Full Text
WaterSmart - Success Stories City of El Cerrito / EBMUD Partners in Conservation Success in Water Conservation City of El Cerrito 10890 San Pablo Ave. El Cerrito, Ca. 94530 (510) 215-4339 Water Savings: 26,120,000 gallons used in 2001 18,684,000 gallons used in 2008 29% reduction in water use 50 Irrigation Only Meters City of El Cerrito / EBMUD - Partners in Conservation Since 1995, El Cerrito has participated in EBMUD's free Irrigation Audit (survey) program for commercial large-landscape customers. In 2007-2008, as part of EBMUD's Irrigation Upgrade (Rebate) Program, the City installed new central irrigation controllers (satellites) and new sprinklers equipped with check valves. El Cerrito received a rebate for upgrades to existing irrigation systems on San Pablo Avenue, and for making a 1-year water budget. The budget was based on local weather and the total irrigated area.. EBMUD's Water Budget Program assisted the City with identifying the irrigated area of all "irrigation only" meters that serve the cities roadside, medians, parks, and City Hall. As a result, in 2009, all irrigation only meters were entered into the program and water budgets are now printed on all irrigation only water bills. Through these initiatives, by 2008, El Cerrito had reduced its annual water consumption by over 7,000,000 gallons, a 29% savings from its peak consumption year of 2001. In March of 2009, El Cerrito began planning for renovation of its Community and Pool Center. The planning process included an EBMUD WaterSmart survey. The survey identified a potential reduction of over 1.2 million gallons of water per year, equating to just under $7,000 savings per year for water and energy. The City plans to implement new water efficient devices and landscaping as funding allows. City of El Cerrito 1999 - 2008 Irrigation (Primarily) Only Meters 33290 32248 34920 34443 28848 31068 27499 27474 23455 24978 0 10000 20000 30000 40000 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 CCF ---PAGE BREAK--- San Pablo Avenue Median Streetscape: In 2006, El Cerrito initiated an innovative project to construct a water efficient streetscape on its main thoroughfare of San Pablo Avenue. The project began with banners and signage created and installed throughout the city. In 2007-2008, street median design and construction began and by 2009, the City had achieved completion of newly designed street medians that incorporated "Bay Friendly" landscaping methods designed to reduce environmental impacts and save labor and water costs. All turf grass in medians was replaced with colorful, low water-use plants. The City participated in EBMUD's commercial irrigation upgrade (rebate) program, installing a new central control irrigation system with high efficiency sprinklers. Meeting the water budget set by EBMUD, El Cerrito received the full rebate amount. Participation in the program reduced water consumption by over 50%, saving over 1.1 million gallons compared to historical use. Construction of New City Hall: In September of 2006, El Cerrito made plans to erect a new City Hall. The project was begun that year and completed in September of 2008. The City implemented water conservation initiatives as part of the project, resulting in the installation of high efficiency toilets, waterless urinals, and faucet aerators. In addition, 14,000 square feet of colorful, low water-use Bay Friendly landscaping, a dedicated irrigation-only meter, and an in-line drip irrigation system were installed. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of El Cerrito's 2008 Total Municipal Water Use Domestic 967,164 Gallons Irrigation 18,683,544 Gallons 19,650,708 Total Gallons Used in 2008 EBMUD recognizes this business for their water conservation efforts at this site. However, EBMUD makes no representation regarding these businesses or that similar water savings will be achieved on other sites. Great work! Dave Langridge EBMUD Water Conservation Representative Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor [EMAIL REDACTED], [PHONE REDACTED] Irrigation is 95% of Total Water Use Irrigation is 95% of Total Water Use