WATER CONSERVATION PLAN - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

2.9 Continue to incorporate water saving practices into standard operations. Follow through with drought -related turf conversions in the parks and consider and implement a variety of cost effective water -saving solutions. Continuing in its efforts to emphasize the District's commitment to resource conservation, in 2019 the District created a new Strategic Element — Sustainability and Resiliency. The former goals mentioned above (6.9 Evaluate enhanced recycling and energy conservation practices and z.9 Continue to incorporate water saving practices into standard operations) were folded into and expanded in the new Sustainability and Resiliency Strategic Element. The objective of the Sustainability and Resiliency Strategic Element is to operate the District in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner. The strategy is to evaluate new ideas, embrace change and continuously move the District toward environmentally sustainable and cost-effective operations. More specific water related goals include: 8.4 Conserve water and favor California natives as well as drought tolerant landscaping through the board -approved landscape palette. 8.5 Continue to incorporate water saving practices into standard operations. Continue the drought response related irrigation and landscape improvements, and continue to seek opportunities to save water in the parks, expand and diversify the District's water supply portfolio and consider and implement a variety of cost-effective water -saving solutions. 8.6 Evaluate enhanced recycling and energy conservation practices. Evaluate and enhance our recycling and energy conservation practices within the District and at District properties and events to assure that we continuously improve the District's recycling, energy conservation, resource utilization and related practices. Expenditures and Future Costs Since 2015, the District has expended over $4,950,000 on approximately 7o acres of turf conversions and various capital projects (such as projects to modify and upgrade irrigation systems and projects to use reclaimed irrigation) districtwide. These one-time expenditures are necessary in ensuring the viability of District parks and long-term water conservation efforts. Annual, on-going costs for potable water usage continue to rise. Water costs have steadily risen since Fiscal Year 2007-20o8 as compared to the current Fiscal Year. FISCAL YEAR POTABLE WATER EXPENDINTURE POTABLE WATER USED COST PER UNIT 2007-2008 $827,808 328,665 units $2.519 2020-2021 $1,731,970 259,292 units $6.680 COMPARISON 109.22% increase 21.11 % decrease 16518% increase *i unit equals 748 gallons The District is committed to providing the resources necessary to respond to the ongoing and future droughts. Since Fiscal Year 2017-2018, and with the intent to continue annually, the District has committed at least $300,0oo each year (with the exception of 2020 — 2021 which was $235,000) for Annual Drought Page 15 October 2021