The California Landscape Contractors Association has published a set of recommendations that are intended to help you conserve water, and help plan for how dry conditions affect your landscaping.
Preparing for a Drier Future
State Mandate - reduction (per capita) of 20% by 2020
Water WILL cost more
Reduce Landscape Water Use
Check for leaks and repair
Incorporate new technology
Learn to read water meter
Program timer efficiently and run multiple cycles
Mulch
Minimize Evaporation
Check Soil Moisture
Avoid runoff on sidewalks
Optimizing 2-3 Day Watering
Promote deeper watering
Use Cycle/Soak method
Use Greywater
Minimize pruning
Minimize fertilizing