Energy efficient program to save 1 billion-plus gallons of water in California

More than a billion gallons of water will be saved in California as a result of one water-saving program.

It’s called Home Energy Renovation Opportunity or HERO and it’s the nation’s fastest-growing energy efficiency program.

Eugene O’Neill wanted make his home drought friendly and less of an eye sore.

“It was just dirt. There was nothing but dirt back here and the sand would blow all over the back yard and it was a place where no one wanted to come and hang out,” O’Neill said. With the help of the HERO program he’s now saving more than $90 a month on his water bill.

“My drought footprint, I pretty much have no water bill, other than what we use for showers. Which is very minimal. I don’t think I’ve paid more than 10 bucks on a water bill since I’ve had this,” O’Neill said.

O’Neill installed artificial turf in his backyard, complete with a putting green.

“Once I got the email, I called the number they asked me to call and they did a credit check and I got approved in a matter of minutes,” O’Neill said.

It’s estimated the state uses 38 billion gallons of water each day.

In just three years the HERO program will save 1.25 billion gallons of water.

In the state, Riverside County has the highest number of participating homes.

“It was really easy it didn’t cost me a dime out of pocket. It’s going to be blended into my tax bill every year so it’s part of my mortgage payment. You can get a lot of really nice stuff for not a lot you just have to budget yourself,” O’Neill said.

Replacing lawns with artificial turf or native landscaping has the biggest impact on water savings.

“One of the biggest water costs you have is watering your lawn so by taking that out and switching to an artificial is what it does for you is give you the nice look but no maintenance and no water,” David Zweifel senior vice president of Back Nine Greens said.

O’Neill said it was worth it not only for the savings but also to help the state.