October Newsletter - Sustainable Works Fundraiser and More!

Keep saving Santa Monica! Together we've saved over 260 million gallons of water (enough water for 1,600 families for a year) since July 2007. Southern California is still facing serious water supply shortages. We need to save an additional 200 million gallons to ensure adequate supplies for the remainder of this year.

Santa Monica is offering a number of ideas and programs to assist residents and businesses to use water more efficiently and reduce the demand for water. These efforts are part the strategic goal for Santa Monica (Sustainable City Plan), which calls for a reduction in citywide water consumption of 20% by 2010.

Following are some innovative techniques that increase efficiency, reduce water consumption, and save you money:

Adjust your sprinkler controller for the fall. Go to http://www.bewaterwise.com/calculator.html to find out how much water your garden needs. Keep in mind that sprinkler runoff is not allowed and watering is limited to twice a week. Saves up to 7,000 gallons/year.

Free hose nozzles and showerheads available. Limited supplies. Call our office now. Saves up to 3,000 gallons/year.

Landscape Grants will be available in October 2009 for qualified irrigation equipment, like drip irrigation and smart irrigation controllers, as well as climate-appropriate plants. New irrigation and landscape rules went into effect in May. Guidelines were developed to assist homeowners or commercial properties in converting existing spray irrigation with water efficient drip irrigation systems. Saves up to 50,000 gallons/year compared to spray irrigation. www.smgreen.org

Washing Machines: $200.00 rebates are available to Santa Monica water customers for front-loading washing machines. The new technology saves water, natural gas, and electricity. Further, the machines clean more effectively, are easier on your clothing, wring more water from you clothing for shorter drying times and are quieter than conventional washers. Saves up to 5,000 gallons/year.

Rainwater Harvesting: $40-500 rebates are available to Santa Monica water customers who redirect rain gutter systems to landscaped or non-paved surfaces or install rain barrels or cisterns. By redirecting your rain downspouts to a barrel, and not the street or alley, you can reuse this water in your landscape and avoid the need to use potable water. Additionally, for capturing rainwater for reuse, rebates are available to defray the costs for installing rain barrels or larger cisterns. Savings vary by device.

To learn more on reducing your water use visit www.smepd.org or call (310) 458-8405.