July 5, 2007

PASADENA MAYOR URGES RESIDENTS TO CONSERVE WATER

Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard is asking local residents to join him in important water conservation efforts.

“By pledging to reduce water use by 10 percent, Pasadenans can save an average of about 20 gallons daily,” said Bogaard. “This may seem like an enormous commitment but considering that simply fixing a leaky faucet can save 15 to 20 gallons per day, reducing water use may be easier than you think.”

This is the driest year since Pasadena began keeping records in 1878. Average rainfall in Pasadena is nearly 15 inches per year, but the 2006-2007 rainfall total was only a trace over three inches.

The drought extends throughout California and the western U.S. It has led to the lowest Sierra Nevada snow pack level in nearly 20 years and the Colorado River system is experiencing one of the lowest levels in centuries.

“These are two important water sources for Metropolitan Water District, which provides water to Pasadena that is added to our own local, natural resources,” said Shan Kwan, director of water resources for Pasadena Water and Power.

There is no call for water rationing during this current drought thanks to the wisdom of California water agencies during the last severe drought period between the late 1980s and early 1990s. During that period, special storage areas were constructed throughout the state to store water during wet years so there could be extra water during dry years.
Dry years historically come in pairs, so water use must be reduced this year to ensure a sufficient water supply in storage for next year, assuming it will be just as dry.

“There is a simple list of water conservation suggestions that should be easy for every household to follow,” Bogaard added. “I ask everyone to make a personal pledge to cut back as much as possible. It’s something we can all do together.”

INDOORS

• If you have an older showerhead or luxury showerhead, replace it with a low- flow showerhead that uses only 2.5 gallons per minute.

• Cut your shower time back by just two minutes to save five gallons.

• Turn off your faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving to save up to six gallons per minute.

• Fix faucet leaks to save 15 to 20 gallons per day.

• Fill your bathtub half full to save 18 gallons.

• While waiting for water to get hot in your sink or tub, place a bucket under the faucet and use that water on your lawn or garden.

• Don’t use your toilet as a waste basket.

• Replace older model toilets and clothes washers with new, high efficiency models.

• Only run full loads in both your washer and dishwasher.

• If you are washing dishes by hand, fill one sink with wash water and one with rinse water.


OUTDOORS

• Do not leave the hose running while washing your car. Instead, use a nozzle with an automatic shut off to save 10 gallons per minute.

• If you have a swimming pool, use a pool cover to minimize evaporation and save up to 30 gallons per day.

• Set your lawn mower blades at a higher setting. Longer grass means less evaporation, which means watering less frequently.

• If you have an automatic sprinkler system, visit www.bewaterwise.com for a watering calculator that can be tailored to your landscaping. Most of us overwater by 50 percent.

• Water your yard in the early morning – never during the middle of the day.

• Check your sprinklers for leaks and adjust them to avoid over-spray and runoff.

• Consider replacing grass with drought-tolerant California Friendly plants and groundcover.

• Place a layer of mulch around trees and plants, this holds in moisture so that you don’t have to water as often – use can save as much as 750 gallons per month.

• Use a broom on driveways, sidewalks and patios instead of washing them down with a hose. This can save as much as 150 gallons per use.

For more information, additional water conservation tips and information about PWP rebates for energy- and water-efficient appliances, call (626) 744-6970 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/waterandpower.

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