Policy and Legislation
Common Graywater Mistakes and Preferred Practices (Webpage)
Art Ludwig, Oasis Design, 2009
www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/misinfo/index.htm
Graywater: The Next Wave (2004, 80 pp, Book)
Curtis McLamb, Graywater Resource, Inc.
This book is a complete guide to conserving laundry and bath water-graywater-for use in landscape watering. A step-by-step guide and photographs teach you how to install a near-surface drainfield at a fraction of the cost of the methods employed in conventional graywater systems. Newly researched methods of graywater disinfectant are also detailed, which have less impact on plants and the environment. It also includes a complete guide for homeowners with septic systems, which covers the primary reasons for their failure, and steps for preventing their failure.
Greywater 101: How to Replumb your Bathroom (Webvideo)
FairCompanies - Community and access to tools on sustainable culture.
http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/greywater-101-how-to-replumb-your-bathroom/
Greywater Information Central (Webpage)
Art Ludwig, Oasis Design, 2009
All aspects of greywater systems. Why to use them, how to choose, build and use them, regulations, studies, and examples. Includes greywater irrigation, greywater treatment, greywater filters, and indoor greywater reuse.
Greywater. What it is . . . how to treat it . . . how to use it (2000, Website)
Carl Lindstrom
This website provides an overview, treatment options, sample installations, and references.
Greywater Technical Resources (Webpage)
Greywater Action – For a sustainable water culture.
www.greywateraction.org/resources/greywater-recycling
Laundry to Landscape Grey Water System (Webpage, PDF and DVD)
Art Ludwig, Oasis Design, 2009
Compilation of current best management practices for building your own Laundry to Landscape System
www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/laundry/index.php
The New Create an Oasis with Greywater - Choosing, Building and Using Greywater Systems — Includes Branched Drains Revised and Expanded 5th Edition (2006, Book)
Art Ludwig, Oasis Design
This book describes how to quickly and easily choose, build, and use a simple greywater system. Some can be completed in an afternoon for under $30. It also provides complete instructions for more complex installations, how to deal with freezing, flooding, drought, failing septics, low perk soil, non-industrialized world conditions, coordinating a team of professionals to get optimum results on high-end projects, and “radical plumbing” that uses 90% less resources.
http://oasisdesign.net/greywater/createanoasis/index.htm
Reclaimed Water Conservation System For Flushing Toilets (Standard #IAPMO IGC 207) (PDF)
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
The purpose of this standard is to establish a generally acceptable standard for a reclaimed water conservation system for flushing toilets.The State of Oregon references this standard allowing “IAPMO IGC 207” listed equipment to treat graywater for toilet flushing.
https://publications.iapmo.org/standards/pub_show_synopsis.asp?doc_id=269
Safe Use of Household Greywater (Webpage, 1994)
New Mexico State University
http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_m/m-106.html
Water Reuse Standards and Verification Protocol (2005, PDF)
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
This report documents the results of an international survey of residential water reuse standards with respect to types of application and appropriate biological, biochemical and physical water quality parameters. Specific to municipal and residential application, the report also features a review of existing technology verification protocols for water treatment systems with potential for reuse, discussing such issues as monitoring and sampling parameters.
Choices, Choices
- Start with making a water budget, which will include knowing your average annual rainfall roof catchment area, cost and location of rainharvesting tank and your current garden’s watering needs.
- Use a dual water supply system that will automatically top-up the tank with water from the main supply when tank water levels fall to a minimum level.
- Select a pump system to distribute water for use inside or outside the home, if one is necessary.
- Consider appliances that can operate at less than mains pressure, as some appliances do require high water pressure.
Right Roof
- Make sure your roof surface is suitable for collecting quality rainwater. Some roofs are composed of lead-based paints and flashing, and tar-based coatings. Be certain that your roof is non-toxic. Steel sheets, well fired glazed tiles, concrete or cement tiles, clay tiles, and composite tiles are popular choices safe for rainwater collection.
- Speak with the manufacturer to confirm that the roofing material is suitable for potable water collection. You can obtain a certificate of classification.
Glorious Gutters
- Install roof gutters according to appropriate standards and building codes. Be aware that gutters which pond water can create a mosquito breeding habitat and may incubate bacteria.
- Prevent leaves and debris from blocking gutters by installing a fireproof mesh gutter system. Screening material must be both fire proof and allow maximum sunlight into the roof gutter system. It also must not be too fine, which can create the perfect habitat for spiders.
- Fit gutter outlets on the underside of the roof to minimize sludge build up. Gutter outlets that are fitted from inside the roof create a lip of up to 4mm at the water outlet point. Instead, fix gutter outlets on the underside of the gutter itself, so there is no water flow obstruction and the gutters will drain well.
No leaves, debris, or bugs please!
- Rain heads direct leaves and larger debris out of the flow of the water. The type of rain head required depends on the type of system. Using ‘multiple screen’ rain heads is often the best strategy.
- Consider using dry gutters. They last longer, keep the water moving downward, and prevent water accumulation between flushes. Dry gutters also eliminate any breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- In wet systems, pipes and gutters hold water. Fit insect-proof screens on all pipes that hold water and all openings to or from your tank. You can also fit insect-proof flap valves or screens on the end of the pipe system at the entry to the rainwater tank, and to the overflow from the tank.
First flush
- Install a first flush diverter on the downpipe. This is critical for achieving good quality water and is especially important in areas of high pesticide use or atmospheric pollution.
- First flush water diverters prevent the first, most contaminated rainwater from entering the tank.
- The recommended volume to be diverted is based on an assessment of roof area, and a pollution factor (between 0.5L to 2L of water per m2 of roof area).
- A sump box between the downpipe and the tank can slow water flow down and separate out any sediment not previously diverted.
Think Tanks
- Match the size of your tank to your water budget, your financial budget, and available space.
- Make sure your tank is made of dark, nontransparent material. Light will stimulate the growth of algae in stored water. Where an algal problem already exists, it is best to drain the tank and clean it.
- Tanks should be positioned in a shady spot, preferably away from trees to prevent leaves, etc., contaminating water.
