§ 36-62. Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply to this division unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

Automatic controller. A mechanical or electronic device capable of operating an irrigation system and its component valve stations according to a predetermined schedule of irrigation frequency and duration.

Cistern. A tank or container, typically located underground, for the storage and subsequent reuse of rainwater collected from rooftops or other impervious surfaces that would have otherwise evaporated or drained off the premises.

Drip irrigation. The application of irrigation water through drip emitter devices at low pressure, volume, and velocity near or at ground level in order to minimize runoff and evaporative losses. Drip irrigation emitters are typically used for irrigating non-turf vegetation and release water in the range of 0.04 to 0.40 gallons per minute.

Even numbered properties. Properties with street addresses that end in even-numbered digits, or other properties so designated for the purposes of these Standards through special arrangements with OWASA.

Graywater. Domestic wastewater collected from household fixtures and appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, showers, sinks, and bathtubs, but not from toilets or urinals. Graywater may only be reused in accordance with practices approved by public health authorities.

Hand watering. The application of water for irrigation purposes through a handheld hose or watering container.

Harvested water. Precipitation or irrigation runoff collected, stored and available for reuse for irrigation purposes.

Irrigation system. Any permanently installed system of pipes, hoses, or other conveyance devices and appurtenances that provides water to living plant material through spray heads or other emission devices located at, above, or below the ground surface. For the purposes of these standards, a sprinkler, soaker hose, or other device connected to its water source via a moveable above-ground garden hose is not considered to be an irrigation system.

Landscape area. That portion of a parcel that contains turf or non-turf vegetation.

Low-precipitation bubbler. An irrigation head which typically operates within six inches of ground level and delivers water at a rate of less than 0.45 gallons per minute within a radius of less than two feet of the head. Low-precipitation bubblers are typically used for irrigating non-turf vegetation.

Micro spray. The application of irrigation water through small, low volume sprayer heads in order to minimize runoff losses. Micro sprays are typically used for irrigating non-turf vegetation. Individual micro spray heads typically operate less than 12 inches above ground level and typically deliver water in the range of 0.10 to 0.50 gallons per minute within a radius of five feet or less of the head.

Mulch. A protective covering of organic material, such as sawdust, wood chips, compost, or other vegetative matter, spread on the ground to reduce evaporation and increase water retention.

Odd-numbered properties. Properties with street addresses that end in odd-numbered digits, or other properties so designated for the purposes of these Standards through special arrangements with OWASA.

Overall water demand. The total water demand for any given month as projected by OWASA.

OWASA. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority.

Potable water. Treated water provided by OWASA that is suitable for drinking, cooking, and other domestic use. Water that is collected indoors in containers from indoor faucets or spigots that would otherwise be discharged into drainpipes while a user awaits the warming of the water for dishwashing, other washing, shaving, bathing, or showering is not considered to be potable water for the purposes of these standards.

Precipitation rate. The amount of water applied per unit of time, usually expressed in inches per hour.

Public purpose athletic or recreational field. An athletic or recreational field owned or leased by a public or not-for-profit entity and which is (i) operated for the use of the public pursuant to general invitation, and (ii) not operated for the purpose of profit. For purposes of this definition, a golf course is not considered to be a public purpose athletic field or recreational field.

Public purpose botanical site. A landscaped area which is owned or leased by a public or not-for-profit entity in which a variety of plants are grown to be categorized and documented for scientific purposes and/or which may also be open to the public for entertainment and educational purposes.

Public right-of-way. The area of land owned or maintained by municipal, county, or state government primarily for the use of the public for the movement of people, goods, vehicles, or storm water. For the purposes of these standards, the public right-of-way shall include curbs, streets, sidewalks, and stormwater drainage inlets, but shall not include adjacent landscaped areas that may also be located within the legally delineated public right-of-way.

Rain barrel. A tank or container, typically located on the ground beneath a roof drainage system, captures and stores rainwater for subsequent reuse.

Raw water. Water drawn from a reservoir or other water source before treatment.

Reclaimed water. Highly treated effluent from a wastewater treatment plant that can be safely used for such nonpotable purposes as irrigation, heating/cooling, street cleaning, dust control, firefighting, and other applications that do not require water of potable quality.

Runoff. Water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied. Runoff occurs when water is applied too quickly (application rate exceeds infiltration rate), particularly if there is a severe slope. These standards do not apply to stormwater runoff which is created by natural precipitation rather than human-caused or applied water use.

Service area. The geographic area in which OWASA provides or is authorized to provide water and/or sewer service.

Shut-off nozzle. A device attached to the end of a hose that completely shuts off the flow, even if left unattended.

Soaker hose. A flexible hose designed to emit a trickle of water along its entire length, either through numerous small-diameter (less than 1/32-inch) or through the permeable material of its composition.

Spray irrigation. The application of water to landscaping by means of a device, other than a hand-held hose or watering container, that projects water through the air in the form of small particles or droplets.

Sprinkler head. A device that projects water through the air in the form of small particles or droplets.

Underground system. An irrigation system with emitters installed beneath the ground surface.

Water conservation plan (OWASA approved). A written document submitted by the owner or operator of a public purpose athletic field, recreational field, and/or a public purpose botanical site, and approved by OWASA's Executive Director or his/her designee, that specifies the conservation measures and irrigation operating modes that will be employed at those public purpose facilities, and the specific practices that will be employed to achieve Stage 1, 2, and 3 Water Shortage conservation goals enumerated in these OWASA's Water Conservation Standards.

Water waste. The non-beneficial use of OWASA potable water. Nonbeneficial uses include but are not restricted to:

(1)

Landscape water applied in such a manner, rate and/or quantity that it overflows the landscaped area being watered and runs onto adjacent property or public right-of-way; or landscape water applied during periods of rainfall or when soil moisture is already adequate.

(2)

The use of water for washing vehicles, equipment, or hard surfaces, such as parking lots, aprons, pads, driveways, or other surfaced areas, in such quantities to flow onto adjacent property or the public right-of-way.

(3)

Water applied in sufficient quantity to cause ponding on impervious surfaces.

(4)

Water lost through plumbing leaks that can be readily identified and corrected.

Watering bag. A container used to hold and slowly dispense water around the base of a tree or shrub. These are commonly called "Gators."

Xeriscaping. An approach to landscape design and maintenance that uses small amounts of water but sustains a traditional look through the proper conditioning of soil, the selection of appropriate drought-tolerant plants, generous use of mulch, efficient use of water, and other proven techniques.

(Ord. of 6-26-2003, § IB, eff. 6-26-2003; Amend. of 6-16-2009, eff. 6-16-2009)