This document discusses a referral from Supervisors Yeager and Cortese to the County Administration regarding creating a lawn conversion policy and 10-year moratorium on new water-intensive landscaping on County property. It provides background on water conservation efforts already undertaken by the County and Valley Water District, including converting lawns to drought-tolerant plants and offering rebates. The referral would have additional decorative lawns on County property converted and explore funding opportunities for conversions, while refraining from new water-intensive landscaping for 10 years with exceptions.
Ottawa County Parks annual report for fiscal year 2019 (10/1/2018-9/30/2019). Thank you to volunteer photographer Mike Lozon for providing many of the images used in this report.
The document discusses ecosystem restoration efforts in various regions of the United States, including Appalachia. It provides details on restoration projects focused on improving aquatic habitats and stabilizing river banks that have been undertaken by organizations like the USACE and NOAA. These projects often have limited budgets in the millions of dollars range. The document also examines the costs and benefits of wetland restoration efforts by the USDA across different regions. While billions of dollars have been spent on restoration, the document notes that limited research has been done to accurately assess the ecological and economic impacts of these projects. Overall, the document analyzes the challenges with accurately evaluating and comparing the costs and benefits of various ecosystem restoration initiatives across large regions.
Presentation given at the San Diego County Water Authority's Water Planning Meeting on Oct. 25, 2012. To view agenda visit www.sdcwa.org/monthly-board-meeting-20
Sprayed Away: Seven Ways to Reduce Texas’ Outdoor Water UseDanousis85z
Texas is the fastest growing state and faces increasing pressure on its limited water supplies. Outdoor water use, primarily for landscape irrigation, increases dramatically in the summer and accounts for about half of total municipal water usage. Implementing various conservation strategies like improving irrigation systems, incentivizing water-efficient landscaping, enacting watering ordinances, and expanding education programs could reduce outdoor water usage by 25% on average across 18 major Texas cities, saving over 147 million gallons per day. Doing so would benefit both utilities and customers by decreasing costs and better preserving water resources for the future.
Virginia has made progress in improving water quality but still has work to do to meet long-term goals. It has met milestones for wastewater treatment reductions and stream fencing but fallen short on practices like forest buffers and conservation tillage. While wastewater treatment improvements have largely driven reductions so far, all sectors must accelerate efforts for Virginia to achieve the 2025 goal of restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed to balance. Continued investment and strengthened programs are needed to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution from urban and agricultural runoff.
Delaware achieved its 2013 goals for four of the seven pollution-reduction practices evaluated, including cover crops and urban tree planting. However, it failed to meet goals for animal waste management, grass buffers, and septic connections. While progress has been made through funding, partnerships, and regulations, Delaware will need to accelerate efforts like wetland restoration and increase funding through initiatives like the Governor's clean water plan to achieve its long-term pollution reduction goals by 2025.
Washington D.C. has made progress in reducing water pollution but still has work to do to meet long-term goals. It exceeded targets for urban tree planting, impervious surface reduction, and stormwater infiltration practices, but failed to meet milestones for urban stream restoration. Additionally, pollution reductions from urban runoff need to accelerate to achieve nitrogen and phosphorus reduction targets. D.C. leaders are called on to strengthen commitments to clean water plans and pollution reduction efforts.
Strategic Interventions of an RCE in Environmental Assessment, RCE Saskatchew...Hanna Stahlberg
This document provides an overview of the strategic interventions of the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) in Saskatchewan in response to the proposed Yancoal potash mine project. It discusses the context of the project and initial community concerns about impacts to water resources, salt contamination, lack of engagement, and inadequate planning. The RCE became involved by facilitating local community meetings, contributing to environmental assessments, and creating an informational video to raise concerns about ensuring sustainable development. The local community aims to have their concerns addressed through best practices, protection of water, and fair planning to support sustainable communities.
Ottawa County Parks annual report for fiscal year 2019 (10/1/2018-9/30/2019). Thank you to volunteer photographer Mike Lozon for providing many of the images used in this report.
The document discusses ecosystem restoration efforts in various regions of the United States, including Appalachia. It provides details on restoration projects focused on improving aquatic habitats and stabilizing river banks that have been undertaken by organizations like the USACE and NOAA. These projects often have limited budgets in the millions of dollars range. The document also examines the costs and benefits of wetland restoration efforts by the USDA across different regions. While billions of dollars have been spent on restoration, the document notes that limited research has been done to accurately assess the ecological and economic impacts of these projects. Overall, the document analyzes the challenges with accurately evaluating and comparing the costs and benefits of various ecosystem restoration initiatives across large regions.
Presentation given at the San Diego County Water Authority's Water Planning Meeting on Oct. 25, 2012. To view agenda visit www.sdcwa.org/monthly-board-meeting-20
Sprayed Away: Seven Ways to Reduce Texas’ Outdoor Water UseDanousis85z
Texas is the fastest growing state and faces increasing pressure on its limited water supplies. Outdoor water use, primarily for landscape irrigation, increases dramatically in the summer and accounts for about half of total municipal water usage. Implementing various conservation strategies like improving irrigation systems, incentivizing water-efficient landscaping, enacting watering ordinances, and expanding education programs could reduce outdoor water usage by 25% on average across 18 major Texas cities, saving over 147 million gallons per day. Doing so would benefit both utilities and customers by decreasing costs and better preserving water resources for the future.
Virginia has made progress in improving water quality but still has work to do to meet long-term goals. It has met milestones for wastewater treatment reductions and stream fencing but fallen short on practices like forest buffers and conservation tillage. While wastewater treatment improvements have largely driven reductions so far, all sectors must accelerate efforts for Virginia to achieve the 2025 goal of restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed to balance. Continued investment and strengthened programs are needed to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution from urban and agricultural runoff.
Delaware achieved its 2013 goals for four of the seven pollution-reduction practices evaluated, including cover crops and urban tree planting. However, it failed to meet goals for animal waste management, grass buffers, and septic connections. While progress has been made through funding, partnerships, and regulations, Delaware will need to accelerate efforts like wetland restoration and increase funding through initiatives like the Governor's clean water plan to achieve its long-term pollution reduction goals by 2025.
Washington D.C. has made progress in reducing water pollution but still has work to do to meet long-term goals. It exceeded targets for urban tree planting, impervious surface reduction, and stormwater infiltration practices, but failed to meet milestones for urban stream restoration. Additionally, pollution reductions from urban runoff need to accelerate to achieve nitrogen and phosphorus reduction targets. D.C. leaders are called on to strengthen commitments to clean water plans and pollution reduction efforts.