- All openings should be equipped with close fitting lids, or mesh screens.
- All openings should be screened so that the mesh gauze will fit on a collar about 50mm deep. This will allow effective water flow into the tank. Ensure that screens are mosquito proof.
- Ensure that screens and filters are positioned so they are accessible for cleaning.
- Avoid brass or copper screens as they may react with the galvanising of the tank.
- Make sure there is an overflow valve on the tank outlet
- A close fitting lid which is readily removable is recommended.
- If you plan to have a large tank, consult a licensed builder or engineer to help design and construct the proper structural support.
- Have your tank installed by a plumber or the tank manufacturer. This will ensure the system operates efficiently, validate any available warranties, and lead to easier maintenance.
Water at the bottom and water at the top
- Draw water out of the tank from two places. Water at the top of the tank is better quality.
- Install a valve at least one third of the way from the top of the tank (aerobic zone) for use inside the home, and the other valve at the bottom of the tank (in the anaerobic zone) for use outside the home and overflow. Tank overflows that simultaneously take excess water and vacuum out sludge from the bottom of the tank are best.
- Make sure the tank overflow outlet is connected back into the stormwater pipe or irrigation system.
- Aerate the tank water so it does not become stagnant.
- Vent pipes and tanks to provide airflow over the water surface, which improves its aerobic content. This also prevents a vacuum from forming when large quantities of water are quickly drawn from the tank.
- Flap valves should have double seals, be self-cleaning, and have a flap that cannot be over-rotated and left open.
Keep the system in order
Maintenance is one of the most important factors to ensure good quality water. Clean the inside of the tank every few years, as sediment will accumulate. All components, including gutters, rain heads, water diverters and water tanks, should be checked and maintained regularly. Also, consider registering your rain harvesting system with the proper local officials.
Resources used:
The Rainwater Glossary:
http://www.rainwaterglossary.com/
Harvest H2o:
Rainwater harvesting guide:
The Composting Toilet System Book: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Planning and Maintaining Composting Toilet Systems, an Alternative to Sewer and Septic Systems (2000, 240 pp, Book)
David Del Porto and Carol Steinfeld, Center for Ecological Pollution Prevention
Composting toilet systems and other ecological wastewater management methods are emerging as viable and cost-saving alternatives to wastewater disposal systems worldwide. The book details why, and how to choose, install and maintain them.
/www.ecowaters.org/products.html
The Easy Septic Guide (2000, 42 pp, PDF))
Abbey Thomas (New South Wales, Australia)
/www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/Files/Information/ssguide.pdf
Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure, Third Edition (2005, 256 pp, Book, PDF, plus online videos)
Joseph C. Jenkins, self-published
This book covers all the basics of human waste management, from septic systems to commercial composting toilets, sewers, and more. A history of various composting methods, science, and problems is accompanied by a healthy dose of humor plus a solid foundation of science into pathogens, pros and cons of competing systems, and more.
www.jenkinspublishing.com/humanure.html
Liquid Gold - The Lore and Logic of Using Urine to Grow Plants (2004, 96 pp, Book)
Carol Steinfeld, Ecowaters
Liquid Gold features three ways to use urine hygienically and productively for plant growth, with studies that show the science behind this practice. Several advocates of urine diversion and their gardens are profiled, demonstrating that using urine for fertilizer is a feasible, safe, and cost-saving way to prevent pollution and save on fertilizer costs.
www.ecowaters.org/products.html#LG
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual (2002, multiple PDFs)
United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Office of Water
>This manual provides up-to-date information on onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) siting, design, installation, maintenance, and replacement. It reflects significant advances that the expert community has identified to help OWTS become more cost-effective and environmentally protective, particularly in small suburban and rural areas.
www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/625r00008/html/625R00008.htm
Reusing the Resource: Adventures in Ecological Wastewater Recycling (2007, 124 pp, Book)
Carol Steinfeld, Ecowaters
This book profiles more than 50 successful ecological wastewater recycling systems that use plants to stabilize, clean, filter and use up wastewater (and its nutrients and carbon) or discharge it to be used again to flush toilets, nourish plants, provide fuel, and more, while sequestering carbon and nitrogen and turning it into valuable products.
www.ecowaters.org/products.html#reusing
Sewage Solutions: Answering the Call of Nature (2001, 192 pp, Book)
Nick Grant, et al., Centre for Alternative Technologies
Sewage Solutions explains such natural methods of treatment as reed beds, cess pits, water stabilization ponds, septic tanks and compost toilets, and also describes how to collect and recycle waste water. Whether connected to municipal drain systems or not, this is the guide for all interested in the complete process of sewage recycling. Note that this book originates from Europe and may contain measurement units, etc. not commonly used in the US.
www.newsociety.com/bookid/3914
Small-Scale Constructed Wetland Treatment Systems: Feasibility, Design Criteria, and O and M Requirements (2006, 304 pp, Book or PDF)
Scott D Wallace, P.E. and Robert L Knight, PhD for Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF)< /br>This report, based on data collected from 1,640 projects, covers the design and use of small-scale treatment wetlands. It describes the feasibility of such wetlands and their use, and covers the latest in wetland treatment technology.
www.werf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&Template=/CustomSource/Research/ResearchProfile.cfm&ReportId=01-CTS-5&ID=01-CTS-5
Toilets That Make Compost. Low-cost, sanitary toilets that produce valuable compost for crops in an African context (2007, 114 pp, PDF)
Peter Morgan. Aquamor: Harare, Zimbabwe. Stockholm Environment Institute, EcoSanRes Programme
www.ecosanres.org/pdf_files/ToiletsThatMakeCompost_lowres_greyscale.pdf
Computer Model – Rainwater Harvesting
North Carolina State University
"A computer model is available for download to assist in determining the appropriate cistern size for a given situation. The model uses rainfall data and anticipated usage to establish cistern inputs and outputs and provides a cost summary and usage statistics in a report form. "
www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/waterharvesting/model.html
Guidance on the Use of Rainwater Tanks (1998, 29 pages, pdf)
David A. Cunliffe, National Environmental Health Forum Monographs (Australia)
www.ircsa.org/factsheets/Cunliffe.pdf
How to Build Your Own Rainwater Harvesting System (Online tutorial)
Department of Watershed Management, City of Atlanta, Georgia (U.S.)
www.atlantawatershed.org/rainbarrel
How to Disconnect your Downspout (Webpage)
Rainwater Catchment Systems for Domestic Supply: Design, Construction and Implementation (2000, 320 pp, Book)
Eric Nissen-Petersen and John Gould
The prime focus of the book is on implementation of roof and ground catchment systems for meeting either total or supplementary household water requirements. All aspects of design and construction are covered including simple methods of sizing systems, erection of gutters, choice of materials, construction techniques, training, operation, and maintenance. In a addition, non-technical factors such as water quality, health, social, financial, cultural, political, institutional, and general issues are discussed.
