HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-Discussion of New Water Conservation ProgramsMW
TRUC EE D 11 NE
Public Utility District
WORKSHOP
To:
Board of Directors
From:
Steven Poncelet
Date:
September 04, 2013
Subject: Discussion of New Water Conservation Programs
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
This workshop item is before the Board to present potential new pilot water programs
and solicit board feedback.
2. HISTORY
The District has been investing in new conservation programs and capacity since 2008
and has developed successful water saving programs. The current water conservation
programs can be found on our website at www.tdpud.org. The primary goal of the
District's water conservation programs remain to maximize return on equity for our
customers and to ensure that all of our customer segments have the opportunity to
participate in our programs.
The District's water usage continues to peak in the summer driven primarily by
irrigation loads. The District did pilot, in 2009, a smart irrigation controller program but
the results were mixed as the installation, operation, and on -going costs were
problematic and overly complicated for our customer base. The District has also
learned, through our customer leak repair rebate program, that improperly operated
stop-n-drain (3-way valves) and improper irrigation start-up/shut-down are major
contributors to customer water leaks.
3. NEW INFORMATION
Conservation Department staff have been investigating new water programs and are
interested in residential and commercial water audits. These programs would primarily
target the Spring and Fall seasons and would build upon other water audit programs.
There would be an added emphasis on education focused on irrigation system spring
start-up and fall shut -down along with proper ways to winterize (and operate stop-n-
drain valves). The water -saving opportunities that are identified from the pilot program
audits would be considered for their cost-effectiveness and addition to future
programs. Early candidates include: irrigation system tune-ups, replacement controls,
and new irrigation equipment.
Staff is considering a pilot water audit program for this Fall. The scope of work still
needs to be fully developed but conducting —10 residential audits and 1-2 commercial
audits seems reasonable. Most landscape conservation programs at other utilities
require that the audits be performed by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor and
contracting for these services would appear to be the most effective solution. There
are very few auditors in our region and staff has identified that a current District
marketing consultant (Teri Boughn, Thinking Green Consultants) has this certification
and is interested in working with the District on a pilot water audit program. District
staff proposes to sole -source Ms. Boughn for this pilot program due to her experience
and availability to execute the program quickly.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
The final costs for the pilot water audit program have not been fully developed but are
expected to be around $3,000 direct costs for FY13.
5. RECOMMENDATION
Receive this report and provide feedback to staff.
Steven Poncelet
Public Information & Conservation Manager
Michael D. Holley
General Manager