Water Shortage Declared

Ongoing concerns about Pasadena’s dwindling water supply prompted the city council to declare a Level 1 water shortage in July. Outdoor watering is now restricted to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between Apr. 1 and Oct. 31 and to just Saturdays between Nov. 1 and March 31; malfunctions and leaks in sprinkler and plumbing systems must be repaired within 72 hours of notice. If supply conditions worsen, the city council could declare a higher level shortage -- up to Level 4.

The Level 1 restrictions are in addition to the city’s permanent water waste prohibitions that took effect in July. These include no outdoor watering between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., no watering when it’s raining, no excessive water runoff from sprinklers, and no hosing down driveways and pavement.

The city’s Water Shortage Procedures Ordinance is enforced with written warnings and, if problems persist, fines of $100 to $1,000 for each additional infraction. Details about the ordinance and its prohibitions, including a few exceptions and exemptions, can be found by calling the Water Shortage Hotline at 744-8888 or at www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater.

 

Pasadenan Finds Oasis in His Own Front Yard

When Michael Okamura bought his east Pasadena home, he knew his front yard had the potential of becoming more than just a plain old lawn with inefficient sprinklers. With the help of a local landscape designer he transformed the yard into an inviting courtyard blooming with colorful water-smart plants such as kangaroo paw, lion’s tail, lily of the Nile and heavenly bamboo.

A decomposed granite pathway and low-voltage lights make it easy for him to enjoy his garden, which thrives on drip irrigation and small spray heads controlled by a smart timer.

He is proud to have received a Golden Arrow Award from Pasadena Beautiful Foundation and a First Place prize in the small house division of the California Landscape Contractors Association Beautification Awards.

If you see potential for your own yard, attend one of PWP’s free workshops at the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle, 960 E. Walnut St., to boost your curb appeal the water-smart way.

Sign up for “Efficient Irrigation” Sept. 10, Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.; “Healthy Trees and Shrubs” Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to noon.; or “Native Nights with
Lili Singer” Oct. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required. Visit www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater to claim your seat!

The Smackdown is On!

After voting in May to set restrictions for all Pasadena water users, the District 2 and District 6 council members challenged each other to a water smackdown.

“If we’re going to ask our constituents to abide by these rules,” said one, “we should be the first to set the standard, and in a public way.”

A PWP auditor has thoroughly scrutinized the rivals’ indoor and outdoor water use and set goals for each household based on family size, number of water-using appliances, and square footage of lawns and gardens. Progress is being monitored; look for the first round of results at www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater.

With ongoing drought and new limits on water imported from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), the new water-waste ordinance and a new water rate structure are intended to encourage everyone in Pasadena to cut water use by at least 10 percent.

By taking a few simple measures such as shorter showers, water-smart fixtures and appliances, and low-water landscaping, everyone in Pasadena will be a winner!
 

The Sunny Side of Economic Downturn

This is the best buyers’ market ever for solar power! Price reductions, along with a 30 percent federal tax credit and aggressive rebates from PWP, are brightening the future for solar in Pasadena. Not long ago a typical two-kilowatt home installation cost about $9,000 after tax breaks and the PWP rebate. Today, that same system may cost as little as $6,090 net, or 59 percent less than the starting cost!

Attend a free PWP Solar Workshop Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle, 960 E. Walnut St. Experts will provide a comprehensive overview of incentives, the installation process and how to choose an installer. Reservations are required at www.cityofpasadena.net/solar.
 

MINI-Es Ease into Pasadena

The newest additions to PWP’s fleet of electric vehicles have arrived: two BMW  MINI-Es. You’ll spot the sporty two-seaters with the yellow plug-shaped logo on the doors and hoods. Emitting 90 percent less carbon than a regular gas-powered Mini and 40 percent cheaper to fuel, the cars are part of a nationwide one-year field trial. Pasadena’s Transportation and Public Works departments also have five MINI-Es of their own to test.

As participants in the trial program, city employees will drive the MINI-Es for a year and report back to BMW about the cars’ functionality, reliability and performance. BMW hopes the project will help bring electric vehicles back into mass production.