Rainwater Collection for the Mechanically Challenged (2006, 108 pp, Book)
Suzy Banks and Richard Heinichen, Tank Town Publishing
"This handbook will teach almost anyone how to install a personal rainwater collection system. It covers the entire works; from determining how much rainwater you'll need to troubleshooting a problem pump. You'll learn how to hang gutters, run your trunk line, install check valves, and disinfect your rainwater without using chemicals. Illustrations and photographs help make installing a rainwater harvesting system a snap for the do-it-yourselfer."
Rainwater Harvesting (Website)
AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M University
http://rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 1: Guiding Principles to Welcome Rain Into Your Life and Landscape (2006, 200 pp, Book)
Brad Lancaster, Rainsource Press
"This is Volume One of the three-volume set, Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands. Volume One helps bring your site to life, reduce your cost of living, endow you with skills of self-reliance, and create living air conditioners of vegetation growing beauty, food, and wildlife habitat. It's full of stories of people who are successfully welcoming rain into their life and landscape will invite you to do the same Taken together, the complete three-volume set guides you on how to conceptualize, design, and implement sustainable water-harvesting systems for your home, landscape, and community."
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 2: Water-Harvesting Earthworks (2006, 448 pp, Book)
Brad Lancaster, Chelsea Green Publishing
"Building on the information presented in Volume 1, this book shows you how to select, place, size, construct, and plant your chosen water-harvesting earthworks. It presents detailed how-to information and variations of a diverse array of earthworks, including chapters on mulch, vegetation, and greywater recycling so you can customize the techniques to the unique requirements of your site."
Rainwater Harvesting In Situ (Webpage)
Organization of American States
www.oas.org/usde/publications/Unit/oea59e/ch11.htm
The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting (2005, 88 pages, pdf)
Texas Water Development Board, Third Edition
"The scope of this manual is to serve as a primer in the basics of residential and small-scale commercial rainwater harvesting systems design."
www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/reports/RainwaterHarvestingManual_3rdedition.pdf
Using Rainwater to Grow Livable Communities: Sustainable Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) (Webpage with multiple links)
Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF)
"This website is designed to encourage and facilitate the integration of stormwater BMPs into development projects in your area by providing tools and resources for effective communication and implementation as well as in-depth case studies that examine BMP integration in several cities across the United States."
www.werf.org/livablecommunities
Water Storage: Tanks, Cisterns, Aquifers, and Ponds for Domestic Supply, Fire and Emergency Use. Includes How to Make Ferrocement Water Tanks (2005, 125 pp, Book)
Art Ludwig, Oasis Design
"A do-it-yourself guide to designing, building, and maintaining water tanks, cisterns and ponds, and sustainably managing groundwater storage. It will help you with your independent water system, fire protection, and disaster preparedness, at low cost and using principles of ecological design. Includes building instructions for several styles of Ferro cement water tanks."
www.oasisdesign.net/water/storage/index.htm
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is growing in popularity in the United States, and why not? Rainwater is naturally a very high quality water source. Particularly in a water-challenged state like California,
Water has become a hot topic in California and we hope it stays that way. Give yourself an in-depth and up-to-date education with a daily perusal of these insightful blogs focused on water.
Aguanomics
Water news aggregation and commentary by economist David Zetland. David is an economist (PhD UC Davis; now Wantrup Fellow at UC Berkeley) with many opinions. Damian Bickett is an occasional contributor. Damian is a PhD Candidate in UC Berkeley's ARE program.
Alternet Water Blog
Alternet's Water page is an amalgamation of water news and blogs from California, the US, and the world.
Aquafornia (Water Education Foundation)
Aquafornia's mission is to educate readers about the complex and often controversial issues surrounding water in California. Aquafornia is affiliated with the Water Education Foundation, an impartial non-profit organization whose mission is to create a better understanding of water issues and help resolve water resource problems through educational programs.
Barry Nelson/ National Resource Defense Council (NRDC)
News and analysis on California water policy from NRDC's Barry Nelson. During the week, Nelson is the director of the California Vision Project for NRDC’s Water Program, where they work to protect rivers, lakes, estuaries and fisheries, and to promote improved water management practices that can meet human needs and adapt to the likely impacts of global warming.
California Farm Water Coalition (CFWC)
CFWC's blog increases public awareness of agriculture’s efficient use of water and promotes the industry’s environmental sensitivity regarding water.
Circle of Blue WaterNews (Pacific Institute)
Circle of Blue is an international network of leading journalists, scientists, and communications design experts which reports and presents the information necessary to respond to the global freshwater crisis. It is a nonprofit affiliate of the internationally recognized water, climate, and policy think tank, the Pacific Institute. Circle of Blue publishes WaterNews, the daily go-to source for global water news and data.
City Brights: Water By Numbers (Peter Gleick)
In Water by Numbers, Peter Gleick of the Pacific Institute presents his thoughts about the water challenges facing California, the West, and our world. He also explores the threats and challenges to our freshwater resources, discussing available, viable solutions to those threats, "drawing from not only my experiences and viewpoint, but also by way of numbers. I will include in each post an important, unusual, or newsworthy 'water number' that I hope will highlight some piece of the water issue."
Food and Water Watch
The Food and Water Watch blog reports on issues of water, agriculture, agribusiness, corporate accountability, food safety, fishing, and legislation pertaining to food systems.
