If faxed, the hard copy signed by the requester must follow through the mail. There is no fee involved as long as the term is used in conjunction with voluntary public water conservation education programs. Seldom has a request been refused. Further, each letter of request helps maintain the voluntary network by recording links of interest across the globe. Communities wishing to begin landscape water conservation education programs are encouraged to use the term to expand a common point of identity and public awareness of landscape water conservation programs internationally.
Public awareness is the first step in successful programs for saving water.
The purpose for creating the trademark registration was to make the term permanently available for community and voluntary water conservation efforts globally. It is illegal for private sector businesses to use the term Xeriscape in the title of their business or a product sold. As an example, a business with a name like Xeriscape Designs, Inc. is not legally permitted. Private sector businesses are encouraged to support and participate in local Xeriscape programs. The original task force that coined the term Xeriscape felt it would be inappropriate for any single private sector business to capitalize upon the potential millions of dollars in voluntary contributions that would be made to promote and market the term in the future.