Water Conservation. Residential Water Use: An Indoor Guide. City of Bellingham. Collecting Rainwater: A Guide to Rain Barrels

Transcription

1 Water Conservation Residential Water Use: An Indoor Guide Guide Home Water Audit Worksheet How to Fix a Leaky Faucet & Toilet Flyer Collecting Rainwater: A Guide to Rain Barrels Guide Voluntary Metering Program Brochure & Flyer Water Meter Installation Frequently Asked Questions City of Bellingham City of Bellingham City of Bellingham City of Bellingham City of Bellingham Voluntary Watering Schedule Flyer & Poster Practice Smart Watering Brochure Water Conservation Tips Bookmarks Whatcom Water Alliance Washington Department of Ecology City of Bellingham Back to Table of Contents

2 RESIDENTIAL AN INDOOR GUIDE Bellingham s water comes from high up on Mt. Baker s Deming Glacier. After travelling down the middle fork of the Nooksack River, it eventually flows into Lake Whatcom where it enters Bellingham s water supply via the Water Treatment Plant. 101 One Person One Day Almost 70% of a person s water use is for indoor purposes such as flushing the toilet, doing laundry and Despite our reputation for living in the rainy Northwest, we can experience drought conditions, especially in years with a mild winter or low snowpack. Conserving water, even in our community, is important during these times, and as demand grows and the cost to supply water to customers increases. taking a shower. The remaining 30% is for outdoor uses

3 COMPARING WATER USE IN THE AVERAGE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME Simply replacing water-guzzling fixtures with water-efficient ones can reduce home water consumption by up to 27 gallons per person per day. Saving water saves energy too about 70% of residential indoor water use also utilizes energy (ie. washing machine, dishwasher and hot water heater). Largest In-Home Users of Water Non-conserving Home Largest water consumers prior to installation of water-efficient fixtures: Conserving Home Largest water consumers after installation of water-efficient fixtures: 1 Toilets 2 Laundry 3 Showers 4 Faucets 1 Faucets 2 Laundry 3 Showers 4 Toilets Other Domestic 2% Laundry 21% Leaks 14% Dishwasher 1% Toilets 27% Baths 2% Faucets 16% Showers 17% 3 Other Domestic 3% 2 Laundry 22% Leaks 9% Dishwasher 1% Toilets 18% 4 Baths 3% Faucets 24% Showers 20% 3 1 It is possible to reduce residential water use by as much as 35%! FREE Water Conservation Kit The #1 water-saving device is YOU! Kit includes: Toilet Leak Detection Tablets Water saved: At least 30 gals/day Faucet Aerators (2) 1-2 gals/day Low-flow Showerhead 3 gals/shower For your FREE Kit, visit City Hall (Finance Dept), Public Works Operations or call

4 SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE No Cost 1. Flush only when necessary. 2. Wash full loads only both washing machines & dishwashers. 3. Take shorter showers 5 minutes or less. 4. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. 5. Install the FREE City of Bellingham Water Conservation Kit items. 6. Regularly check for leaks. Low Cost 1. Fix leaks. 2. Install water-efficient appliances like a low-flow toilet or front load washer. Advances in technology have made water-saving appliances more affordable and more widely available. 3. Insulate hot water pipes to keep hot water hot. 4. Consider installing a tankless hot water heater. Checking for Leaks Nip that drip! Leaks commonly found in homes include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other leaking valves; most are easily repairable with inexpensive parts from your local hardware store. Fixing the biggest water wasters can save more than 10% on your water bill. Look, listen and test for leaks Toilet leaks often go unnoticed, potentially wasting up to 200 gallons per day! To identify a toilet leak, place a leak detection tablet or food coloring in the toilet tank and wait ten minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak and likely need to replace the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. Leaks can also be detected by checking for changes in your meter after a period of no water use in your home. If your meter reading changes after at least 30 minutes of no water use, then you have a leak. Check around your home looking underneath fixtures, in a basement or crawl space, or around the exterior of the house for signs of a leak. For further assistance, contact a plumber or Public Works. Check out these online resources for tips, information and listings of product-tested appliances

5 FREE! Water Meter Installation Unmetered, single-family residential water customers can switch to a metered rate for free! Metered water service more accurately reflects water consumption, and can reward customers who conserve water, with a lower bill. Use less pay less! Metered customers receive a bi-monthly bill (every 2 months) that includes a visual graph of consumption history. For new metered customers transitioning from unmetered service, fees are pro-rated for usage prior to installation. City water crews will also notify customers if a significant leak is detected once the meter installation is complete. Voluntary Metering Program Applications are available at: 2 Sample metered utility bill Online: conservation/index.aspx For pick-up: City Hall, 210 Lottie St (Finance Department or Permit Center) Public Works Operations, 2221 Pacific St For questions about rates, billing or Low- Income Senior and Disabled Citizen discounts, call the Finance Department: (360) or visit 1 Calculate your household s daily water consumption. 1 2 ( Volume of CCF on bill x 748 gallons) number of days in billing cycle = gallons per day/household Updated: 09/09. Printed on recycled paper. For more info about water conservation

