Center for Watershed Protection Model Ordinances
Offers tools for communities interested in creating effective ordinances to guide growth while protecting natural resources. Both real-world and sample ordinances are provided on the web as models, addressing topics such as erosion control, open space, illicit discharges, and post-construction runoff.

Almanac of Enforceable State Laws to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution -- Various states; 2000
The Environmental Law Institute has compiled a number of reports documenting enforceable provisions in the laws of all 50 states that pertain to controlling nonpoint sources of water pollution. The reports include case studies from several states.

Governor's Executive Order Regarding Water Conservation -- Utah; 2004
Directs state agency facility managers and employees to reduce water use. This Executive order served as a kickoff for the state's "Slow the Flow" campaign for 2004.

Maryland Stormwater Management Program -- State of Maryland; 2000
Maryland's revised stormwater management regulations are supported by a two-volume stormwater design manual.

Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance -- State of California; 1993 
Establishes provisions for the design, installation and maintenance of water efficient landscape in new projects as well as for management practices in established landscapes. 

Phase II Storm Water Rule -- Federal (EPA)
Designed to reduce water pollution from stormwater runoff by extending runoff permit requirements to more municipalities and to construction sites. The website for the rule offers links to the rule language, fact sheets on applying the rule, and a FAQ section.

Landscape Ordinance 385 -- Marin Municipal Water District, California; 1999
This ordinance provides a guide for landscape professionals in designing and installing landscapes and irrigation systems that conserve water, addressing plant selection, irrigation systems and water management.

Residential Energy Conservation Ordianance -- City of Berkeley, California
RECO was adopted to improve the energy and water efficiency for existing houses in the City of Berkeley. Eevery home or apartment building sold or undergoing renovations valued at $50,000 or more must meet certain energy and water efficiency requirements.

San Francisco Integrated Pest Management Ordinance -- San Francisco, Calfornia; 1997 
Bans the use of all pesticides by all San Francisco City departments by the year 2000 and is one of the toughest ordinances in the nation on pesticides.  Relates to the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.

Well Ordinance -- Santa Clara Valley Water District, Santa Clara, California; 1990 
Regulates new and existing well maintenance to ensure area groundwater is not polluted or contaminated. 

Rocky Mountain Institute
RMI has a program on water efficiency that addresses state and federal policies that promote or hinder water efficiency efforts. Their aim is to help develop policies that encourage implementation of all cost-effective water-efficiency measures.

Last updated: July 23, 2004

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