Laserfiche WebLink
<br />L Water-efficient fixtures <br /> <br />Plumbing codes: The Town requires all new construction to comply with <br />the current low flow faucets, shower heads, toilets and other fixtures as <br />specified in the Town adopted plumbing code. Pressure reducing valves <br />are required for all buildings where the incoming pressure is greater than <br />60 psi, which reduce the volume of flowing water. Additionally, all <br />replacement-plumbing fixtures must meet the same standards. The Town <br />generally adopts the most current plumbing code and supports the use of <br />efficient fixtures. The Town has had an efficient fixture requirement <br />adopted in code form since 1979. Pressure reducing valves have been <br />required since 1972. <br /> <br />Cost Benefit: No cost to the Town. The benefit is continuous water <br />savings and reduced costs for the Town and the customer. <br /> <br />2. Low water-use landscapes and efficient irrigation <br /> <br />Around 1990 the Town restored a section of the Blue River in the <br />downtown area with indigenous plants along the banks, around the event <br />facility and in open spaces near the river. This project has been a showcase <br />of plants that thrive under natural conditions with little extra water, <br />thereby saving water. Also, the plants are less likely to die off during a <br />severe drought with mandatory watering restrictions, thereby preventing <br />erosion and protecting river water quality. <br /> <br />In 2001 the Town adopted a new water ordinance that included a <br />requirement for separate tap fees, metering, rates and billing of irrigated <br />areas for new construction and for existing irrigation meters. This <br />encourages efficient irrigation indirectly by the rate structure consisting of <br />significant excess fees after a minimum is exceeded. <br /> <br />The Golf Course has taken measures to do efficient irrigation. For <br />example, during the drought summer of 2002 the Golf Course used about <br />the same amount of non-potable water from the Swan River as was used in <br />an average year. The Golf Course watered more days that year but with <br />less water than would be expected for a drought summer. The Golf <br />Course continues to improve its efficient irrigation and continues to reduce <br />water use. Examples include converting sod to natural grass, smaller spray <br />heads are used, and the use of more wetting agents. <br /> <br />Future measures include a draft xeriscape incentive this April from the <br />Planning Department for positive points for developers going through the <br />planning process for new construction. Also the Town Parks Department <br />