6 WORKSHEET Conduct a water audit today! Calculate your water use, identify ways to conserve water and start saving money. TOILET(S) No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 Manufacture Date (Look inside toilet tank. Toilets manufactured and installed after 1994 typically use 1.6 gpf) Year Installed Gallons per flush (gpf) * Flushes per day (average is 5) Leak Detected? Yes No Yes No Yes No No. 1 gpf x flushes per day = TOILET No. 2 gpf x flushes per day = WATER USE No. 3 gpf x flushes per day = + = *If the gpf number is not imprinted on your toilet, calculate by measuring the volume of the toilet tank using the steps below. STEP 1. Measure toilet tank. Length Width STEP 2. Measure water depth in toilet tank at highest point. Flush toilet. inches Measure water depth in toilet tank at lowest point. inches Subtract high from low to get Depth. = inches STEP 3. Calculate the amount of water used per flush. Multiply Length x Width x Depth = cubic inches STEP 4. Multiply STEP 3 answer by X = gallons per flush SHOWER(S) No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 Gallons per minute (gpm)* Length (in minutes) per shower Showers per day No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 Leak Detected? Yes No Yes No Yes No gpm x length (mins) x showers per day = gpm x length (mins) x showers per day = gpm x length (mins) x showers per day = + = SHOWER WATER USE *In most cases, manufacturers imprint flow rate on fixtures (look around the edge) in gallons per minute (gpm). To accurately calculate flow rate, place a container under the showerhead, turn on and collect water for 10 seconds. Use a measuring cup to determine the amount of water collected. STEP 1. # cups 16 = gallons STEP 2. gallons X 6 = gallons per minute (gpm) Updated: 09/09. Printed on recycled paper.

7 LAUNDRY (Washing Machine) Existing in home? Yes No Leak Detected? Yes No Loads per week Gallons per load (gpl)* LAUNDRY WATER USE gpl x number of loads per week 7 = *The average washing machine uses 41 gallons per load. If you are unsure or have a water-efficient machine, inspect and/or research the make and model to determine water use per load. FAUCETS No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 Gallons per minute (gpm)* Length (in minutes) per use Uses per day (washing, cooking, etc.) No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 Leak Detected? Yes No Yes No Yes No gpm x length (mins) x uses per day = FAUCET gpm x length (mins) x uses per day = WATER USE gpm x length (mins) x uses per day = + = *Visually inspect household faucets to determine flow rates for each (measured in gallons per minute). To accurately calculate flow rate, place a container under the faucet, turn on and collect water for 10 seconds. Use a measuring cup to determine the amount of water collected. See shower listing on other side for formula. DISHWASHER Existing in home? Yes No Leak Detected? Yes No Loads per week Gallons per load (gpl)* DISHWASHER WATER USE gpl x number of loads per week 7 = *The average dishwasher uses 10 gallons per load. If you are unsure or have a water-efficient machine, inspect and/or research the make and model to determine water use per load. CALCULATING TOTAL DAILY INDOOR HOUSEHOLD WATER USE Add up the water use totals for each fixture included in this audit. If you discovered any leaks that have not yet been repaired, add an additional 10% to your household total water use. For example, if a home consumed 70 gallons per day (gpd) and had leaky fixtures, its actual total is 70 gpd + (70 x 0.1) = 77. TOILET SHOWER LAUNDRY FAUCET DISHWASHER = TOTAL WATER USE

