Keep Up the Conservation with these Water-Saving Tips
As temperatures and water use rises during the summer and early fall months, being mindful of our water use and practicing a water-efficient lifestyle is as important as ever. The State’s drought website indicates that urban outdoor water use in California accounts for approximately 50% of the water used every day by residents during peak warmer months. Locally, the average West Basin resident uses 85 gallons of water per day (also known as residential gallons per capita per day), which is just over the statewide average, according to the most recent District conservation reports. Here are a few water-saving tips to help you keep up the good work conserving our natural resources year-round.
Garden Sustainably
Fall is the perfect time to plant a new, beautiful and water-wise garden – which means summer is the time to do the prep work. Utilize the warm summer months to dry out your lawn in preparation for its removal in the fall. Or if you are maintaining your lawn, remember: if your grass springs back when you step on it, no watering is needed. You can also sign up for the free California Friendly Landscape Training or Turf Removal classes offered through West Basin to learn about sustainable gardening techniques and tools.
Choose an Ocean Safe Car Wash
Instead of using a garden hose to wash cars, take your car to an Ocean Safe Car Wash because just one do-it-yourself car wash can use nearly 100 gallons of water. An Ocean Safe Car Wash uses recirculated water, which can reduce the amount of water used per vehicle by 50-85%. Ocean Safe facilities also prevent runoff from entering our storm drains and the ocean. Visit our website for a list of participating Ocean Safe Car Wash locations.
For more water conservation resources, please visit: www.westbasin.org, www.socalwatersmart.com and www.bewaterwise.com.
Desalination Project Environmental Impact Report Nears Completion
After nearly 17 years of planning, research studies and pilot operations, West Basin is nearing the completion of its draft environmental impact report (EIR) for a potential ocean water desalination project in El Segundo, Calif.
The document will examine the project’s potential effects on the environment, indicate measures to avoid or mitigate those effects and identify a range of alternatives. The District takes the EIR process seriously and is steadfast in providing the community with a substantial document.
As part of the District’s long-standing commitment to transparency, the environment and its stakeholders, it will present the public with many opportunities to learn more about the project’s EIR. The community will be able to talk directly with staff about the report’s science-based findings; learn about West Basin’s plan to reduce dependence on imported water, diversify its portfolio and responsibly develop a locally-controlled, drought-proof supply of drinking water; and comment on the project.
When the draft EIR is ready for review, West Basin will announce its availability and communicate with those who have provided contact information. Please, visit www.westbasin.org/desal for more information.
Pumped for Change – Renovation at Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant
West Basin is investing in infrastructure upgrades that will help the District continue to serve recycled water customers and communities with an abundant flow of drought-proof, purified water which raises reliability and allows for future increase in water recycling.
West Basin’s Hyperion Pump Station Improvements Project, located at the City of Los Angeles’ Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (Hyperion) in Playa Del Rey, has two components. The project includes the construction of a new pump station and the installation of a new three megawatt emergency generator.
Treated wastewater that would otherwise be discharged to the ocean from Hyperion is conveyed from the pump station to West Basin’s Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segundo, Calif. The new stand-alone pump station will be built directly north of the existing facility which is owned and operated by West Basin. The upgrades will help to eliminate maintenance issues that may interrupt West Basin’s recycled water supply. Once the emergency generator is installed, it will provide an uninterrupted source of power in the event of power supply outages. The project is currently scheduled to be completed by early 2019.
All Eyes on West Basin’s 2017-2018 Operating Budget
West Basin Municipal Water District Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Operating Budget is now available and online. Every year, the Finance Department produces the Operating Budget to ensure the District’s mission, strategic goals and commitment to transparency are being supported. It is a detailed account of the financial forecast for the new fiscal year, which started July 1st.
Here are some highlights in this fiscal year’s Operating Budget:
West Basin anticipates selling more than 12 billion gallons of recycled water. Recent improvements to its facilities increased the District’s Barrier* and Nitrified* water production.
Projected to maintain its high-ranking Aa2 credit rating from Moody and its high-grade AA- rating from Standard & Poor’s. A high credit ranking helps West Basin obtain the lowest interest rates available while receiving competitive offers from multiple market participants.
West Basin received accolades from the Government Finance Officers Association and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers recognizing the financial responsibility for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
Please visit www.westbasin.org/finance for more details and full document.
*Barrier: treated wastewater (sewage) that has been purified using dual-membrane (microfiltration and reverse osmosis) and ultraviolet technologies, in addition to conventional water treatment process.
*Nitrified: to oxidize (an ammonia compound) into a nitrite or (a nitrite) into a nitrate, by the action of nitrifying bacteria.
New Water Bottle Filling Station Program Promotes Access to Quality Tap Water
This summer West Basin is introducing a new Water Bottle Filling Station Program to help qualified applicants fund water bottle filling stations for use at public facilities within the District’s service area.
Bottle filling stations, often found alongside water fountains, provide free and easy access to quality drinking water, encourage the use of reusable water bottles, and reinforce tap water as a choice source of drinking water.
The $1000 grants are available to eligible public facilities, such as community centers and schools, located throughout the District and meet all criteria specified in application guidelines. Through this program, West Basin seeks to reinforce its commitments to water quality and environmental stewardship.