Strategic Interventions of an RCE in Environmental Assessment, RCE Saskatchew...Hanna Stahlberg
This document provides an overview of the strategic interventions of the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) in Saskatchewan in response to the proposed Yancoal potash mine project. It discusses the context of the project and initial community concerns about impacts to water resources, salt contamination, lack of engagement, and inadequate planning. The RCE became involved by facilitating local community meetings, contributing to environmental assessments, and creating an informational video to raise concerns about ensuring sustainable development. The local community aims to have their concerns addressed through best practices, protection of water, and fair planning to support sustainable communities.
Maryland has exceeded its 2013 milestone goals for five out of seven key pollution-reduction practices examined in the report. However, the organizations believe Maryland should set more ambitious goals for practices like forest buffers and animal waste management systems to achieve needed reductions. While progress has been made, increased implementation is still needed for many practices like urban forest buffers and animal waste management to reach 2017 and 2025 goals.
Sustainable Water Security at a time of Climate Change: India's 12th Five Yea...Global Water Partnership
This document discusses India's water crisis and proposes solutions for the 12th Five Year Plan. It notes that business as usual will not work given groundwater depletion, poor irrigation infrastructure and management, and inadequate wastewater treatment. It recommends reforms like completing existing irrigation projects before starting new ones, rational water pricing, expanding watershed management programs, comprehensive groundwater mapping, river basin planning, new water laws, and reforms for urban water systems. The overall goal is to move beyond denial and establish sustainable water security through holistic and participatory management of surface and groundwater resources.
The document evaluates Pennsylvania's progress toward meeting pollution reduction goals established in the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. It finds that Pennsylvania achieved its 2013 goals for four out of eight practices but is not on track to meet longer-term 2017 and 2025 goals, particularly for establishing forested stream buffers and conservation plans. Continued declines in practices like nutrient management and conservation tillage are concerning given their importance for reducing agricultural runoff. Accelerated implementation of practices across agriculture, urban/suburban areas, and wastewater treatment will be needed to improve water quality in Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The Hawaii state government is proposing to spend $30 million over two years to repair the leaking reflecting pools at the State Capitol building. The pools have deteriorated after 50 years and now require rebuilding walls, installing a false bottom to make maintenance easier, and adding filtration and chlorine treatment. Some lawmakers question the large costs for maintenance. Reflecting pools at other capitol buildings like the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. also struggle with persistent algae growth issues despite repair efforts. Proper maintenance of reflecting pools requires balancing the water chemistry and controlling nutrient levels that feed algae growth.
West Virginia's progress toward clean water goals set by the Chesapeake Bay Blueprint is mixed. The state achieved milestones in 2013 for forest buffers and upgrading wastewater treatment plants but fell behind on goals for agricultural practices like nutrient management and stream fencing. While investments and improvements are benefiting local waterways, the Chesapeake Bay watershed remains polluted by excess nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment from urban and farm runoff. West Virginia must bolster efforts to implement agricultural practices and address growing pollution from urban areas to stay on track for its 2017 and 2025 clean water targets.
On 17 and 18 June 2020 the EPA held its National Water Event as an online conference.
This year's theme was 'Restoring our waters'.
This years event was free to attend. It was the EPA's largest water event ever, with over 1250 attending.
To everyone who joined us: thanks for attending; thanks for your probing questions; thanks for your passion; thanks for caring about our waters. We can achieve more working together.
Special thanks to all our presenters and the team who worked behind the scenes to make sure this years conference happened.
For science and stories about water quality in Ireland, check out www.catchments.ie
The WHCRWA is planning for its 2020 conversion milestone which will require bringing surface water from Houston's northeast water purification plant near Lake Houston, a more difficult route than for the 2010 conversion. Engineers are surveying and acquiring easements for a 9-mile water line from the plant and a 30-mile line crossing Harris County. The 2020 conversion will also require 75 miles of distribution lines and expansion of the northeast plant. While construction is years in the future, planning work is underway to meet the 2020 deadline of 70% surface water usage.
This document discusses challenges and opportunities for restoring the Camac River in Dublin City while managing flood risk, supporting urban renewal, and adapting to climate change. The river suffers from channelization, loss of floodplains and wetlands, and lengthy culverts. Restoration requires tackling existing issues and avoiding new pressures. Opportunities include maximizing green space, rezoning industrial lands, and creating a greenway. Successful restoration requires considering the whole catchment and securing sufficient land, and balancing priorities like flood protection, development, and environmental goals. Planning tools like new zoning objectives can help protect land for restoration and climate adaptation.
The city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island struggled to provide safe drinking water by the late 1980s, as its water treatment plant was nearing the end of its useful life and its aging distribution system was deteriorating. With $70 million in funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Pawtucket undertook a comprehensive overhaul of its water system from 1987 to 2008, including constructing a new water treatment plant and rehabilitating over 200 miles of distribution pipes. This large-scale project helped ensure Pawtucket would provide safe drinking water for decades to come.
The document summarizes a study of groundwater management practices in California's Kings Basin region, highlighting several successes and opportunities:
- Resource managers in the Kings Basin have achieved a strong understanding of the water system through extensive monitoring and modeling, facilitated by the Kings River Conservation District. Connected benefit projects have addressed overdraft.
- The Kings Basin Water Authority forum has aligned water agency and land use planning goals. The integrated regional water management plan integrates various challenges and solutions.
- Connections have been made with the upper watershed managers and interregional projects pursued. Stakeholders, including disadvantaged communities, have been engaged in the planning process.
- Opportunities exist to improve watershed connectivity through research,
This document discusses desalination and membrane technologies in the United States. It provides background on desalination processes and issues, outlines the federal role in research and adoption, and examines energy, environmental, and cost concerns constraining wider adoption. The federal government primarily supports desalination research and development, while local governments are responsible for building and operating facilities. Key issues for Congress include the appropriate federal role and how to balance supporting research while protecting public health and the environment.
This document investigates co-locating a desalination plant with the Joslin Steam Electric Station in Point Comfort, Texas to provide a drought-proof water supply for regions L and N. A reverse osmosis desalination plant is proposed that would treat 180 million gallons per day of seawater to produce 90 million gallons per day of drinking water and reject hypersaline water. Reject water and solids from pretreatment would be returned through the existing plant discharge. Environmental impacts were found to be minimal. The estimated cost of the desalinated water is $1.75 per 1000 gallons. Combining this supply with 100,000 acre-feet of existing surface water supply would provide 200,000 acre-feet
Water Wise Landscape Guidelines - Vancouver, CanadaKaila694m
This document provides guidelines for water wise landscape design in Vancouver. It discusses applying principles like reducing water use, maximizing reuse and collection, choosing appropriate plants, and using permeable materials. Strategies include site planning like limiting hardscaping, using mulch and efficient irrigation. Design considerations address components, techniques, and plant selection. The guidelines aim to reduce water consumption, enhance ecology, and increase sustainability of urban landscaping.