8 HOW TO FIX A LEAKY FAUCET As much as 13 gallons of water can be wasted in one day by one leaky faucet. Most leaks are easy to repair without calling a plumber. Repairing faucet leaks is a little more tricky than toilets, but can be done by the do-it-yourselfer. It is recommended that you check faucets in your household periodically. If any of your faucets drip once you have tightly turned off the water, then you may have to do the following to fix the problem. Before beginning to fix your faucet: Check whether the faucet is dripping hot or cold water (you may only have to fix one instead of both) Wrap some layers of tape around the shiny parts of the faucet so the wrench does not scratch it Shut off water supply valves beneath sink or, if not there, shut off main valve for the house. Turn both faucets on to let water drain out Determine what kind of faucet you have (these are the two most common types): Repairing Compression Faucets COMPRESSION Most faucet leaks are caused from worn washers. Compression faucets are more common in older homes and have the hot and cold controlled with separate handles. They have a washer or seal that cuts off the water flow by closing against a valve when the faucet is turned off. As water flows through the washers and seals and are under pressure, they tend to wear out and drip from the spout. This can result in very persistent dripping, and can stain sink bowls, corrode fixtures, and waste a lot of water! To fix this problem, all you may have to do is replace the worn washers: on the bottom of the stem is a screw holding a rubber washer in place. Unscrew it, put in a new washer of the same size and replace screw (if necessary). Using a little petroleum jelly may also make screwing the stem back in place a little easier. Repairing Washerless Faucets WASHERLESS Washerless faucets have O-rings instead of washers that provide a seal, and a cartridge, ball, or disc mechanism that controls the water flow. Disc faucets have a movable upper disc and a fixed lower disc; raising the upper disc makes the water flow, and lowering the disc shuts it off. Cartridge faucets have a metal or plastic insert that seals the spout. Ball faucets are operated by a lever that aligns a slotted ball with inlets in the faucet. Most washerless faucets mix cold and hot water and have a single handle, though disc faucets may have two separate controls. Since all of these are washerless, they are not as prone to dripping as much as the compression faucets. Disc faucets leak when the inlet and outlet seals wear or when sediment builds up in the faucet inlets. Cartridge faucets leak when the O-ring cushioning the cartridge stem wears or breaks. A dripping cartridge faucet might need its cartridge replaced. Be sure the replacement cartridge matches the original. Ball faucets drip when the inlet seals wear and leak when the O-rings wear or break. To fix, pinch the O-ring on the stem to get a fingerhold, then pull it off. For more complete step-by-step instructions on how to repair a leaky faucet, check out

9 Toilets are notorious for hidden leaks. Over 50 gallons of water can be wasted each day due to an undetected toilet leak. Fixing toilet leaks can potentially save each household hundreds of gallons of water per month. Below are a few suggestions on how to identify and repair leaky toilets, and a picture to help identify parts of a toilet. Repairing Silent Leaks: To check for silent leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait for 10 minutes don t flush! If there is coloring in the bowl, you have a silent leak. This type of leak is usually caused by a worn plunger ball or flapper valve in the bottom of the toilet tank. Replacing the plunger ball or fixing the alignment will most likely solve the problem. If you are not sure how to repair this type of leak, you should call a plumber to avoid any further problems or before the leak gets worse. Repairing Running Toilets: If you hear water trickling after you ve flushed, then your toilet is leaking. The most common place to look is in the tank bowl; it may be something as simple as the chain being tangled. If that s not it, look at the drain (flush valve seat) underneath the tank ball (stopper). If there is any debris there, clean it out. If that doesn t fix the problem, you may have to replace the tank ball. Another cause could be the float ball; if you pick up the float ball and the water shuts off- you know the problem is right here. Bend the tube connected to the float ball down until the natural level of the water does shut the valve off - about an inch and a half below the overflow tube. Sometimes the float ball fills up with water and loses its buoyancy. In that case, buy a replacement and simply screw it on, which will restore the toilet to good working order. Also, a toilet leaks due to worn parts (eg valve), which can be replaced by yourself or by calling a plumber. HOW TO FIX A LEAKY TOILET For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (360) , or at waterconservation@cob.org Graphics courtesy City of Renton For more help on fixing your leaking toilet, visit Toiletology 101 provided by the American Water Works Association

10 C O L L E C T I N G A GUIDE TO RAIN BARRELS ollecting rainwater conserves water and helps reduce stormwater runoff. Cypress Designs - 95 gal or centuries, rainwater has been collected as a way for people and communities to meet their water needs. Today, this simple technology is still in use most often for controlling stormwater runoff and conserving water. What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores rainwater usually from rooftops and downspouts. Rain barrels typically range in size from 55 to 95 gallons and can be used alone or grouped together in connected sets. Ready-made rain barrels can be purchased locally, ordered online or you can build your own. Homemade rain barrels are most often made from empty 55-gallon, food-grade drums. Why use a rain barrel? Collecting rainwater is an easy way to conserve water and save money on your water bill. During the drier season, when water consumption in Bellingham often doubles, using collected rainwater also reduces the strain on the city s water supply and keeps more water available for fish and wildlife. Rainwater is also naturally soft and free of minerals and chemicals, making it ideal for plants and lawns. Did you know? Larger rainwater catchment systems are called cisterns or tanks. They can range in size from 250 to 15,000 gallons! Using a rain barrel to collect rainwater also helps reduce stormwater runoff that might otherwise run down storm drains and into our streams, rivers, lakes and bays. Stormwater runoff can cause flooding and erosion, and carry pollutants into our waterways. Yvonne Dean - 55 gal

11 R A I N B A R R E L Only use food-grade barrels. Avoid collecting rainwater from roofs that have been treated with chemicals (ie. moss killers, zinc strips, etc.). Joyce Jimerson Unpainted Christine Morris Never use your rain barrel water for drinking or washing. If you choose to use collected rainwater for growing edible fruits, vegetable or herbs, always rinse with tap water before consuming. Mosquito control is important due to West Nile Virus. You can also help prevent mosquitoes from breeding by placing a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your barrel. More information on mosquito control can be found at Be sure to place your rain barrel(s) on a strong, sturdy, and flat base. Painted Todd Edison & Carrie Blackwood id you know a full 55-gallon rain barrel can weigh Cypress Designs - Anitra Accetturo Cypress Designs - 95 gal 450 lbs.! Duane Jager - 55 gal x2

