California’s Drought – Year 4

California’s rainfall was significantly greater than last year, while the late spring storms created a strong Sierra snowpack; however, the state’s four year drought is not over yet and water restrictions are sure to continue. According to the California Department of Water Resources, the state has been up against one of the most significant water crises in its history. With reduced water supplies and a growing population, the multi-year drought has continued.

Droughts can depend on many factors and they differ from typical emergency events such as floods or forest fires, in that they occur slowly over a multiyear period. Meanwhile, the impacts often increase with the length of a drought.

So though California has had momentous rainfall, the state is still feeling the effects of a major drought. The Department of Water Resources claims the state entered the 2009-2010 Water Year with its main supply reservoirs at only 68 percent of average. Even if more precipitation comes our way this year, it cannot be assumed that the statewide water supply will fully recover in 2010.

Water Restrictions Can Benefit You

While the water restrictions still stand, Californians should do everything possible to help save on water. Not only will it help California, but it will certainly help save on individual monthly utility bills as well.

According to www.saveourh2o.org, there are several ways to conserve water in and around the house. Installing water-saving fixtures in your home, including low-flow showerheads, water-efficient faucets and toilets and front-loading clothes washers is a good solution. Each fixture helps save a significant amount of water and helps you save money.

There are ways to save when it comes to outdoor water use as well. Save Our Water has measured that it takes 330 gallons of water to irrigate a 1,000 square foot lawn with half an inch of water. Depending on the size of your lawn and how often those sprinklers go on, you could be using thousands of gallons a week. Replacing your lawn is a convenient way to save. SP Turf is the perfect solution to outdoor water use – it looks and feels as good as the real thing without the costly upkeep. Our synthetic grass is perfect for families, pet owners and everyone who loves the look of a year-round green lawn. Rebates are often offered for installing synthetic turf, so call your water district for more information.

Regardless if the drought ends, water restrictions may or may not be lifted. Use the simple solutions provided to help save water and money on monthly utility bills. And visit http://www.ca.gov/ to keep updated on the current drought conditions and more tips on water conservation.

Yesterday was the longest day of the year – summer solstice! And in the Northern Hemisphere, we happily welcome the warm summer months! It is finally time to take a dip in the pool, enjoy delicious backyard barbeques and enjoy the summer air. These are the months we have been looking forward to all year, so savor every moment.

Let your outdoor living room be a place of endless enjoyment! The unique colors, patterns and designs of our interlocking paving stones will brilliantly add beauty and value to your patio and pool deck.

After you work up an appetite from swimming, you’ll want to enjoy a meal hot off the barbeque. Our custom, built-in barbeques are the perfect solution for that hunger. Not to mention they are great for entertaining… make sure you get yours in time for the 4^th of July!  

Thanks for tuning in… Get ready to enjoy a great summer!

Take a little time to plan something your dad will absolutely enjoy. Sure you can get him the typical toolbox, work tie or golf set, but what fun is that? If it’s true that the way to a man’s heart (and in this case your dad) is through his stomach, then fire up your System Pavers barbeque and cook up the perfect feast for your deserving dad. Put on the apron, take over the grilling and let dad sit back to watch the game with a refreshing beverage as he waits for the deliciously Grilled Sweet-and-Sour Meatball Kabobs.

Check out the recipe dad is sure to love, courtesy of BettyCrocker.com

Ingredients:

1 large green bell pepper, cut into 12 pieces

8 thin wedges of red onion

12 small, fresh whole mushrooms

½ teaspoon salt

16 frozen cooked meatballs, thawed

¾ cup sweet-and-sour sauce

Directions:

·        Heat grill. In large bowl, combine bell pepper, onions and mushrooms. Sprinkle with seasoned salt; toss to coat.

·        Alternately thread meatballs, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms onto four 12 to 14-inch metal skewers.

·        When ready to grill, place kabobs on gas grill over medium heat, on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 10 to 15 minutes or until meatballs are thoroughly heated and vegetables are crisp-tender brushing generously with half of the sweet-and-sour sauce and turning frequently. Serve kabobs with remaining  half of sauce for dipping.

And voila… a tasty treat your dad will want more of!