Fresno residents can soon start watering more, experts still urge move towards drought-friendly landscapes

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Starting next May 1st, Fresno residents can start watering around their homes twice a week. But experts are still urging people to move toward drought-friendly landscapes.

Steady rain and a decent snowpack is a welcome sight in drought-ridden California. But for the Central Valley, the amount of water collected doesn't change much, as we head into summer.

"This is the new norm. Even if the drought was over today, we have to be much more aware of how we use our water and make sure that every drop counts," said Nora Laikam.

Laikam is the water conservation supervisor for the city of Fresno. She said the May 1st start date one month later than normal. But even if the drought starts to become less of a concern in the coming years, she says these restrictions likely won't change. And at Fresno Ag Hardware, specialists say drought tolerant plants are the future for local landscaping.

"Once they're established, very infrequently-- as opposed to a regular plant you would probably have to do it once every day, once every other day, some plants multiple times a day," said Lindsey Randle of Fresno Ag Hardware.

Since the drought has impacted the area, Randle said their selection of drought tolerant landscaping, has grown with the demand.

"Throw some grasses in there, do some different mixture of different textures, different colors, you don't have to have everything clean cut. The natural look is really good right now," said Randle.

If you're nervous to make the switch, the city has landscape specialists who can help you design a water-wise landscape for free.