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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #11 Update on Water Conservation Report AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: December 4, 2007 Item # II Contact Name: Contact Number: Charles K. Smith, P.E. 407 -905-3100 ext. 4000 Department Director: Charles K. Smith, P.E. Robert Frank /~ Reviewed By: City Manager: Subject: Update: Water Conservation Report --.... Background Summary: At the November 6, 2007 City Commission Meeting, the Commission and Mayor requested that staff provide a short report on the City of Ocoee's water conservation program, POWR (Protect Ocoee's Water Resource). Utilities Department Staff will present a general overview of the program and provide updates on the programs water conservation incentives. Following the presentation staff will be seeking direction from the Commission about future incentive levels and initiatives that the Commission may desire to explore. Issue: Staff presentation of City Water Conservation Program POWR program and seeking further direction from City Commission. Recommendations: N/A. Attachments: Memo detailing plans for water conservation incentives, Power Point Presentation Financial Impact: None Type of Item: (please mark with an "x') Public Hearing Ordinance First Reading _ Ordinance Second Reading Resolution ~ Commission Approval Discussion & Direction For Clerk's DeDt Use: Consent Agenda _ Public Hearing _ Regular Agenda _ Original DocumenUContract Attached for Execution by City Clerk _ Original DocumenUContract Held by Department for Execution Reviewed by City Attorney Reviewed by Finance Dept. Reviewed by ( ) N/A N/A N/A 1 Mavor S. Scott Vandergrift c.enter of Good L. . <\.~e l~l~ Commissioners Gary Hood, District 1 Scott Anderson, District 2 Rusty Johnson, District 3 Joel Keller, District 4 Citv Manager Robert Frank MEMORANDUM TO: The Honorable Mavor and City Commissioners THRU: Charles K. Smith, P .E., Utilities Director FROM: Diana Wagner Water Conservation Coordinator DATE: December 4, 2007 RE: Water Conservation Update During the 2006/2007 Fiscal Year, the POWR Program implemented many annual programs and activities to promote water conservation. Those integrated through September 30, 2007 are as follows: Annual "Drov Savers Contest" - POWR, with the participation of Ocoee area elementary schools, represented our district in the statewide water conservation poster contest. Water Conservation Month - POWR followed the necessary procedures to declare April as Water Conservation Month within the City of Ocoee. POWR plans on implementing water conservatory activities beginning April 2008. Semi-Annual Landscave and Irrie:ation Seminar - POWR presented the semi-annual seminar to Ocoee residents on National Arbor Day (April 27, 2007), featuring two expert horticulturists, and gave Florida Native, drought-tolerant trees to participants. POWR Park - POWR teamed up with Ocoee High School's Future Farmers of America club to rejuvenate the POWR Park in front of City Hall and in turn created an alliance with the group and high school. Waterine: Restrictions - POWR revamped water conservation measurements, specifically monitoring and enforcing watering restrictions. Irrie:ation Workshov - POWR offered an irrigation workshop on August 10, 2007, in celebration of Irrigation Month. The program also implemented an irrigation-informative public service announcement on Orange TV. City ofOcoee. 150 N Lakeshore Drive. Ocoee, Florida 34761 phone: (407) 905-3100 . fax: (407) 656-8504 . www.ci.ocoee.fl.us I . Hi!!:h User Database - POWR created a database consisting of the City's 100 Highest Water Users (commercial and residential); and will use this database to effectively promote water conservation where it is needed most. Reclaimed Water Database - POWR developed a database for reclaimed irrigation work; which enables the Utilities Department to track what information is being sent to residents, when the residents are returning applications and applicable paperwork, when different stages in the retrofit process are being completed, and when residents' meters are installed and they have connected to the reclaimed system. For the 2007/2008 Fiscal Year, the POWR Program has implemented/plans to implement even more programs and activities for Water Conservation. They are as follows: Water Conservation Awards - POWR helped judge the Florida Section of American Waterworks Association (FSA WW A) Water Conservation Awards for Excellence, and gained a lot of insight and ideas for further developing Ocoee' s water conservation program. Landscape Committee - POWR began a Landscape Committee for residents dedicated to maintaining drought-tolerant landscaping throughout the neighborhoods in Ocoee, in an effort to promote water conservation. Founder's Dav - POWR had a booth a Founder's Day to promote water conservation to Ocoee residents. The program gave away 50 retrofit kits, which turns toilets into "Low-Flow" toilets. This reduces the amount of water used each time you flush. Ocoee Hi!!:h School - POWR renewed its agreement with Ocoee High School and its Future Farmers of America group. The OHS FF A works closely with POWR to maintain the POWR Park and to host assorted water conservation events throughout the year. Irri!!:ation Auditin!!: - POWR began an irrigation auditing program for Ocoee residents. Our Water Conservation Coordinator, who is also certified as an Irrigation Auditor, performs a series of tests on an irrigation system to determine if the system has any deficiencies, such as pressure problems, inadequate sprinkler head spacing, malfunctioning system components or an insufficient water supply. Having a properly functioning irrigation system is essential to conserving water and also saves residents money. Hi!!:h Water User Contest - POWR created a contest for the 100 Highest Water Users (information taken from the database created in the 2006/2007 fiscal year), to see which user is able to eliminate the most water usage. Safety Sprin!!: FUn!!: - POWR will participate in the annual City of Ocoee Safety Spring Fling, promoting water conservation. Arbor Dav - POWR will collaborate with the Parks and Recreation Department to develop and host an annual celebration and activities for National Arbor Day.