Conserve - reuse - recycle.
We hear it everywhere these
days. And for good reason, as we face the need to balance
population growth with finite resources, including
water.
Here in the Santa Monica Mountains,
water conservation is particularly important - not
only to assure sufficient supplies, but to limit the
impact of imported water on the native ecological system.
(All of the water used by LVMWD customers must be imported
from Northern California.) With this in mind, nearly
a decade ago LVMWD created a team dedicated to water
conservation. Though quite small - only 4 people -
the team has had a big impact on water savings through
conservation and reuse.
Learning to Conserve
Water conservation happens
mostly on an individual basis. Thus, the Conservation
team spends much of their time with customers, one-on-one.
Free Water-Use Surveys bring
a district representative to your property to assess
the efficiency of your irrigation system and scheduling,
and look for water-saving opportunities indoors. Most
people are amazed at how much less water can be used,
while maintaining a healthy, attractive landscape.
Free landscaping workshops
cover irrigation practices, modern hardware, and techniques
for creating water wise landscapes. Separate sessions
are provided for homeowners and landscaping professionals.
Publications with tips and
techniques on wise water use including Irrigation Schedulers
with step-by-step directions for fine-tuning home irrigation
for maximum effect are available.
Small local weather stations
sited by the water district provide microclimate data
to help property owners adjust their irrigation to
match plant water consumption. Call 818.251.2160 for
weekly updates.
Water-efficient plumbing is
a primary conservation measure. The team provides rebates
to customers who replace high volume flush fixtures
with new, low-flow models. According to Carole Mix,
Customer Service/Public Outreach Assistant, the program
has covered more than 8,000 toilets in 10 years - for
estimated water savings of more than 40 million gallons
each year.
Recycling More; Importing Less
Recycling more water for irrigation
means less water imports. In turn this means more water
supply in reserve, less costs for water imports, and
- ultimately - a lower amount of urban runoff into
local creeks and Santa Monica Bay. As wrapped up by
Scott Harris, Water Conservation & Reuse Supervisor, ”Reuse
is the best means of conserving water. “ To
that end, the Conservation team has been instrumental
in expanding the number of customers using recycled
water for irrigation. Of 735 dedicated irrigation meters
in the LVMWD service area, 510 use recycled water.
Particular care is needed when establishing new services
for recycled water.
The team assists customers
with answers, permits and applications for service.
And, working with district inspectors, they help oversee
proper connection of new recycled water services. Pipelines
need to be appropriately separated from the potable
water system and protection devices in place to prevent
cross-connection of the two water systems. Ensuring
that the systems remain separate requires daily, on-site
surveillance of recycled water use throughout the district´s
122-square-miles. During surveillance, staff also checks
that recycled water is being applied in compliance
with regulations.
Other regulatory duties include
monitoring and testing nearly 500 backflow–prevention
devices, which further protect the potable water system.
Jeff Gusmeroli, Field Customer Service Rep III, explained
the importance of this activity. ”Water should
travel in only one direction for the best insurance
of system-wide water quality. “ He joins Los
Angeles County Department of Health staff for biweekly
system inspections. ”Overseeing safe, efficient
and effective use of recycled water is important for
our district, but even more so for our tens of thousands
of customers, “ also noted Harris.
A Watershed Partner
LVMWD is keenly aware of the
special area it serves, and works beyond water-service
activities to contribute to stewardship of the Malibu
Creek Watershed. Randal Orton, the district's Resource
Conservation Administrator, is assigned nearly full
time to address issues relative to the watershed. As
he puts it, ” . . . where does conservation
end and the watershed begin? “
As a member of the Malibu
Creek Watershed Council, the Conservation team works
closely with others who share an interest in the watershed.
Most activities focus on sustaining this sensitive
natural environment. The Conservation team oversees
the BMPs (best management practices) of California´s
Efficient Urban Water Use Plan, which prescribes activities
for water conservation, stewardship, and regulatory
compliance. In addition, the district has sponsored
extensive scientific research in the watershed, particularly
related to potential impacts of water and wastewater
operations.
Through conservation and recycling
activities, this team contributes toward customers´ efforts
to find a balance between local water use, available
resources and the exceptional natural surroundings
that continue to draw people to this area. |