Rainwater Harvesting and Utilisation Project Managers & Implementing AgenciesK9T
This document provides an overview of rainwater harvesting and utilization. It discusses global demographic trends showing increasing urbanization and population growth, creating water scarcity issues. Rainwater harvesting provides multiple benefits like improving groundwater quality and access to water. It has grown in interest globally with initiatives promoting its implementation. The document covers concepts of rainwater harvesting systems and technology, case studies of implementations, and planning/monitoring of projects.
The document discusses source water protection and partnerships between drinking water utilities and USDA conservation programs. It summarizes that the 2018 Farm Bill directs 10% of NRCS conservation funding towards source water protection. NRCS has source water protection pilots through 2024 requiring consultation with state drinking water programs. The webinar highlighted NRCS programs like the National Water Quality Initiative and Regional Conservation Partnership Program that leverage partnerships for projects that benefit source water.
Biosolids: Regulation and Policy, Julie NahrgangTWCA
This document discusses public perception of biosolids land application in Texas. It provides background on biosolids as a nutrient-rich byproduct of wastewater treatment that benefits soil and agriculture. However, some public opposition groups argue biosolids are "toxic waste" and threaten legal action. The document outlines protests against specific permit applications and withdrawn permits. It discusses previous legislative attempts to increase county biosolids regulation and resources for improving public trust through education, risk communication, and inclusive decision making.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 researched current practices on vacant lot greening as a resource to communities on issues of stormwater management, construction specifications, job training, property maintenance and funding.
This document discusses drought conditions and management strategies in several western U.S. states including California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado. It defines drought and notes that definitions vary in different locations. Several impacts of drought are outlined, such as mandatory water use reductions, increased groundwater pumping, economic impacts to agriculture, and increased fire danger. The document also discusses various approaches for addressing drought conditions, including water transfers, conservation efforts, water recycling, conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water, and raising water prices.
Water Wise: Residential Landscape and Irrigation Guide for Western ColoradoKaila694m
This guide provides best practices for residential water conservation and irrigation in western Colorado. It discusses the importance of being good water stewards given the region's arid climate and finite water resources. The guide covers topics like understanding local soil types, selecting drought-tolerant plants, designing efficient irrigation systems, and using evapotranspiration data to determine optimal watering amounts to prevent overwatering and the pollution of local waterways. The overall goal is to educate residents on landscape and watering practices that save both water and money while preserving the environment.
- The document recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct the Administration to report back on an ordinance to create an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone in Santa Clara County as authorized by state law. This would provide a property tax reduction to encourage urban farming on vacant land.
- There are approximately 91 parcels in unincorporated San Jose that could be eligible for this designation. It is estimated the maximum potential property tax revenue loss to local governments over 5 years would be $762,000, though likely less since not all parcels would participate.
- Supporters argue this would promote local food production, community benefits from urban farms, and help non-profits and landowners with associated costs.
Maryland has exceeded its 2013 milestone goals for five out of seven key pollution-reduction practices examined in the report. However, the organizations believe Maryland should set more ambitious goals for practices like forest buffers and animal waste management systems to achieve needed reductions. While progress has been made, increased implementation is still needed for many practices like urban forest buffers and animal waste management to reach 2017 and 2025 goals.
Sustainable Water Security at a time of Climate Change: India's 12th Five Yea...Global Water Partnership
This document discusses India's water crisis and proposes solutions for the 12th Five Year Plan. It notes that business as usual will not work given groundwater depletion, poor irrigation infrastructure and management, and inadequate wastewater treatment. It recommends reforms like completing existing irrigation projects before starting new ones, rational water pricing, expanding watershed management programs, comprehensive groundwater mapping, river basin planning, new water laws, and reforms for urban water systems. The overall goal is to move beyond denial and establish sustainable water security through holistic and participatory management of surface and groundwater resources.
The document evaluates Pennsylvania's progress toward meeting pollution reduction goals established in the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. It finds that Pennsylvania achieved its 2013 goals for four out of eight practices but is not on track to meet longer-term 2017 and 2025 goals, particularly for establishing forested stream buffers and conservation plans. Continued declines in practices like nutrient management and conservation tillage are concerning given their importance for reducing agricultural runoff. Accelerated implementation of practices across agriculture, urban/suburban areas, and wastewater treatment will be needed to improve water quality in Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The Hawaii state government is proposing to spend $30 million over two years to repair the leaking reflecting pools at the State Capitol building. The pools have deteriorated after 50 years and now require rebuilding walls, installing a false bottom to make maintenance easier, and adding filtration and chlorine treatment. Some lawmakers question the large costs for maintenance. Reflecting pools at other capitol buildings like the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. also struggle with persistent algae growth issues despite repair efforts. Proper maintenance of reflecting pools requires balancing the water chemistry and controlling nutrient levels that feed algae growth.
West Virginia's progress toward clean water goals set by the Chesapeake Bay Blueprint is mixed. The state achieved milestones in 2013 for forest buffers and upgrading wastewater treatment plants but fell behind on goals for agricultural practices like nutrient management and stream fencing. While investments and improvements are benefiting local waterways, the Chesapeake Bay watershed remains polluted by excess nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment from urban and farm runoff. West Virginia must bolster efforts to implement agricultural practices and address growing pollution from urban areas to stay on track for its 2017 and 2025 clean water targets.
On 17 and 18 June 2020 the EPA held its National Water Event as an online conference.
This year's theme was 'Restoring our waters'.
This years event was free to attend. It was the EPA's largest water event ever, with over 1250 attending.
To everyone who joined us: thanks for attending; thanks for your probing questions; thanks for your passion; thanks for caring about our waters. We can achieve more working together.
Special thanks to all our presenters and the team who worked behind the scenes to make sure this years conference happened.
For science and stories about water quality in Ireland, check out www.catchments.ie
The WHCRWA is planning for its 2020 conversion milestone which will require bringing surface water from Houston's northeast water purification plant near Lake Houston, a more difficult route than for the 2010 conversion. Engineers are surveying and acquiring easements for a 9-mile water line from the plant and a 30-mile line crossing Harris County. The 2020 conversion will also require 75 miles of distribution lines and expansion of the northeast plant. While construction is years in the future, planning work is underway to meet the 2020 deadline of 70% surface water usage.