H2Ome: Smart Water Savings
This is a home-scale water harvesting and conservation blog.
S.F. Sewers Blog
This blog is the hitchhikers guide to the San Francisco Sewer Galaxy and its orbiting «blue» programs.
Thirsty in Suburbia
Thirsty in Suburbia documents things from the world of water that make us smile, particularly funny, amusing and weird items on drinking water, bottled water, water towers, water marketing, recycling, water-themed music, the art-water nexus.
On the Water Front/ Enivironmental Defense Fund (EDF)
EDF's blog claims a balanced approach to western water policy—protecting California's ecosystems and providing reliable water supplies for our farms and cities.
On Water
On Water features news, research, and current events on all aspects of water resources. This blog is brought to you by the Water Resources Center Archives, University of California.
Water and Poop
Water and Poop provides relavent news and commentary on water sanitation development and technology.
The Water Cooler
The Water Cooler presents California and Central Basin information from the Central Basin Municipal Water District.
WaterWire
All things fresh water: news, analysis, humor, and commentary from Michael E. 'Aquadoc' Campana, hydrogeologist, hydrophilanthropist, Professor of Geosciences at Oregon State University, and founder and president of the nonprofit Ann Campana Judge Foundation, a foundation involved with WASH (WAter, Sanitation, and Hygiene) issues in Central America.
Western Water Blog
Is there another blog that you think Wholly H2o participants should be reading?
Send your ideas and suggestions to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Authored by Sonia Diermayer
There are sound reasons underlying what sometimes seems like a regulatory stranglehold on innovations in water use.
AWE Resource Library – Landscape, Irrigation and Outdoor Water Use (Webpage with links)
Alliance for Water Efficiency - Chicago, Illinois
www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/Landscape_and_Irrigation_Library_Content_Listing.aspx
Best Management Practices for Landscape Water Conservation (2007, 52 pp, Webpage and PDF)
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
www.pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/B1329/B1329.htm
Federal Water Efficiency BMP#4: Water-Efficient Landscaping (Webpage)
United States Department of Energy, Federal Energy Management Program
www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/waterefficiency_bmp4.html
This page contains an overview, and covers operations and maintenance, retrofit and replacement options, and resources with links.
Federal Water Efficiency BMP#5: Water-Efficient Irrigation (Webpage)
United States Department of Energy, Federal Energy Management Program
www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/waterefficiency_bmp5.html
This page contains an overview, and covers operations and maintenance, retrofit and replacement options, and resources with links.
Green Industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the Conservation and Protection of Water Resources in Colorado: Moving Toward Sustainability (2008, 268 pp, PDF)
Wright Water Engineers, Inc. for The Green Industries of Colorado (GreenCO)
www.greenco.org/bmp_list.htm
"The purpose of this manual is to consolidate and improve upon Green Industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the conservation of water resources and protection of water quality, with an emerging ethic of working toward sustainable landscaping practices."
A Guide to Estimating Irrigation Water Needs of Landscape Plantings in California (2000, 160 pp, PDF)
University of California Cooperative Extension, California Department of Water Resources
www.water.ca.gov/pubs/conservation/a_guide_to_estimating_irrigation_water_needs_of_landscape_plantings_in_california__wucols/wucols00.pdf
How to Save Water with your Irrigation System
Jess Stryker, Landscape Architect
www.irrigationtutorials.com/faq/save-water.htm
Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates of the San Francisco Bay Region (2004, 336 pp, Book)
East Bay Municipal Utility District, California
www.ebmud.com/resource-center/district-store/plants-and-landscapes-for-summer-dry-climates
“Features more than 650 native Californian and Mediterranean plants suited to the climate and microclimates found throughout much of California and the West.”
A Water Conservation Guide for Commercial, Institutional and Industrial Users (1999, 108 pp, PDF)
New Mexico Office of the State Engineer
www.ose.state.nm.us/water-info/conservation/pdf-manuals/cii-users-guide.pdf
Water Efficiency Manual for Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Facilities (2009, 150 pp, PDF)
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Land-of-Sky Regional Council
www.p2pays.org/ref/01/00692.pdf
General Facts about California's Water
* What's an Acre Foot of Water?
* Household Water Use
* Using Water Wisely
* Where Does Our Water Supply Come From?
* California’s Water Delivery (Federal, State and Local)
* The Central Valley Project (CVP)
* The State Water Project (SWP)
* Local Water Agencies
* What Are Watersheds?
* Why Are Watersheds Important?
* Watersheds and Water Quality
* Snow Pack
* Sea Level
* Colorado River
* History of the Colorado River
* Key Facts About the Colorado River
* The All-American Canal
* IID/San Diego County Water Authority Water Transfer Agreement
* Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program
* What is Ocean Desalination?
* Facts and Statistics About Ocean Desalination
* What is Water Recycling?
* Facts and Statistics about Water Recycling
* The History of Water Recycling
Household Water USe * Landscaping accounts for about half the water Californians use at home. Showers account for another 18%, while toilets use about 20%.
* Central Valley residents use up to 300 gallons per person per day, while some Central Coast residents use as little as 50 gallons per day.
* How much water does it take to…
o Brush your teeth? - 2 to 5 gallons
o Wash the car? - 50 gallons
o Use the dishwasher? - 8 to 15 gallons
o Flush the toilet? - 1.5 to 4 gallons (each flush)
o Take a shower or bath? - 17 to 24 gallons
o Run the washing machine? - 35 to 50 gallons (each load)
* How you Can Use Water More Wisely?
o High efficiency clothes washers can make a big difference. Whereas old-style washing machines use about 45 gallons of water per load, new high efficiency models use only 15 gallons per load.
o We all love beautiful gardens and landscapes. But traditional lawns and gardens can require lots of water to maintain. For example, the typical lawn requires about 57 inches of water a year. While some of that comes from rain, the rest has to be provided by irrigation.
o A small lawn of 1,000 square-feet uses about 35,000 gallons of water per year. If the lawn is over-irrigated, as is common in many areas, it can use up to 75,000 gallons a year.
o Local water agencies can provide expert advice and tips on how to have a lovely yard and garden that uses much less water.
o “SMART” irrigation controllers are a good example of how technology is helping to reduce water use. These controllers monitor weather conditions and limit watering to when it’s really needed.
o Many local water agencies offer free water-wise visits that can provide water efficiency advice tailor-made for individual businesses.
