CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 4, 2008
TO: D. Mike Good, City Manager
FROM: William Brant, P.E., Director, DPW / Utilities & Engineering
SUBJECT: Presentation Regarding Water Conservation Programs and Financial Impacts CAD# 032/06
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this agenda item is to apprise the Commission of the City’s current water conservation program and progress and to seek Commission approval for an enhanced program in FY 2008-09.
BACKGROUND:
Water Conservation Program
The Commission has prioritized water conservation as a key goal for the City. This year the City established the staff position of Water Conservation Coordinator to plan and oversee progress in this area. Recognizing the necessity to protect the South Florida water supply, the City has endorsed and already worked proactively in establishing various water conservation programs within the City of Hallandale Beach. Following is a table with recap and status of some of the latest initiatives and programs:
|
INITIATIVE / PROGRAM |
COST |
WATER SAVINGS (Gallons/Year) |
REMARKS |
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|
Water Conservation Ordinance 2007-04 / Restrict... Irrigation Days/Hours (Phase I), Serving Water in Restaurants, Water Drought Tolerant Give-Away Plants/Trees |
N/A |
Undetermined |
Partnering with Restaurants to Serve Water Only at Customer’s Request / Associated Savings from Ordinance Cannot be Determined |
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|
Rain Sensor Ordinance (FS 373.62) for Building Permits Requiring Rain Sensor Devices on Irrigation System |
N/A |
288,000 |
Estimate for 10 Permits / Year at 28,800 Gallons of Water / Year per Irrigation System |
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|
Ultra-Low-Volume Plumbing Fixture Ordinance Codifying Florida Building Code Requirement |
N/A |
870,000 |
Estimate for Remodel / New Construction at 150 Permits per Year… 1.5 Gallons per Flush Instead of 3.5 Gallons for Older Toilets |
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|
Water Conservation Resolution 87-14 / Outline Use of Xeriscape Plants and Landscaping |
N/A |
N/A |
Promote and Expand Xeriscape Concept to Reduce or Eliminate Need for Supplemental Irrigation |
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|
Apply / Implement Broward County's NatureScape Irrigation Program to City Facilities and Parks |
N/A |
9,986,143 |
Savings of $13,500 Per Year in Water Cost / Operating Irrigation Systems More Efficient with Related Savings in Energy, Equipment Wear, Etc. |
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|
Water Conservation Economic Incentive-Based Water Rate Structure Encouraging Low Monthly Water Consumption |
N/A |
Undetermined |
A Definite Water Conservation Component in Water Savings by Financially Rewarding Lower Water Users, As Follows:
|
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|
SFWMD's WaterSIP Grant to Retrofit Existing Irrigation Systems with Rain Sensor Device |
$50,000 |
23,000,000 (Potential) |
Staff Mailed Fliers to All Residential, Condos, and Commercial properties in May 2008 |
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|
Operational Water Conservation Measures: 1) Water Utility Leak Detection by Periodic Water Meter Change-Out Program, 2) Water Distribution System Leakage Monthly Evaluation |
N/A |
N/A |
1) Meter Change-Out Program… Meters < 3" Changed Every 15 Years Meters ³ 3" Calibrated Every 18 Months 2) Monthly "Water Pumped vs. Water Billed" Compared to Identify Unaccounted Volumes... Average: 4% (Less Than 10% Allowed) |
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|
Water Conservation Information / Communications Program |
N/A |
N/A |
City Has Maintained Continuous Water Conservation Information as a Tool: Newsletter, Water Quality Report, Presentations to Schools and Community Groups, Etc. |
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|
Water Re-Use Venture with Hollywood for High-Volume Irrigation Purposes |
N/A |
N/A |
An Important Conservation Component… Every Gallon That Can Be Recycled for Irrigation Reduces Same Demand for Potable Water / Potential of 800,000 Gallons / Day of Re-Use Water May Become Available from Hollywood |
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|
Wastewater Inflow / Infiltration (I/I) Commitment to Reduce Aquifer Water I/I |
Indirect Cost |
Indirect Benefit |
Strong I/I Program Conserves Hundred of Thousands of Gallons in the Aquifer to Wastewater System Inflow and Infiltration |
DISCUSSION:
Current Water Use Findings / Trends
Recent analysis of water consumption and population growth has provided a new reference gauging water use. The graph below represents monthly water consumption for the period between October 2004 and May 2008, in 12-months averaged intervals to narrow the high-low spikes. As shown, there was a small increase in consumption from October 2004 to March 2007, followed by a steady steeper decline following the Phase II and Phase III irrigation water restrictions of April-May 2007. Consumption went from a high of 178 million gallons (MG) to a low of 158.2-MG for May 2008, representing a 20 million gallons of water per month usage decrease in 13 months or 11.1%.
