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CI \ I I I I I I I 1 I I Lu I I I I I j STERLING WATER CONSERVATION PLAN MAY 28, 1996 4-Water reuse systems, both potable and nonpotable Measure 4a - Effluent for irriaation at the Wastewater Treatment Plant: Effluent from the wastewater treatment plant is used to irrigate the plant grounds and provide wash down of plant facilities. Using raw water means a savings because the water does not need treatment or transmission. 5-Oistribution system leak repair Measure 5a - Leak detection. reDair and rehabilitation: The Water Division currently utilizes electronic leak detection equipment to pinpoint leaks in suspect locations of the distribution system. This is what might be referred to as a leak pinpointing program. This contrasts with a leak detection program, which would be using this same equipment to routinely and repetitively .sweep' the entire distribution system for leaks within a defined time period, such as every three years. A leak detection program would require the commitment of one or two additional full-time staff. However, the City could hire a contractor to use electronic leak detection equipment to assist the City crews in locating leaks. Public Wor1<s would then repair leaks as soon as they are located. Lines with persistent problems would be scheduled for replacement. There are several benefits to a leak detection program, in addition to the obvious financial and public relations benefits. These include: (1) increased knowledge of the distribution system; (2) reduced property damage; and (3) reduced legal liability. Leak detection and repair helps to reduce water losses which are usually about one-half of unaccounted for water. 6-Dissemination of infonnation regarding water use efficiency measures Measure 6a - Promote water conservation and education to students: A city water education program could include the items on the list below, and new activities could be added on an ongoing basis. The goal is to increase students' awareness of the nature of water, water use habits and conservation choices. (1) Annual Children's Water Festival. (2) School presentations: water cycle, water conservation, wastewater treatment. (3) Tours of water and wastewater treatment plants. (4) Annual poster _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~nte~ 10I [lf1I'tgrad~ st~den~ ~L ~ate<!~~te~ curri9Jlum kit~J~r flfltl_ and elghth grades. However, it is hard to measure savings from education programs. - - - - - Measure 6b - Promote water conservation to the Dublic: The City could provide conservation inf-ormation to customers to encourage them to implement water..efficient practices, and new activities are added on an ongoing basis. The goal is to increase awareness of water use habits, and conservation. Articles, brochures and other information is distributed through a wide range of media, including newspaper, radio, utility bill inserts and city events. However, it is hard to measure savings from education program. Measure 6c - Offer landscaoe water-use audits to residential customers: Offer free indoor/outdoor residential water audits to any customer requesting it. A water audit consists of an on-site analysis of water use, with suggestions for improving efficiency. For a residence, it would take one to three hours to perform, depending upon the extent. A typical audit would include gathering information on the number of residents Page47