Misc Water Facts # An acre-foot of water is about 326,000 gallons.
# One acre-foot of water is enough to meet the needs of two typical families for a year.
# Landscaping accounts for about half the water Californians use at home. Showers account for another 18%, while toilets use about 20%.
# About 66,000 acre-feet of water were voluntarily provided by State Water Project and Central Valley Project contractors to assist migrating salmon this year.
# Per capita water use varies around the state. Central Valley residents use up to 300 gallons per person per day, while some Central Coast residents use as little as 50 gallons per day.
# It takes 3.3 acre-feet of water to grow enough food for an average family for a year.
# Outdoor water needs consume about half the water used in a typical home.
# There are two major projects, the State Water Project (SWP) and the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) that carry water from northern California to central and southern California users.
# California will be chronically short of water by 2010, unless steps are taken now to improve our water supply system.
Using Water Wisely * As our population continues to grow, water use efficiency will be more critical than ever.
* Using water more efficiently reduces water and wastewater bills, and also lowers energy bills. It can also reduce demand on sensitive rivers and estuaries such as the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and help communities avoid the tremendous expense of developing new water supplies.
* California water agencies are leaders in water use efficiency. Over the past decade, local agencies statewide have invested roughly $400 million in programs to reduce water use.
* Today, water efficiency efforts in California rival those found anywhere in the world. Thanks to more efficient plumbing fixtures and active conservation programs, California is saving more than 700,000 acre-feet of water per year, enough to meet the household needs of over 2 million people for a year.
* Thanks to water use efficiency efforts, urban Southern California today uses about the same water it used in the 1980s – even though it’s population has grown significantly.
* Similarly, major water agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area report that total water demand today is about the same as it was in the 1980s, due to water-saving programs and incentives.
* From toilet rebates to water audits to “SMART” landscape irrigation technology, California water agencies are helping their customers use less water and less energy, without comprising their lifestyle.
Where Does Our Water Supply Come From? * Precipitation varies widely from year to year. In average years, close to 200 million acre-feet (MAF) of water falls in the form of rain or snow in California.
* Over half of that water soaks into the ground, evaporates or is used by native vegetation. That leaves somewhere around 82 million acre-feet of usable surface water in average years. Of that water:
o 48% goes to environmental uses such as instream flows, wild and scenic river flows, required Delta outflow and managed wetlands.
o 41% is used by agriculture
o 9% is used by cities and industry.
* Most of the rain and snowfall occurs between October and April, while demand is highest during the hot and dry summer months.
* About 75% of California’s available water occurs north of Sacramento, while about 80% of the demand occurs in the southern two-thirds of the state.
* Groundwater provides about 40% of the state’s water supply. In dry years, that percentage can go as high as 60%.
* California is prone to both droughts and floods. The most recent prolonged dry spell was a six-year drought from 1987 to 1992. The most severe drought on record occurred in two consecutive years, 1976 and 1977, in which California received very little precipitation and surface water reservoirs were extremely low.
California’s Water Delivery (Federal, State and Local * California's communities, farms, businesses, and environment rely on water from a variety of sources. Surface water projects, which capture and deliver rain and snow runoff, provide a major portion of the state's total water supply. The projects include more than 1,000 federal, state and local reservoirs and conveyance systems.
* Two of the most important projects are the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP). The CVP and SWP bring water from Northern California through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta for delivery to users in the San Joaquin Valley, parts of the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.
* Local water agencies perform a number of functions to deliver water to California’s cities, farms and businesses. Local agencies fund, build and maintain water supplies.
* The 200 biggest reservoirs have a combined capacity of more than 41 million acre-feet.
* Reservoirs are operated for a number of purposes:
o Flood control
o Water supply
o Hydroelectricity generation
o Water quality improvement
o System flexibility
o Reliability against droughts / catastrophic events
* Key state and federal reservoirs were built 40 to 60 years ago.
* Some locally owned reservoirs were built 80 to 100 years ago.
The Central Valley Project * The CVP was formulated in the 1930’s as a way to prevent water shortages in the Central Valley, however, during the Depression the State was unable to finance the project in its entirety. Most of the water projects envisioned by the state were financed thru the federal government starting in 1935.
* There are over 200 CVP contractors who receive water from the project and in return, pay down the general obligation bonds and revenue bonds that were originally authorized.
* The CVP stretches 400 miles consisting of 20 dams and reservoirs, 11 power plants and 500 miles of canals. The CVP 200 contractors manage 9 MAF of water and generate 5.6 billion kilowatt hours of electricity to meet the needs of 2 million Californians.
* New Melones Reservoir is the last CVP storage facility completed in 1979.
o Central Valley Project Major Storage facilities (federal) -- 7 MAF
+ Shasta Dam 4.55 MAF
+ Trinity Dam 2.1 MAF
+ Folsom Dam 1 MAF
+ New Melones Dam 2.4 MAF
+ Friant Dam and Millerton Reservoir 520,528 AF
+ San Luis Dam and Reservoir 2.04 MAF
The State Water Project (SWP) * The State Water Project is the nation’s largest state-built water and power conveyance system. It includes facilities—pumping and power plants; reservoirs, lakes, and storage tanks; and canals, tunnels, and pipelines—that capture, store, and convey water to 29 water agencies, which deliver 2.3 MAF of water.
