HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 Water Conservation Program Agenda Item # q
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ublic Utility District
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Scott Terrell
Date: March 14, 2003
Subject: Water conservation program
1. Why this item is before the board:
This item recommends that the District adopt a water conservation program for the summer of
2003. This is the kind of policy that needs board sponsorship to be effective.
2. History:
The Truckee area has grown substantially over the last decade. An increasing number of
homeowners are installing landscaping and the District is a whole is using much more water
each year, placing an increased demand on District water system infrastructure and well
capacity. Residential water meters would be useful in promoting water-efficient landscaping, but
the District has not installed residential water meters. A voluntary community-wide landscape
water conservation effort might help manage local water use.
An effective water conservation program can be based on asking customers for their voluntary
cooperation. TDPUD can make program information available to our customers at the TDPUD,
in various locations throughout the community including nurseries, on cable TV through Sierra
Lifestyles and Channel 6 and through print advertising in the Sierra Sun and Moonshine Ink, as
well as other means.
The main benefits for TDPUD water customers to conserve water are: 1) Minimize future water
rate increases due to reduced pumping and infrastructure costs; 2) Improve our ability to
provide high quality water for generations to come; 3) Reduce capital and maintenance costs; 4)
Use of native, low-water use landscaping would be less of a fire hazard because it does not dry
out and die as readily during low-water periods.
3. New information:
Below is staff's proposal for a Landscape Water Conservation Program. TDPUD staff can seek
out other partners in the community who may want to take part in such an effort.
Water Conservation Education/Handouts
Community- TDPUD can order landscape water conservation information packets, brochures,
etc. for community-wide distribution. Charts and handouts are available that can be used to
calculate just how much water is needed to water grasses Spring through Fall.
Schools- TDPUD can fund the purchase of landscape water conservation educational materials
for the Truckee schools. The American Water Works Association has some excellent water
conservation education handouts.
Promotionals
TDPUD staff can select a few promotional items that can be given out to remind TDPUD water
customers to use landscape water wisely. Some ideas include: water use charts, conservation
coloring books, balloons, refrigerator magnets, pencils, stickers, etc.
Water Conservation Measures-TDPUD can provide the following landscape water conservation
devices to give to customers to conserve landscape water: low-cost irrigation timing controls,
low-water use plant seeds, etc. Staff can approach other agencies to see if they may be willing
to partner with TDPUD in this effort.
Low-Water Use Demonstration Gardens
Staff has already worked with the community to develop a low-water use demonstration garden
at the old Chamber site, soon to be a deli. The demonstration garden uses low-water using
plant types as well as a drip irrigation system. There is also a native species demonstration
garden at Truckee High School,
Award Gardens-TDPUD can sponsor a contest among existing and new homeowners and
businesses in developing beautiful gardens with native and/or low-water plant materials. This
could be done in conjunction with existing activities like the American Association of University
Women garden tours.
Low-Water Use Landscape Workshops
Staff can organize Low-Water use Landscape workshops that will feature low-water use plant
species including native plants, water conserving irrigation systems and controls. The
workshops will discuss watering strategies to avoid under and over-watering and how to
properly plant plants. There can be a raffle at the workshops where PUD water customers can
win landscape water conservation measures.
Participation in Events
The water bottles will be distributed at the TDPUD, Truckee Home & Building Show, the
Recreation & Park District's Summer Music Series Concerts and other appropriate Truckee
events.
Marketing
Print- TDPUD will develop a print ad on Water Wise Landscaping practices that will go in the
Sierra Sun, Moonshine Ink, etc. This can be done in cooperation with landscapers. Landscaper
involvement in developing a successful program is essential.
TV Commercials- TDPUD will work with a local video company to produce commercials asking
TDPUD customers to voluntarily use landscape water wisely. We can run these on Sierra
Lifestyles and Channel 6. This can be done in cooperation with landscapers and other
appropriate "partners".
Marketing Concepts: 1) General concept- Water Conservation protects Truckee's high quality
water for generations to come- promote TDPUD "water bottle". 2) Efficient Outdoor Water Use-
Promote Low-water use landscaping and controls.
4. Recommendation: I recommend that the Board adopt the Landscape Water Conservation
program described in this memorandum.