12 B U I L D Y O U R O W N IN 6 EASY STEPS! INSTRUCTIONS Turn over for materials and tools list. Step #1 Drill a 7/8 inch hole several inches up from the bottom of a food-grade barrel. Make sure the size of the hole will accommodate the size of your water faucet. Step #2 Squeeze adhesive (marine glue or water-resistant silicone caulking) around the hole rim. Step #3 Place a flat, galvanized washer over the threaded end of a brass water faucet. Screw the faucet into the hole. Step #4 Decide which side of the barrel will have the overflow valve, then rotate the barrel a quarter-turn. Drill a hole near the top of the barrel, matching the size of the hole with the size of the overflow valve. Step #5 Squeeze adhesive around the hole rim. Screw the overflow valve into the hole, inserting the side of the valve with the narrower threading (the side with wider threading is for connecting a hose). Step #6 If the barrel does not have a hole on top, cut one. Use a plastic grate or pond/pool skimmer basket to cover the hole. This helps keep leaves and other debris out of the barrel. To keep insects out, consider covering the grate or basket with fine mesh screen or nylon stocking. Joyce Jimerson - 55 gal See the Rain Barrel Installation sheet for instructions.

13 MATERIALS Barrel (Food-Grade) Adhesive: Marine Glue or Silicone Caulking 1/2 inch Brass Water Faucet Teflon Tape (optional for use with faucet) 7/8 inch Flat, Galvanized Washer 3/4 inch PVC Adapter Overflow Valve Plastic Grate or Skimmer Basket Mesh Screen or Nylon Stocking (optional) TOOLS Note: These materials and tools may or may not work depending on several factors including barrel size, style and wall thickness. Drill Saw (hole or jig) Lisa Meucci - 55 gal BARREL SUPPLIERS 55-gallon, food-grade barrels are available locally. Prices vary, but expect to pay $10-20 unless you get it for FREE. Most common colors are blue, green, brown and white. White barrels should be painted to prevent potential algae growth inside the barrel. The safest barrels are ones made from #1 (PETE), #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE) or #5 (PP) plastics. Whatcom Farmers Co-op 3500 Meridian St. - Bellingham LaBounty Rd. - Ferndale Hardware Sales 2034 James St. - Bellingham Nick Hartrich Trans-Ocean Products 350 W. Orchard Dr. - Bellingham Z Recyclers 6129 Guide Meridian Rd. - Lynden The City of Bellingham does not recommend or endorse any of these local suppliers. Check online or with your local nursery, processor or recycler for additional options. Joyce Jimerson - 55 gal See also: Rain Barrel Installation, Collecting Rainwater A Guide to Rain Barrels Printed on 100% recycled paper. Updated 3/09

14 R A I N B A R R E L ne inch of rain falling in one day on 1,000 square feet of roof can produce over 600 gallons of water! Colleen Burrows - 55 gal Location Before installing rain barrels, take a moment to consider how the rain barrels will be used, how much water will be needed (especially during drier months), how many are being installed and how overflow will be handled. Also, make sure rain barrels are clean and free of debris before installing them. If the rain barrel(s) will be attached to a downspout, choose a convenient, easy-to-access location. Bases Rain barrels can be installed upright or tipped on their sides. Bases should be strong, sturdy and flat, and can be made from: Cinder Blocks Bricks Stones Wood Cement Barrel(s) should be placed high enough off the ground generally a foot or more to be able to fill a watering can, or attach a hose and get good pressure. Place the barrel(s) on the base with the intake hole closest to the downspout. Duane Jager - 55 gal x2 Downspout Disconnection There are a number of ways to connect the downspout to the rain barrel. Where you cut the downspout will depend on the type of connector material you choose. A flexible downspout extender makes an easy transition, eliminating the need for exact measurement because it bends and stretches. You can also use a downspout elbow, a section of straight downspout crimped on one end to fit into the hole, a rubber bib or coupling formed into a funnel shape or a chain that hangs from your gutter and drains directly into the rain barrel. Cut the downspout, then secure one connector DECORATING RAIN BARRELS Michael Costelloe Start with a clean, dry rain barrel. Scruff the surface with sandpaper so the paint has something to adhere too. Prime, let dry, then paint with exterior house paint. More than one finish coat may be needed depending on the original color of your barrel and the paint color. White barrels should be painted to reduce algae growth. Stickers and colored tape adhere well to rain barrels too. For commercial rain barrel installation, follow manufacturer instructions. SAFETY REMINDER: A full, 55-gallon rain barrel can weigh up to 450 pounds! Be sure to place your rain barrel(s) on a strong, sturdy and flat base. Todd Edison & Carrie Blackwood end to the downspout and position the other on top of, or in, the hole. Use screws (if needed) to attach the downspout connector to the downspout. Yvonne Dean