* The SWP is comprised of 21 lakes and reservoirs with 5.8 MAF of total reservoir storage.
o State Water Project Reservoirs (state) -- 2.3 MAF
+ Lake Oroville, ForeBay and AfterBay
+ Lake Del Valle
+ San Luis Reservoir
+ Sisk Dam
+ O’Neill Forebay
+ Bethany Reservoir
+ Lake Davis
+ Frenchman Lake
+ Antelope Lake
+ Silverwood Lake
+ Lake Perris
+ Pyramid Lake
+ Castaic Lake
+ Quail Lake
+ Devil Canyon Afterbay
o State Water Project Pumping and Powerplants –generates 6.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity
o State Water Project Contracting Agencies (State Water Project Contractors)
+ There are 29 State Water Project Contractors (SWP). SWP contractors are public water agencies who receive annual allocations, specified annual amounts of water, as agreed to in their contracts signed in the 1960’s and set to expire in 2035. In return, the contractors repay principal and interest in both general obligation bonds that initially funded the Project’s construction and the revenue bonds that paid for additional facilities. The contractors also pay all costs including labor and power to maintain and operate the Project’s facilities.
+ State Water Project Contracting Agencies (State Water Project Contractors)
# City of Yuba
# County of Butte
# Plumas County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
# Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
# Solano County Water Agency
# Alameda County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, Zone 7
# Alameda County Water District
# Santa Clara Valley Water District
# County of Kings
# Dudley Ridge Water District
# Empire West Side Irrigation District
# Kern County Water Agency
# Oak Flat Water District
# Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District
# San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
# Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
# Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency
# Castaic Lake Water Agency
# Coachella Valley Water District
# Crestline-Lake Arrowhead Water Agency
# Desert Water Agency
# Littlerock Creek Irrigation District
# Mojave Water Agency
# Palmdale Water District
# San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
# San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
# The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
# Ventura County Flood Control District
Local Water Agencies * Local water agencies perform a number of functions to deliver water to California’s cities, farms and businesses.
* Local water agency projects include:
o All-American Canal (local) -- 3 MAF
o Colorado River Aqueduct (local) -- 1.2 MAF
o Los Angeles Aqueduct (local) -- 200,000 AF
o Mokelumne Aqueduct (local) -- 364,000 AF
o San Francisco Hetch Hetchy Project (local) -- 330,000 AF
* Many agencies purchase water from the major state and federal water projects. They then treat the water as needed, and deliver it to their customers.
* Some agencies operate their own local water supply systems, including reservoirs and canals that store and move water as needed.
* Some agencies rely on groundwater exclusively, and operate local wells and distribution systems.
* In recent decades, local agencies have developed more diversified sources of water supplies. Many agencies use a combination of imported surface water and local groundwater. They also produce or purchase recycled water for use in irrigating golf courses and other landscaping.
* Many coastal agencies are pursuing ocean desalination projects to further diversify their water supplies or for use on brackish groundwater.
* Some agencies have worked out water transfer agreements in which they purchase water from other agencies.
* Urban and agricultural agencies have invested billions of dollars in water conservation and water use efficiency programs that reduce demand for water. Today, urban Southern California is using less water than it did a few decades ago, even though its population has grown tremendously.
* Water agencies throughout the state are moving toward integrated regional water management planning, which generally includes a mix of programs such as water recycling, water use efficiency, groundwater management and conjunctive use, water transfers, flood protection and watershed management.
* In addition to providing water supplies, many local water agencies have responsibility for providing local flood control and flood protection. Some are responsible for managing and replenishing groundwater basins, while others also treat wastewater.
The All-American Canal * Dimensions
o Overall length 82 miles
o Width 150-200 feet
o Depth 7-20 feet
* Capacity
o From Imperial Dam to Siphon Drop Power Plant: 15,155 c.f.s.
o From Siphon Drop Power Plant to Pilot Knob: 13,155 c.f.s.
o From Pilot Knob to Drop No. 1: 10,155 c.f.s.
* The All-American Canal is the Imperial Valley's lifeline from the Colorado River. Approximately 3.1 million acre-feet of Colorado River water is diverted annually into the All-American Canal and delivered to agricultural land and cities.
* 70,000 acre-feet per year of water seeps out along a 23-mile section.
* The new, lined section will result in the conservation of 67,700 af/yr.
* The State of California is paying $135 million for lining the earthen portions of the canal with concrete, in exchange for some of the water saved. Costs above this amount will be paid for by the San Diego County Water Authority, which will receive the conserved water.
IID/San Diego County Water Authority Water Transfer Agreement * Largest ever transfer of water from agricultural to urban areas.
* First 10,000 af flowed to San Diego in 12/03
* Under the agreement, the water transfer increases to 200,000 acre-feet annually in year 19 (2022) and stays at that level each year thereafter. It has an initial term of 45 years and a renewal term of 30 years. The transfer represents a new supply of 12.9 million acre-feet of water for San Diego County Water Authority over the 45 or 75-year life of the agreement.
Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program * Cost: $626 million, to be funded by AZ, CA, and NV
* A habitat-based conservation program aimed at providing for the conservation of over twenty-seven species, including six that are currently listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act and eleven species listed as threatened or endangered under the California ESA.
* Specific measures include creation of 8,132 acres of habitat, the establishment of mesquite woodlands and cottonwood-willow riparian zones for birds and animals, and the formation of marsh and backwater areas for certain birds and fish. A fish rearing and stocking program also are planned to help increase populations of two endangered fish species.
What is Water Recycling? * Water recycling is defined as the planned reuse of treated wastewater for purposes such as landscape irrigation or toilet flushing. It is sometimes called water reuse or water reclamation.
* Though many people associate the word “recycling” with glass bottles and aluminum cans, the fact is California water agencies and communities have been recycling water for decades with great success. With scores of new recycling projects in the planning stages, the amount of water recycled in California is expected to double in the near future.
* Water recycling has many benefits. It reduces demands for freshwater supplies, and cuts down on pollution and wastewater discharges into sensitive rivers, bays and estuaries. It also allows communities to stretch existing water supplies and reduce their reliance on water imported from other areas.
* Recycled water can also be used to create or enhance wetlands and riparian habitats.
* As California’s population continues to grow, water recycling will play a key role in meeting water needs. It will be one component of a diverse mix of strategies that include water use efficiency, desalination, groundwater management, water transfers and more.
Facts and Statistics about Water Recycling * Over 525,000 acre-feet of wastewater is recycled annually in California. That frees up enough freshwater to meet the needs of more than 1 million typical households.
* There are more than 250 water recycling projects in operation today. More are coming online each year.
