School-Based Water Conservation Pilot Projects

Presented toAzusa Unified School District

September 10, 2013

San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water DistrictFormed 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 HistoryHome Water Survey

and Water Quest education programsFirst year of service to

AUSD elementary schools

H2Owl Mascot ProgramPartner with high school

service programs; several thousand dollars of grants provided to Azusa High Schools for services.

Expanded Water Conservation Pilot ProgramTo 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 ProjectsSchools, businesses and

municipal facilities.Sierra Madre Elementary

School is “test” project.Board approved $200K

funding for FY 2013-14 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.

Pilot Project Signage/Education

Project Components/ExpendituresLandscape 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 ProcessSite 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.