This document discusses challenges and opportunities for restoring the Camac River in Dublin City while managing flood risk, supporting urban renewal, and adapting to climate change. The river suffers from channelization, loss of floodplains and wetlands, and lengthy culverts. Restoration requires tackling existing issues and avoiding new pressures. Opportunities include maximizing green space, rezoning industrial lands, and creating a greenway. Successful restoration requires considering the whole catchment and securing sufficient land, and balancing priorities like flood protection, development, and environmental goals. Planning tools like new zoning objectives can help protect land for restoration and climate adaptation.
The city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island struggled to provide safe drinking water by the late 1980s, as its water treatment plant was nearing the end of its useful life and its aging distribution system was deteriorating. With $70 million in funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Pawtucket undertook a comprehensive overhaul of its water system from 1987 to 2008, including constructing a new water treatment plant and rehabilitating over 200 miles of distribution pipes. This large-scale project helped ensure Pawtucket would provide safe drinking water for decades to come.
The document summarizes a study of groundwater management practices in California's Kings Basin region, highlighting several successes and opportunities:
- Resource managers in the Kings Basin have achieved a strong understanding of the water system through extensive monitoring and modeling, facilitated by the Kings River Conservation District. Connected benefit projects have addressed overdraft.
- The Kings Basin Water Authority forum has aligned water agency and land use planning goals. The integrated regional water management plan integrates various challenges and solutions.
- Connections have been made with the upper watershed managers and interregional projects pursued. Stakeholders, including disadvantaged communities, have been engaged in the planning process.
- Opportunities exist to improve watershed connectivity through research,
This document discusses desalination and membrane technologies in the United States. It provides background on desalination processes and issues, outlines the federal role in research and adoption, and examines energy, environmental, and cost concerns constraining wider adoption. The federal government primarily supports desalination research and development, while local governments are responsible for building and operating facilities. Key issues for Congress include the appropriate federal role and how to balance supporting research while protecting public health and the environment.
This document investigates co-locating a desalination plant with the Joslin Steam Electric Station in Point Comfort, Texas to provide a drought-proof water supply for regions L and N. A reverse osmosis desalination plant is proposed that would treat 180 million gallons per day of seawater to produce 90 million gallons per day of drinking water and reject hypersaline water. Reject water and solids from pretreatment would be returned through the existing plant discharge. Environmental impacts were found to be minimal. The estimated cost of the desalinated water is $1.75 per 1000 gallons. Combining this supply with 100,000 acre-feet of existing surface water supply would provide 200,000 acre-feet
Water Wise Landscape Guidelines - Vancouver, CanadaKaila694m
This document provides guidelines for water wise landscape design in Vancouver. It discusses applying principles like reducing water use, maximizing reuse and collection, choosing appropriate plants, and using permeable materials. Strategies include site planning like limiting hardscaping, using mulch and efficient irrigation. Design considerations address components, techniques, and plant selection. The guidelines aim to reduce water consumption, enhance ecology, and increase sustainability of urban landscaping.
Rainwater Harvesting and Utilisation Project Managers & Implementing AgenciesK9T
This document provides an overview of rainwater harvesting and utilization. It discusses global demographic trends showing increasing urbanization and population growth, creating water scarcity issues. Rainwater harvesting provides multiple benefits like improving groundwater quality and access to water. It has grown in interest globally with initiatives promoting its implementation. The document covers concepts of rainwater harvesting systems and technology, case studies of implementations, and planning/monitoring of projects.
The document discusses source water protection and partnerships between drinking water utilities and USDA conservation programs. It summarizes that the 2018 Farm Bill directs 10% of NRCS conservation funding towards source water protection. NRCS has source water protection pilots through 2024 requiring consultation with state drinking water programs. The webinar highlighted NRCS programs like the National Water Quality Initiative and Regional Conservation Partnership Program that leverage partnerships for projects that benefit source water.
Biosolids: Regulation and Policy, Julie NahrgangTWCA
This document discusses public perception of biosolids land application in Texas. It provides background on biosolids as a nutrient-rich byproduct of wastewater treatment that benefits soil and agriculture. However, some public opposition groups argue biosolids are "toxic waste" and threaten legal action. The document outlines protests against specific permit applications and withdrawn permits. It discusses previous legislative attempts to increase county biosolids regulation and resources for improving public trust through education, risk communication, and inclusive decision making.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 researched current practices on vacant lot greening as a resource to communities on issues of stormwater management, construction specifications, job training, property maintenance and funding.
This document discusses drought conditions and management strategies in several western U.S. states including California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado. It defines drought and notes that definitions vary in different locations. Several impacts of drought are outlined, such as mandatory water use reductions, increased groundwater pumping, economic impacts to agriculture, and increased fire danger. The document also discusses various approaches for addressing drought conditions, including water transfers, conservation efforts, water recycling, conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water, and raising water prices.
Water Wise: Residential Landscape and Irrigation Guide for Western ColoradoKaila694m
This guide provides best practices for residential water conservation and irrigation in western Colorado. It discusses the importance of being good water stewards given the region's arid climate and finite water resources. The guide covers topics like understanding local soil types, selecting drought-tolerant plants, designing efficient irrigation systems, and using evapotranspiration data to determine optimal watering amounts to prevent overwatering and the pollution of local waterways. The overall goal is to educate residents on landscape and watering practices that save both water and money while preserving the environment.
- The document recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct the Administration to report back on an ordinance to create an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone in Santa Clara County as authorized by state law. This would provide a property tax reduction to encourage urban farming on vacant land.
- There are approximately 91 parcels in unincorporated San Jose that could be eligible for this designation. It is estimated the maximum potential property tax revenue loss to local governments over 5 years would be $762,000, though likely less since not all parcels would participate.
- Supporters argue this would promote local food production, community benefits from urban farms, and help non-profits and landowners with associated costs.
Former President Bill Clinton gave a keynote speech at DePauw University where he received a warm welcome from thousands of students and local residents who braved cold weather. In his speech, Clinton praised the students' commitment to volunteer work. He delivered an optimistic message about overcoming adversity and making a positive difference. Clinton urged listeners to work together across differences and never give up on their goals and dreams.
The document summarizes a six-session community leadership training program. The goals of the training were to help participants recognize their leadership potential, develop skills like group facilitation, and gain understanding of processes like fundraising and proposal writing. Sessions included exercises on topics such as leadership styles, visioning, advocacy, group dynamics, and goal setting. Participants worked on developing personal missions and goals and reported on their progress at subsequent sessions. The final session concluded with a review of learning, certificates of completion, and a reflection on successes and next steps.
This document is a curriculum vitae for Irene Joy G. Blancia, a Filipino chemical engineer currently working as a document controller/admin assistant in Doha, Qatar. Her CV outlines her professional experience including her current role with Technip Middle East and previous roles as a document controller and admin assistant. It also lists her educational background, skills, and responsibilities in various roles over her career in engineering, quality control, and education.
