Laguna Niguel Residents May Be Cited for Runoff

A new ordinance that would make residents responsible for runoff from their lawns could at times turn virtually all Laguna Niguel homeowners into polluters, one councilman reasons. 

San Diego County has already adopted such an ordinance, and its Regional Water Control Board has monitoring data that provides evidence that irrigation runoff is a source of pollution. 

Enforcement Authority

If Laguna Niguel adopts the ordinance, it will be the first region in Orange County to take such a step. Lawn and irrigation runoff would no longer be considered an exception, but a discharge. 

The minimum enforcement would be to notify business owners or residents with a notice of noncompliance. There would be a picture of the violation attached and a self-certified affidavit—a type of fix-it letter. 

"I don't see us sending out the non-water police," says City Manager Tim Casey. "It will be a much more Laguna Niguel appropriate friendly."

According to the San Diego County ordinance, "no water can come off their lawn, even irrigation."

Rainfall Alerts

The ordinance's provisions would have the most effect during rainfall.

"If it was enforced today, every homeowner in Laguna Niguel would be a violator," said Councilman Paul Glaab.

Councilman Robert Ming added: "Clean water is not pollution. That's ridiculous."

How Serious is Water Runoff?

"Absolutely, lawns are the biggest source," said Ray Hiemstra, associate director of Orange County Coastkeeper, a nonprofit organization that works to protect and preserve marine habitats and watersheds. What contaminates the water is "fertilizers, nutrients that people use for nice, lush green lawns. People add way too much." 

The runoff is caused by sprinklers, rainfall and overwatering. Bacteria on the lawn from dog and cat feces and bird droppings  is also a problem. 

"The other big deal is pesticides, especially homeowner association type deals," Hiemstra said. "HOA's expect common areas to look good. There's an unfortunate incentive to keep grass nice and green." 

In the last few years, cities have been better about water conservation, but Hiemstra warns we are still in a drought. "You can go down a street on a given day and see runoff."

Hiemstra's tip for reducing runoff:

1. Don't overwater.
2. Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
3. Use California friendly landscapes with drought tolerant plants. These landscapes don't require mowing or pesticides, and require little water.