760.898.9604 or by email. You'll be amazed how comforting it is to have someone available when you need them!
