Improve Outdoor Water Use and Drainage

As the El Niño weather pattern approaches, Rainbow Water is taking proactive steps to safeguard the community through emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination. Customers are encouraged to help prevent flooding and improve outdoor water use by making small, impactful adjustments to reduce water waste and prepare homes for future storms.

Storm Preparation Checklist

• Clear out downspouts and rain gutters to increase rain flow away from the home.
• Avoid using water to spray down driveways or sidewalks; instead, sweep with a broom or a leaf blower.
• Clean up pet waste promptly, place it in a bag, and dispose of it in the trash to prevent harmful waste from entering storm drains and creeks.
• Secure furniture and large items in the yard.
• Install a dry bed to capture rainwater runoff in your yard.
• Remove debris or items blocking yard drainage systems. 
• Reduce runoff by checking and replacing broken sprinklers.
• Avoid applying fertilizer before an expected rain event.
• Add mulch or ground cover to slopes to avoid erosion.
• Place mulch in a donut shape around trees and large bushes.
• Adjust the irrigation system schedule to run late evening or early morning.
• Turn off the irrigation system prior to a rain event and resume the regular irrigation schedule 48 hours after the rain stops.
• Install a Flume, a smart water device (only $75 after rebate), to monitor water use and receive leak alerts. 
• Prepare landscape with free sandbags available at Horse Creek Staging Area in Fallbrook.