WATER SURVEYS: CREATING SOLUTIONS FOR CALIFORNIA HOUSEHOLDS
As the cost of metered water is rising, water districts are helping households trim consumption and lower costs through conservation assistance programs. Under the program, water specialists are dispatched to conduct on-site evaluations that pinpoint leaks and rectify inefficiencies. By recommending water-wise hardware, gardening techniques, and rebate programs, these specialists are helping Californians eliminate water waste and cut monthly bills.
San Rafael resident Bonnie Nixon was quick to accept her district’s offer. Fortunately, when Marin Municipal Water District’s Greg Van Trump first arrived at Nixon’s home, he brought along her five-year water history and some encouraging news. “Your usage rates this year are already considerably better than in years past,” he told her, noting a consumption spike from the previous year. An irrigation pipe had broken at that time, but Nixon used the opportunity to replace her spray irrigation system with a more efficient drip system. By making this change, and adding mulch into the landscape to inhibit weed growth and evaporation, and by exchanging water-hogging plants for native varieties, Nixon qualified for water agency rebates.
“Water bill spikes often reflect leaks or improperly programmed irrigation timers,” said Van Trump. One easy way to identify leaks is to look at the water meter periodically. “If there is little movement on the meter, you’re probably dealing with a minor leak. If the triangle on the meter is spinning faster, the problem is more substantial,” he explained.
People can isolate a leak’s location by closing the main valve to their homes. If the meter continues to run, the problem is outside the house. If the meter stops after the valve is closed, the problem is inside.
With indoor leaks, toilets are often the culprit. Van Trump recommends dropping a coloring tablet in the tank. If color seeps into the bowl without being flushed, there’s a problem. “The biggest leak I ever saw was a toilet running 2,300 gallons a day. That’s fifty to sixty dollars per day!” he said.
Van Trump then examined the flow rate from faucets and showerheads. Nixon’s were all in great shape, which illustrates how low-flow showerheads and simple, inexpensive faucet aerators are becoming more popular in California households.
Though Nixon’s drip irrigation system met the newer standards for water delivery efficiency, Van Trump did a walk-around inspection. “Sprayers get tilted, mowers hit nozzles, and spray heads get blocked — all easy fixes,” he said. Satisfied that hers were functioning well, he cautioned that systems needed to be tuned up yearly and timers adjusted to seasonal changes.
“Water surveys encourage practices that improve properties and save money,” says Van Trump. And Bonnie Nixon knows the smallest of improvements can make a notable difference.
For an in-home water survey checklist visit saveourh2o.org.