City of Renton, WAWater Use Efficiency

Margaret Ales

PNWS – AWWA CONFERENCE

MAY 1, 2008

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Opportunities, Challenges and

StrategiesFor Water Use

Efficiency

2R. 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

3R. 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

4R. 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

5R. 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

6R. 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

City of Renton Water Service Area

8R. 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

9R. W. Beck, Inc.

City of RentonAverage Production (2004 - 2006)

0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Av

era

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Pro

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on

(g

pd

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10R. W. Beck, Inc.

City of Renton – Water Use

17,000 connections

Water Use Indoor residential water use largest total

user

11R. W. Beck, Inc.

12R. 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

13R. 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

14R. W. Beck, Inc.

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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

16R. 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

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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

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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

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MeasuresMANDATORY IMPLEMENTATION

Meter of all production

Meter of all consumption

Calibrate meters

Develop Water Loss Control Action Plan

Provide Water Use Efficient Education

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MeasuresREQUIRED IMPLEMENTATION OR EVALUATE

Rate structure that supports efficient water use

Opportunities for reclaimed water

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Measures UTILIITY CHOICE IMPLEMENT OR EVALUATE

Washing Machine Rebate

Class Room Presentations

Speakers Bureau

Public Presentations at fairs and festivals

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Measures UTILIITY CHOICE IMPLEMENT OR EVALUATE

Water bill consumption history

Advertising

Household leak detection kits

Natural yard care workshops

City Demonstration Garden

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Projected Water Savings per Year

Existing Measures Education and

meter based savings 0.5 % to 1.0%

New Measures Leakage Reduction 2.3 % to 3.5 %

Rate Structure 1.4 %

Washing Machine Rebate 0.2%

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Water Use Efficiency Budget

Annual Budget Historically - $10,000

Now - $50,000

Radio read for small meters $200,000

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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

26R. 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