15 MATERIALS Downspout Disconnection Options: Flexible Downspout Extender Downspout Elbow Straight Downspout Section Rubber Bib or Coupling Overflow Options: Garden hose (wide thread end) or with hose clamp Double-threaded pipe Todd Edison & Carrie Blackwood Overflow As your rain barrel(s) fills, you will want to consider what to do with any overflow. Sections of garden hose, pipe or downspouts can all be used to handle overflow via the overflow valve. Overflow can be directed back down the old downspout. If allowed to flow naturally, it must flow onto a landscaped area or lawn large enough to filter the water generally an area about 15 square feet. Overflow must be directed at least 10 feet away from any foundation or impervious surface (like a driveway or sidewalk) and 5 feet away from a neighboring property or right of way. TOOLS Drill Saw Screwdriver John Wiley & Carolyn Milling Todd Edison & Carrie Blackwood Multiple Rain Barrels Multiple rain barrels can be installed in one location. Connect two or more rain barrels via an extra intake hole on top or through the overflow fitting near the top and side of the barrel(s). Starting with the main rain barrel (the one connected to the downspout), connect overflow hoses to each additional rain barrel. When you reach the last rain barrel, make sure overflow is directed away from your house or neighboring property (see Overflow info at left). Lisa Meucci - 55 gal Roger Stillman See also: Build Your Own Rain Barrel, Collecting Rainwater A Guide to Rain Barrels Christine Morris - 55 gal X3 Printed on 100% recycled paper. Updated 3/09

16 R A I N B A R R E L Rain barrels are low tech and low maintenance, but there are a few things you will want to do to keep your rain barrel(s) working properly: se rainwater to water your lawn, garden or indoor plants, fill an iron or wading pool or even wash your dog! Lisa Meucci Todd Edison & Carrie Blackwood Cypress Designs - Anitra Accetturo Check your rain barrel on a regular basis to make sure all openings are clean, free of debris and flowing freely. Cover the intake hole with a plastic grate or skimmer basket covered with a nylon stocking or fine mesh screen to prevent debris, mosquitoes or other bugs from getting inside your rain barrel. During severe rain storms, check your rain barrel to make sure the overflows are working properly. During months when temperatures are below freezing, you might want to disconnect the barrel from the downspout to avoid the formation of ice which can damage your rain barrel. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing as this can weaken your barrel. Joyce Jimerson Joyce Jimerson Consider draining your rain barrel for the winter. Store upside down so ice doesn t form inside and crack the barrel.

17 RESOURCES EVERY DROP COUNTS! rain rainwater rainwater harvesting collecting rainwater rainwater collection rain barrels cisterns rainwater catchment systems City of Bellingham Water Conservation WSU/Whatcom County Extension The RE Store Department of Ecology: Rainwater Collection in Washington State Harvest H2O Rainwater Catchment for Dry Lands EPA Water Sense H2Ouse American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association heck online or visit your library for more info. City of Bellingham Public Works Operations (360) See also: Build Your Own Rain Barrel, Rain Barrel Installation Printed on 100% recycled paper. Updated 3/09 WSU Whatcom County Extension (360) The RE Store Used Building Materials and More (360) Michael Costelloe

18 FREE! Water Meter Installation Public Works

19 FREE! Water Meter Installation Unmetered single-family residential water customers can switch to a metered rate for free! Metered water service more accurately reflects water consumption and rewards customers who conserve water with a lower bill. Use less pay less! The Bellingham City Council adopted the Voluntary Metering Program to promote water conservation and meet the State of Washington s deadline to have water meters installed on all single-family residences by Every Drop Counts! Why meters matter Meter Installation Procedure Meter boxes are installed in the right-of-way located adjacent to your property. Most single-family residential homes use a 5/8 meter (located inside the meter box). 1. Water meters are installed in the order applications are received usually within two billing cycles. 2. Utility locates near your property indicate that your water meter will be installed within 2-7days. These are identified by the different colors of spray paint near your property and in the right-of-way. The blue stake and white paint indicate where water crew personnel will be digging to install the water meter box. The meter box is 26 long x 18 wide x 20 deep. If any structures or landscaping are located where the stake is placed, they will need to be removed promptly so that personnel can install the water meter efficiently. Homeowners are responsible for removing and reinstalling any structures or plantings. 3. During installation, water to the home will be shut-off for approximately 1-2 hours. Total installation takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on the site. 4. Once installation is completed, water consumption will be read on a scheduled reading date. Homeowners are billed accordingly for a metered water rate. Sign Up Today! Where does all the water go? Calculate your water use: water-calculator VMP applications can be downloaded at conservation/index.aspx. or picked up at: City Hall, 210 Lottie St. Permit Center or Finance Department Public Works Operations, 2221 Pacific St. For more info or to sign up call or visit: Conserving water is important as demand in our community grows and the cost to supply water to customers increases. Water meters help ensure a reliable water supply now and for the future. Use less pay less!

