School-Based Water Conservation Pilot Projects Presented to Azusa Unified School District September 10, 2013

San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Formed by voters in Alhambra, Azusa, Monterey Park and Sierra Madre in 1960s. Provide supplemental water to member cities at reduced cost; property tax funded. One of 29 State Water Contractors – we import water from northern California to southern California (i.e. San Gabriel Valley). Water conservation is key part of SGVMWD mission. Schools and larger water users are our partners in water conservation pilot projects.

SGVMWD and AUSD History Home Water Survey and Water Quest education programs First year of service to AUSD elementary schools H2Owl Mascot Program Partner with high school service programs; several thousand dollars of grants provided to Azusa High Schools for services.

Expanded Water Conservation Pilot Program To provide expertise and funding to assist schools and West San Gabriel Valley YMCA to save water, save money, educate residents and beautify campuses. To promote water efficient technology, irrigation equipment and vegetation, and integrate projects with school curriculum. To involve students, faculty, administrators, community and parents in “learn by doing” water conservation pilot project. To add new “water supply solutions” content to future projects. To encourage School Districts in our service area to adopt water conservation policies, to replicate water conservation projects at other schools and to integrate “local” water resource education into generic science curriculum.

Summary - Water Conservation Pilot Projects Schools, businesses and municipal facilities. Sierra Madre Elementary School is “test” project. Board approved $200K funding for FY for Alhambra, Azusa and Monterey Park schools to replicate Sierra Madre School. $50,000 for one Azusa Unified school NOW. Second grant of $50,000 likely in FY 2014/2015.

Photos of Sierra Madre School

Pilot Project Signage/Education

Project Components/Expenditures Landscape and irrigation design. Water-wise equipment and technology including timers, irrigation/sprinkler heads, new pipes/valves, etc. California Native Plants and water-efficient vegetation. Stormwater collection devices such as cisterns. Boulders/benches to facilitate “outdoor classrooms.” On-site educational signage during construction. Commemorative plaque and educational plant identification markers. Theodore Payne Foundation input and curriculum tie-ins.

Project Planning Process Site Identification Work with school boards, schools and community leaders to identify potential “hosts” of water conservation pilot projects. Site Selection Criteria Proximity to residential neighborhoods, walk-by and drive-by traffic Need to replace outdated irrigation equipment Proximity to walk-up/drive-up traffic Principal commitment Parent involvement. Project Planning and Implementation SGVMWD & landscape designer will develop project plans/budget for review. School District would contract with landscaping contractor/team for irrigation and vegetation installation.