This short document promotes creating presentations using Haiku Deck, a tool for making slideshows. It encourages the reader to get started making their own Haiku Deck presentation and sharing it on SlideShare. In just one sentence, it pitches the idea of using Haiku Deck to easily create engaging slideshows.
This document is a referral from Ken Yeager, a member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, to establish an Office of LGBTQ Affairs. Yeager cites statistics showing disparities faced by the LGBTQ community in areas like poverty, homelessness, health, education and criminal justice. He notes efforts the county has already taken but argues a coordinated office could better assist departments in eliminating disparities. The proposed office would provide training, assistance, promote best practices, external relations and measure progress. The referral asks the County Executive to report back with considerations for establishing such an office.
Manali Moradiya is a student in the E.C. branch who wrote about personality development. The document discusses N.D. Sir, a 40-year-old teacher with 12 years of experience who believes in internal and external success. It emphasizes the importance of time management, having a positive attitude, and setting high goals. According to N.D. Sir, job satisfaction comes from within and engineers will learn more from life experiences than their education.
Makalah ini membahas sejarah komputer dan perkembangan teknik informatika serta menjawab beberapa pertanyaan terkait bidang studi teknik informatika. Komputer berawal dari alat hitung sederhana pada 3000 SM di Cina hingga mesin hitung otomatis pertama dibuat pada 1642. Perkembangan komputer digital dimulai pada 1937 hingga ditemukannya transistor pada 1947. Teknik informatika membahas bidang seperti pemrograman web, sistem inform
The document summarizes several common sports injuries, their symptoms, and treatment recommendations from sports medicine physicians. It describes injuries like back pain from golf swings, concussions from head impacts, hamstring sprains from sudden stretches, and tendonitis in the elbow from repetitive motions. For each injury, it provides details on signs and symptoms to watch for and initial steps like icing, anti-inflammatories, stretching, and rest before seeing a doctor if the pain persists.
This short document promotes creating presentations using Haiku Deck, a tool for making slideshows. It encourages the reader to get started making their own Haiku Deck presentation and sharing it on SlideShare. In a single sentence, it pitches the idea of using Haiku Deck to easily create and share slideshow presentations online.
NLC Presentation - April 2016 Rev - Policy Process (2)Alex Shoor
This document outlines the steps for getting good policy passed, including defining good and bad policy, the policy process, finding policy ideas, building support, writing a policy memo, implementation, and advocating from inside or outside of government. The policy process involves 5 steps - coming up with an idea, research, building support, writing a memo, and implementing. Good policy addresses a real problem, has supporters, provides measurable benefits, and is easy to implement. Bad policy avoids real issues or consequences.
Huzefa Cyclewala is a QA engineer with over 2.8 years of experience testing e-commerce sites using tools like Selenium WebDriver and Oracle ATG. He has expertise in test automation, creating test frameworks, and manual testing. Some of his projects include testing the Magento and Demandware sites for Barneys New York and redesigning the Vitamin Shoppe site from Oracle ATG 9.3 to 10.2. He aims to join an organization that values teamwork and technology innovation.
WIRELESS BLACK BOX REPORT FOR TRACKING OF ACCIDENTAL MONITORING IN VEHICLESNiraj Rajan
The following paper is to develop a
wireless black box using MEMS accelerometer and
GPS tracking system for accidental monitoring.
MEMS is a Micro electro mechanical sensor which is
a high sensitive sensor and capable of detecting the
tilt. This device can perform all the tilt functions like
forward, reverse, left and right directions. The system
consists of cooperative components of an
accelerometer, microcontroller unit, GPS device and
GSM module. If any accident occurs, this wireless
device will send mobile phone a short massage
indicating the position of vehicle by tracing the
location of the vehicle through GPS system to family
member, emergency medical service (EMS) and
nearest hospital. . The threshold algorithm and speed
of motorcycle are used to determine fall or accident
in real-time. In this project we are also using
temperature sensor and CO sensor which are
interfaced to the micro controller. With the help of
temperature sensor we can measure amount of
temperature exhausted from the vehicle. CO sensor
will sense the amount of CO gas emitted from the
vehicle. Whenever the CO gas level exceeds the
threshold limit then the motor of the vehicle is
stopped. Ultrasonic sensor in the module is used to
detect any obstacle in the surroundings of the vehicle
and intimates the microcontroller and the controller
calculates the distance between the vehicles and if the
distance is very less, then vehicle stops automatically.
Hillary Onyango Were has over 15 years of experience in civil engineering and construction project supervision roles. He holds a diploma in civil engineering and has worked on numerous road, pipeline, and mining infrastructure projects throughout East Africa. His experience includes quality control and assurance, laboratory management, budgeting, and supervising civil works from planning through completion. He is fluent in English, Swahili, and some Lingala.
The document discusses various topics related to industrial robots. It provides classifications of robots, their applications in manufacturing, and how they work. It states that 90% of robots are used for industrial manufacturing tasks like assembly, material handling, welding, and painting. It also explains that robots allow automating dangerous, repetitive, and precise tasks to improve quality and efficiency.
CASAtelier de méthologie sur l'organisation d'un événement. Contenu réalisé par CASACO et basé sur l'expérience de plus de 300 événements organisés depuis l'ouverture de notre tiers-lieu.
Les RSS LUNCH = un format de veille sous l’angle du planning stratégique, qui pointe des solutions innovantes adaptées à la problématique client. Une veille rapide animée par le planning stratégique de sqli agency, sorte de "pérégrinations du digital" sur lesquelles rebondir, avec les experts de sqli agency.
The Southwest California Legislative Council has adopted the following positions on 2014 California State ballot propositions 1, 2, 45, 46, 47, 48, and local Measures AA (Mount San Jacinto College Bond) and Measure BB (Murrieta Valley Unified School District Bond).
Protecting the Source of Drinking WaterRobert Brears
IN MANY LOCATIONS around the world, ensuring
access to good quality water can be a challenge due to economic as well as domestic activities impacting the quality
of surface and groundwater supplies. To avoid having to develop new water supplies due to contamination a number of
jurisdictions are turning to water source protection methods
which involve the protection of surface water sources
and the protection of groundwater sources from contamination
of any kind.
This document summarizes a report on water use efficiency efforts among water suppliers in Washington state since the adoption of the state's Water Use Efficiency rule in 2007. The report found that most water suppliers have taken significant actions to improve efficiency, such as repairing leaks, implementing conservation rates, installing meters, and setting conservation goals. It also provides data showing progress in specific areas like leakage rates and adoption of efficiency measures. The document aims to establish a baseline for measuring continued progress in water efficiency.