20 Voluntary Metering Program Q. Will I save on my water bill by switching to a metered rate? A. That is entirely up to YOU! Use less, pay less. The average American uses 101 gallons of water per day in a non-conserving home. Nearly 70 gallons of this water is used indoors, and about 31 gallons for outdoor use. Fixtures such as your toilet, washing machine, and showerhead all impact how much water is used in the home. Outdoor lawn watering is also a contributing factor. Through changes in water use and/or replacing high-wateruse fixtures with lowwater-use fixtures, your water consumption and water bill can be reduced significantly. 70% indoors 30% outdoors Q. What are the metered and flat water rates for single-family residential customers? A water rates and information about your utility bill can be found on the City s website at utilities/bill-payment.aspx Q. Will the sewer portion of my water bill change? A. At this time, single-family residential sewer rates are not based on metered water usage. Q. Can I revert to a flat-rate water service if I find I m not saving any money? A. No, you may not switch back to a flat-rate water bill once you have chosen to have a meter installed or are located in an area where meters are scheduled to be installed. The VMP is designed to give you the benefits of a metered account prior to the scheduled time you will receive one. The Washington State Department of Health has mandated by law that meters be installed on all water customers by The Voluntary Metering Program is assisting in meeting compliance with this law. Your water service will eventually be metered; it's up to you if you'd like the benefit now or later. Q. I have some landscaping where the meter is to be installed, what happens with that? A. Any plants, trees, shrubs, flower beds, fencing, or other structures will need to be removed if located where the water meter is to be installed, indicated by a blue stake and white paint. The size of the meter box being installed is 26 long x 18 wide x 20 deep. If you have extensive landscaping or structures that you are concerned about whether or not to relocate, you can call Public Works at to discuss. Relocation of such items will likely need to take place in order to ensure that the meter box is installed properly and not obstructed. Re-installing the plants that were removed to accommodate the meter box is the responsibility of the homeowner. Q. Do I need to be home while the installation is taking place? Will my water be shut-off? A. It is not necessary to be present when the water meter installation is taking place. However, the water to your home will need to be shut-off for approximately 1-2 hours while water crew personnel complete the installation. Q. Where can I find information about ways to conserve water? A. The city has a water conservation program that provides resources, education and outreach on indoor and outdoor water conservation. Examples include rain barrel workshops and free water conservation kits. Contact the Public Works Department at for more information. Water conservation information is also on display at City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, or you can access this information on the web at: conservation/index.aspx Average Indoor Water Use U.S. Single Family Home Printed on 100% recycled paper Public Works 2221 Pacific Street Bellingham, WA (360)

21 Frequently Asked Questions What is the Voluntary Metering Program? The Voluntary Metering Program (VMP) is a FREE water meter installation service that offers City of Bellingham single-family residential water customers the opportunity to convert their existing flat-rate water account to a metered water account. This program is in place to help meet the Washington State Department of Health s mandate that water meters be installed on all single-family residential homes by Why should I participate in the VMP? A metered water service more accurately reflects a home s water consumption and rewards those who practice good water conservation habits with a potentially lower water bill. Installing a water meter is the right thing to do for our community and the environment. Water meters provide important water consumption information that is essential for ensuring a reliable water supply for us all, now and for the future. What happens if I choose not to participate? If you choose not to participate in the VMP at this time, you will continue to pay a flat rate. However, by 2017, all single-family residential homes will have a water meter installed on their service. The City Council adopted Resolution which outlines a Water Metering Schedule up to 2017, but the exact date of installation at your service may not be determined. The city will be reviewing its strategic installation plan on an ongoing basis. Volunteering for your meter now may save you money while you wait for your scheduled installation time. You can view the city s adopted Water Metering Schedule here: web/legilog.nsf/0/2b8bed e a300656bce/$file/ pdf