* In the coming years, experts say water recycling efforts will greatly expand with a goal of generating over 1 million acre-feet of water each year. That level of recycling will go a long way toward meeting the needs of the 17 million additional residents California will have by 2030.
* Today, recycled water is used for a variety of purposes. It is used to irrigate lawns, landscaping, golf courses, crops and freeway medians, replenish groundwater basins and act as a barrier to seawater intrusion. In office buildings, it is used to flush toilets and urinals.
* Recycled water is also increasingly being used by industry in cooling processes and for other purposes such as carpet dyeing, recycled newspaper processing and laundries.
* Nearly one-half (48%) of the state’s recycled water is used for agricultural irrigation. Another 20% is used for landscape irrigation, and about 12% is for groundwater recharge.
* At least 20 varieties of food crops are grown with recycled water, including vegetables such as lettuce and celery. Eleven non-food crops, such as pasture and alfalfa for animals, as well as flowers and nursery products are irrigated with recycled water.
* Over 125 golf courses in California are irrigated with recycled water today, as well as numerous parks, schoolyards, and freeway medians.
* In many areas long the coast, recycled water is injected into groundwater aquifers to create barriers to prevent seawater from intruding into inland.
The History of Water Recycling * Water recycling in California dates back to as early as 1890, when wastewater was used for agricultural irrigation in the Central Valley.
* By 1910, at least 35 communities were using wastewater to irrigate farmland.
* Landscape irrigation with treated wastewater began in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco in 1912.
* By 1952, there were 107 communities using recycled water to irrigate farms and landscape.
* Over time, wastewater treatment and recycling processes have greatly improved to protect public health.
* Through the natural water cycle, the earth has recycled and reused water for millions of years.
Facts and Statistics About Ocean Desalination * According to the U.S. Desalination Coalition, there are more than 11,000 desalination facilities operating in 120 countries around the world. Most of those are located in the Middle East.
* In the U.S., there are about 1,200 plants in operation that desalinate either seawater or brackish groundwater. Almost all of the seawater desalination facilities in the United States are small systems used for high-valued industrial or commercial needs. This may change in coming years.
* In California, several small-scale pilot ocean desalination plants have been developed in coastal areas such as the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.
* Currently, there are about 24 desalting plants operating in California that provide water for municipal purposes, with a total capacity of about 79,000 acre-feet. The number includes both seawater and brackish groundwater desalting facilities.
* Over the past five years, public agencies and private entities together have put forward more than 20 proposals for large desalination facilities along the California coast. Some of the proposed projects would represent the largest desalination plants in the United States.
* If all of those proposed projects were built, the state’s seawater desalination capacity would rise to more than 450 million gallons per day, which would supply roughly 6% of the state’s urban water demand.
* The proposed plants range in size from a small facility providing water for a private development in Monterey to much larger plants in Southern California that would rank among the largest desalination plants in the United States.
* California communities are pursuing desalination for a variety of reasons. For Southern California, a key factor driving interest is population growth, the need for drought reliability and a desire to reduce reliance on imported water supplies.
* On the Central Coast, local water supply limitations, growth and drought concerns are prompting many agencies to consider seawater desalination.
* In Northern California, where four desalination plants are proposed, agencies are seeking improved water reliability during droughts and emergencies as well as additional supplies for growing service areas.
* Although the cost and energy requirements are coming down, ocean desalination is still a costly endeavor. There are also potential environmental impacts associated with ocean intakes that bring water into plants and the disposal of brine produced in the desalination process.
Colorado River Info Canals and aqueducts that bring Colorado River water to Southern California are a key component of the state’s backbone water infrastructure and an integral part of California’s water supply. Water agencies that rely on the Colorado have committed billions of dollars to develop water management programs as part of California’s overall strategy to live within its legal entitlement of 4.4 million acre-feet of Colorado River water per year. In recent years, California has used as much as 5.37 million acre-feet (MAF) per year, even though its entitlement is only 4.4 maf plus 50% of any declared surplus. Growth in Nevada and Arizona are causing these states to use their full allotments of water, decreasing the surplus water available to California and putting more pressure on the state to live within the 4.4 MAF allotment. Programs to this end range from canal linings to water transfers to new groundwater storage projects, and are essential to achieving the region’s long-term goal of maintaining a reliable supply from the Colorado River.
History of the Colorado River
* 1922 CO River Compact allocated water among the river’s seven basin states. In addition to its allotted 4.4 MAF share, California was allotted half of all surplus water when available.
* 1928 Boulder Canyon Project Act was authorized for the construction of Hoover Dam, the All-American Canal and Imperial Dam.
* 1931, seven CA entities entered into a permanent contract for the distribution of CA’s 4.4 MAF. The contract specified that 3.85 MAF would go to irrigation districts for agricultural uses. These entities were as follows:
o The City of San Diego
o Coachella Valley Water District
o Imperial Irrigation District
o Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
o Metropolitan Water District of Southern CA
o Palo Verde Irrigation District
o San Diego County
Key Facts About the Colorado River
* Length of River: 1400 Miles
* Source of the CO River is in the Rocky Mountains
* River ends in the Gulf of California in Mexico
* States in the Upper Basin: Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico
* States in the Lower Basin: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah
* Lower Colorado River Watershed Area: 246, 000 square miles
* Average Assumed CO River Annual Flow to Lower Basin at Lees Ferry: 15 MAF
* Historic Yearly Flows:
o High: 24 MAF
o Low: 5 MAF
* Amount of Water in an Acre-Foot: 326,000 gallons
* Average Rainfall in Majority of Basin
o 4 inches or less
* Average Power Generated Using CO River Water: 12.2 trillion kilowatts
* Amount of Colorado River Water Allotted to California: 4.4 million acre-feet plus 50% of any declared surplus
* Amount of California’s Share of CO River Water Dedicated to Agriculture: 3.85 MAF
* California Acreage Irrigated by CO River Water: 800,000 acres
* California Irrigation Water Users:
o Imperial Irrigation District
o Coachella Valley Water District
o Palo Verde Irrigation District
o Bard Irrigation District and Indian Agencies
Rainfall Precipitation varies widely from year to year. In average years, about 193 million acre-feet (MAF) of rain and snow falls on California. One acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons, or enough water to supply two typical families for a year.
