8.0 WATER USE EFFICIENCY
WAC 246-290-810 requires that Water System Plans and Small Water System Management Programs
must describe the municipal water supplier's existing Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Program. The
municipal water supplier must continue existing levels of water use efficiency.
8.1 Metering Requirements
8.1.1
Source Meters
WAC 246-290-496(1) requires systems to measure the volume of water produced or purchased using
a source meter or other meter installed upstream of the distribution system. The requirements of this
section of the WAC do not apply to volumes of water delivered to a public water system through an
emergency intertie; however, interties used as permanent or seasonal sources must have meters.
Vera currently meters production at all sources of supply. All wells pump stations have magnetic
flow meters except Wells 1 and 5 which have target meters. The pump station meters are tied into
Vera’s telemetry system to provide real-time flow rates and record total production.
8.1.2
Consumption Meters
WAC 246-290-496(2) requires systems to measure the volume of water delivered to consumers by
installing meters on all direct service connections. Systems may serve certain clustered entities
through a single meter (e.g. campgrounds, RV parks, mobile home parks, buildings with multiple
units, and complexes with multiple buildings served as a single connection).
Vera currently meters all service connections.
As required by WAC 246-290-496(3), Vera selects, installs, operates, calibrates, and maintains
customer service meters according to generally accepted industry standards and information from the
meter manufacturer. Vera replaces residential service meters rather than calibrating them due to cost
and calibrating not being effective. Vera replaces meters as needed based on age of the existing
meter.
8.1.3
Intertie Meters
Vera does not provide nor receive wholesale water through any of its interties with neighboring water
systems. All Vera interties are for emergency use only and not for continuous or seasonal supply.
The WAC does not require metering of interties used exclusively for emergencies. Vera’s intertie
with Model Irrigation District (MID) is equipped with a meter; all other interties are not metered.
8.2 Data Collection
The Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Rule requires systems to collect production and consumption data
on a regular basis and report that information in the annual performance report. Water production and
consumption data has numerous uses including: calculating system leakage, forecasting demand,
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8. Water Use Efficiency
identifying areas for more efficient use of water, and evaluating the effectiveness of the WUE
program.
8.2.1
Source and Service Meter Data
Vera collects and records source production totals continuously via the SCADA system; the
production data can be organized in any useful interval (e.g. daily, monthly, annually, etc.). Vera
reads customer service meters once annually.
8.3 Water Supply Characteristics
Vera withdraws groundwater from the Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP) aquifer. Vera does
not currently utilize surface water for supply. WRIA 57 – Middle Spokane – contains Vera’s entire
service area. Vera has 10 wells at seven well sites with a combined pumping capacity of 30,900 gpm
(refer to Table 4-1 for individual well capacities). These sources consistently meet system demand
without seasonal variations that limit water use. Due to the prolific nature of the SVRP aquifer it
does not appear that Vera’s present and future use of ground water wells will likely affect the
quantity or quality of water available in the aquifer. Vera may need additional water rights to meet
long-term (beyond 20 years) projected demands based on the Department of Ecology’s contention as
to the quantities of Vera’s water rights (which Vera disputes, in part); refer to preceding discussion in
Section 4.5. Refer to Tables 4-1 and 4-2 for a summary of ground water source information. Refer to
Tables 4-4 and 4-7 for a summary of Vera’s water rights based on Ecology’s evaluation of water
rights.
Table 8-1
Well
Well 1
Wells 2a
and 2b
Wells 3-1
and 3-3
Well 4 (3)
Well 5
Well 6
Wells 8
and 9
(1)
(2)
(3)
Range of Depth to Water in Wells
Low Level (1)
(feet below ground surface)
2011
2012
2013
126
126
128
High Level (2)
(feet below ground surface)
2011
2012
2013
113
114
119
Difference between Low and
High (feet)
2011
2012
2013
13
12
9
110
110
112
98
98
104
12
12
8
165
172
163
150
150
150
15
22
13
162
89
162
89
162
89
148
76
146
77
151
82
14
13
16
12
11
7
114
114
114
100
101
107
14
13
7
The lowest aquifer water level (greatest depth to water) usually occurs during September or October
The highest aquifer water level (least depth to water) usually occurs during May or June
Well 4 had been offline for several years before it was replaced in 2012. The new pump station was put online in early 2014.
No aquifer level measurements were available for the time period of this table.
8.4 Distribution System Leakage Standard
All water that is not authorized consumption is considered distribution system leakage (DSL).
Authorized uses can include maintenance flushing, firefighting, cleaning of reservoirs, and street
cleaning. If authorized uses other than service connection consumption are tracked and estimated,
they can be subtracted when calculating DSL. In addition to service connection consumption Vera
estimates and tracks water usages such as construction utilization, flushing, and fire hydrant testing.
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8. Water Use Efficiency
The following table shows calculated distribution system leakage as reported on Vera’s annual WUE
reports.
Table 8-2
Year
2011
2012
2013
Average
Distribution System Leakage
DSL
9.7%
9.4%
15.0%
11.4%
WAC 246-290-820(4) requires that systems with a 3-year running average DSL exceeding 10%
develop a water loss control action plan. Vera’s 3-year running average DSL exceeds 10% and hence
must provide a water loss control action plan.
8.4.1
Water Loss Control Action Plan
DOH has defined three categories of water loss control action plans:
For water systems greater than 10 and less than 20 percent DSL, systems must:
1. Assess data accuracy.
2. Assess data collection methods and errors.
For water systems between 20-29 percent DSL, within 12 months systems must:
3. Complete 1 and 2 above.
4. Implement field activities to reduce leakage.
For water systems with 30 percent or greater DSL, within 6 months systems must:
5. Complete steps 1, 2, and 4 above.
6. Implement additional water loss control methods to reduce leakage.
Vera’s current level of DSL requires the water loss control action plan to address items 1&2 in the
preceding list. Vera has examined data accuracy and data collection methods for possible errors or
inaccuracies. It appears possible that a portion of the calculated DSL is due to a large amount of
flushing that occurred in 2013 when Vera had issues with coliform detections in the distribution
system; Vera did not track all flushing activities and believes they were substantial enough to elevate
DSL significantly from previous years.
In addition, Vera actively searches for and fixes leaks in the distribution system. Vera expects DSL
in 2014 to be significantly less than in 2013 because the flushing activities of 2013 are not likely to
be repeated in 2014. Vera expects DSL to reduce to the 7-9% range for 2014.
8.5 WUE Program
The primary purpose of a WUE Program is to provide present and future system officials with a plan
for using water efficiently. A WUE program assists in setting system priorities and selecting goals
and measures that best meet a system’s needs. The applicable WACs (246-290-800 through 246-290840) do not make a distinction between irrigation water rights or water supplied for irrigation and
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other water rights as to amounts to be used in the water use efficiency calculations. WAC 246-290810(4)(d)(ii)
does
make
distinctions
between
indoor
residential,
outdoor
and
industrial/commercial/institutional, but the WACs appear to include conservation of irrigation water
rights by a municipality,
8.5.1
Current WUE Program
Vera’s Current WUE program seeks to gradually and permanently increase its customers’ water use
efficiency by educating its customers and providing incentives. As a part of the existing WUE
program Vera trains employees to perform water use efficiency oriented public outreach in the
normal course of their duties. In addition, Vera provides records of annual customer consumption on
each monthly bill; this informs customers of past water use and the potential savings available to
them through water use efficiency.
8.5.2
Estimated Volume Saved through WUE Program
Vera estimates that the existing WUE program saves approximately 2.4 MG annually.
8.5.3
Goal Setting and the Public Forum
Setting goals that can be measured is an important step in helping systems encourage customers to
use water more efficiently. The Water Use Efficiency Rule requires systems to set goals through a
public process. Involving the public allows water users to understand the characteristics and future
needs of the water system and to set a reasonable, attainable goal.
8.5.4
WUE Goal
Vera has set a WUE goal of reducing annual water use by 2,430,000 gallons annually. Vera utilizes
WUE measures to achieve this WUE goal (refer to Table 8-6 for breakdown of WUE measures and
estimated water savings).
Public Forum for Establishing WUE Goal
The Water Use Efficiency Rule requires that systems allow customers and interested members of the
public to participate in the goal setting process through a public forum. This allows the public an
opportunity to provide input on the decisions and it helps them understand the benefits of using water
more efficiently and how they can help achieve the WUE goal.
Vera conducted a public forum on October 28, 2009 from 4:00-6:00 PM. Vera provided two weeks
notice to its customers prior to the forum via Vera’s October 2009 newsletter and by posting notice
of the forum on the DOH website. The notice included the purpose of the meeting, date of the
meeting, time the meeting began, location of the meeting, and where interested individuals could find
additional information supporting the proposed WUE goal.
8.5.5
WUE Measures
The Water Use Efficiency Rule requires implementation of some water saving measures and
evaluation of others. The following subsections contain the required measures and evaluations.
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8.5.5.1 Required Measures
Customer Education
Vera provides WUE education to its customers by mailing WUE literature such as DOH published
WUE brochures to customers with newsletters and/or the annual Consumer Confidence Report.
8.5.5.2 Required Evaluations
Evaluation of Rate Structure to Encourage Water Use Efficiency
Vera’s current water rates utilize a declining block rate structure. Declining block rate structures tend
to discourage rather than encourage WUE. Vera’s base allowance of 24,000 cf per year (2,000 CF
per month) for most customers is too large to effectively encourage WUE. At present Vera’s base
water rate for an average 1-inch residential service is approximately $17 per month, with an
additional charge of roughly $4 for usage between 2,000 to 4,000 CF of water over the base
allotment. Vera’s rate structure is not overly aggressive when compared to neighboring systems. Low
monthly water bills tend to promote the public perception that water is cheap and hence does not
encourage WUE.
In general, inclining block rate structures encourage conservation because the more a customer uses,
the steeper the overage charges incurred. The table following compares Vera’s base rate and monthly
water rates for given volumes of water consumed by customers.
DOH requested Vera estimate at what point higher water rates would inflict financial hardship on
Vera’s customers. EPA suggests that a water bill exceeding 2% of the median household income
(MHI) imposes financial hardship. The United States Census Bureau estimates Spokane County’s
median household income for 2009-2013 was $49,233 annually ($4,102.75 per month). According to
EPA’s criterion, a water bill exceeding $82/month would inflict financial hardship on customers in
Spokane County.
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Table 8-3
8. Water Use Efficiency
Comparison of Neighboring Purveyor’s Monthly Residential Water Bills
Charge for
1,000 CF
Charge for
2,000 CF
Charge for
4,000 CF
Base Rate
(2)
(2)
(2)
City of Spokane
$14.50
$18.54
$26.44
$42.24
East Spokane Water District #1
$23.10
$24.56
$31.86
$46.46
Irvin Water District #6
$16.00
$16.00
$16.00
$19.90
Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District
$10.59
$10.65
$14.75
$25.03
Whitworth Water District #2
$21.00
$21.00
$24.60
$32.16
Modern Electric Water Company
$10.75
$10.75
$14.75
$22.75
Jurisdiction (1)
Model Irrigation District #18
$17.00
$17.00
$19.00
$23.00
Consolidated Irrigation District #19
$13.00
$13.00
$13.87
$16.47
Carnhope Irrigation District #7
$17.74
$24.14
$30.54
$43.34
Orchard Ave Irrigation District #6
$35.29
$35.29
$35.29
$35.29
Pasadena Park Irrigation District #17
$32.33
$32.33
$36.73
$45.53
Spokane County Water District #3
$14.25
$16.05
$20.55
$29.55
Hutchinson Irrigation District #16
$24.42
$24.42
$24.42
$24.42
Town of Millwood
$20.00
$20.00
$22.00
$28.00
Trentwood Irrigation District #3
$23.50
$23.50
$23.50
$38.50
Vera Water & Power
$16.00
$16.00
$16.00
$22.20
High:
$35.29
$35.29
$36.73
$46.46
Low:
$10.59
$10.65
$13.87
$16.47
Median:
$17.37
$19.27
$22.75
$28.78
Mean:
$19.34
$20.20
$23.14
$30.93
(1)
(2)
Some bill amounts shown in this table are approximate because some purveyors determine rates based on irrigated area.
Overage blocks vary by purveyor and some purveyors have irrigation or acreage assessments that affect allotted volume; the
bills shown are intended to reflect an average single family residence.
As shown in the preceding table, Vera’s current rates are low but comparable to other water systems
in the area. Vera acknowledges that a rate structure more oriented towards WUE would likely
encourage customers to use water more efficiently. However, in light of the sluggish economy Vera
feels increasing the cost of water to customers imposes an unjustifiable financial hardship. At some
point in the future Vera will conduct a rate study and consider a rate structure more oriented toward
conservation.
Evaluation of Reclaimed Water Opportunities
Several of Vera’s large water users have the potential to use reclaimed water if it becomes available.
Customers with large irrigated areas such as schools could potentially use reclaimed water. The
following table shows some of Vera’s largest water users and a cursory assessment as to whether
they could utilize reclaimed water if it were to become available.
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Table 8-4
8. Water Use Efficiency
Assessment of Large Water Users’ Potential to use Reclaimed Water
Customer Name
CENTRAL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
MIRABEAU PARK HOTEL
WHISPERWOOD HOMEOWNERS
ASPEN VILLAGE APTS
DAIICHI OAKWOOD LLC
EVERGREEN JR HIGH SCHOOL
ORCHARD CREST
ST MARY'S
ALVIN J WOLFF JR - SUNRISE VILLAGE
SULLIVAN PARK CARE CENTER
WAYNE CREACH
TARGET STORES T916
BIRCH TREE MANOR
ALVIN J WOLFF JR - SUNSHINE VILLAGE
HOLMAN GARDENS
WAL-MART STORES INC #01-2539
HARLAN DOUGLASS
WENDY'S
SUNRISE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ALVIN WOLFF JR - CLOCK TOWER APT
DUNN SPO LLC&CLIFFORD ENT LLC
ALLAN ROY
ONE SPOKANE
ROSENDO VALENZUELA MOBILE PARK
TORO BRAVO
Customer Address
822 S SULLIVAN
1102 N SULLIVAN
15416 E 19TH
15821 E 4TH
726 N MCDONALD
14221 E 16TH
222 S EVERGREEN
14507 E 4TH
15719 E 4TH
421 S ADAMS/14820 E 4TH
14209 E 4TH
13724 E SPRAGUE
304 S CONKLIN
217, 219,221,223,231,225 S SULLIVAN
12912 E 12TH
15727 E BROADWAY
4TH & 511 S SULLIVAN
225 N SULLIVAN
14521 E 24TH
15719 E 4TH
15735,15727,15635 E BROADWAY
4308 S CONKLIN
15601 E 24TH
14908 E SPRAGUE
14201 E SPRAGUE
Potential
Reclaimed
Water User?
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
At present, Vera has no access to reclaimed water. No regional facility with reclaimed water has a
distribution system close enough to Vera’s service area to provide reclaimed water. In addition, Vera
currently has no reclaimed water distribution network; this makes the prospect of using reclaimed
water prohibitively expensive due to the infrastructure investment required. Wastewater reuse
becomes cost effective only when less expensive sources of water do not exist. Given the possibility
that Vera may approach the limits of its annual water rights sometime in the next 20 years if
Ecology’s position on Vera’s water rights prevails, any opportunity for supplying portions of existing
demand from another source will be considered. However, at present, there does not appear to be a
financially viable option for water reclamation, reuse, and other non-potable sources. In the future the
wastewater treatment facility owned by Liberty Lake Sewer and Water (LLSWD) and/or Spokane
County’s wastewater treatment facility may make reclaimed water available to the area served by
Vera Water & Power.
Vera estimates that use of reclaimed water by large water users could reduce system demand by
approximately 2%. Vera also estimates that 60% of total system water use is used outdoors by
residential customers. If reclaimed water became widely available for outdoor residential use,
substantial water savings could result. Vera will continue working with regional waste water
treatment facilities with available reclaimed water regarding the potential for eventual use of
reclaimed water for outdoor irrigation.
Local government has not mandated water reclamation in this area.
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8.5.6
8. Water Use Efficiency
Selected WUE Measures
Vera Water and Power currently serves approximately 7,900 connections which includes
approximately 426 multi-family connections serving approximately 2,900 dwelling units (refer to
Table 2-1 for breakdown of connection types). In the past DOH considered a multi-family
connection as one connection regardless of how many dwelling units it served. DOH changed how it
counts multi-family connections indicating the number of dwelling units now dictates the number of
connections. This resulted in many systems paying higher permit fees to DOH and generally being
required to conform to the requirements of larger systems than had been previously required. One
example of where this change in policy has affected Vera is in the number of WUE measures the
system is required to implement or evaluate for cost effectiveness. The table following contains the
number of WUE measures that systems of various sizes must either implement or evaluate for cost
effectiveness. Prior to DOH’s change in policy on how connections are counted Vera needed to
either implement or evaluate for cost effectiveness at least six measures; under the new DOH policy
Vera must either implement or evaluate for cost effectiveness at least nine measures.
Table 8-5
Required WUE Measures Based on Number of Service Connections
Number of
Connections
Less
than 500
500 –
999
1,000 –
2,499
2,500 –
9,999
10,000 –
49,999
50,000
or more
1
4
5
6
9
12
Water Use
Efficiency Measures
Vera selects the following measures to achieve its WUE goal.
Measure #1: Xeriscape Demonstration Area
Vera has developed a xeriscape demonstration area on one of its properties. This area provides
customers with ideas for landscaping using plants that require little or no water to survive in the local
climate.
Measure #2: Residential Customer Outdoor Efficiency Education
Vera will annually mail an educational flyer to its residential customers focused on efficient outdoor
watering in residential applications. Information will include residential plant water requirements for
Spokane Valley, reminders to not water during rainfall periods, and additional ideas for efficient
outdoor use of water in residential applications. The flyer will also include contact information for
local irrigation system companies that specialize in highly efficient residential irrigation systems.
This will help interested residential customers connect with local irrigation distributers to install and
operate a more water efficient automatic irrigation system.
Measure #3: Multi-Family Customer Outdoor Efficiency Education
Vera will annually mail an educational flyer to its multi-family customers focused on efficient
outdoor watering in multi-family applications. Information will include landscaping plant water
requirements for Spokane Valley, reminders to not water during rainfall periods, and additional ideas
for efficient outdoor use of water in multi-family applications. The flyer will also include contact
information for local irrigation system companies that specialize in highly efficient irrigation
systems. This will help interested multi-family customers connect with local irrigation distributers to
install and operate a more water efficient automatic irrigation system.
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Measure #4: Commercial Customer Outdoor Efficiency Education
Vera will annually mail an educational flyer to its commercial customers focused on efficient
outdoor watering in commercial applications. Information will include commercial landscaping plant
water requirements for Spokane Valley, reminders to not water during rainfall periods, and additional
ideas for efficient outdoor use of water in commercial applications. The flyer will also include
contact information for local irrigation system companies that specialize in highly efficient
commercial irrigation systems. This will help interested multi-family customers connect with local
irrigation distributers to install and operate a more water efficient automatic irrigation system.
Measure #5: Customer Leak Education
Vera will annually mail customers an informational on how to locate and repair leaks on their
property.
Measure #6: Residential Soil Moisture Sensor Irrigation Controls
A soil moisture sensor helps to reduce total water use while still maintaining a green lawn. A soil
moisture sensor calls for irrigation only when soil moisture levels drop below a set point. This allows
the lawn to stay sufficiently irrigated while eliminating overwatering that can occur as weather
changes seasonally. Vera plans to provide soil moisture sensors to 15 residential customers per year
for installation and use with existing automatic irrigation systems.
Measure #7: Multi-Family Soil Moisture Sensor Irrigation Controls
Vera plans to provide soil moisture sensors to 5 multi-family customers per year for installation and
use with existing automatic irrigation systems.
Measure #8: Rain Sensor Irrigation Controls
Rain sensor irrigation controls can help reduce over watering of irrigated areas. A rain sensor
prevents automatic irrigation systems from operating when recent precipitation has occurred. This
prevents overwatering that can occur when automatic sprinkler systems operate during precipitation.
Vera plans to provide rain sensors to 20 customers per year for installation and use with existing
automatic irrigation systems.
Measure #9: Low Flow Shower Heads
Vera will provide low flow (1.7 gpm) replacement showerheads to 20 customers per year. These low
flow shower heads can substantially reduce indoor water use.
8.5.7
Projected Water Savings and Budget for WUE Program
Vera developed the projected water savings figures shown in the following table using a variety of
resources such as the book by Amy Vickers titled “Water Use and Conservation”. Vickers’s book
contains detailed information on average water savings from a variety of conservation measures. The
footnotes on the table following contain the assumptions for each water savings projection. Actual
water savings realized by individual customers may vary.
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Table 8-6
Measure
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
8. Water Use Efficiency
Projected Annual Water Savings and Cost of WUE Measures
Estimated
Estimated
Savings per
Participants
Participant
Description
(per year)
(gal/year)
Xeriscape Demonstration Area (1)
1
250,000
Residential Customer Outdoor Efficiency Education
500
100
Multi-Family Customer Outdoor Efficiency Education
5
10,000
Commercial Customer Outdoor Efficiency Education
5
10,000
Customer Leak Education (2)
5
50,000
Residential Soil Moisture Sensor Irrigation Controls (3)
15
60,000
Multi-Family Soil Moisture Sensor Irrigation Controls (3)
5
60,000
Rain Sensor Irrigation Controls (4)
20
18,000
Low Flow Shower Heads (5)
20
11,000
Water Use Efficiency Savings Goal (Total) =
Estimated
Annual
Savings
(gal)
250,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
250,000
900,000
300,000
360,000
220,000
2,430,000
Estimated
Annual
Cost
$500
$200
$200
$200
$200
$750
$250
$1,000
$600
$3,900
Assumes one customer per year will completely eliminate outdoor irrigation through xeriscaping; Vera estimates that an
average residential customer uses approximately 250,000 gal per year on outdoor irrigation.
Assumes that all customers receive mailers and that customers listed as participants in the table find and fix leaks of 0.1 gpm
(≈ 50,000 gal/yr).
Assumes an average lawn has approximately 6,000 SF irrigated area and that the soil moisture sensor reduces annual
irrigation from 66 inches to 50 inches.
Assumes rain sensor stops an irrigation cycle every time it rains more than 0.1 inch.
Assumes each shower head installed provides 2.6 showers per day at 5 min per shower; assumes reduction in flow rate from
an average of 4.0 gpm to 1.7 gpm. Based on information in “Water Use and Conservation” by Amy Vickers.
8.5.8
Evaluating Whether WUE Savings Is Achieved
Vera plans to monitor the efficacy of the WUE measures on an annual basis in conjunction with the
annual WUE performance report to DOH. Vera will track the number of soil moisture sensors, rain
sensors, and low flow shower heads provided to customers each year and utilize the water savings
assumptions from the preceding table to estimate the corresponding WUE savings for a given year. It
is assumed that as long as Vera sends out the mailers associated with Measures 2-5 in the preceding
table, the assumed WUE savings associated with Measures 2-5 will have been realized.
8.5.9
Future WUE Goal Updates
WAC 246-290-830(7) requires systems to reevaluate goals at a minimum every six years. Systems
may change the WUE goal more often than the prescribed six year interval. All changes to the WUE
goal must follow the same public process and goal setting criteria used to establish previous goals.
8.6 Demand Forecasting – Projected WUE
The Water Use Efficiency Rule requires systems to project water system demand both with and
without potential savings obtained from the WUE program. The following table shows current and
future demand projections with and without water savings from increased WUE. Vera estimates the
WUE program saves approximately 2.4 million gallons per year.
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Table 8-7
Time
Frame
Current
6-year
20-year
(1)
(2)
(3)
8. Water Use Efficiency
Projected Effect of WUE on Total System Demand
Description
Current level of WUE
Without WUE
With planned WUE (1)
Max WUE (2) (3)
Without WUE
With planned WUE (1)
Max WUE (2) (3)
Annual System
Demand
(MG/year)
2,820
2,993
2,979
1,052
3,440
3,392
1,209
This is based on cost-effective measures selected by Vera for implementation; Vera estimates these measures will save
approximately 2.4 MG annually.
Max WUE (no more WUE possible), assumes no outdoor water use and average indoor water use of 100 gpd/capita with an
average ERU occupancy of 2.5 persons => 250 gpd/ERU.
Based on projected 6 and 20 year ERUs developed in Section 2.
8.7 Annual Performance Report
Vera submits annual performance reports to DOH which include information on water production,
distribution system leakage, and Vera’s progress made towards achieving the established water
saving goals for the year (refer to Appendix B for recent years WUE performance reports).
8.7.1
Water Shortage Response Plan
Vera’s water supply is relatively secure. That is, water is withdrawn from a prolific “sole source”
aquifer that has consistently produced water without problems for years. Furthermore, Vera has
seven well sites with ten wells that are dispersed over the northern half of the system’s service area.
In addition, Vera has interties with four neighboring water systems which it could turn to for
emergency supply. Therefore, in the short term (e.g., power interruptions, redundancy, spills) and
long term (e.g., aquifer capacity, redundancy), water shortages do not present a major concern.
Nevertheless, the following table details Vera’s water shortage response plan.
124-10-01 - Vera WSP (final).docx
123
Varela & Associates, Inc.
Vera Water & Power
Water System Plan
Table 8-8
8. Water Use Efficiency
Water Shortage Response Plan
Stage 1
Minor Shortage
Voluntary Measures
5% – 10% reduction goal
A. PUBLIC INFORMATION ACTIONS
- Prepare & distribute water conservation materials
(bill insert, etc.)
- Prepare & disseminate technical conservation
information to specific customer types
- Coordinate media outreach program
- Issue news releases to the media
B. Vera ACTIONS
- Increase enforcement of hydrant opening
- Increase meter reading frequency & meter
maintenance
- Promote intensive leak detection & repair program
- Draft & adopt policies banning water waste. A
policy could require:
 No unfixed leaks;
 No hosing of paved surfaces;
 No fountains except those using re-circulated
water;
 No water running onto streets;
 No watering during the middle of the day; and
 No irrigation runoff
- Draft & adopt policies allowing Vera to declare a
water emergency and require fixed consumption
allotments or % cutbacks (rationing)
C. USER RESTRICTIONS
- Implement voluntary water use reductions
(see A. Stage 1)
D. PENALTIES
- None
E. PRICING
- None
124-10-01 - Vera WSP (final).docx
Stage 2
Moderate Shortage
Mandatory Program
10% – 20% reduction goal
Stage 3
Severe Shortage
Rationing Program
20% – 30% reduction goal
- Continue public information program
- Continue public information program
- Reduce water usage for main
flushing, street cleaning, public
fountains, & park irrigation
- Watering of parks, cemeteries, etc.,
restricted to nights or designated
irrigation days
- All public water uses not required for
health or safety prohibited unless
using tank truck water supplies or
reclaimed wastewater
- Irrigation of public parks,
cemeteries, etc., severely restricted
- Main flushing allowed only for
emergency purposes
- Implement policy banning water
waste (See B. Stage 1 above)
- Adopt landscape irrigation
restrictions incorporating one or
more of the following:
 Time of day (e.g., 7 pm to 7 am)
 Weekly frequency (e.g.,
odd/even, time per week)
 Sprinkler bans (e.g., hand)
- Commercial car washes should
intensify voluntary use reductions
- Golf course irrigation times and
weekly watering limits reduced
- Implement policy allowing utilities to
declare a water emergency & to
require rationing (see B. Stage 1)
- Car washing permitted only during
specified watering hours of
designated irrigation days
- Times of day restrictions applied to
commercial car washes
- Watering times & weekly watering
limits reduced
- Permissible watering hours &
weekly frequency for landscaping
irrigation further reduced
- Warning
- House call
- Shut off and reconnection fee
- Fines
- Impose surcharges
- Impose surcharges
124
Varela & Associates, Inc.
Date Submitted: 6/27/2014
Water Use Efficiency
Annual Performance Report - 2013
WS Name:
VERA WATER & POWER
Report submitted by:
Water System ID# : 91450
WS County: SPOKANE
Todd Henry
Meter Installation Information:
Estimate the percentage of metered connections:
100%
If not fully metered - Current status of meter installation:
Production, Authorized Consumption, and Distribution System Leakage Information:
10/01/2012
12-Month WUE Reporting Period:
Incomplete or missing data for the year?
To
10/01/2013
Yes
If yes, explain:
Vera was getting TC hits during late 2012 to early 2013 and started system flushing extensively but
failed to meter for flushing. Pumping jumped 24% with no jump in growth. Engineers are still
conferring to check source pumping meters for an error or accuracy problem during 2013.
Distribution System Leakage Summary:
Total Water Produced and Purchased (TP) – Annual Volume
3,616,277,348 gallons
Authorized Consumption (AC) – Annual Volume
3,075,000,000 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Annual Volume TP – AC
541,277,348 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Percent DSL = [(TP – AC) / TP] x 100
15.0 %
3-year annual average
11.4 %
Goal-Setting Information:
Date of Most Recent Public Forum:
10/28/2009
Has goal been changed since last performance report?
Note: Customer goal must be re-established every 6 years through a public process
WUE Goals:
Customer Goal (Demand Side):
Reduce annual water use by 2.4MG/year between 2010-2012
Describe Progress in Reaching Goals:
Customer (Demand Side) Goal Progress:
*Vera Website update/Facebook and Twitter to effectively communicate with the customers.
*Leak detection equipment purchased in 2013 that will strengthen leak detection program.
*Spokane Aquifer Joint Board education participation w/ Science Night at local Elementary Schools
No
Date Submitted: 6/27/2013
Water Use Efficiency
Annual Performance Report - 2012
WS Name:
VERA WATER & POWER
Report submitted by:
Water System ID# : 91450
WS County: SPOKANE
Todd Henry
Meter Installation Information:
Estimate the percentage of metered connections:
100%
If not fully metered - Current status of meter installation:
Production, Authorized Consumption, and Distribution System Leakage Information:
01/01/2012
12-Month WUE Reporting Period:
Incomplete or missing data for the year?
To
12/31/2012
No
If yes, explain:
Distribution System Leakage Summary:
Total Water Produced and Purchased (TP) – Annual Volume
2,921,761,777 gallons
Authorized Consumption (AC) – Annual Volume
2,646,018,617 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Annual Volume TP – AC
275,743,160 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Percent DSL = [(TP – AC) / TP] x 100
9.4 %
3-year annual average
8.6 %
Goal-Setting Information:
Date of Most Recent Public Forum:
10/28/2009
Has goal been changed since last performance report?