This document summarizes urban water efficiency programs in three cities: San Antonio, TX, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA. It provides details on the various programs each city offers, such as rebates for water efficient fixtures and appliances, education programs, and ordinances. It also highlights reported water savings from these programs, such as 175 billion gallons saved in San Antonio and 610,000 gallons per day saved through Seattle's regional partnership program. The document concludes by noting the primary water sources for each city.
The document provides a public relations proposal for the Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA) to promote its new Advanced Water Treatment plant. It includes a situational analysis of EWA's history and competitors, as well as internal and external factors. The proposal defines key publics, outlines formative research, and provides goals, messaging strategies and a budget for the PR campaign. It concludes with recommendations to increase support for EWA's efforts to recycle wastewater into drinking water.
Future Watershed by Frank M. Piorko , Dir., Div. of Watershed Stewardship, DE...Kim Beidler
This document discusses Delaware's innovative use of State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan programs to fund land conservation and water quality projects. It provides examples of how municipalities have leveraged lower interest SRF loans to also fund conservation projects through sponsorship agreements. Kent County worked with DNREC to purchase and restore 255 acres of land through such an agreement. Wilmington utilized a reduced rate SRF loan to fund wetland restoration. The document proposes developing a project registry and concept plans to better link specific conservation projects to municipal needs and access SRF funding.
The document discusses issues with the proposed California WaterFix system to build two new tunnels from the Sacramento River to pumping plants in the Delta. It argues that the project would be economically unreasonable and environmentally damaging, as it would negatively impact fisheries, ocean outflows, and potentially increase sea levels from shifting river flows. Instead, it recommends focusing investments on improving current Delta levees and fish screens to preserve marine life while also being safer and more reliable.
The document discusses the history and current efforts of stormwater management in Madison County, Illinois led by the Madison County Planning & Development Department. It outlines the formation of the Metro-East Stormwater Runoff Committee in the 1990s and describes ongoing projects to restore floodplains and reduce flooding through activities like constructing detention basins and restoring streams and wetland habitats. The document calls for the creation of a Stormwater Management Commission to develop a comprehensive stormwater management plan and facilitate projects in coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Watershed management along the Colorado River - Michael GabaldonYourAlberta
Michael is an Associate Vice-President with AECOM and a presenter at Alberta’s Watershed Management Symposium: Flood and Drought Mitigation. Using the Colorado River and recent flood events in the State of Colorado as backdrops, Michael talked about bringing diverse stakeholders together to create an effective total watershed management plan.
Kimberly Thorner, General Manager at Olivenhain MWD, presented to the League of California Cities, San Diego County Division on October 13, 2014, about the Water Reuse Coalition.
This is the presentation delivered by Amanda Cronin, of Washington Water Trust, on the Nisqually Water Banking Feasibility Study at the January 15 2010 Nisqually River Council Meeting.
The EPA Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center provides information and resources to help communities make decisions about drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure and financing. The Center hosts workshops and webinars on innovative financing strategies. It also works with partners to provide technical assistance for projects focused on affordability, resilience, and nutrient reduction. Financial assistance programs like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund can provide low-interest loans for infrastructure projects that improve water quality.
The document discusses CEC's growth strategy of expanding services to better serve clients wherever they do business while providing opportunities for employee growth. It aims to strengthen relationships with clients and employees by combining skills and resources across the firm to deliver enhanced results for projects. This increases CEC's excitement for growth and tackling challenging client projects.
The document discusses how adding water storage capabilities to existing USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) watershed rehabilitation projects can help boost resilience to climate change. It notes that the Watershed Rehabilitation Amendments of 2000 authorized NRCS to rehabilitate aging dams to extend their lifespan and meet safety standards, and since 2014 this program has allowed adding new or expanded water storage. Examples given of how added storage could help with climate change include capturing extra spring runoff to support summer baseflows or irrigation. The planning process for rehabilitation projects provides an opportunity to discuss climate-related storage options with stakeholders.
The West Harris County Regional Water Authority (WHCRWA) was created in 2001 by the Texas Legislature to facilitate reducing reliance on groundwater and ensuring a long-term supply of surface water for municipal utility districts in its boundaries. The WHCRWA negotiated a surface water contract and has constructed over 50 miles of pipelines and other infrastructure at a cost of over $500 million to meet groundwater reduction mandates of 30% by 2010, 70% by 2020, and 80% by 2030. Water rates have increased over time to fund ongoing construction projects needed to secure water supplies for future demands, though the WHCRWA aims to keep costs as low as possible.
This document discusses a government relations program on imported water and the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP). It notes the competing interests in the Delta region involving water supply, ecosystem, and transportation. It outlines the Water Authority's analysis of the BDCP plan and environmental reviews over several years. Key questions are identified regarding project size, costs, water supply benefits for San Diego, and financial obligations. The Water Authority will continue engagement to ensure a cost-effective Delta solution that balances environmental and water supply needs and limits financial obligations proportionate to benefits received.
Rockland County faces increasing water demand that exceeds its sustainable supply. United Water NY proposes a desalination plant on the Hudson River in Haverstraw to produce 1.5 million gallons per day initially. Desalination is expensive and energy intensive, and the plant's waste may increase river contamination. Alternative options like developing other sources or implementing further conservation measures deserve further consideration given the plant's high costs and environmental impacts. Local governments and citizen groups have opposed the plant due to these concerns.
The document summarizes several urban heat island reduction initiatives in various US cities. It describes programs that plant trees to reduce temperatures, such as in Dallas and Austin. It outlines green building codes and projects using green roofs to mitigate heat islands in cities like Boston, Washington D.C., and Atlanta. University and federal building projects implementing cool roofs are also discussed for South Carolina and Tennessee. The document concludes by noting these initiatives have been added to EPA's database to provide guidance to other communities.
1. County of Santa Clara
Board of Supervisors
Supervisorial District Four
Supervisor Ken Yeager
Boardof Supervisors: Mike Wasserman, Cindy Chavez, Dave Cortese, Ken Yeager, S. Joseph Simitian Page 1 of6
County Executive: Jeffrey V. Smith
DATE: April 7, 2015
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ken Yeager, Supervisor and Dave Cortese, Supervisor
SUBJECT:Referral regarding Lawn Conversion Policy
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Refer to Administration a request to create a lawn conversion policy that identifies additional
opportunities to convert water-intensive, decorative landscapes on County-owned property to
landscaping that use less potable water and explore a ten-year moratorium on installing new
water-intensive landscaping on County-owned land. (Yeager & Cortese)
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
California is facing a historic water crisis the likes of which we have not seen before. Water
conservation is a key componentin minimizing the negative impacts of the current drought,
and the County can play its part to conserve water. One of the ways we can save water is
ensuring that the landscaping at our County facilities uses water efficiently and judiciously.
