Lawns and "Yard of Month" during Water Restrictions

Hi all. First post here.

I'm a board member for our HOA. We're in Central TX and currently under Stage One water restrictions. This is the earliest in recent history for us to enter any type of water restriction and there's not an end in sight it seems.

Every spring and summer, we've always had a "Yard of the Month" which is selected by the previous winner. Of course it almost always goes to those with the most lush yard in the neighborhood. I am proposing to my board to vote to suspend Yard of the Month during any times we are in City enforced water restrictions. I'm getting some pushback based on "we've had restrictions before and we've always done it."

My deal is simply, just because we've done it in the past, doesn't mean it's right or acceptable to continue the practice. I think it makes many in our community to water illegally. I just want us to set a responsible example.

Have any of you in your HOA's encountered this? What have you done to handle it? Any ideas, thoughts?

Thanks,

Tim

Hi Tim:

Welcome to HOAtalk.

Here is a potential idea. If a home is caught watering illegally they are disqualified as a candidate for “Yard of the Month”. If you are getting push back then potentially many of those in the neighborhood enjoy this item and which actually is nice concept. In the past as you stated it has most always gone to the lush yard, so potentially now those who have utilized low water plantings may have more of a chance to win.

There are other ways to look at the issue. I also like to conserve water and is a reason I chose plants that utilize low water for my personal landscaping. While it may not be lush it looks better than others when water is to be conserved.

Hi Tim:

You are most welcome … we are all here to help each other whenever possible. Sometimes it is good to have a sounding board to potentially see various aspects of an issue. You are new to the website so we hope you will stick around and help others along the way.