Upon evaluating the number of connected water meters the past five years, staff has seen a growth rate of 8.2% over this period, in line with the City’s population increase. Historically, from as far as 2006, the water consumption and census figures had established the City’s per capita water use at 165-167 gallons per day (gpcd). Recent figures, however, demonstrate a steep decline and threshold consumption low of 152 gpcd for 2007 and a low of 146 gpcd for 2008. This latest number represents a distinct 13% drop in the City’s per-capita water consumption in the last two years which is consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan, currently being revised.
This decline in water consumption, mostly due to the irrigation restrictions imposed fifteen months ago, will greatly reduce the cost for the City’s future water supply facilities requirements. Recent Department of Community Affairs (DCA) communications, echoing recommendations from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), are expected to support the City’s growth objectives as long as these water conservation levels are maintained.
FY 2008-09 Water Conservation Proposed Budget
While the City of Hallandale Beach has already demonstrated its firm commitment to water conservation, it is becoming increasingly clear that water conservation is a worthy goal that demands an even higher level of commitment. It is, for example, the City’s first line of defense for meeting future water supply demands. In its revised Water Supply Facilities Work Plan, the City recommends a strengthened water conservation plan, in lieu of multimillion dollar expenditure for a Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment facility. Accordingly, the following request is submitted by Public Works for consideration in the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year budget.
|
BUDGET ITEM (INITIATIVE / PROGRAM) |
WATER SAVINGS (Gallons/Year) |
BUDGET AMOUNT |
|
Water Reuse Study, Design, and Construction Fund the Study, Design-Engineering and Initial Construction (Phase 1 of 3) of Water Reuse System to Encompass Rain Harvesting, Storm Water and/or Water Plant Concentrate (Reject Water) for All City Facilities and Street Medians |
50,000,000 (Potential) |
$ 100,000 |
|
SFWMD – WaterSIP Grant [Grant to Be Announced by Late August 2008] Commitment to match South Florida Water Management District grant for 2008-2009 |
15,000,000 (Potential) |
$ 50,000 |
|
Water Conservation Incentive Programs Program to Encompass Rebates and Incentives Such as Water-Wise Rebate / Incentive, Water Use Audits, Ultra Low Flow Toilet Exchange, Plumbing Retrofits / Exchanges (Residential & Commercial), and Other Special Opportunity Incentive |
N/A |
$ 30,000 |
|
Conservation Promotional / Communications Material City Sponsored and Funded Water Conservation Presentations to Home Owners’ and Condominium Associations and Schools, Publication of Water Savings Literature and Small Value Conservation Promotional Materials Such As: Showerheads, Dye Tablets, Faucet Aerators, Conservation Kits, Etc. |
N/A |
$ 10,000 |
|
Water-Wise Fifth Grade Conservation (Educational) Material Fifth-Grade Math and Science Curriculum-Based Water-Conservation Educational Classroom Material with Water Savings Kit for Home Retrofits as Homework / Report -Target: Hallandale Elementary 185 Students & Teachers |
1,800,000 |
$ 7,000 |
|
NatureScape Certification Registration for NatureScape and Certification -Satisfy and Provide Requirements for Official Registration -Continue Process towards Certification by Satisfying and Providing Official Certification Requirements and Provide Support for Team Volunteers |
N/A |
$ 3,000 |
|
|
REQUESTED: |
$ 200,000 |
The proposed water conservation program budget herein outlined provides for a mix of components aimed to provide for conservation communications, education, outreach, and direct water savings but most importantly it establishes the first steps the City is taking in water re-use.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Commission consider and approve the proposed water conservation program.
Reviewed:
_______________________________ __________
D. Mike Good, City Manager Date
_____Approved _____Disapproved _____Hold for Discussion