Water Efficiency for Offices in Santa Monica Presentation
1. Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Water-Efficiency for Offices in Santa Monica Luis Suarez Water Programs Sustainable Works
2. Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Santa Monica’s Water Supply Depleting reservoir levels 86% of water is imported Traveling 400 miles Metropolitan Water District (86%) Private Water Agency City-Owned Groundwater Wells (12%) SMURRF (2%) Recycles Urban Runoff
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4. CA 3rd year of drought Colorado River 10 th year of drought Drought In Western U.S. Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion It will take more than one extremely wet winter for storage levels to recover - The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) 2005 2009
5. Excessive Urban Runoff Excessive Water Waste Increasing Water Demand Contamination of Santa Monica’s Groundwater Wells Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Water Supply Problems Some Santa Monica City wells will not be usable for another 1 to 2 years – City of S.M. Office of Sustainability and Environment
6. Excessive energy and greenhouse gases to import water Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Water + Energy = Watergy 20% of California's energy is required to transport our water - California Energy Commission
7. Our Goals: Keep within our allocated amount especially during the summer months Eliminate water waste Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Water Shortage Response Plan
8. Santa Monica City Council declared an Advisory Level effective July 1, 2009 The City of Santa Monica is requesting that all water customers voluntarily reduce water use by 10% Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Stage 1 – 15% Reduction Stage 2 – 20% Reduction Stage 3 – 30% Reduction Stage 4 – 50% Reduction In Effect City-Wide Water Reduction Goals Advisory– 10% Reduction
9. Businesses will receive a water allowance based on their previous year’s water use. Stages 1- 4 require mandatory rationing through water allowances (budgets) Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Stage 1 – 95% Allowance Stage 2 – 90% Allowance Stage 3 – 85% Allowance Stage 4 – 80% Allowance Business Water Supply Allowance
10. Customers that have a dedicated landscape water meter will receive a water allowance based on their previous year’s water use. Stages 1- 4 require mandatory rationing through water allowances (budgets). Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Stage 1 – 85% Allowance Stage 2 – 80% Allowance Stage 3 – 70% Allowance Stage 4 – 50% Allowance Landscape Water Allowance
12. Upgrade urinals from 1.0 gal/flush to 0.5 gallons gal/flush or install waterless urinals Upgrade toilets from 1.6 gal/flush or greater to 1.28 gal/flush or less or dual flush Install low-flow aerators of 2.5 gal/min or less Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Restrooms Check with the City of Santa Monica for possible rebates or free products Flush Urinal Tank Type Faucet with aerator Faucet High-Efficiency Urinal High-Efficiency Toilet
13. Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Kitchen Install low-flow aerators of 2.5 gal/min for kitchens Turn off water when washing the dishes Report leaks and fix immediately Operate dishwasher only when completely loaded. Check with the City of Santa Monica for possible rebates or free products
14. Landscaping uses 40% of a property’s total water use. – S.M. Office of Sustainability and the Environment Adjust sprinklers to prevent runoff Install rotating nozzles on all sprinkler spray heads Install drip irrigation – retrofit existing sprinklers to drip Set controller start time between 4 am - 5 am Upgrade to a weather based "Smart" irrigation controller Install a rain barrel or redirect downspouts to landscaping Rebates may be available Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Landscaping
15. Reduce lawn to climate appropriate plants To reduce evaporation, apply mulch Use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks Always send wastewater to landscaping or the sewer not the storm drain Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Landscaping Reduce water use 80% and reduce maintenance 40%, by installing water efficient irrigation and climate appropriate plants
16. Insert Pay Check Tip Sheet Understand and review your water bill monthly for indications of leaks, spikes or other problems. Use leak detecting tablets or food coloring to detect leaks In toilets Request a free Water Assessment from the City of Santa Monica Direct gardeners to the City’s free Landscape & Irrigation training Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion A leaking toilet can waste over 1,000 gallons of water per month. – City of S.M. Office of Sustainability and Environment Employee Education
17. Bathroom and Kitchen Mirror Clings: Post “Save Water Now” clings to mirror to promote water conservation Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion It takes 8 glasses of water to wash 1 glass – City of S.M. Office of Sustainability and the Environment Save water now. Turn off the faucet while washing hands. Report any leaks to management. Thank you! Customer Education
18. Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Resources For Free Business Greening Consultation: Sustainable Works Business Greening Program (310) 458-8716 ext. 2 (310) 434-3668 FAX For Qualified Rebate Products : Save A Buck Rebate Program 1-877-728-2282 www.mwdsaveabuck.com www.bewaterwise.com For Landscape Grant and Landscape Information: Bay Saver Program 1-866-728-3229 www.sustainablesme.org/landscape
19. For more information about the water shortage and conservation tips, www.water.smgov.net Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion City of Santa Monica Resources Water Resources Protection Programs: (310) 458-8235 www.smgov.net/epwm/utilities Urban Runoff/Water Conservation: (310) 458-2213 www.smepd.org Household Hazardous Waste Facility: (310) 458-2255 To report pollution - Pollution Prevention Hotline: (310) 458-8945 Food Service Container Ban: (310) 458-4925 www.smepd.org/container Clean Bay Restaurant Certification: (310) 458-8235
20. Keep Saving Santa Monica’s Water! Introduction Office Solutions Conclusion Water Is a Limited Resource