22 How much money will I save on my water bill by switching to a metered rate? That is entirely up to YOU! Use less, pay less. The average American uses 101 gallons of water per day (gpd) in a non-conserving home. Nearly 70 gallons of this water is used indoors and about 31 gallons for outdoor use. Fixtures such as your toilet, washing machine, and showerhead all impact how much water is used in the home. Outdoor lawn watering is also a contributing factor. Through changes in water use and/or replacing high-water-use fixtures with low-water-use fixtures, your water consumption and water bill can be reduced significantly. For an estimate of how much water your household uses, and what you might pay on a metered- versus flat-rate water service, go to the city s Estimated Water Consumption Calculator. The city offers several opportunities for homeowners to conserve water both indoors and outdoors. Visit the city s Water Conservation Program web page for more information: What are the metered and flat water rates for single-family residential customers? 2009 water rates and information about your utility bill can be found here on the city s website: Will the sewer portion of my water bill change? At this time, single-family residential sewer rates are not based on metered water usage. Can I revert to a flat-rate water service if I find I m not saving any money? No, you may not switch back to a flat-rate water bill once you have chosen to have a meter installed or are located in an area where meters are scheduled to be installed. The Voluntary Metering Program is designed to give you the benefits of a metered account prior to the scheduled time you will receive one. The Washington State Department of Health has mandated by law that meters be installed on all water customers by The Voluntary Metering Program is assisting in meeting compliance with this law. Your water service will eventually be metered; it s up to you if you d like the benefit now or later.

23 How do I sign up to have a water meter installed? Pick up and complete a Voluntary Metering Program application. Applications are available at the Permit Center and the Finance Department office, both at City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, or at Public Works Operations, 2221 Pacific St. You may also go to the city s website and print a copy of the application. Completed applications can be returned to any of the pickup locations, faxed to the number on the application form, or mailed to 2221 Pacific Street, Bellingham, WA The application must be signed by the property owner. Applications are processed in the order received, and applicants can expect to have a water meter installed within two billing cycles. What size of a water meter will be installed at my home? A 5/8 meter is installed on most single-family residential homes. What does the meter look like? Water Meter Meter Box located in right-of-way adjacent What is the procedure for the meter installation? The installation procedure is as follows: 1. Water meters are installed in the order application is received. The water meter will be installed within two billing cycles. 2. Utility locates near your property indicate that your water meter will be installed within 48 hours to 1 week. These are identified by the different colors of spray paint near your property and in the right-of-way. The blue stake and white paint indicate where water crew personnel will be digging to install the water meter box. The meter box is 26 long x 18 wide x 20 deep. If any structures or landscaping is located where the stake is placed, this will need to be removed promptly so that personnel can install the water meter efficiently. The homeowner is responsible for removing and installing any structures or plantings. 3. On the day of installation, water to the home will be shut-off for approximately 1-2 hours. The total installation will take approximately 3-4 hours depending on the site. 4. Once installation is completed, water consumption will be read on a scheduled reading date, and the homeowner is billed accordingly for a metered water rate.

24 I have some landscaping where the meter is to be installed, what happens with that? Any plants, trees, shrubs, flower beds, fencing, or other structures will need to be removed if located where the water meter is to be installed, indicated by a blue stake and white paint. The size of the meter box being installed is 26 long x 18 wide x 20 deep. If you have extensive landscaping or structures that you are concerned about whether or not to relocate, you can call Public Works at to discuss. Relocation of such items will likely need to take place in order to ensure that the meter box is installed properly and not obstructed. Re-installing the plants that were removed to accommodate the meter box is the responsibility of the homeowner. Do I need to be home while the installation is taking place? Will my water be shut-off? It is not necessary to be present when the water meter installation is taking place. However, the water to your home will need to be shut-off for approximately 1-2 hours while water crew personnel complete the installation. Where can I find information about ways to conserve water? The city has a water conservation program that provides resources, education and outreach on indoor and outdoor water conservation. Examples include rain barrel workshops and free water conservation kits. Contact the Public Works Department at for more information. Water conservation information is also on display at City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, or you can access this information on the web at: Remember the #1 water saving device is YOU! 2221 Pacific Street, Bellingham, WA (360) Printed on recycled paper 5/09

25 VOLUNTARY METERING PROGRAM APPLICATION DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 2221 Pacific St., Bellingham, Washington Telephone FAX PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION Name Service Address Billing Address Zip Code Zip Code Home Phone Cell Phone Address Tenant Information (if applicable) Name Service Address Zip Code Home Phone Cell Phone FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Account Number Work Order Number Metered Route Metered Route Date Mail completed application to the above address; or hand deliver to the City s Finance Office or Permit Center at City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, or Public Works Operations Division at, 2221 Pacific Street. Our goal is to install your meter as efficiently as possible. Please allow up to two billing cycles for your installation. I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ THIS APPLICATION AND STATE THE INFORMATION IS CORRECT, AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH ALL CITY ORDINANCES AND STATE LAWS REGULATING ACTIVITIES COVERED BY THIS PERMIT APPLICATION. Property Owner Signature Date Water meter installation Application.docx

26 Voluntary Watering Schedule June 1 - September 15 Odd Addresses Wednesday, Friday, Sunday Even Addresses Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday No Watering Mondays Restriction applies to watering lawns and landscaping

27 Watering Schedule June 1 September 15 SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT ODD No Watering EVEN ODD EVEN ODD EVEN The City will begin implementing a voluntary watering schedule effective June 1 through September 15th. Residents with odd numbered street addresses are asked to water only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Residents with even numbered street addresses are asked to water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Mondays are non-watering days to allow the Cities reservoirs to recharge after the weekend. For more information call or visit

28 EXEMPTIONS The Voluntary Watering Schedule does not apply to the following situations: Drip irrigation systems or handheld watering methods Watering of flower and vegetable gardens Watering of outdoor potted plants and hanging baskets Watering newly planted lawns TIPS ON WATERING Only water your lawn when it needs it. If you leave footprints in your lawn, it s time to water. One Inch Per Week! Turf-grasses only need 1 inch of water per week to stay green and healthy. Adjust mower height. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than closely clipped lawns. Regularly check and adjust your sprinklers. Water only your lawn, not your sidewalk or driveway.

