FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 2, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Director of Utilities
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION FOR "WATER AWARENESS MONTH" — MAY 2023 RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mayor proclaim the month of May as "Water Awareness Month" in the City of Santa Maria and urge everyone to do their part to conserve and preserve this precious resource.
BACKGROUND:
Each year, the Utilities Department, along with other water purveyors, observes the month of May as Water Awareness Month to educate the community and encourage the wise use of water.
DISCUSSION:
The Utilities Department maintains a robust water awareness and conservation program that includes community outreach. school education, complimentary home water visits, and suspected leak notifications. The objective of the City's ongoing conservation campaign is to remind the community of the importance of conserving this natural resource.
Historically, water use increases in the month of May as summer approaches, especially for outdoor use. The community can help conserve over the summer by implementing the following tips outdoors:
Outdoor Conservation Tips
• Plant drought -tolerant or drought -resistant plants and trees. • Replace grass/turf with water -wise plants.
• Recycle indoor water to use on plants.
• Refrain from watering landscapes for 48 hours after rainfall. • Use a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of a hose. • Water outdoor landscapes earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler.
On an ongoing basis, the following tips can also be implemented indoors:
Indoor Conservation Tips
• Install water -saving devices, such as low -flow showerheads, high -efficiency toilets, and kitchen/bathroom faucet aerators.
• Reduce showers by two minutes and save 5 gallons of water. • Turn water off while brushing teeth and save 3 gallons of water. ■ Fix leaky faucets and save up to 20 gallons of water per day. • Wash a full load of laundry (no partial loads) and save 15 to 50 gallons per load.
When funding is available, the State of California offers water rebates for turf replacements and toilet upgrades. That information will be posted to the City website as it becomes available.
Fiscal Considerations
Costs for the conservation program are within the Utilities Department's budget allocation for the current fiscal year.
Impact to the Community
Water conservation is an important way of life. Not only does it help residents and businesses save money, but it also helps protect Earth's natural resources. jztLkLur-
MICHELLE RUIZ
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MA`D S. SP IN R, P.E., MPA
Director of Utilities
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City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
Santa Maria
All -America City
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WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria maintains a robust water awareness and conservation program that includes community outreach, school education, complimentary home water visits, and suspected leak notifications; and
WHEREAS, every industry, business, and resident can make a difference by conserving water at work, home, and school; and
WHEREAS, residents of all ages, businesses, and industries of all types are invited and encouraged to implement just one of the many tips and ideas to help conserve and save water.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria, hereby proclaim the month of May 2023 as:
"WATER AWARENESS MONTH"
in the City of Santa Maria and urge everyone to do their part to conserve and preserve this precious resource.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 2"d day of May 2023.
Alice M. Patino, Mayor