| Did you know that while we are surrounded by water, most is not drinkable? In fact, only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water and of this 2/3 is stored in icecaps and glaciers. That leaves only 1% of the world’s water available for drinking. While there is no need for alarm (we will not be running out of water tomorrow), it is always a good idea to save when we can. |
**Please submit conservation questions to mpwd@midpenisulawater.org**
 To check out the new and improved revised version of the software program "Water Wise Gardening in The Bay Area" click here http://www.bawsca.watersavingplants.com/bawsca.php. Please note the 2007 version of the CD is still available at the District office and is compatible with Vista, Windows 98, NT 4.0, ME, 2000, XP or later. Features include various sample landscapes from all over the local bay area: front yards, back yards and bay area native plants. Both also feature detail descriptions on the many drought resistant plants available alphabetically or through the use of a search engine. This is a very useful tool for those wanting to renovate their existing landscape or create a new water efficient one!
"Water for Tomorrow" Print Publication & Website
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) in 2009 released a new consumer magazine and companion website. Produced in partnership with National Geographic Custom Partnership, the magazine and website are designed to reach consumers in a new and engaging way with info about current water challenges and the need for Californians to rethink the way water is used. Check out their website or download the latest magazine issue at www.waterfortomorrowmag.com. Features include: California's water systems, ways to reduce consumption, and how to protect local water supply. Also, included are great conservation tips, games, and more....educate yourself today!
Fall 2011 Landscape Education Series
 Although the Fall 2011 Water Efficient Landscape Class hosted by the District has passed "FREE" education courses continue to be offered for local residents throughout the San Francisco Bay Area Region. Sit in on a lecture style talk or opt to enroll in a "NEW" first of its kind hands-on demonstration workshop. Topics include: Water Wise Landscape Design, Sustainable Gardening, Switch to Drip, Graywater for Landscape Irrigation plus many, many more. To register today or for more information on additional courses available through November 2011 email landscape@bawsca.org or call (650) 349-3000. To view a copy of the full FALL scedule click here!
High Efficiency Toilet Rebate Program
As part of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) Rebate Program, the Mid-Peninsula Water District is offering a rebate to our residential customers who purchase and install a qualified high-efficiency toilet (HET). HET’s use less water than your old toilet that uses about 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) or higher. A toilet using 3.5 GPF or more can account for roughly 26% of your home’s indoor water use. An easy ways to lower your toilet‘s water use by approximately 62% is to install a HET, which uses on average 1.3 GPF or less.
This program will run July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. All applications for rebates on HET’s will be accepted through BAWSCA. To view an application or conduct a product search on an EPA certified water sense labeled toilet click on 2010/2011 HET Rebate Brochure. Applications can also be obtained from local appliance retailers selling HET’s or you can pick one up from our district office. We request that you call in advance if you wish to pick one up. Further, information can be obtained by visiting BAWSCA’s website at www.bawsca.org
Clothes Washer Rebate Program
As part of the Bay Area Water Utility Clothes Washer Rebate Program, the Mid-Peninsula Water District (MPWD) is offering a rebate to our residential customers who purchase and install a qualified high-efficiency clothes washer. High Efficiency washers with the Energy Star label use 38 percent less water and 56 percent less energy than standard efficiency models. In addition, the super efficient washers extract more moisture from clothes thereby reducing the time and energy used for drying. According to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), this increased efficiency translates into 13,500 to 36,000 gallons of water and 1,500 to 4,000 kilowatt hours of electricity saved per machine per year. Tests have shown that high efficiency washers get clothes cleaner, rinse more thoroughly, treat clothes more gently, and use less detergent than other washers. Energy Star clothes washers come in a range of capacities from about 1.6 cubic feet up to 3.1 cubic feet. A typical large-capacity washer found in most households is about 2.7 cubic feet.
Effective January 1, 2008 you will no longer have to apply for a water rebate and energy rebate seperately. BAWSCA and PG&E have joined forces to apply for both rebates at one time. All applications for rebates on high efficiency washers will be processed through PG&E. Applications can be obtained from local appliance retailers selling Energy Star washers. The District office may also have a small supply of application forms, please call in advance if you wish to pick one up. Please note that at this time MPWD DOES NOT honor silver ion technology rebates. To view a complete list of qualifying clothes washers please visit the PG&E website at www.waterenergysavings.com or if you wish to download form you may click on this link http://www.waterenergysavings.com/docs/pdfs/rebateapplication.pdf If you have already purchased a qualifying washer and have questions or concerns please contact PG&E Smarter Energy Line at 1-800-933-9555.
Water Conservation Kits
Using conservation devices in your home is commonly overlooked but is something that can be quite beneficial. Often, small, inexpensive modifications of equipment can mean long term savings. Several inexpensive water-saving devices can be easily installed in your home. These include faucet aerators; flow regulators for shower heads; and displacement devices for toilets to reduce water consumption.
A free home Water Conservation Kit is available to Mid-Peninsula Water District customers. The kit includes conservation devices such as the ones named above. Please feel free to drop by the District office and pick one up today or you may call the office for more information.
Tips for your Lawn & Garden
It may surprise you to learn that 40 percent of household water is used outdoors.
Here are a few conservation tips for your lawn and garden:
1. Longer grass shades the soil, encourages deeper roots and saves water.
2. Check your landscaping often for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets, sprinklers and couplings. Small leaks can add up to large water loss.
3. Use drip irrigation systems for plants and gardens.
4. During the winter, your landscape requires much less water than in the summer, so let Mother Nature do the watering! Then when the
weather heats up increase your weekly water schedule by adding a day or click here to view our proposed Smart Irrigation Schedule.
5. The time of day you water is also an important factor. We recommend watering before 9AM or after 7PM to minimize evaporation.
6. Get rid of weeds, which compete with your ornamental plants for water.
7. Don't water the gutter, sidewalks and driveways. Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not paved areas.
8.Use mulch around trees and plants. It will slow evaporation and discourage weed growth.
9. Plant drought-tolerant and native plants that require little water along with a drip irrigation system.
Click here for a list of drought-tolerant plants.
Water-efficient habits will result in a healthier lawn and garden, in addition to conserving water and saving money! |