29 3 Practice smart watering for healthier plants Too much of a good thing Did you know that watering too much or too little is the cause of many common plant problems in our area? You can have healthier plants, save money on water bills, and conserve precious water by learning to give your lawn and garden just what they need, and no more. Water deeply, but infrequently. Most plants do best if the soil is allowed to partially dry out between waterings. For lawns, a loss of shine or footprints showing indicate that it s time to water. Vegetables and other annuals should be watered at the first sign of wilting, but tougher perennials (plants that live several years) only need water if they stay droopy after it cools off in the evening. Trees and shrubs (especially natives) usually need little watering once their roots are fully established (2 to 5 years), except in very dry years. Moisten the whole root zone. Watering deeply builds deeper, healthier root systems. To see if you are watering deep enough to moisten the whole root zone, dig in with a trowel an hour after watering to check the depth. Soaker hoses save water! Cover them with mulch to save even more. Make every drop count. Some easy ways to lower water bills and get more water to plants include: Build your soil with compost and mulch to hold water and prevent evaporation. Choose low water use plants. Once established they can often thrive just on rainfall. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation on beds they save 50% or more compared with sprinklers! Use a timer that screws onto the faucet (available at garden stores) to water just the right amount. Water lawns separately from other plantings. Make sure sprinklers aren t watering the pavement too. Five Steps to Natural Yard Care

30 When soil is dry or compacted it won t absorb water quickly. If water puddles, stop watering a while and then restart, so the water has time to soak in. Water in the early morning or evening if you water at mid-day, half the water just evaporates. Use automatic irrigation systems efficiently. Automatic systems can actually waste lots of water, or be fairly efficient, depending on how you set and maintain them. Have a professional test, repair, and adjust your system annually. Inspect the system while operating once a month look for leaks or heads that are plugged or misdirected. Install a rain shutoff device (ask your irrigation expert where to find them). Adjust the watering schedule at least once a month through the season plants need a lot less water in May and September than they do in July and August. Water in early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Let the rain soak in. Heavy rain rushes off roofs, pavement, and compacted soil. This causes flooding downstream, erodes stream banks, and muddies the water, which harms salmon and other wildlife. You can help slow this winter runoff, and help the soil hold the moisture plants need in summer. Direct downspouts out into lawns and beds, or dry wells. Use compost and mulch to reduce erosion and help rain soak in. Use open pavers, gravel, or other pavement options that let rain through into the soil. Plant dense strips of native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers next to streams, lakes, and ditches to stabilize the soil, and to slow and filter runoff. See the Saving Water Partnership on back cover for more tips on water conservation in your home, yard, or business.

31 ONE PERSON ONE DAY Where does all the water go? Almost 70% of a person s water use is for indoor purposes such as flushing the toilet, doing laundry and taking a shower. The remaining 30% is for outdoor uses.

32 Simple Ways to Save Turn off the tap when not in use Take shorter showers 5 minutes or less Wash full loads only preferably in cold water Fix leaks promptly Replace or install water-saving devices For more information about Water Conservation visit:

33 Bellingham s water comes from Mt. Baker s Deming Glacier. Despite our reputation for living in the rainy Northwest, water use often doubles during our drier months. We can experience drought conditions, especially in years with a mild winter or low snow pack. The #1 watersaving device is YOU!

34 Simple Ways to Save Water less frequently, but for longer periods (or skip watering altogether) Set a timer as a reminder to turn off the sprinkler Plant native, slow-growing, drought-tolerant plants to conserve water Harvest rainwater with a rain barrel they are low-tech and easy to use! Look for leaks inside and out and fix promptly For more information about Water Conservation visit:

35 For centuries, rainwater has been collected as a way for people and communities to meet their most basic water needs. Today, this simple technology is still used most often for controlling stormwater runoff and conserving water.

36 Rain Barrel Tips Use rainwater to water your garden or indoor plants, or even wash your dog Rainwater is naturally soft and healthier for plants Collecting rainwater can save you money on your water bill Rain barrels are low-tech and low-maintenance Rain barrels are easy to make and fun to use or buy one! To buy or make a rain barrel, or for more information about Water Conservation visit: