North Bay Receives more than $7 Million in Proposition 84 Funding for Water Resources Improvements

MMWD awarded $1.36 million for water recycling and conservation

The North Bay has been awarded more than $7 million in integrated regional water management (IRWM) funds under State Proposition 84. This funding is a part of the overall $33.2 million that has been allocated to Bay Area agencies from the $138 million available for the Bay Area in State Proposition 84.

Proposition 84, passed by voters in 2006, provides $5.4 billion for habitat restoration, water resources improvements and water quality benefits. Of this total, integrated regional water management (IRWM) programs in California will receive $1 billion in funding, of which $138 million is dedicated to the San Francisco Bay Area. The $33.2 million in implementation and planning funding announced today is the first allocation of the $138 million of Proposition 84 IRWM funds for the Bay Area.

“North Bay water resources managers have been collaborating for many years to define the top priorities for ecosystem restoration and water resources improvements,” noted John C. (Jack) Gibson, President of the Board of Directors of the Marin Municipal Water District Board and Chairman of the North Bay Watershed Association, a group of 16 regional and local public agencies. “We are very pleased that North Bay partners have been successful in securing these grant funds, which will provide critical support for priority projects,” Gibson added.

The $7-plus million for the North Bay will support the following programs:

• Water conservation rebate and education programs in Solano, Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties;
• Five recycled water projects in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties;
• Restoration of wetlands at Sears Point;
• Rainwater harvesting pilot projects in Napa;
• Stream restoration work in the North Bay;
• Regional projects on flood plain mapping, steelhead trout monitoring and watershed partnerships that will include North Bay organizations.

Marin Municipal Water District Projects

As part of the funding announced today, $500,000 in Prop. 84 funds will go to the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD), to assist in financing an expansion of MMWD’s recycled water system. The addition to the system includes a new pipeline to bring water to the Peacock Gap Golf Course in San Rafael and to other customers along the way. The total cost of the system expansion is estimated to be $10.1 million, with funding to be provided from various sources. MMWD’s recycled water system, operating since 1981, serves more than 350 customers in San Rafael, including parks and other large landscapes, office buildings, car washes, commercial laundries and many others.

An additional $862,500 in Prop. 84 funds will go to MMWD to provide matching funds for water conservation program rebates. These funds will offset some of the cost of high-efficiency toilets and washing machines, as well as weather-based irrigation controllers and water efficient landscaping.

“MMWD continues to diversify its portfolio of sustainable water supply strategies,” said MMWD General Manager Paul Helliker. “This round of funding from Prop. 84 will help us reduce the demand on our reservoirs and on the supplies we purchase from the Sonoma County Water Agency.”

Integrated Regional Water Management Plan

The Bay Area received $842,556 to revise the Bay Area Integrated Regional Water Management Plan. The IRWM Plan was adopted in 2006 by Bay Area counties, cities, water and sanitation districts, flood control agencies and non-profit agencies to define priorities for regional water management projects and guide state grant funding decisions. The plan update, expected to be completed in 2013, will incorporate the latest information on climate change impacts and will include a compilation of best practices to adapt to rising sea levels and changes in precipitation. The Marin Municipal Water District will be managing the plan update, on behalf of the Coordinating Committee.

Read Full Post »

Customer Conservation Success Story: Piloting Ozone Technology

by Keith Bancroft

When it comes to laundry, Best Western Corte Madera Inn is on the cutting edge. The Marin County Green Business is part of a pilot program with MMWD to evaluate the water-saving effectiveness of ozone laundry systems.

Ozone molecule

Ozone, a form of oxygen found naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere, is one of the most effective cleaning agents—better than chlorine and other commonly used disinfectants. Ozone removes electrons from the soils, breaking down the molecules so that they are released from the linens. Because it works best in cold water, ozone saves energy as well as reducing detergent, chemical and overall water use.

Ozone systems can benefit businesses such as hotels and gyms with large commercial laundry facilities. A 2009 study found that ozone laundry systems in hotels saved over 4,000 gallons of water per year per room, reduced the amount of hot water used for laundry by 98 percent, and cut annual utility bills by an average of $13,000.

MMWD is working with the county to expand the ozone laundry pilot program to Marin County Jail. Initial estimates are for annual water savings of over 400,000 gallons.

