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Home My WebLink About2015-01-14 PACKET WORKSHOP TO: Environmental Commission FROM: Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director/City Engineer DATE: January 9, 2015 RE: Workshop: Water Conservation Strategies The City is preparing an update to the Water Conservation Plan. As part of the update, staff is requesting the Environmental Commission to provide feedback, suggestions, and ideas on water conservation strategies. Introduction The State of Minnesota in 1993 legislated regulations for municipalities to develop a Water Con- servation Plan as part of a municipality’s Comprehensive Water Supply and Distribution Plan. In December 1995, the City of Cottage Grove adopted its first Water Conservation Plan. The first plan was prepared by a task force made up of two council members, City staff and the City’s engineering consultant Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates, Inc. The plan tar- geted the maximum day water demand as a means to reduce water consumption and possibly eliminate the need for two planned production wells, which could save an approximate $1 million in 1995 dollars. The City updated its Water Conservation Plan again in 2010 as part of the City’s Comprehen- sive Water Supply Plan update. Background The Twin Cities north and east metro area has been identified as having emerging concerns related to water supply issues. This caused a number of studies to be undertaken to investigate the issues and potential solutions. The Metropolitan Council released a report in December of 2014, “Feasibility Assessment of Approaches to Water Sustainability in the Northeast Metro.” This study is just one of many that have been undertaken since the 2005 Minnesota Legislature directed the Metropolitan Council to carry out planning activities addressing the water supply needs of the metropolitan area. The report studies the relative costs and implementation of different approaches to water sustain- ability. The Minnesota Legislature requested that this study be conducted due to continued concern over lake levels and the interaction with groundwater and surface water, especially White Bear Lake. Other studies currently underway include: Environmental Commission Workshop: Water Conservation Strategies January 9, 2015 Page 2 of 4 The USGS is conducting a study, Characterizing Groundwater and Surface Water Interaction  in Northeast Metro Area Lakes, MN. The Met Council is completing a feasibility assessment of potential aquifer recharge and  reuse of stormwater in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area. University of Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is identifying opportunities  for industrial water users in the North and East Metro area to reduce their water consump- tion. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is completing a management plan  for the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area. The plan outlines resources of significance, groundwater monitoring activities, assessment of water use sustainability, and addressing future water appropriations. Conservation Strategies:  Lawn Care and Water Conservation: A large percentage of summer water usage goes to- wards lawn irrigation. By following these simple tips, you can not only ensure a green and healthy lawn, but you can also limit your water usage to avoid wasteful watering. This not only helps conserve our valuable water resources, but helps reduce your water bill…a true win-win situation for everyone! Lawn Mowing: Adjust your lawn mower so it cuts the grass at three-inches tall. The taller grass promotes deeper root growth and your lawn is more resistant to drought and dis- ease. Also, consider using a mulching lawn mower that returns clippings (grass and leaves) to your lawn. The organic matter breaks down and adds nutrients back into the soil, acting as a free (and natural) fertilizer for your lawn. Aerate Your Lawn: Periodic aeration of your lawn will allow the soil to better absorb mois- ture from rainfall and irrigation. In contrast, a hard-packed lawn that isn’t aerated will lose moisture, since rainwater (and nutrients) will run off into the gutter before it has time to infiltrate into the soil. Limit Fertilization: A heavily-fertilized lawn may look great, but it will require more water to maintain that appearance, especially during a drought. Fertilization is only recommended in the fall, when it offers the most benefit to your lawn. Even then, limiting your fertilization to the bare minimum is the best approach. Also, excessive fertilization may runoff into the storm sewer, polluting the natural waters and habitat for fish and wildlife. Watering Requirements: Most lawns only need one inch of water per week to remain healthy. Place a Frisbee upside down on your lawn while watering. Once the Frisbee has been filled with water, your lawn has received enough water for the week. Also be ob- servant for any runoff that may be occurring. If water is running off of your lawn into the gutter, you are either over-watering or you are watering faster than the soil is capable of absorbing the water. If possible, slow down the rate of irrigation…or program 30 to 60 minute rest cycles after every 5 minutes of irrigation. Environmental Commission Workshop: Water Conservation Strategies January 9, 2015 Page 3 of 4 Water Less Frequently: Lawns do not need to be watered daily or every other day. By let- ting the upper inch of top soil dry out between watering cycles, you will promote deeper root growth, which will create a more drought-resistant lawn. If you are in doubt about when it’s time to water, walk across the lawn. If the grass springs back, it has enough water. If the grass is slow to spring back or lays flat, it is time to water. Cottage Grove has an odd-even watering ordinance that establishes the days of the week that you may irri- gate your lawn. For example, if you house has an odd-numbered address, you may water on odd-numbered days. (All properties may water on the 31st of every month.) However, just because you can water on a given day does not necessarily mean you should water. Be smart about your water consumption! When to Water: Watering in the early morning hours, between 4 AM and 8 AM is the best time to irrigate your lawn. At this time of the day, there is less wind and sunlight to evapo- rate the water. Watering during the middle part of the day results in the largest percent- age of the water evaporating before it can soak into the soil, wasting both water and your money. Note: City ordinance does not allow watering between 12 noon and 4 PM. Aim Your Sprinkler: Make sure your sprinklers are aimed so they water your lawn, not your driveway or the street. If you are watering the street, you are flushing your money down the gutter. Plant a Tree: Trees not only offer natural beauty to your lawn, but they also offer shade that can slow down moisture loss from soil, making your lawn less susceptible to burning in the summer sunlight. Use Rain Water to Your Advantage: Aim your downspouts so they drain the water onto your lawn, not your driveway. Also, consider installing a rain barrel to capture water for your lawn or garden. Be Smart About Watering: Avoid running an irrigation system when it is not needed. Rain sensors and soil moisture sensors can help you determine when your lawn needs wa- tering…and help you avoid wasteful watering. If rain is forecast, consider postponing irri- gation to take advantage of natural rainfall. Also, program your system so that water is not applied too quickly to your lawn. Allow time for your lawn to soak up the water.  Residential plumbing retrofit (showerheads, toilet displacement or flappers, faucet aerators)  High-efficiency washing machine rebate program  Public information program  School education program  Conservation pricing  Require low consumption toilets to be installed at time of real estate sale Environmental Commission Workshop: Water Conservation Strategies January 9, 2015 Page 4 of 4  Rebates for 6/3 dual flush and 4-liter toilets  Low income home leak detection and repair  Require low flow or dual flow toilets in new homes  Insulate hot water piping in new homes  Education:  Water bills show consumption in gallons  Water bills show current and previous years’ quarterly water use  Water conservation tips  Water conservation articles  School education program  Water conserving landscape requirements  Lawn watering restrictions  Alternate water sources (rainwater barrels, French drains, storm water reuse, condensate collection, etc.  Seasonal water rates  Xeriscape garden demonstrations  Landscape irrigation water audit Conclusion: A key part of the water conservation plan is to develop strategies for implementation. Please review the conservation strategies listed and come with additional ideas to share related to water conservation strategies.