The Port of San Diego aims to conserve water as part of its environmental stewardship mission. It currently gets water from three agencies and complies with mandatory conservation levels. Past voluntary efforts included smart irrigation, water-wise landscaping, and low-flow fixtures. The Port uses over 200 million gallons annually and sees opportunities in further irrigation and building improvements, ship use reduction, and exploring graywater and reclaimed water options. Next steps involve staying informed on mandates, determining additional efforts, collaborating with tenants, and pursuing grants.

1. Water Conservation
at the Port of San Diego
Michelle White
Green Port Program Manager

2. Background of the Port

3. The Port’s Mission
• To balance regional Economic Benefits,
Recreational Opportunities, Environmental
Stewardship and Public Safety while
protecting Tidelands Trust resources on
behalf of the citizens of California.

4. Green Port Program

5. Water
• Improve water quality in San Diego
Bay. Reduce the Port’s water usage
to preserve San Diego’s water
supply.

6. Water Conservation
Background
• Three water agencies serve Tidelands:
– Sweetwater Authority – 17%
– California American Water Co. – 11%
– City of San Diego – 72%
• The Port currently is in compliance
with all Level 2 mandates from the
City of San Diego

7. Current Voluntary
Conservation Efforts
• Installed Smart
Irrigation
Systems in
5 major parks
• Replacing high-
water use shrubs
with water-wise
plants or bark
mulch where
feasible

8. Current Voluntary
Conservation Efforts
• Retrofitting
buildings with
ultra low-flow
toilets
• Retrofitting all
park restrooms
with low-flow
flush kits

9. What is the new
“business-as-usual”?
• Requires a balance of:
– Environmental stewardship
– Parks
– Tourism
– Recreational opportunities
– Community service

10. Water Use Baseline
FY 07/08
FY 07/08 Total
Total Water Use: 213,060,694 Gallons (284,841 HCF)
*1 HCF = 748 Gallons
11%
Buildings
Ship Use
25%
Comfort Stations
Multi Use Meters
50%
Irrigation
4%
10%

11. Potential Options for
Reducing Water Use
• Irrigation
– Reduce water use
– Water-wise landscaping
• Buildings and Comfort Stations
– Additional retrofits
– Education
• Ship Use
– Reduce water use
– Education
• Multi Use Meters
– Limited use or fee for use

12. Other options?
• Gray Water Recycling Systems
– California Plumbing Code currently restricts
commercial buildings from installing gray
water recycling systems.
– The Port is weighing in on proposed
legislative changes to change this Code.
• Reclaimed Water
– Infrastructure is not available on Port
tidelands.

13. Next Steps
• Stay informed of mandates from
water agencies serving tidelands
• Determine best options for further
conservation efforts
• Explore opportunities for working
with our tenants
• Explore grant opportunities

14. Questions?
Michelle White
Environmental Services Dept.
(619) 686-6254
mwhite@portofsandiego.org