Fountain Valley Spotlight: Turf Replacement Transformation

OC Garden Friendly plants are a waterway-wise alternative to turf. Not only do they beautify spaces, they also help protect Orange County’s waterways from pollution because they require less water, pesticides, and nutrients than other plants. Turf, on the other hand, often requires harmful chemicals to maintain which can go untreated into OC’s creeks, rivers, and ocean via the storm drain system. 

We’re excited to highlight an extensive turf replacement project at the City of Fountain Valley’s Public Works Yard. Continue reading to learn about this terrific transformation and how it’ll help protect local water resources. 

Project Details

The City of Fountain Valley’s City Yard Turf Removal Project replaced 3,143 square feet of nonfunctional turf in front of its main gates off Mt. Herrmann St with 440 OC Garden Friendly plants. This change will reduce water usage and runoff pollution. Additionally, the project included planting two Palo Verde trees on both sides of topiary boxwood bushes shaped like the letters “FVPW” (Fountain Valley Public Works), as well as color guard yucca, sea lavender, senecio, and red yucca. 

New Fountain Valley City Yard

This landscape transformation project was made possible by the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) Commercial Rebate program. MWDOC provided $12,572 ($4 per square foot) of financial assistance, reducing the total project cost by over 35%.

If you have a chance, stop by the Fountain Valley Public Works Yard and see it in person!

Rainwater Benefits

The City of Fountain Valley’s Public Works Yard transformation is as beautiful as it is functional, providing wonderful benefits for our waterways and water supply.

First, this transformation will save over 138,000 gallons of water annually! Second, the dry riverbed allows rainwater to infiltrate into the soil instead of flowing into our waterways. Lastly, OC Garden Friendly Plants have strong root systems that help prevent erosion, collect runoff, and protect water quality while reducing the need for irrigation. Unlike the sewer system (which treats water), anything that flows into the storm drain system can go untreated into OC’s creeks, rivers, and ocean. Since Orange County is vulnerable to water scarity due to climate change and recurrent drought, every step to a water resilient future is beneficial.

As opportunities and funding become available, the city plans to build on their efforts and replace other areas of nonfunctional turf with OC Garden Friendly plants at additional municipal sites. The City of Fountain Valley’s City Yard Turf Removal Project reflects the city’s and H₂OC’s  commitment to water conservation and pollution prevention by serving as an example for other residential and commercial sites to replace their turf with OC Garden Friendly plants.

To make landscape transformation projects like this one more feasible, we recently launched RainSmart Rebate Programs for residents and large landscape owners.  These programs provide additional funding and assistance on top of existing rebates offered by MWDOC to help you make watershed-wise upgrades to your property. Learn more about our rebates here.

North OC Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects

The Fountain Valley City Yard Turf Removal Project is one of several green stormwater infrastructure projects located in North Orange County!

Other projects include the King Street Urban Greening Project which transformed 9,000 square feet of unused public space into a thriving community green space that collects and infiltrates rainwater, and the Santa Ana River Enhanced Recharge Project which diverts Santa Ana River water to recharge the Orange County groundwater basin. 

King Street Urban Greening Project

Santa Ana Enhanced Recharge Project

Whether you live inland in Fountain Valley or along the coast in Huntington Beach, it’s critical to prevent pollutants from flowing into our storm drains.

Kudos to the Cities of Fountain Valley and Santa Ana, and Orange County Water District for their exemplary execution of these watershed-wise initiatives and being rainwater protectors! 

More Ways to Appreciate Orange County’s Watersheds

• Explore your watershed and report water pollution. While you’re visiting Orange County’s creeks, trails, and coastline, make observations about water quality conditions. If you see anything abnormal (such as high numbers of dead fish or fowl, overwatering, trash in the gutter, or other signs of pollution), report it by visiting our Report Pollution page. 
• Connect with area watershed organizations through local events. Join H₂OC, other organizations, and your neighbors who are working to protect and restore our creeks, rivers, bays, and ocean. Check out our calendar to find events in your area.
• Spread the word. To protect our waterways, share your knowledge about preventing water pollution and encourage others to do the same. You can even involve your kids in learning about watersheds and pollution prevention through our Stormwater 101 for Students page. 
• Learn more. Visit our What is a Watershed?  and Runoff 101 pages.
• Follow us. Check out H₂OC’s Facebook and Instagram pages for pollution prevention tips, community highlights, and watershed features.