Although MMWD rebate programs are temporarily suspended, rebates for ozone laundry systems are available from PG&E for hotels /motels with fewer than 250 guest rooms and for fitness and recreational sports centers. The ozone laundry system(s) must be a newly purchased product and added on to a new or existing commercial washing machine(s). Learn more about the water-, energy- and money-saving benefits of ozone here.

Read Full Post »

Reduced Fiscal Year 2010-11 Budget Adoption Set for August

The MMWD Board of Directors considered adopting a reduced budget for fiscal year 2010-11 at the July 21 board meeting, but decided to postpone the final adoption of the budget until August 18. The original operating budget of $67.4 million, which was developed in June 2009, has been reduced to a proposed budget of $51.0 million. The cuts are needed to account for the reduced water sales over the last year and the ongoing downturn in the economy. One of the main issues of concern with the lower budget is the suspension, temporarily, of conservation rebates.

At the August 18 meeting the MMWD board will receive a report on the accomplishments of the district’s conservation program for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010. The board will also receive a report on revenues to date for FY2011. At that time they will take another look at the proposed budget and consider their options for adopting a reduced budget while maintaining quality conservation and other programs and services.

Read Full Post »

Don’t Wait to Apply for that Rebate

by Dan Carney

Due to reduced revenues this fiscal year, the Marin Municipal Water District has been forced to reduce funding for rebates for high-efficiency toilets, high-efficiency clothes washers, and landscape materials and equipment.

Applications for landscape rebates will be accepted for purchases made on or before October 22, 2009. Applications for toilet and washer rebates will be accepted for purchases made on or before November 16, 2009.

We are processing rebate applications on a first come, first served basis until funds run out. So if you have made an eligible purchase but haven’t gotten around to submitting your paperwork, don’t wait!

The budget cuts come in response to an unprecedented decrease in water sales. The good news is our customers have taken our conservation message to heart, doing their part to reduce water use and help preserve our precious supply. The bad news is reduced water sales impact funding for our operations, including conservation programs.

Our 2009-10 budget planned for lower demand resulting from our increased investments in conservation programs; however, the economic recession and a cool summer combined to drive demand even lower than anticipated. MMWD’s Board of Directors and staff are exploring ways to reduce expenses while continuing to provide necessary services.

In spite of the challenges, MMWD remains committed to helping our customers save water. We continue to promote conservation through free on-site water efficiency surveys, school programs, public education and outreach, and professional training. For more information on current programs, visit our Water Conservation page. In addition, in the coming weeks we will be launching a rainwater harvesting pilot project, a neighborhood conservation pilot project, and more. Stay tuned!

Read Full Post »

Irrigation Updates

by Elena Freeman

There is no rain in the forecast for this week, but with cooler, shorter days your plants need less water. Take a walk through your garden and check to see how your plants are doing, and carefully dig with a trowel to check the soil moisture. Especially for shady areas, you may not need to irrigate at all this week.

MMWD Landscape Rebates Ending
Because of reduced revenues this fiscal year, MMWD is forced to reduce funding for rebates for landscape materials and equipment.

Residential Landscape and Smart Irrigation Controller rebates ended October 22, 2009. Materials must have been purchased by October 22, 2009. Rebate applications must be postmarked by January 22, 2010.

Commercial Landscape rebates ended October 22, 2009. No new commercial landscape rebate applications will be accepted.

MMWD does not expect to have new funding for these programs until the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2010. Please check the MMWD website for updates around that time.

The budget cuts come in response to an unprecedented decrease in water sales. The good news is that by using less water our customers are helping to preserve our precious supply; the bad news is that reduced water sales impact funding for our operations. We are exploring ways to reduce expenses while continuing to provide necessary services. And despite the challenges, we remain committed to helping you save water! For information on our current programs, please visit our Conservation page.

“Go Native” this Weekend
Join us for a FREE, hands-on workshop at the Marin Art & Garden Center. “Go Native – Planting for Pollinators” will take place tomorrow, October 24, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Learn to attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects to your garden by including California native plants that provide food, shelter, and nesting places for wildlife. To register, please call 945-1512 and leave your email address.

Read Full Post »

WaterSense Makes Sense, and Can Get You 25,000 Cents (that’s $250!)

by Keith Bancroft

We’ve all heard the complaints about this or that “low flow” product that uses less water but just doesn’t perform very well.  Many of these problems occurred because manufacturers of water-using fixtures (i.e. showerheads, toilets, etc.) were forced to make changes to reduce the water use of their products as a result of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.  Although many products performed well, the few that didn’t (especially toilets) gave the term “low flow” a black eye.

