1. City of Sioux Falls
Water Conservation Plan and its Effect on Current Water Usage
November 2017
Tim Stefanich – Environmental Engineer
Darin Freese – Water Program Coordinator
Sioux Falls Water Division

2. What is Water Conservation?
According to the American Water Works Association (AWWA):
“Any beneficial reduction in water use or in water losses”
Water conservation programs emphasize lasting day-to-day improvements in water use efficiency

3. Why Conserve Water? Lower water usage Lower water production costs
Lower electrical costs
Deferred capital costs.
Improve supply reliability
Cut wastewater flows / treatment costs
Customers may have lower utility bills (w / ww)

4. Why Not Conserve Water Lower utility revenues (w / ww)
Additional staff time required to monitor program
Reduced scouring flow in sanitary sewers
Higher strength wastewater

5. Conservation programs can be designed to reduce average demand and / or peak demand The cheapest water you will find is the water you already have in your system

6. Looking Back? Why Sioux Falls?
Population growth and water usage was going to outpace the capacity of the local water supply during dry and drought conditions.
Uncertainty of the Lewis & Clark water system, will it be there when it is needed.

10. Water Conservation Measures
An action, behavioral change, device, technology, or improved design or process implemented to reduce water loss, waste, or use.

11. Water Conservation Measures
Utilizing high efficiency water fixtures and appliances
Water rates
Single tier
Increasing block
Lawn watering restrictions
Reduce nonrevenue water
Public education

12. Where Do We Use Our Water?

13. Establishment of Incentive Programs

14. Plumbing Retrofit Program
Low Flow Toilet rebate
Began program 2003
Rebate to replace toilets made before (5 - 8 gallons per flush) with 1.6 gallon or less per flush model
Single family: $75 1st toilet; $60 2nd toilet; $50 each additional
Multifamily / nonresidential: $50 per toilet

15. Plumbing Retrofit Program
Water Conserving Washing Machine Rebate
Began program 2003
Rebate to purchase machine with EPA energy star compliance rating and water factor below 10 (list)
Residential and nonresidential: $125 per machine
Suspended washing machine rebate
program in 2015

16. Plumbing Retrofit Program
Rain Sensor Rebate
Began program in 2005
Residential and nonresidential:
$50 1st sensor;
$35 additional sensors
Programmable Timer Rebate
Began program in 2008
$80 1st timer;
$65 additional timers

17. Lawn Watering Restrictions
1991 – (June 1st – Aug 31st)
Noon to 5:00 PM
1992 – 2006 Restrictions as needed
2007 – (June 1st – Aug 31st)
Odd / Even Lawn Watering
All Year
Further restrictions based on river flow
and water usage

18. Stages of Watering Restrictions

19. Establishment of “Excessive Use” Water Rates

20. Freebies

21. Public Education Bill Stuffers Lawn and Garden Show booth
Radio commercials
Press releases
Website
Watering complaint hotline

22. Results

25. Additional Resources American Water Works Association
Water Research Foundation
Rural Water Association
WaterSense – EPA
EPA Drinking Water Handbook for Public Officials

28. Questions?