Common Programs and Practices What Has Worked? Mary Ann Dickinson Executive Director Alliance for Water Efficiency

Conservation Benefits Drought Tool: Short-term relief Planning Tool: Lessen gap between demand and available supply Economic Tool: Defer capital facilities for drinking water and wastewater capacity and treatment o The US will spend a quarter trillion dollars by the year 2020

Federal Incentives 1992 Energy Policy Act plumbing efficiency standards FixtureU.S. StandardMetric Equivalent Water Closets (Toilets)1.6 gallons per flush6 liters per flush Showerheads2.5 gallons per min9.5 liters per min Faucets2.2 gallons per min8.3 liters per min Urinals1 gallon per flush3.8 liters per flush Drinking Water and Wastewater State Revolving Loan Funds

National Activity Over 15 State Conservation Programs o Planning Requirements and Permit Hooks o Implementation of specific programs Arizona; California; Colorado; Connecticut; Florida; Kansas; New Jersey, New Mexico; Oregon; Texas; and Washington State Seattle, Boston, Tampa, Austin, New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas

How Much Can Be Saved? 1998 AWWARF Study of residential end uses in 1300 homes in twelve cities using data- loggers Without conservation, the household used on average 64.6 gallons per capita per day With conservation, the per capita per day figure is reduced to 44.7 gallons, or 30% savings

Without Efficiency Measures

With Efficiency Measures: 30% savings

Residential Water Usage Source: AWWRF Residential End Uses of Water, 1999

First Steps Are Easy and Free Designate A Conservation Coordinator Designate responsibility within agency to an individual identifiable to the public Prohibit Obvious Water Wastage with Simple Ordinances Enact and enforce local ordinances prohibiting gutter flooding, single-pass cooling, non- recirculating systems in car washes and commercial laundries, non-recycling decorative fountains

Educate the Public Public Information Programs Provide speakers, advertising, and other information to promote water conservation School Education Programs Work with school districts by providing materials for water conservation instruction

Next Steps Audit Your Water System and Repair Leaks Conduct system audit with the new methodology Monitor water delivery system for leaks and make cost-effective repairs Meter With Commodity Rate Meter all new connections and bill by volume Retrofit unmetered connections Consider installing dedicated landscape meters

Next Steps Explore Conservation Rate Pricing Adopt water rates that provide an incentive to customers to reduce average or peak use If utility provides both water and sewer service, apply conservation pricing to both

Typical Residential Programs Conduct Residential Audits Offer residential customers water-use surveys which include checking for leak, flow rates, irrigation systems and schedules. Try contacting 20% of your customers each year to offer surveys. Offer incentives and devices. Retrofit Residential Plumbing Best when tied to the audit program. Provide 2.5 gallon-per-minute or less showerheads and aerators and toilet displacement devices.

More Residential Programs Replace Old Toilets with ULFTs Implement a program to replace high-water using toilets with 1.6 gallon per flush models or new higher efficiency toilets Retrofit High-Efficiency Washers Provide rebate to encourage purchase of high-efficiency clothes washing machines New national standard taking effect in 2007

Large User Programs Examine the Commercial, Industrial, Institutional Accounts Identify and rank customers in each customer class Retrofit high-water using toilets and clothes washers Look at high water using processes for possible efficiency improvements (cooling towers, one-through cooling, etc.)

More Commercial &Industrial Examine Large Landscape Accounts Encourage dedicated landscape meters: assign a yearly or adjusted monthly water budget of <100% ETo Tie water budgets into rates for penalties Explore new irrigation technologies Offer incentives to minimize irrigation needs For mixed-use meters: offer surveys to 20% of customers

Effects of Growth Water Resources and Population Growth, Source: DOE/NETL (M. Chan, July 2002)

The Facts ½ of homes that will exist in 2030 have not yet been built 12-60% Studies are showing that new homes are using 12-60% more water than their existing counterparts High water use not just a function of high-end homes o Shower “systems” o Automatic and excessive irrigation o Hot Water Wastage

Incorporating Water Water efficiency a new partner in green building programs o USGBC LEED o NAHB o ASHRAE 30% 30% or more savings are possible 1 billion With high efficient technology, over 1 billion gallons per day could be saved by 2015

The Facts Higher efficiencies being developed in products and appliances “Hardwiring” savings the best option More savings than voluntary programs State legislation, regulations, and ordinances Code and Standards changes

Water Labeling Program similar to Energy Star Program announced by EPA Administrator in June, 2006 High Efficiency Toilets already labeled – nearly 100 models Other products now under review

Labeling candidates under review: o Bathroom faucets o Weather-based irrigation controllers o Soil moisture sensors o Drip irrigation systems o Commercial toilets, urinals, faucets, laundries, etc. o Autoclave water valves o Food Steamers o Pre-Rinse Spray Valves o Clothes Washers

Updates on EPA’s website 

And the Consumer? Average US Consumer not aware of shortage issues, supply problems, or even economical efficiency opportunities Ethic slow in developing No effective national campaign exists similar to those in energy

Water vs. Cable Subsidies mask true costs of supply and distribution Utilities not valuing water efficiency programs at avoided costs of supply Environmental benefits not adequately valued in cost-benefit analyses Water Pricing still difficult: a fraction of a cable bill for a truly needed commodity

We Are Here to Help! Alliance for Water Efficiency Structure: 501 (c) (3) non-profit Location: Chicago, beginning September, 2007 Governance: Board of Directors chosen from stakeholder categories Funding: Memberships, Sponsorships, Grants. (EPA grant received October, 2006.)

Purpose Mission Statement: Promote the Efficient and Sustainable Use of Water Information: Web-based clearinghouse Research, evaluation and testing of products practices and standards Advocate for water efficiency standards and policies Education on the big picture and training for professionals

Web Site Calendar & News Clearinghouse Product & Program Info Codes and Standards Information WaterSense information Sign up form Discussion Forum coming H2ouse.org

Current Activities Provide Technical Assistance o On call by phone or o Clearinghouse of detailed conservation information o Promote practices for best planning, design, and management practices o Conduct training workshops (Chicago, San Antonio) Support Codes, Standards & Green Building Promote Market Transformation o Partner with EPA on WaterSense Labeling

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