Water and Land Use: The Efficiency Connection

Water and Land Use: The Efficiency Connection

Mary Ann Dickinson

Executive DirectorCalifornia Urban Water Conservation Council

Water Resources in the USA Total Withdrawals

Water Resources in the USA Total Withdrawals

Infrastructure CostsInfrastructure Costs

> $50> $50  

$40 - $50$40 - $50  

$30 - $40$30 - $40  

$20 - $30$20 - $30  

$10 - $20$10 - $20  

< $10< $10  

$Billions

20 Year Drinking Water and Clean Water Infrastructure Needs by EPA Region

WAMT

ID

OR

NV

CA

WY

UT CO

NMAZ

ND

TX

OK

KS

NE

SD

MN

IA

MOIL

WI

MI

IN OH

KY

TNAR

LA

MSAL

GA SC

NC

WV

PA

NY

ME

FL

MDVA

DE

NJ

CT RI

MA

VT

NH

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

AK

10 HI

9GU

Effects of GrowthEffects of Growth

Water Resources and Population Growth, 2000-2020Source: DOE/NETL (M. Chan, July 2002)

600,000 people and over 200,000 homes per year

Residential Water UsageResidential Water Usage

Landscape58%

Clothes Washers

9%

Showers7%

Toilets11%

Dish Washers

1%

Baths1%Other

7%

Faucets6%

Source: AWWRF Residential End Uses of Water, 1999

AB 2717AB 2717

• Became law September, 2004• CUWCC formed Landscape Task Force to

review landscape water issues, make recommendations for improvements

• Representatives from water suppliers, landscape & building industries, cities & counties, environmental groups, and state & federal agencies

We Finished It!We Finished It!

• 43 recommendations

• 76 specific actions to implement the recommendations

• Top 12

• AB 1881 submitted

New Technology Programs New Technology Programs

EtWeather

Data

ForIrrigation

Scheduling

The Study AreaThe Study Area

Study ObjectivesStudy Objectives

• Characterize Runoff Quantity and Water Quality– Dry Weather

– Storm Conditions

• Evaluate Methods of Reducing Runoff

Study DesignStudy Design

ControlNeighborhood

#1

ControlNeighborhood

#2

ControlNeighborhood

#3

EducationNeighborhood

Retrofit andEducation

Neighborhood

Flows to San Diego Creekand Newport Bay

= Water quality and flow monitoring locations

Study FindingsStudy Findings

• 41.2 gpd saved annual average with ET controllers and education

• 25.6 gpd saved with education

• 64-71% runoff flow reduction in combined area

• 79% runoff reduction in one specific neighborhood

Study ImplicationsStudy Implications

• Landscape water not just a drought issue or even a peaking issue

• Multiple environmental benefits of regional and statewide significance

• An important partner in basin management: Runoff reduction, pollutant reduction, reduced wastewater treatment, reduced green waste management

Green Building Issues Green Building Issues

• LEED (USGBC) only awards 6 points for water efficiency

• LEED Water Efficiency Technical Advisory Group working to make significant improvements (Council participation)

• Other green building initiatives similarly weak on water efficiency

• “California Friendly” and “Smart from the Start” pilot programs in California

California Friendly

“ Active Family”

California Friendly

“ Active Family”