Central coast developers work to save water

Reducing water use statewide by 25% is what the Governor is asking for in an unprecedented order.

The push to save water started quite awhile ago on the central coast, changing everything from habits to new homes.

“Well California obviously is in a state of drought right now so there are many codes that we absolutely have to comply with. So we are very conscious of what’s going on in California,” said Tamara Gonsalves with the Dunes on Monterey Bay project.

There, homes are going for 400,000 to 600,000 dollars, and even before the Governor made his emergency drought order earlier this week, regulations designed to save water have had a definite impact.

“These homes have completely been re-thought and designed with and to incorporate many energy efficient features and drought tolerant features as well,” Gonsalves said.

State regulations require that newer homes feature dual flush toilets, low water use washing machines, and drought tolerant landscaping. For example, the homes at The Dunes at Monterey Bay use tank-less water heaters. It draws up water through it and heats it as needed which uses less energy and much less water.

More than just a requirement for builders, Gonsalves says buyers now have water saving features on their checklist when they are shopping for a new home.

“We definitely let them know we are doing everything that we can and we’ve actually, I’ve heard, that we are using less water right now than was expected.”

There are only model homes at The Dunes but the first homes are set for completion some time this summer, just in time for the driest part of the year.