Title
Water Conservation Strategy to Reduce Water Loss
Recommended Action
Move to accept one or more of the proposed water conservation projects, which will reduce the City's water loss.
Report
Issue:
The City's water loss in 2014 was 200 million gallons (approximately 8 percent of what is produced). This staff report identifies four potential water conservation projects that could be pursued to help reduce this amount.
Staff Contact:
Erin Conine, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works/Water Resources, 360.570.3793
Meliss Maxfield, Drinking Water Program and Planning Supervisor, Public Works/Water Resources, phone 360.753.8202
Presenter:
Meliss Maxfield
Background and Analysis:
On October 1, 2015, the UAC discussed earmarking 20 percent of the excess water revenue from 2015's drought-related, high water sales for water conservation work if a tangible strategy was identified. If a good strategy did not arise, the funds would default to the capital program.
Water Conservation staff did an analysis of the City's residential, multi-family and commercial rebate programs. The analysis showed:
* There would be minimal water savings associated with enhancing the residential washing machine replacement program.
* Multi-family customers could have significant savings of approximately 17,500 gpd with the purchase of 700 toilets; however, past participation in the free toilet program was low.
* Commercial customers showed a steady decline in program participation, and there doesn't appear to be a need for significant investment in this customer class.
* Concerns about gifting of public funds.
Overall, past customer participation has greatly impacted water savings, and the City anticipates further reductions in both indoor and outdoor use. However, staff feel potential reductions of the City's water loss, which was 200 million gallons in 2014, will yield significantly greater water savings than the water conservation activities de...
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