Water Conservation Pays OffBy Chris Jackson Even in rainy Olympia, it's important to conserve water outdoors. Although we receive almost 51 inches of rain each year, only about two of those inches fall in July and August. In these months, daily water use can double, mostly due to lawn and garden watering. Since the City has to build its water system to meet single-day high demands for water, known as the "peak day," helping our customers keep their water use down makes good sense. Additionally, because the City has a "use-less, pay-less" rate structure, saving water also saves money. Our customers' efforts to reduce water are paying off. Since 1996, the total number of connections served by the City increased by 21 percent while total annual consumption decreased by almost 9 percent. The trend is even more pronounced for single-family homes. During the same time, the number of single-family homes served by the City increased 22 percent while the total annual consumption decreased by almost 15 percent. Olympia's peak summer usage is dropping even while the number of customers we serve is increasing. For example, our peak day for water use in 1998 was July 29, when the temperature reached 98 degrees Fahrenheit, and Olympia used 19.2 million gallons of water. In 2006 our peak day for water use was July 24, when the temperature was 95 degrees Fahrenheit and Olympia used only 16 million gallons. Even though water use continues to decrease, conservation is still important. Olympia is growing, our water supply is limited, and potential new sources of water are few. Water conservation will ensure that a high-quality water supply will be available for Olympia residents in the near and distant future. Olympia offers the following programs to help our customers save water: Use a Free Rain Gauge to Save Water and Have a Green Lawn In Olympia, lawns need only one inch of water each week, including rainfall, to stay green and healthy. To request a free rain gauge to measure how much water your lawn is getting, call (360) 753-4444, ext 8390. Check Your Hose for Leaks Even small drips can waste a lot of water. Check your hose washers, make sure all connections are tight, and turn the faucet off when you aren't using your hose. For a free hose repair kit, call (360) 753-4444, ext 8390. Check for Hidden Leaks Hidden leaks in the piping of your in-ground irrigation system can waste a great deal of water. Call (360) 753-8271 for a detailed fact sheet that will help you find hidden leaks in your irrigation system. Rain Barrel Rebates Capture rainfall for drier days with a rain barrel. Rain barrels collect and store rainwater from your roof to use for things like watering your garden and outdoor cleanup chores. City water customers can receive a rebate of up to $20 each for the purchase of up to three rain barrels. Call (360) 753-8271 for more information. Rain Sensors These devices turn off automatic irrigation systems when it is raining. They are relatively easy to install, and fit all irrigation controllers. City of Olympia water customers with irrigation systems can call (360) 754-4444, ext. 8390 to request a free rain sensor. Concrete Doesn't Grow Sprinklers work best when they are positioned to water the lawn instead of the driveway, sidewalk, or pedestrians. Get a Free Irrigation System Checkup Residences, apartment complexes, and businesses that use higher-than-average amounts of water in the summer can take advantage of this free service. The City's professional irrigation auditor will visit your home or business and inspect your irrigation system and practices. We'll provide you with recommendations about using water more efficiently and maintaining a beautiful landscape. This service has ended for 2007, but if you are interested in receiving an irrigation system checkup in 2008, please call (360) 753-8343 to see if you are eligible. Chris Jackson is a Water Conservation Program Assistant with the City of Olympia's Public Works Department. For more information about water conservation, please visit http://www.olympiawa.gov/ , or contact Chris at (360) 753-8271 or mailto:cjackson@ci.olympia.wa.us
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