PROGRAM PUSHES PLANTS FOR DROUGHT.

Byline: KAREN MAESHIRO

Staff Writer

LANCASTER -- In one of the driest years on record, county water officials Thursday launched a conservation and education program to get residents to cut water consumption by 10 percent.

The Home Depot, a partner in the campaign, will add drought-resistant plants to garden centers at its stores in Lancaster and Palmdale. Such plants include weeping yucca, juniper, barrel cactus and rosemary.

"They use less water and are adapted for the environment here," said Melinda Barrett, water conservation program manager with the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts.

The program is co-sponsored by Waterworks District No. 40, which serves residents and businesses in most of Lancaster, in a portion of Palmdale, and in Littlerock, Pearblossom, Lake Los Angeles and Acton.

Besides using drought-resistant plants, water officials urged residents to check their sprinkler systems and to fix outdoor leaks.

The campaign will include a $70,000 advertising effort to pass along water-conservation tips.

Residents also can ask the water district to conduct an audit of their home by calling [phone]. The audit would identify where water is being wasted and provide a customized watering schedule.

Palmdale Water District in May had started a voluntary conservation program, urging its customers to cut consumption by 15 percent.

Rainfall since July 1 has measured only 0.65 of an inch in Palmdale and 1.4 inches in Lancaster, according to the National Weather Service. Normal rainfall for both cities for the same time period is more than 7 inches.

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Photo:

County waterworks and Antelope Valley resource conservation officials -- from left, Richard Campbell, Claudette Roberts and Melinda Barrett -- look at drought-resistant plants Thursday at The Home Depot store in Lancaster. The Home Depot store in Palmdale also is participating in public agencies' campaign to reduce water use by 10 percent to 15 percent in this drought year.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer