WATER RESOURCE
PLAN DEVELOPMENT
WATER EFFICIENCY
AND CONSERVATION
•
Why conserve treated drinking
water?
•
Could customers limit lawn
watering to certain times of day
or days of the week to reduce the
demand on the system?
•
Could customers conserve more
water and use water more
efficiently?
•
Could the utility invest in the
water system to reduce main
breaks and water loss due to
leaks in the system?
Why conserve treated drinking water?
Conserving and using water more efficiently can reduce the amount
of water treated to drinking water standards. Reducing the amount of
treated water used by the community can add resilience to and ease
demands on the drinking water system. Although expenditures are
required to maintain our water infrastructure, conserving water may also
help defer the need for major new water supply facilities.
Could customers limit lawn watering to certain times of day or days
of the week to reduce the demand on the system?
Yes. A water conservation strategy may include limits on car washing,
landscape watering, and other outdoor water uses to balance water
supply and demand. Scheduled lawn watering is key to a successful
program.
A recent survey shows that 53% of commercial and 68% of residential customers are willing to adjust
landscape watering practices to conserve water and delay expansion of the drinking water system.
Public education and outreach are important elements for successful water conservation strategy.
Audits and alternate pricing for irrigation and outdoor water use are also effective tools.
LOW Cost
FACT SHEET #4 | AUGUST 2016
MODERATE
Feasibility
!
HIGH Impact on
water demand
Could customers conserve more water and use water
more efficiently?
Yes. The 1994 Energy Policy Act resulted in more
efficient appliances and home fixtures, such as low-flow
toilets. Replacing fixtures in homes built before 1994
has the greatest potential to conserve water. Newer
homes and commercial properties use water efficient
plumbing fixtures.
HIGH Cost
MODERATE
Feasibility
!
MODERATE to HIGH
Impact on water demand
The water savings from low-flow plumbing fixtures and
water efficient appliances is illustrated in the graph
comparing typical residential water use in homes built
before 1995, those built after 2001, and high-efficiency
homes.
Since 55% of the Columbia Water & Light’s water demands
are generated by residential customers with an average per
household water use of 145 gallons per day, focusing water
conservation efforts on residential customers may yield
better results.
A May 2016 survey of Columbia water users
shows that customers are active participants
in water conservation and are willing to do
their part to conserve water.
To conserve water,
I’m willing to:
Replace leaking faucets
and toilets
LOW Cost
Change my lawn
watering schedule
LOW Cost
Install a rain barrel
* Mayer, Peter et al.. Residential End Uses of Water Study. AWWA Research
Foundation. 1998.
Chart adapted from: Analysis of Water Use in New Single Family Homes, Prepared
by William B. DeOreo of Aquacraft Water Engineering & Management for The Salt
Lake City Corporation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2011.
Rate structure incentives include seasonal pricing and
increased rates for peak uses.
LOW Cost
MODERATE
Feasibility
!
MODERATE Impact
on water demand
Rebates or financial assistance could be provided
for customers to use retrofit kits or replace plumbing
fixtures and appliances in older housing stock, as well as
commercial and industrial facilities.
HIGH Cost
MODERATE
Feasibility
FACT SHEET #4 |AUGUST 2016
!
MODERATE to HIGH
Impact on water
demand
MODERATE
Cost
Commercial
Customers
85%
86%
MODERATE
Feasibility
Change landscape from
grass to trees & shrubs
HIGH
Cost
Residential
Customers
MODERATE Impact
on water demand
!
57%
MODERATE
Feasibility
45%
MODERATE Impact
on water demand
!
68%
MODERATE
Feasibility
53%
!
57%
MODERATE
Feasibility
HIGH Impact on
water demand
38%
!
LOW Impact on
water demand
Could the utility invest in the water system
to reduce main breaks and water loss due to
leaks in the system?
Yes.The conservation message will be better
received by the utility’s customers if the utility
itself is engaging in and showing leadership by
improving water supply efficiency. A water loss
audit in accordance with the American Water
Works Association (AWWA) methods provides
a solid framework to focus water conservation
efforts within the drinking water system.
HIGH Cost
MODERATE
Feasibility
!
MODERATE Impact
on water demand
Columbia Water & Light is owned by the citizens of Columbia and welcomes your feedback.
Email us at [email protected] for more information.