Remember
– We live in a Desert !
By
Robert N.
An interesting chart can be found at:
As you can see from the chart, although we’re in better shape than a year ago, the lake level is still about 40 FEET below 2012 levels.
The rebates were hefty and would help defray the costs of such conversions.
I contacted SNWA to inquire as to whether HOA communities such as SCA would qualify for such rebates.
Much to my pleasant surprise, the answer I received was:
“The answer is yes; the same
incentive applies: $2.00 for the first 5000 square feet and $1.00 after that up
to $300,000”
I then went on a quest to ascertain how many square feet of maintained and irrigated lawn areas comprise the SCA common areas.
On the SCA web-site I found the Landscape Maintenance Contracts for Canyon Crest, Clubhouse, High Mesa, and Pinnacle Villages, along with contracts for “Common Areas” and “Recreation Centers”.
Much to my chagrin the contracts failed to specify the total square feet of lawn area maintained.
I was also dismayed to note that the contracts were signed in 2013 and expired in 2016.
It’s my understanding that the contracts MUST be re-bid after three years; I can only hope that it’s the web page (and not the contracts) that’s out of date.
But I digress…..
Since the contracts failed to specify the total lawn area maintained in the “Common Areas” it was time to use a bit of logic and make one or more seemingly reasonable estimates:
Can anyone refute my opinion that the TOTAL lawn areas in ALL common areas equals (at a minimum) 1 Acre?
Think about all the irrigated lawn areas along Sun City Anthem Parkway, around the the Recreation Centers, etc.
To me, 1 Acre sounds like a very conservative estimate.
So, if SCA were to apply for this rebate, the total would appear to be:
One acre = 43,560 square feet of lawn...
$2.00 X 5,000 square feet = $10,000
$1.00 X 38,560 square feet = $38,
560
So, based on the information received from SNWA, SCA could receive $48,560 PER ACRE of converted lawn area.
Remember, since (currently) rebates up to $300,000 are available, SCA would have the potential of getting an additional $250,000 in rebates for any other conversions
Yes, I recognize there would be a cost to rip out the lawn and replace it with gravel, artificial turf, or whatever appropriate ground cover is selected; however, that $48,560 would go a long way in covering those costs.
More importantly, SNWA estimates that each Square Foot of irrigated lawn area uses 55 GALLONS per Year (!)
Using their estimate, each acre of converted lawn area would save (you ready for this?) 2,395,800 gallons of precious water per year.
I cannot understand why our Board of Directors has not gone forward with this idea. Perhaps someone can enlighten me.
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As usual, Anthem Opinions thanks Robert N.
for his input on a matter not many of us think about very
often.
Our question ?
How much is our annual water bill to irrigate the areas brought out
in his report?
Perhaps someone "in the know" might provide that
answer.
And...if you have any comments about Robert's thoughts, sent us an
email at:
scaopinions@gmail.com
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From Nelson Orth...to...Anthem Opinions
Maps of the Anthem Community Council Parcels and corresponding acreage of each parcel. 
Dick,
Years ago I obtained from the COH the acreage of the common interest property that both the Anthem Council and SCA is responsible for. I will be happy to share with anyone interested.
As an aside, I have offered this info on many occassions to various people/organizations within SCA.
The response has been less than overwhelming.
I am sure our readers would appreciate any detailed information you may have.
Just send it to us and we'll be most happy to publish it.
Again a critical thinker is sharing with us and our HOA another way we can save money.
Its beyond me how, for the 10 years I’ve been here, that no member of the board has looked at this available way to save us all money.
Lets get this great opportunity working for us A.S.A.P.
Thanks again Robert.
Great posting!!
I have always questioned why SCA landscapers bother to plant "annual" type plants at the entry points to the different villages--3-4 different plantings per year.
Just put in some interesting cacti which will look better than the flowers which take a beating in the summer heat...save landscaping and water costs!