In terms of landscaping, maintaining green grass lawns requires a great deal of water, much
more so than other types of landscaping that utilize drought-tolerant or native plants (also
known as xeriscaping).
There are numerous green grass lawns on County-owned land that appear to receive regular
maintenance:
1. In front of San Jose’s Old City Hall on North First Street
2. By the County government buildings between the sidewalk and the parking lot along
North First Street at CharcotAvenue
3. In front of the Sheriff’s Administration building on North First Street and Younger
Avenue
4. On the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center campus off South Bascom Avenue
2. Boardof Supervisors: Mike Wasserman, Cindy Chavez, Dave Cortese, Ken Yeager, S. Joseph Simitian Page 2 of6
County Executive: Jeffrey V. Smith
AgendaDate: _______
5. In front of the County buildings on Berger Drive
6. Outside the main entrance of Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas
This referral would have staff look at converting additional green grass lawns that are for
decorative purposes (not recreational ones) on County-owned property to landscaping that
requires much less water. It calls for Santa Clara County to pursue opportunities, especially
those eligible to receive grants or loans from the state government or local water districts, to
fund landscape conversions. Part of this process could occurthrough capital projects. This
referral also recommends that the County consider projects that collaborate with the Santa
Clara Valley Water District, the California Conservation Corps or a certified community
conservation corps if it improves the County’s chance of receiving state funding.
Finally, it calls on the County to refrain, for a ten-year period, from installing any new
landscaping on a County-owned facility that is water-intensive, including, but not limited to:
grass lawns that are heavily reliant on water, including along County roads
decorative fountains that use water
This referral asks County staff to come back to the Board with any potential exceptions to
this moratorium, including landscaping that is entirely composedoflow-water plants that
qualify for the Santa Clara Valley Water District Landscape Rebate program.1
BACKGROUND
Santa Clara County
Here in Santa Clara County, the County government and the Santa Clara Valley Water
District have worked on parallel and connected tracks for the last several years on water
conservation and reduction measures. Below is a sample of some of the measures that have
been undertaken.
1. In 2013, Santa Clara County received a Silicon Valley Water Conservation Award in
the Government Agency Category from a coalition of environmental groups, advocacy
organizations and government agencies for saving 50 million gallons of water annually
and recycling another 10 million gallons per year.2 The efforts the County undertook
for which it was recognized included:
a. Converting nine acres of urban landscape at County facilities and parks from
lawn to drought-tolerant plants.
b. Utilizing recycled water at several County locations for landscape irrigation and
at one location for cooling.
c. Installing low-flow shower heads at County detention centers and low-flow
aerators and pre-rinse spray valves at several County facilities.
d. Implementing a Green Building Policy that encourages retrofits, remodels,
1http://www.valleywater.org/uploadedFiles/Programs/WaterConservation/Landscaping/PLANT%20LIST%20WITH%20COVER2
013.pdf
2 http://www.waterawards.org/awardees?id=16 and http://www.waterawards.org/index.php/coalition-members
3. Boardof Supervisors: Mike Wasserman, Cindy Chavez, Dave Cortese, Ken Yeager, S. Joseph Simitian Page 3 of6
County Executive: Jeffrey V. Smith
AgendaDate: _______
renovations, and new buildings to be designed as energy and water efficient as
possible.
2. The Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) has been offering rebates for some
time to residents who convert their lawns into native plants.3
3. The County’s Green Business Program encourages the public, nonprofit and private
sectors to strive for water efficiency through its certification process.
4. In responseto a proposalfrom Supervisor Cortese, the Board of Supervisors voted 5-0
on August 26, 2014, to set a goal of having all County departments cut water use by 25
percent.4 More than half of the County’s water savings last year
were from the Parks Department, which it achieved through reduced irrigation
schedules and other water efficiency strategies. Last year, the Santa Clara Valley
Medical Center converted an acre of turf to drought tolerant landscaping and
upgraded multiple irrigation controllers.5
5. In May 2014, the Board of Supervisors also adopted a separate resolution urging all
residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce water use by 20%. The County also
partnered with the SCVWD to inform residents through tax bill inserts and social
media messaging of the importance of conserving water.
6. More recently, the Board adopted an ordinance establishing permanent mandatory
conservation for residents in unincorporated areas of the County. Later this month, The
Board will consider a similar measure for businesses.
7. In 2015, the County is receiving another Silicon Valley Water Conservation Award,
this time for Greenscape Management.6 Those efforts include:
a. At the Elmwood Correctional Complex in Milpitas, the Facilities and Fleet
Department, Integrated Pest Management and the Department of Correction’s
Weekend Work Program partnered to convert four acres of turf to drought-
tolerant landscaping.
b. Meanwhile, the Sustainability in Jails program at Elmwood launched a special
curriculum that introduces inmates to the water cycle, soil health, composting,
drought tolerant landscaping, and water-efficient irrigation systems, allowing
those convicted of crimes to develop sustainable landscaping job skills.
c. At Juvenile Hall in San Jose, Facilities and Fleet staff converted 13,000 square
feet of underutilized turf to a landscaped recreational area with picnic tables,
drought-tolerant and native plants and drip irrigation. Permeable pathways were
also laid down to recharge groundwater and reduce storm water runoff.
d. The County’s sustainable landscaping programs have saved 33 million gallons
3 http://www.valleywater.org/programs/landscaperebateprogram.aspx
4http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=SplitView&MeetingID=5009&MediaPosition=2821.684&ID=730
98&CssClass
5http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=SplitView&MeetingID=6146&MediaPosition=2124.000&ID=753
40&CssClass
6 http://www.sccgov.org/sites/opa/nr/Pages/County-of-Santa-Clara-Receives-Award-for-Greenscape-Management.aspx
4. Boardof Supervisors: Mike Wasserman, Cindy Chavez, Dave Cortese, Ken Yeager, S. Joseph Simitian Page 4 of6
County Executive: Jeffrey V. Smith
AgendaDate: _______
of water between 2013 and 2014. In addition, the County has increased its use of
recycled water for irrigation and cooling purposes by40% since 2009,
conserving 13.5 million gallons of potable water last year.
8. On Thursday, April 2, 2015, with the authorization of the County’s Facilities and Fleet
and Roads and Airports Departments, the nonprofit organization San Jose
Conservation Corps (SJCC)began work on converting the landscape in front of the
maintenance office of the Roads and Airports Department at 1505 Schallenberger
Road in San Jose from a grass lawn to more drought-resistant, native plants using a
ten-person crew composed ofmembers of its Corps ages 17.5 to 27.