Note: Customer goal must be re-established every 6 years through a public process
WUE Goals:
Customer Goal (Demand Side):
Reduce annual water use by 2.4MG/year between 2010-2012
Describe Progress in Reaching Goals:
Customer (Demand Side) Goal Progress:
Additional Information Regarding Supply and Demand Side WUE Efforts
Include any other information that describes how you and your customers use water efficiently:
No
Date Submitted: 6/26/2012
Water Use Efficiency
Annual Performance Report - 2011
WS Name:
VERA WATER & POWER
Report submitted by:
Water System ID# : 91450
WS County: SPOKANE
Todd Henry
Meter Installation Information:
Estimate the percentage of metered connections:
100%
If not fully metered - Current status of meter installation:
Production, Authorized Consumption, and Distribution System Leakage Information:
01/01/2011
12-Month WUE Reporting Period:
Incomplete or missing data for the year?
To
12/31/2011
No
If yes, explain:
Distribution System Leakage Summary:
Total Water Produced and Purchased (TP) – Annual Volume
2,691,618,254 gallons
Authorized Consumption (AC) – Annual Volume
2,431,682,610 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Annual Volume TP – AC
259,935,644 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Percent DSL = [(TP – AC) / TP] x 100
9.7 %
3-year annual average
8.1 %
Goal-Setting Information:
Date of Most Recent Public Forum:
10/28/2009
Has goal been changed since last performance report?
Note: Customer goal must be re-established every 6 years through a public process
WUE Goals:
Customer Goal (Demand Side):
Reduce annual water use by 2.4MG/year between 2010-2012
Describe Progress in Reaching Goals:
Customer (Demand Side) Goal Progress:
*Vera website: Water conservation links, daily water saving tips.
**Leak detection
Additional Information Regarding Supply and Demand Side WUE Efforts
Include any other information that describes how you and your customers use water efficiently:
No
Date Submitted: 6/29/2011
Water Use Efficiency
Annual Performance Report - 2010
WS Name:
VERA WATER & POWER
Report submitted by:
Water System ID# : 91450
WS County: SPOKANE
Todd Henry
Meter Installation Information:
Is your water system fully metered?
Yes
If not fully metered - Current status of meter installation:
Production, Authorized Consumption, and Distribution System Leakage Information:
01/01/2010
12-Month WUE Reporting Period:
Incomplete or missing data for the year?
To
12/31/2010
No
If yes, explain:
Distribution System Leakage Summary:
Total Water Produced and Purchased (TP) – Annual Volume
2,659,087,866 gallons
Authorized Consumption (AC) – Annual Volume
2,481,896,149 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Annual Volume TP – AC
177,191,717 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Percent DSL = [(TP – AC) / TP] x 100
6.7 %
3-year annual average
8.0 %
Goal-Setting Information:
Date of Most Recent Public Forum:
10/28/2009
Has goal been changed since last performance report?
Note: Customer goal must be re-established every 6 years through a public process
WUE Goals:
Customer Goal (Demand Side):
Reduce annual water use by 2.4MG/year between 2010-2012
Describe Progress in Reaching Goals:
Customer (Demand Side) Goal Progress:
*2009 Water Quality Report article on conservation and using water wisely.
Water Conservation links, daily water saving tips
**Vera website:
Additional Information Regarding Supply and Demand Side WUE Efforts
Include any other information that describes how you and your customers use water efficiently:
No
Date Submitted: 9/23/2010
Water Use Efficiency
Annual Performance Report - 2009
WS Name:
VERA WATER & POWER
Report submitted by:
Water System ID# : 91450
WS County: SPOKANE
Todd Henry
Meter Installation Information:
Is your water system fully metered?
Yes
If not fully metered - Current status of meter installation:
Production, Authorized Consumption, and Distribution System Leakage Information:
01/01/2009
12-Month WUE Reporting Period:
Incomplete or missing data for the year?
To
12/31/2009
Yes
If yes, explain:
Vera Water and Power held the first public forum just this year on October 28, 09
Distribution System Leakage Summary:
Total Water Produced and Purchased (TP) – Annual Volume
3,054,246,664 gallons
Authorized Consumption (AC) – Annual Volume
2,817,384,516 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Annual Volume TP – AC
236,862,148 gallons
Distribution System Leakage – Percent DSL = [(TP – AC) / TP] x 100
7.8 %
3-year annual average
5.8 %
Goal-Setting Information:
Date of Most Recent Public Forum:
10/28/2009
Has goal been changed since last performance report?
Note: Customer goal must be re-established every 6 years through a public process
WUE Goals:
Customer Goal (Demand Side):
Reduce annual water use by 2.4MG per year over the next three years (2010,2011,2012)
Describe Progress in Reaching Goals:
Customer (Demand Side) Goal Progress:
Additional Information Regarding Supply and Demand Side WUE Efforts
Include any other information that describes how you and your customers use water efficiently:
No