About 5 years ago, forward-thinking toilet manufacturers started introducing high-efficiency toilets (known as HETs) into the American market (they have been used in Europe and Australia for over a decade).  These models use 20% less water than the current standard—about 1.3 gallons per flush versus the standard 1.6 gallons. 

Because manufacturers were the driving force behind this “new” technology (as opposed to playing “catch up” and trying to modify their products to meet a set of new standards) the toilets have excellent performance standards—they often have better flushing performance than many of the 1.6 models.  However, like any product, some are going to work better than others.  With over 200 models of high-efficiency toilets now available, how do you determine which one to buy? It’s easy: Just look for the WaterSense label.

WaterSense is a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that helps consumers identify water-efficient products and programs.  It does for water-efficient products what EnergyStar has done for energy-efficient ones. The WaterSense label indicates that these products and programs meet water efficiency and performance criteria. WaterSense-labeled products will perform well, help save money, and encourage innovation in manufacturing.

As of July 1, 2009, MMWD began offering $250 rebates for customers who purchase a WaterSense-labeled high-efficiency toilet when replacing an old toilet designed to use 3.5 gallons or more per flush.  Any toilet on the WaterSense list qualifies for the rebate program.   For more information, visit our HET Rebate Program web page, or call (415) 945-1527.

Read Full Post »

Marin Master Gardeners, MMWD Team Up To Provide FREE Expert Garden Advice

by Dan Carney

Homeowners and renters can receive free, expert advice about water-wise landscaping by scheduling a “Bay-Friendly Garden Walk.”

This unique program sends UC-certified Master Gardeners to homes within MMWD’s service area for a personalized landscape assessment. The visits take about an hour and include an irrigation system check as well as tips on plant selection and good soil management.

In 2008—the first year of the program—more than 40 Marin Master Gardener volunteers conducted Bay-Friendly Garden Walks at the homes of 127 MMWD customers. By sharing their knowledge and passion about gardening with others, Marin Master Gardeners help keep Marin’s urban landscape healthy while using as little water as possible.

Bay-Friendly Gardening focuses on working with nature to conserve water and other resources, foster soil health, create habitat, and prevent pollution. MMWD is promoting Bay-Friendly Gardening as part of our comprehensive conservation program to reduce water demand by 10-15 percent by 2025.

In addition to improving the health of the environment, Bay-Friendly Gardening can improve the health of household budgets by helping to lower water bills during peak summer months.

And even more savings are available: MMWD offers rebates of up to $350 to help home gardeners purchase water efficient equipment and supplies, or up to $400 for the purchase of a smart irrigation controller.

MMWD customers interested in scheduling a free Garden Walk can contact Marin Master Gardeners at (415) 499-4204.

Read Full Post »

Time to Test Your Irrigation IQ

by Charlene Burgi

I wonder what everyone did to recognize “Smart Irrigation Month” as we approach the end of July.   This might be a good time to test your “Irrigation IQ.”

1. Based on the average evapo-transpiration (ET) rate in Marin, the total inches of water per square foot per year that my lawn requires is:

a. 3 inches
b. 10 inches
c. 24 inches
d. 36 inches

2. Typically, spray nozzles throw twice as much water as rotors.

a. True
b. False

3. Mixing drip emitters and spray heads on the same irrigation valve is ok as long as my plants remain green.

a. True
b. False

4. A smart irrigation controller:

a. Automatically adjusts the runtimes to weather conditions
b. Can prevent runoff on sloped areas
c. Can automatically turn off if it starts to rain
d. Requires programming garden conditions before using
e. All the above

5. Hydrozones are:

a. Groups of plants requiring the same type of soil
b. Groups of plants requiring the same amount of water
c. Groups of plants that repel insects
d. Hydrozones have nothing to do with plants

(See the end of the article for the answers)

Share your tips
MMWD water consumption is down.  More people are talking about their water footprint.  The news reports conservation efforts by many of our neighbors.  And yet I wonder what each person is doing to improve their efforts.  Let me know by clicking “Leave a Comment” below.

Mark your calendars
If you haven’t heard yet, we are getting ready to kick off our residential Bay-Friendly Gardening classes this fall.  Mark your calendars for September 19th, 26th, and October 10th.  These Bay-Friendly classes are only taught in the fall and spring, so don’t miss out.  I will be getting more information to you as the time draws near.

