WATER CONSERVATION FACTS
We build and operate our retail centers in a sustainable, environmentally sensitive manner. Our master-planned retail centers include a comprehensive water usage and conservation plan, ensuring that adequate water resources are available to serve each project.
In our landscaping, we use state-of-the-art, high-efficiency irrigation systems that reduces water consumption (44 million gallons annually) through the use of:
- Smart irrigation controllers: This high-tech system controls how much water is used to irrigate our landscapes based on plant/soil type and weather conditions. The system uses real-time weather satellite data that, for instance, shuts off the irrigation system during rainy or cold conditions.
- Drip and low-flow irrigation: This practice allows water to be slowly applied into the soil, drastically reducing water usage and the overspray onto non-landscaped areas caused by traditional sprinklers.
- Master valves with flow sensors: This allows us to automatically shut off the water when the flow sensor detects a leak.
Wherever possible, we irrigate our landscaping with recycled water. For instance, since the 1980s, almost every retail community in the city of Irvine including the Irvine Spectrum Center has used recycled water for its landscaping. In Newport Beach, Newport Coast and Crystal Cove retail centers use recycled water for their landscaping.
Unlike potable (drinking) water, there are no drought-related restrictions on the amount of recycled water that may be used.
In our retail centers, we use state-of-the-art, high-efficiency plumbing fixtures that reduce water consumption (2 million gallons of water annually) through the use of waterless urinals and water-savings flush values and sink sprayer aerators.
As part of its commitment to efficient water use and reuse, the Irvine Company employs a dedicated team that continually monitors water usage across its portfolio. Team members inspect water systems on a weekly basis and make adjustments when needed to prevent overspray, runoff and waste.