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Large Landscape Conservation Program
The California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) developed a Best Management
Practice (BMP-5) for large landscape irrigation water users. The goal is
to help customers reduce water waste and improve the health of their landscapes. The
City Council launched the Redwood City program in early 2002.
It focuses on increasing customer understanding of irrigation system maintenance
and scheduling. It is free to all customers within the city with dedicated
landscape irrigation meters. As a result of the program, the water
that was saved in 2003 represents nearly 2.7 million gallons, or 61 acre-feet
per year. When compared to 2002, this corresponds to a 13% improvement at 74
HOA sites.
The program will continue as long as there is a need for these valuable services.
The primary elements of the BMP-5
Large Landscape Irrigation Efficiency Program are:
- Landscape Water Use Report
Each irrigation customer receives a report each billing cycle that details
their historical water use and estimates potential water and money savings,
based on a 12-month water budget unique to that site. By consolidating
water use data and evaluating use across the entire site this report assists
customers in making informed scheduling decisions about their irrigation
systems.
- Irrigation System Surveys
On request, our irrigation consultant visits sites to evaluate the condition
of the irrigation system, assess its operation and repairs, and recommend
changes. The customer receives a report detailing the findings. Typical
recommendations might include improved maintenance procedures, cost effective
changes in irrigation equipment and better irrigation scheduling.
Program Enhancements for 2004
To further help customers who operate and maintain irrigation systems, the city
is planning to offer two seminars in the spring of 2004:
Irrigation System Management Seminar (for HOA board members and property
managers)
This presentation will provide information that will help attendees make
cost effective decisions concerning their irrigation systems. We will
cover basic irrigation systems (maintenance, repair and operation), as well
as current equipment technologies. Improving communications with landscape
contractors is a major goal of this session. Coming March/April 2004
to a location in the Shores.
Landscape Contractors Seminar
As a complement to the seminar described above, this meeting will help
landscape contractors better understand the city’s recommendations regarding
irrigation maintenance and scheduling.
We encourage your participation in the program. For more information
contact the city’s consultant at BMP5Services@aol.com or
at (800) 800-9519. Ask for John Whitcomb.
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