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WS Item 3Southlake Water System Promoting Water Conservation Using Water Efficiently Tonight’s Presentation Provide overview of Southlake Water System; Discuss the operational challenges of the system; Explain the current environmental conditions and outlook potentially resulting in higher demands; Discuss the system water capacity provided and usage demands of the community; Efforts in water conservation by the City of Southlake, present and future; Plans for infrastructure improvements to the water system; and, Where do we need to be going from a water use perspective? Tarrant Regional Water System Fort Worth to Southlake Water System Overview Pump Station #1 Pump Station #2 Southlake Water System Overview SCADA – Central Control System Fort Worth Pump Stations Keller Station Southlake System Begins Future Maximum Water Use Projections System Limitations Permanent: Shared SLK-KEL supply lines from FW Current: One Supply Point (PS#1) Inefficient pumping routes Pipe pressure capacity limited to 200 psi 16-inch turbine meter Current Conditions For the DFW region, it was 6th driest April-May on record. Also the 9th warmest May on record. Temperature Precipitation Current Water Use Conditions Current Water Restrictions No Irrigation System Watering 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Every Day, Year Round Seasonal Outlook July – August 2010 Soil Moisture Good conditions with recent rains Potential to slowly dry out with the extreme heat and dry weather Conditions are favorable for a transition to La Niña conditions La Niña often features drier than normal conditions in the Southwest in late summer through the subsequent winter La Niña can increase hurricane activity and increase likelihood of tropical rain activity On average, La Niña winters are warmer than normal in the Southeast Regional Demand Tarrant Regional Water District water use for 2010 Annual Water Consumption 2007, pop 25,700 2008, pop 26,100 2009, pop 26,650 GPCD: Gallons Per Capita Per Day. Calculated by dividing average daily amount of water purchased from Fort Worth by total population. Restrictions implemented July 29, 2008 Restrictions implemented July 12, 2009 Gallons Per Person Per Day Annual Average Use 159 185 165 269 306 293 Summer Use Factor Outdoor use (lawn and gardens, pools) makes up to 50% of total household water use, according to the EPA. PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS System Improvements WATER CONSERVATION Benefits of Promoting Efficiency delay the need for new supplies minimize the environmental impacts associated with developing new water resources postpone the high cost of building the pipelines and dams necessary to capture and transport the additional water into our homes and businesses Water Conservation Goals 190 Gallons Per Person Per Day by 2015 180 Gallons Per Person Per Day by 2020 Major Best Management Practices: Universal Metering Program Control Water Loss in System Public Education Potential Water Rate Structure Changes Moving Toward Efficiency 2010 Replaced 800 meters Tested and calibrated meters greater than 2” Replaced master meters Water Conservation Flyer Nature Center hosted a “Water Weekend” Public Works spoke to Environmental Science class at the High School Became an EPA WaterSense partner 2009 Replaced 1150 meters Adopted Water Conservation Plan Updated Drought Contingency Plan Upgraded irrigation system at local parks Promoted at events such as Stars and Stripes Prohibited watering 10 am to 6 pm year-round 2008 Replaced three high pressure plane pumps Phase II of pump rehab program for low pressure plane Began design of TW King supply line 2007 Expanded high pressure plane Phase I of pump rehab program for low pressure plane TW King alignment study Mutual Problem, Innovative Solutions City of Frisco had difficulty meeting peak demand Implement Stage I watering schedule automatically beginning of each summer Innovative public education program City of McKinney Requires all new irrigation systems install a smart controller City of Dallas, Fort Worth Offer free irrigation check up on any residential or commercial irrigation system Universal: No watering 10 am to 6 pm Water Conservation Efforts Present and Future Encouraging Efficiency Raising Awareness Encouraging Efficiency Raising Awareness Save Water. Nothing Can Replace It. Save Water. Nothing Can Replace It. Encourage Efficiency Promoting Change Shower Timer Moisture Meter Spray Nozzle Rain Gauge New State Irrigation Rules House Bill 1656 and Ord. 895-A City enforces Texas minimum standards Require the irrigator to design a more efficient system: Submit plans for a permit Submit as-built Review a checklist with homeowner Require more efficient technology: Rain/freeze sensors Control valve or isolation valve for improved efficiency Drip irrigation for small areas Impact of Improved Technology: Rain/Freeze Sensors Decrease Demand 18’ action level for Stage I Tank Levels Precipitation Tanks Below Action Level Future Programs: A Multi-pronged Approach to Promoting Efficient Irrigation Systems Promoting and supporting an efficient system Offer a free irrigation check up Offer rebates for irrigation system improvements Provide educational opportunities for residents and businesses Free Irrigation Check Up Managing an irrigation system can be confusing and difficult A certified irrigation specialist can review the system and help homeowners make informed decisions How to adjust the controller Recommend a schedule to best fit landscape needs Identify problems that could be repaired Recommend improvements Promote Efficient Technology For many systems, small upgrades can save a significant amount of water Offer rebates following a system check up Smart Controllers Uses technology to determine amount needed for each cycle Studies show it typically reduce use by 10-20% Rain/freeze sensors Pressure reducing valves Promote Opportunities EPA WaterSense Partner Water Efficiency Network of North Texas Green Plumbers Workshop Series Rain Barrel making class Texas AgriLife Programs Smartscape Programs Utilizing different Media QUESTIONS?