New Central Coast homes conserve water

Just Wednesday, the governor asked for a statewide water reduction by 25 percent. Here on the Central Coast, the push to save water actually started a long time ago, changing everything from habits to new homes.

News Channel 5 checked out a new home development that’s built around saving water.

Tamara Gonsalves is a community representative for Shea Homes and she said,
“Well California obviously is in a state of drought right now so there is many codes that we absolutely have to comply with. So we are very conscious of what’s going on in California.”

At the Dunes on Monterey Bay, homes are going for $400,000 to $600,000. Even before the governor made his emergency drought order this week, regulations designed to save water had a definite impact at the Dunes homes.

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

For newer homes, state regulations require features like dual flush toilets, low-water-use washers, and drought-tolerant landscaping. It’s all aimed at helping this community conserve.

More than just a requirement for builders, Gonsalves said buyers now have water-saving features on their checklist when they’re 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,” said Gonsalves.

Only model homes are up now, but the first homes are set for completion sometime this summer. Just in time for the driest part of the year.

The governor is asking builders of new homes and developments statewide to do their part to help the state meet its water conservation goals.