Pipelines — November 2026

Pipelines is Irvine Ranch Water District's free monthly newsletter, where you'll find the latest water-saving tips and updates from IRWD on topics including District events, rebate programs, water-saving irrigation scheduling and more.

Rain barrel rebate Make the most of El Niño by capturing the rain. Apply for your $35 rebate at IRWD.com/rebates .

NOVEMBER 2026

Desert globemallow

Don’t let a clog spoil your holiday celebrations

Protect your pipes and keep your holiday celebrations clog-free by disposing of gravy, heavy sauces, cooking grease and buttery leftovers in the trash — not down the drain. Collectively referred to as “FOG,” fats, oils and grease are a leading cause of troublesome pipe clogs and sewage spills. Here’s how you can prevent a stopped-up sink from spoiling your festivities this year. • Pour cooled fatty leftovers into a disposable container with a lid and put it in your trash receptacle for pickup on trash day. • Wipe greasy pans with paper towels before washing and place the towels in the trash. • Do not put potato peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells and other food scraps down the garbage disposal. Put them in the compost bin. Visit IRWD.com/fog for more information.

Book your free meeting room for 2027 community events

Looking for a space for a meeting or community event for 2027? IRWD makes meeting space available free of charge to residential and not-for-profit customers when not being used for District business. Beginning Nov. 2, customers can submit 2027 reservation requests for the Duck Club, Community Room and — new for next year — the historic Marsh House at the San Joaquin Marsh Campus. Recently restored to today’s standards, the Marsh House accommodates up to

25 people seated or 30 standing. It includes tables, chairs and a kitchenette with a coffee maker, making it ideal for book clubs, family gatherings or group activities. All meeting rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and the facility’s rules and guidelines apply. Visit IRWD.com/reservearoom for more information, photos, reservation guidelines and to submit a request. Check out IRWD.com/campus to learn more about the San Joaquin Marsh Campus.

DID YOU KNOW? The Marsh House is one of three historic Irvine Ranch farm homes built in the early 1900s, and moved to IRWD’s Marsh Campus in the 1990s. Once a home to tenant orange growers, it was an early adopter of running water using a motorized well pump.

Q: My bill this month is higher than last month, even though we used the same amount of water. Can you tell me why? A: Is your irrigation system on the same schedule? If you have not adjusted your timer to water less, you may be exceeding your water budget for the month, and any water used after that point costs more. In fall, our plants need less water. They’re entering a period of dormancy. The days are shorter, and their metabolism slows. Be sure to adjust your sprinklers monthly to give them exactly what they need. A smart irrigation timer will adjust your schedule automatically, and right now you can get a rebate of up to $200 for qualifying devices. Go to IRWD.com/ wateringguide for a complete watering schedule. Check out our smart timer rebate at IRWD.com/ rebates . Got a question? Email info@IRWD.com.

Make your side yard a dream space You may have a great unused space at home — your side yard. A typical side yard is 90 to 180 square feet, and you may have one on each side of the house. Narrow side yard ideas work best when you design lengthwise for flow or create distinct zones rather than fighting the shape. Consider a garden walkway, a hidden seating nook or a dedicated pet area. You might even try a gallery wall of vertical plants. Most side yard makeover projects cost between $500 and $5,000 depending on scope, and many water-smart upgrades qualify for rebates. For more ideas and resources, go to yardtopia.com/sideyard .

Q: Hi, Juan. Do you have any recommendations for a do-it-yourself holiday centerpiece using California native plants? A: What a great idea! Try bundling some California grape leaves, incense cedar and

sugar bush leaves in a wooden bowl for the main display. Add some toyon berries, bush sunflowers and small decorative pumpkins, and you have your spectacular centerpiece! Send your questions to askjuan@IRWD.com.

California native corner November plant: Roger’s red grape Roger’s red grape produces small flowers that attract pollinators, followed by dark grapes. A small 1 gallon plant can mature into a large, vigorous vine in just a few years. It’s perfect for native or edible gardens.

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