I’ve just completed an analysis of the water savings resulting from the drought-resistant re-landscaping work you designed and Benchmark did at our industrial building on Arjons Drive in the Miramar area of San Diego. Your design work began in February 2011. We met several times, viewed other projects, and discussed various options before developing a final plan. Actual work began in mid-March 2011 and was completed in May 2011. About half of the existing grass was removed and replaced with drought resistant trees, plants, rock, and mulch with a modern up-to-date design. The irrigation system was also updated.

My analysis shows that, for the ten months of March through December 2011, there was a 46% water savings from the previous year. Average daily water usage for that period decreased from 779 to 418 gallons per day. HCF decreased from an average of 60 to 34 per two month period. I estimate the water savings at $565 for the 10 months through December 2011. In addition and even more dramatic is the savings on the sewer usage service charge which is tied directly to water usage and is more costly than than water. For the 10 month period of March through December 2011, the sewer saving were thus $1274 ($565+709) for the 10 month period. The project should pay for itself in five to six years.

Other than re-landscaping, all variables seem to have remained constant; so I am confident that the reduction in water usage was directly tied to your overall project design and plant selection.

I commend you for your efforts in helping us save water and money. I am happy to recommend you and Benchmark to anyone looking to improve the look and value of their property, meet environmental water savings goals, and save money.

Regards and thanks to the entire Benchmark Team!

David Labowitz