The SJCC provides at-risk, disadvantaged, young men and women mostly from communities
of color with job skill training and environmental education through public service and
conservation work. It is certified as a “community conservation corps”by the California
Conservation Corps. In addition to its contracts with the County’s Facility and Fleet
Department and the Roads and Airports Department, SJCC has a contract with the Parks and
Recreation Department.
Last summer, the Facilities and Fleet Department brought to the Board for approval a five-
year contract with the San JoseConservation Corps forlandscape maintenance. The Board
approved the agreement on a 5-0 vote.7 The contract called for Corps members to perform
tasks such as weed abatement, erosion control, litter clean-up, landscaping, vegetation
management, removal of non-hazardous homeless encampment debris or illegal dumping,
and site beautification services.8 In its explanation for why it was recommending this
contract, the Facilities and Fleet Department wrote, “Furthering the unique role SJCC plays
in our community while providing a cost-effective resource for the Department and the
County enables County gardening staff to accomplish more and focus on skilled gardening
work rather than weed abatement, litter clean-up, vegetation management, removal of non-
hazardous homeless encampment debris or illegal dumping.” The SJCC has also assisted the
County with weed abatement and major landscape clean-ups at the San Jose Downtown
Health Center and other County sites.9
State of California
On April 1, Governor Brown announced that the state will begin implementing mandatory
water reductions.10 In his remarks, he reflected on what may emerge as the new normal in
our state: “The idea of your nice little green grass getting lots of water every day, that's going
to be a thing of the past. We're not going to change everything overnight but we are in a
transition period. People have to realize that in many parts of California, they are living in a
desert." 11
7 http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=4847&Inline=True
8 http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=4&ID=129309
9http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=SplitView&MeetingID=5009&MediaPosition=&ID=73028&CssC
lass
10 http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18910
11 http://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-governor-issues-unprecedented-statewide-water-restrictions/
5. Boardof Supervisors: Mike Wasserman, Cindy Chavez, Dave Cortese, Ken Yeager, S. Joseph Simitian Page 5 of6
County Executive: Jeffrey V. Smith
AgendaDate: _______
Part of the effort Governor Brown called for this month will involve local governments
working to replace 50 million square feet of lawns with drought tolerant landscaping.
Meanwhile, in the November 2014 election, California’s voters passed Proposition1, which
authorizes the issuance of millions of dollars of general obligation bonds towards water
quality, water supply, water security, water conservation and water efficiency. A portion of
that act authorizes the use of $100 million for direct expenditures, and for grants and loans,
for certain water conservation and water use efficiency plans, projects, and programs.12
Last month, the California legislature also acted, passing a water-focused bill, Assembly Bill
92. One of the provisions of this bill dictates that agencies receiving money for restoration,
ecosystemprotection projects, or other similar work are required to use the services of the
California Conservation Corps ora certified community conservation corps.13 Involving our
local San JoseConservation Corps could help County water conservation projects receive
priority funding.
Nationally
In the United States, the operation of buildings, including landscaping, accounts for
approximately 47 billion gallons of water per day - 12% of total water use.14 Compared to
traditional grass lawns, native gardens using drought-resistant plants can provide the
following benefits:
1. Use less water by reducing irrigation costs oroverwatering
2. Enhance water quality by cutting down on the need for pesticides or fertilizers
3. Produceless green waste that may need to be collected by waste haulers and thus could
end up in landfills
4. Save energy by reducing the costof cooling buildings adjacent to the landscape
5. Reduce gas emissions and thus improve air quality by reducing the need for gas-
powered lawn mowers
6. Decrease noise pollution from these mowers, leaf blowers and weed trimmers
7. Attract native species, thereby encouraging biodiversity
8. Require fewer hours of labor to maintain
9. Costless money to maintain
The EPA cites an estimate that up to 50 percent of landscape water use goes to waste because
of evaporation, wind, or runoff caused by overwatering. The EPA and other sources find that
converting to a water smart landscape through careful plant selection and design can reduce
outdoorwater use up to 50 percent.15
12 http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB92
13 http://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2014/general/en/pdf/text-of-proposed-law-prop1.pdf
14 http://www.usgbc.org/articles/green-building-101-how-does-water-efficiency-impact-building
15 http://www.epa.gov/watersense/docs/ws_grassgreener508.pdf and http://www.amwua.org/resource_documents/turf_removal-
english.pdf
6. Boardof Supervisors: Mike Wasserman, Cindy Chavez, Dave Cortese, Ken Yeager, S. Joseph Simitian Page 6 of6
County Executive: Jeffrey V. Smith
AgendaDate: _______
In fact, a nine-year study in Santa Monica found even greater water savings from native
gardens as opposedto grass lawns. In comparing two gardens of a similar size of 1,900
square feet, the City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College and the Metropolitan Water
District of Southern California found that, on average, the native garden used 83% less water;
generated 56% less green waste and required 68% less maintenance than the “traditional”
grass landscape.16
As California’s climate changes and the drought continues, our state’s natural environment
may begin to take on more characteristics of a desert environment. And the warmer the
climate, the more water savings that result from landscape conversion.17 Studies from the
Southern Nevada Water Authority show that the average annual household water and
maintenance costs decreased by more than one-third for participants in its Landscape Rebate
program.18 The City of Mesa, Arizona, concludes that homes converting to a native garden
from a grass lawn in Mesa costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. However, once the higher
costof all the ongoing materials need for maintenance of lawns is factored in, there is a 36-
cent per square footsavings each year. Excluding time or labor, Mesa homeowners can
expect to pay off the costof conversion in four to seven years.19
While grass can lower a Mesa home's summer cooling requirements up to 4%, that reduction
can leap up to 24% by adding shrubs that grow taller than grass and can shade the building
beside it.20
While the crisis at hand is compelling, this referral is also directed toward a lasting change in
County policies on water conservation for the benefit of the County’s residents, businesses,
and environment for years to come.
16 http://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Departments/OSE/Categories/Landscape/garden-garden-2013.pdf
17 https://www.dropbox.com/s/zzwgortcj3qnttv/Turf%20Removal%20%26%20Replacement%20-
%20Lessons%20Learned.pdf?dl=0, p. 5.
18 http://www.snwa.com/rebates/wsl_faq.html#costs
19 http://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/conservation/residential-grass-to-xeriscape-rebate/top-10-reasons-to-convert-to-xeriscape
20 http://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/conservation/residential-grass-to-xeriscape-rebate/faqs