Irrigation IQ answers
1.  d.  Your lawn would be underwater 3 feet if it didn’t soak up and evaporate.

2.  a.  A rotor sprays water at a very slow rate thereby soaking into the ground instead of running off.  Rotors typically need to run twice as long as spray heads.

3.  b.  Drip systems emit water measured in gallons per hour.  Spray heads release water in gallons per minute.  Each drip emitter is putting 1 or 2 gallons of water down at the roots of a plant (depending on the size emitter you installed) in an hour opposed to each spray nozzle spraying out over 2 gallons of water in a minute.  Based on those figures, if the irrigation is left on for one hour the one spray head would spray 120 gallons of water to get 1 or 2 gallons from your drip.  Your plants could either drown or dry up.  Either way, water is wasted and plants will be unhappy.

4.  e.  These are only a few factors that these controllers offer.  If you don’t have a smart controller, take advantage of our new Smart Controller Rebate program that will pay you up to $400.00. 

5.  b.  When installing an irrigation system or laying out a new garden, group your plants by their watering needs and irrigate them using the same type of irrigation on every valve.  That means high water use plants are watered together, low water use plants are watered together, etc.  Again, you are using just the right amount of water to keep your plants happy.

How did you score?

5 out of 5 = True blue                                             
4 out of 5 = Cool blue
3 out of 5 = Clues of blue
2 out of 5 = Barely blue
1 out of 5 = A whiter shade of pale
0 out of 5 = Need help!  If you are an MMWD customer, call 415-945-1523 and we will send a water conservation specialist out to see you with lots of gifts and gadgets to improve your water footprint.

Read Full Post »

More Tips for a ‘Water Smart’ Garden

by Dan Carney

You’ve already taken the first steps to make your garden “water smart” and now you are ready to do more. Read on:

• Install an efficient irrigation system, like a drip irrigation system with a smart irrigation controller that self-adjusts based on real-time weather and site conditions. Don’t forget that MMWD is offering a limited-time “Do Your Part: Water Smart” rebate for up to $400 towards the purchase of a smart irrigation controller.
• Use compost to create soil that holds more moisture. Once or twice a year, spread 2-4 inches of compost over the soil and dig it into the top 6-12 inches of the garden bed.
• Apply mulch to garden beds to slow evaporation of moisture from the soil. The benefits are two-fold: you won’t have to water or weed as often. Mulch also makes your yard look great by creating defined beds. MMWD offers a rebate for up to $350 on Bay-Friendly Landscaping supplies, including mulch. Or, make your own by using chipped branches, leaves, or compost from your yard.
• Group plants in your garden by water, soil, and sun exposure needs (hydrozoning) so that you can more easily water plants according to need.
• Plant at least half of your garden with California natives or plants adapted to a Mediterranean climate.
• Minimize the area of your lawn so that it functions as an “accent” or for play areas—or replace your lawn altogether with less thirsty landscaping. 
• Harvest the rain. Installing a rainwater catchment system helps reduces demand on the water supply.

How do you conserve water in your garden? Leave a comment and share your own tips below.

Read Full Post »

Tomato Tips and More

by Charlene Burgi

Jeepers creepers! 
Manduca quinquemaculata—otherwise known as a tomato hornworm—can be found lurking in your garden . . . specifically dining on your tomato plants. These critters are as long as their name. Despite their size, they are so well hidden that you will notice missing leaves and their droppings before you notice them. They have an enormous appetite and will devour tomato leaves first before supping on the tomatoes.  White-rice looking parasitic wasps might attach to them.  They are reputed to be the hornworm’s advisory.  To control this pest, hand pick the worms off of your tomato plants.  Pinch the damaged foliage back to the main stem.  Hunt for additional worms if more damage occurs.

Save water with check valves
Did you ever notice that the sprinkler heads located at the lower elevation of your garden leak water after the irrigation system shuts off?  Water seeks its own level and if you do not have check valves installed in your irrigation lines, you can expect to lose as much as 200 gallons of water each time your sprinklers turn off.  This water loss can be a simple fix. Our Bay-Friendly Landscape rebates can assist with purchasing the necessary equipment that can hold the water in the line.

Upcoming events
Mark your calendars now for these future educational events designed for residential customers.  On September 19, 26, and October 10 we will present three Bay-Friendly classes at Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross.  The Bay-Friendly workshops will cover ways to promote a healthy garden for a healthy environment.

Read Full Post »