1. City of Renton, WA Water Use Efficiency Margaret Ales PNWS – AWWA CONFERENCE MAY 1, 2008 Copyright © 2008 by R. W. Beck, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies For Water Use Efficiency

2. 2 R. W. Beck, Inc. Introductions  R. W. Beck, Inc.  Partnership for Water Conservation  Evolved from Water Conservation Coalition – primarily utility based organization  Consists of 3 caucuses of 150 organizations  76% Utility  12% Business  12% Environmental

3. 3 R. W. Beck, Inc. Today’s OUTLINE  Background  Municipal Water Law  City of Renton  Opportunities  Challenges  Strategies – Water Use Efficiency Plan  Objectives, Goals, Measures, Water Savings, Annual Budgets

4. 4 R. W. Beck, Inc. Municipal Water Law  In effect January 2007  Promote stewardship for water resources  Provide greater reliability for safe drinking water  Improve water use efficiency  Help plan for future growth

5. 5 R. W. Beck, Inc. Municipal Water Law - Requirements  1) Reduce Leakage to 10% by 2010  2) Meter production and consumption  3) Set objectives and goals for water use efficiency, invite public  4) Develop to measures to meet goals  5) Report progress annually to public and Department of Health

6. 6 R. W. Beck, Inc. City of Renton – Background  Located south of Seattle and Bellevue near I-5 corridor  Older residential neighborhoods  Industry  Boeing Manufacturing Plant  King County Wastewater Treatment Plant  IKEA Store

7. City of Renton Water Service Area

8. 8 R. W. Beck, Inc. City of Renton – Water Production  Groundwater – clean and minimal treatment  7 local wells from 3 aquifer systems  For 2004 to 2006:  Average Month~ 6 mgd  Peak Month~12 mgd

9. 9 R. W. Beck, Inc.

10. 10 R. W. Beck, Inc. City of Renton – Water Use  17,000 connections  Water Use  Indoor residential water use largest total user

11. 11 R. W. Beck, Inc.

12. 12 R. W. Beck, Inc. City of Renton – Water Use  17,000 connections  Water Use  Indoor residential water use largest total user  Peak use is double the average – due to summer time watering

13. 13 R. W. Beck, Inc. City of Renton – Water Use  17,000 connections  Water Use  Indoor residential water use largest total user  Peak use is double the average – due to summer time watering  Consumption per connection is decreasing

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15. 15 R. W. Beck, Inc. Opportunities  Long history of conservation  Long history of community outreach  Municipal code  Nexus with Solid Waste Utility – 5 steps to healthy lawn  Membership to regional conservation groups  Recent droughts

16. 16 R. W. Beck, Inc. Challenges  Peak water use is close to permit allowable  Some City departments not conserving  Neighboring utilities enjoy benefits of large conservation budgets  Meter reading is not consistent  Leakage has increased since 2000  Not accounting for all authorized consumption

17. 17 R. W. Beck, Inc. Water Use Efficiency Objectives  ID and reduce leakage  Ensure sufficient supply for area growth  Reduce peak day and peak season demands  Continued historical conservation trend

18. 18 R. W. Beck, Inc. Water Use Efficiency Goals  Reduce system leakage to 10% by 2010  Limit peak day demand at 16.5 mgd or less through 2015  Continue reduction of annual average water use per connection by 0.5% per year

19. 19 R. W. Beck, Inc. Measures MANDATORY IMPLEMENTATION  Meter of all production  Meter of all consumption  Calibrate meters  Develop Water Loss Control Action Plan  Provide Water Use Efficient Education

20. 20 R. W. Beck, Inc. Measures REQUIRED IMPLEMENTATION OR EVALUATE  Rate structure that supports efficient water use  Opportunities for reclaimed water

21. 21 R. W. Beck, Inc. Measures UTILIITY CHOICE IMPLEMENT OR EVALUATE  Washing Machine Rebate  Class Room Presentations  Speakers Bureau  Public Presentations at fairs and festivals

22. 22 R. W. Beck, Inc. Measures UTILIITY CHOICE IMPLEMENT OR EVALUATE  Water bill consumption history  Advertising  Household leak detection kits  Natural yard care workshops  City Demonstration Garden

23. 23 R. W. Beck, Inc. Projected Water Savings per Year  Existing Measures  Education and meter based savings 0.5 % to 1.0%  New Measures  Leakage Reduction2.3 % to 3.5 %  Rate Structure 1.4 %  Washing Machine Rebate 0.2%

24. 24 R. W. Beck, Inc. Water Use Efficiency Budget  Annual Budget  Historically - $10,000  Now - $50,000  Radio read for small meters  $200,000

25. 25 R. W. Beck, Inc. Water Loss Control Action Plan  Account for all authorized uses  Metering fire fighting activities  Water Audit for City irrigation meters  Audit for utility billing system

26. 26 R. W. Beck, Inc. Next steps  Coordinated meter reading  Automatic meter reading  Agreement and coordination with City irrigators  More hardware incentives  Continue strong education program  Reclaimed water opportunities