A Glass Half-Full

The rainy season may have begun, but Southern California’s water supply situation is still cloudy as pumping restrictions and long-term drought remain a challenge. PWP is optimistic, however, because your tremendous water conservation efforts are as clear as day.

Net water usage from July 1 through Sept. 30 was 12 percent less than this same period last year, 19 percent less than in 2007 and also less than any other summer since at least 1994.

Weather has been about average since July, so much of the reduced water usage can be attributed to PWP customers’ vigilant conservation. Thank you, Pasadena!

We can’t lose momentum now! If we can keep up this conservation trend through June 2010, Pasadena will avoid paying expensive high-use fees to our main supplier, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which is requiring a 10 percent reduction in water consumption over the next year.

PWP urges its customers to continue following mandatory water shortage procedures established by the city council and take extra measures wherever possible. You can review the ordinance online at www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater. Here are some key prohibitions regarding watering your lawns and gardens:

• Cooler weather is here so watering by automatic sprinkler systems is allowed only one day per week from Nov. 1 through March 31 (choose the one day that is most convenient to you).

• Do not water during periods of rain (check the weather!).

• Do not water between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., when heat evaporates much of the water.

You can also call the Water Shortage Hotline at 744-8888 to learn more about water shortage procedures or report water waste.

 

Rebates are Back!

After a brief summer vacation, MWD has restored funding for its popular water-saving rebate programs, which are offered in partnership with and co-funded by PWP.

Pasadena residential customers can once again apply for rebates on smart irrigation controllers ($150) and rotating sprinkler heads ($5 each) for outdoor water savings, plus high-efficiency toilets (up to $50) and washing machines ($100) through MWD’s SoCal Water$mart program. Residential customers may now apply for rebates on synthetic turf at 60¢ per square foot. The latest models offer the look and feel of real grass with very low maintenance, weather resistance, durability in high-traffic areas, year-round color and, best of all, zero water needs.

Reservations for residential customers are no longer required but funding is limited and rewarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater or call (888) 376-3314.
 

Water Quality and Your Safety

If you ever see PWP field crews on the street opening fire hydrants and releasing water into storm drains, don’t be alarmed. As much as it pains us to see water go down the drain, fire hydrant flushing is necessary for two main reasons.

The Pasadena Fire Department requires flow tests to make sure every hydrant is ready in case of emergency and to ensure adequate pressure in building sprinkler systems; and the California Department of Public Health requires water distribution system flushing when nitrite levels exceed 25 parts per billion or when water samples test positive for coliform bacteria. Flushing is also used to release “dead-ends” (stagnant water) from the distribution system, which prevents deterioration of water quality.

With the emphasis on water conservation that the entire community is embracing, PWP’s water quality team and the Fire Department are reviewing the flushing program and investigating ways to minimize the amount of water being flushed and how to recapture it. If you have questions about the program, send an e-mail to wpd_answerline@cityofpasadena.net.
 

Utility Assistance Program Gets a Boost

If you or someone you know is struggling financially, PWP is here to help. Benefits for the Electric Utility Assistance Program (EUAP), Cares and Cares Plus were recently increased to help low-income customers. Qualifying customers now receive a $7.50 credit per month – up from $5 – on their electric bill.

Created in 2006 and funded by the Public Benefits Charge on electric bills, the programs are open to customers whose maximum income for a single-person household is $27,750, increasing in increments of $4,000 for each additional person. Participants in the Pasadena Medical Assistance Program for people with energy-hungry medical equipment receive the same $7.50 monthly benefit regardless of income level.

Learn more and apply for assistance by visiting www.cityofpasadena.net/wecanhelp or calling 744-6970.