Convert a thirsty lawn strip to a native desert bed at an invited Indio home

Indio yards still carry legacy turf strips drinking hundreds of gallons a week in a true desert, and the water bills land on working families. A converted strip of mulched desert natives — palo verde, brittlebush, desert marigold — cuts that bill permanently and survives the heat that kills grass. Every visible conversion recruits the neighbors. Standard: EPA WaterSense water-smart landscaping; CVWD turf-replacement practice — SDG 6. Proof: Before-and-after photos of turf converted to mulched natives Method (EPA WaterSense water-smart landscaping; CVWD turf-replacement practice — SDG 6.): 1. Mark the conversion strip with the host and shut off its sprinkler zone. 2. Remove or sheet-mulch the turf and edge the bed. 3. Plant desert-adapted natives to the host's approved plan. 4. Cap or convert the sprinkler heads to drip stubs and mulch 3 inches deep. 5. Photograph the finished bed with GPS and date and record the plant list. Done when: Before-and-after photos of turf converted to mulched natives

Where

Occupant-invited front strip near Requa Ave & Towne St, Indio, CA 92201

Pay

$340 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Before-and-after photos of turf converted to mulched natives

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-09-03

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 45–90 minutes. Method of record: EPA WaterSense fixture flow-rate + leak audit

Bring

• flow-rate measurement bag + timer
• toilet dye tablets
• moisture meter
• GPS / address
• camera
• tablet / data sheet

Steps

1. 1. Confirm the address; get a staff escort; photograph each fixture group.
2. 2. Measure flow rate at each faucet/shower with the bag-and-timer method; record gallons per minute (gpm).
3. 3. Test each toilet for leaks with a dye tablet (wait 10 min, check for color in the bowl); record flush volume.
4. 4. Inspect fixtures, meters, and irrigation for visible leaks/drips; note each.
5. 5. Read the water meter with all fixtures off; note any movement (indicates a hidden leak).
6. 6. Rank WaterSense fixture upgrades + leak repairs by estimated water/cost savings.
7. 7. Record flow rates, leak results, meter check, ranked measures, and photos into the proof record; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Meter moving with all fixtures off AND active water damage (wet drywall, ceiling stain, pooling near electrical) -> STOP: possible electrical exposure; keep clear, route to a licensed plumber (and electrician if water contacts wiring). The agent documents, never opens walls.
• Suspected cross-connection / backflow risk (hose-bib, irrigation, boiler makeup) -> flag for a licensed plumber backflow test; potable-water contamination is a health hazard — do not test-operate the connection.
• Toilet dye migrates into the bowl -> flag a leaking flapper/valve for repair.
• Meter moves with all fixtures off -> flag a hidden leak for investigation.
• Faucet > 2.2 gpm or showerhead > 2.0 gpm -> recommend a WaterSense upgrade.
• No electrical/gas work; documentation only — flag suspected pipe damage, do not disassemble.

What counts as done

• Flow rate (gpm) recorded per fixture
• Toilet leak result + flush volume recorded per toilet
• Meter-with-all-off check recorded
• Ranked upgrade/repair measures + photos + address confirm

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.