Pipelines — September 2026

Grab your Yardtopia ® Look Book at October community events IRWD is proud to take part in festivals and celebrations throughout the community. We love to meet our customers, share information on rebates and efficient water use, and even offer landscaping advice! This fall, look for us at: • Tustin Tiller Days , Oct. 2–4 • UC South Coast Research and Extension Center Annual Open House , Oct. 3 • Irvine Global Village Festival , Oct. 10

Q: I don’t understand my water bill. Can you explain how it works? A: IRWD’s budget-based rate structure assigns each customer a water budget based on the number of people in the home, the square footage of outdoor landscaping, and the weather — adjusting for the seasonal water needs of plants. Customers who stay within their monthly water budget enjoy some of the lowest water bills in Orange County. Those who exceed their budget pay a higher rate for the water used above their budget to cover the costs of more expensive water sources and water efficiency programs needed to serve them. Your bill also includes fixed charges to cover fixed expenses of operating and maintaining IRWD’s infrastructure. For more information and help understanding your monthly bill, visit IRWD. com/rates-charges . Got a question? Email info@IRWD.com.

Pick up a free Yardtopia Look Book when you’re at our booth. Browse through 64 pages of stunning outdoor living inspiration, from fire pits and pathways

to water features and kid-friendly spaces. Then, head over to yardtopia.com to learn more about the Yardtopia Initiative, which provides guidance and resources to help you make the most of your outdoor spaces.

Q: Hi, Juan. Can you please remind me how to adjust my sprinklers for the cooler fall weather? A: The days get shorter in September, so your plants need less water. If your controller has a seasonal adjustment feature, dial it down to around 60% of your peak summer setting rather than reprogramming every zone manually. If you have a smart weather-based controller, ensure your Wi-Fi is active or on-site sensors are synced. It should handle these seasonal adjustments automatically. Send landscape questions to askjuan@IRWD.com.

California native corner Juan’s September plant: California fuschia

California fuschia is celebrated for its brilliant orange- red blooms and soft, herbaceous growth that stays low and manageable. Thriving in well-drained soil with minimal summer water, it delivers late season color while supporting hummingbirds and native pollinators. Its non-woody stems, high moisture content, and low litter production make it especially valuable in firescaping, reducing fuel loads and ignition risk. This resilient species adds beauty, ecological benefit and fire-wise structure perfectly suited to California’s dry, fire-prone summers.

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24-Hour customer service: 949-453-5300 Email: CustomerService@IRWD.com Address: 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA 92618 Website: IRWD.com