FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 7, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
BY: Director of Utilities Shad S. Springer
SUBJECT: Proclamation - “Water Awareness Month” - May 2024
Description:
The City Council will consider declaring the month of May 2024 as “Water Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
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 or 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 in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler (before 12:00 p.m. and after 4:00 p.m.).
On an ongoing basis, the following tips can also be implemented indoors:
2 Indoor Conservation Tips
Install water-saving devices, such as low-flow showerheads, high-efficiency toilets, and kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators.
Reduce showers by two minutes and save five gallons of water. Turn water off while brushing teeth and save three 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 is 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 Fund 002 for the current fiscal year.
Impact to the Community
Reducing water use helps residents and businesses save money while preserving Earth’s natural resources.