The Communicator - Volume 1, Issue 3 - (Page 19)

Down to the LastDrop FOR THE FIRST TIME in nearly two decades, the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s (EBMUD) Board of Directors has implemented an emergency drought management program which includes mandatory rationing to safeguard a rapidly dwindling water supply. On May 13, 2008, EBMUD’s 1.3 million customers have been asked to reduce water consumption by 15 percent. The EBMUD service area includes 35 communities in large parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Water use reduction goals by customer group focus on eliminating wasteful water practices and reducing non-essential water uses while limiting impacts to the economy and the environment, and safeguarding supplies for public health needs. The goals by customer group are: single family residential, 19 percent; multi-family residential, 11 percent; irrigation, 30 percent; commercial, 12 percent; institutional, 9 percent; and industrial, 5 percent. The drought program approved by the Board prohibits the following: • Using water for decorative ponds, lakes and fountains except those that recycle the water. • Washing vehicles with hoses that do not contain shutoff nozzles. • Washing sidewalks, patios and similar hard surfaces. For many CAI BayCen members, ayCen y conserving water is no longer a choice. ing • Irrigating outdoors on consecutive days for more than three days a week (EBMUD recommends watering in the evening or before dawn). • Lawn or garden watering that results in excessive runoff. • Sewer and hydrant flushing and washing streets with potable (drinking) water supplied by EBMUD except for essential purposes. • The use of potable water for soil compaction and dust control when another source is available. Many EBMUD customers are already conservation-minded but now EBMUD needs a concerted effort from everyone to save water. For many people, it can be easy. A lot of water can be saved looking for and repairing leaks (especially in toilets), by cutting outdoor water use by one-third this summer, and by reducing indoor water use by taking shorter showers and running washing machines and dishwashers only when full. EBMUD staff can offer more advice and help for property managers, landscape contractors and residents who have questions or need assistance. EBMUD offers WaterSmart Rebates including: • Up to $150 for replacing high-water using toilet with highefficiency toilets. • Up to $200 water/energy rebate in conjunction with PG&E for high-efficiency, residential clothes washers and up to The Communicator • 19

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Communicator - Volume 1, Issue 3

The Communicator - Volume 1, Issue 3 Contents President's Message Eyes in the Sky Down to the Last Drop Ask the Experts - Budget Your Water Usage 2008 Events & Educational Calendar Welcome to CAI BayCen Index to Advertisers

The Communicator - Volume 1, Issue 3

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