More than 100 million acre-feet of the rain and snow received soaks into the ground, evaporates or is used by native vegetation. That leaves about 71 million acre-feet of usable surface water. Of that water:
36% flows out to the ocean
28% is legally committed to wild and scenic rivers and San Francisco Bay-Delta outflow
28% is used by agriculture
7% is used by cities and industry
About 75% of the annual precipitation falls north of Sacramento, while more than 75% of the demand for water is south of the capital city. Most of the rain and snowfall occurs between October and April, while demand is highest during the hot and dry summer months.
Water Delivery System California's cities, farms and businesses rely on water from a variety of sources. Surface water projects, which capture and deliver rain and snow runoff, provide a major portion of the state's total water supply. The projects include more than 1,000 federal, state and local reservoirs.
Two of the most important projects are the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP). The CVP and SWP bring water from Northern California through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta for delivery to users in the San Joaquin Valley, parts of the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.
Key water projects and the amount of water they deliver:
Central Valley Project (federal) -- 7 MAF (million acre-feet)
State Water Project (state) -- 2.3 MAF
All-American Canal (local) -- 3 MAF
Colorado River Aqueduct (local) -- 1.2 MAF
Los Angeles Aqueduct (local) -- 200,000 AF
Mokelumne Aqueduct (local) -- 364,000 AF
San Francisco Hetch Hetchy Project (local) -- 330,000 AF
California's rapidly growing population -- estimated to reach 40 million by 2010 -- is putting mounting pressure on the state's water supplies. State officials now predict that California will experience annual shortages of 4 MAF to 6 MAF by 2010 unless steps are taken now to address the declining reliability of the state's water supply system.
Usage Information Landscaping accounts for about half the water Californians use at home. Showers account for another 18%, while toilets use about 20%.
One acre-foot of water is enough to meet the needs of two typical families for a year.
Per capita water use varies around the state. Central Valley residents use up to 300 gallons per person per day, while some Central Coast residents use as little as 50 gallons per day.
California will be chronically short of water by 2010, unless steps are taken now to improve our water supply system.
It takes 3.3 acre-feet of water to grow enough food for an average family for a year.
A water storage project typically takes 10 to 20 years to design and build.
Water Quantity Table 1 CFS =
448.8 GPM = 2 A.F./day
1 cu. ft. =
7.48 gallons = 62.4 lbs
1 million gal. = 3.069 A.F. = 694 GPM/Day
1 A.F. =
43,560 cu. ft. = 325,851 gallons
1 ft. =
0.433 PSI
Power
H.P. =
CFS x HEAD / 8.8 '
1 HP =
746 watts = 550 ft. lb. / sec
1 ft. =
0.433 PSI '
Key GPM = gallons per minute
CFS = Cubic Feet a Second
A.F. = Acre Feet
PSI = Pounds per Square Inch
watt = measurement of energy
H.P. = Horse Power
Gal. = Gallons
THE WORK WE DO AT EARTH RESOURCE FOUNDATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOU BECAUSE:
* Over 85% of ocean pollution (urban runoff) comes from you and me.
* In the last 50 years, we have destroyed more of our natural resources than in our entire existence.
* The United States constitutes 6% of the world's population yet produces 30% of all the waste and pollutants.
* We may be "the problem," but Earth Resource can show you how to be THE SOLUTION!!!
Water Supply Facts California's water supply is often described as feast or famine. Because the Golden State is prone to frequent bouts with drought and floods, the state must rely on an elaborate web of water projects to supply cities, farms, businesses and the environment with adequate water year-round.
Rainfall
Precipitation varies widely from year to year. In average years, about 193 million acre-feet (MAF) of rain and snow falls on California. One acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons, or enough water to supply two typical families for a year.
More than 100 million acre-feet of the rain and snow received soaks into the ground, evaporates or is used by native vegetation. That leaves about 71 million acre-feet of usable surface water. Of that water:
36% flows out to the ocean
28% is legally committed to wild and scenic rivers and San Francisco Bay-Delta outflow
28% is used by agriculture
7% is used by cities and industry
About 75% of the annual precipitation falls north of Sacramento, while more than 75% of the demand for water is south of the capital city. Most of the rain and snowfall occurs between October and April, while demand is highest during the hot and dry summer months.
Water Delivery System
California's cities, farms and businesses rely on water from a variety of sources. Surface water projects, which capture and deliver rain and snow runoff, provide a major portion of the state's total water supply. The projects include more than 1,000 federal, state and local reservoirs.
Two of the most important projects are the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP). The CVP and SWP bring water from Northern California through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta for delivery to users in the San Joaquin Valley, parts of the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.
Key water projects and the amount of water they deliver:
Central Valley Project (federal) -- 7 MAF (million acre-feet)
State Water Project (state) -- 2.3 MAF
All-American Canal (local) -- 3 MAF
Colorado River Aqueduct (local) -- 1.2 MAF
Los Angeles Aqueduct (local) -- 200,000 AF
Mokelumne Aqueduct (local) -- 364,000 AF
San Francisco Hetch Hetchy Project (local) -- 330,000 AF
California's rapidly growing population -- estimated to reach 40 million by 2010 -- is putting mounting pressure on the state's water supplies. State officials now predict that California will experience annual shortages of 4 MAF to 6 MAF by 2010 unless steps are taken now to address the declining reliability of the state's water supply system.
Usage Information
Landscaping accounts for about half the water Californians use at home. Showers account for another 18%, while toilets use about 20%.
One acre-foot of water is enough to meet the needs of two typical families for a year.
Per capita water use varies around the state. Central Valley residents use up to 300 gallons per person per day, while some Central Coast residents use as little as 50 gallons per day.
California will be chronically short of water by 2010, unless steps are taken now to improve our water supply system.
It takes 3.3 acre-feet of water to grow enough food for an average family for a year.
A water storage project typically takes 10 to 20 years to design and build.
RESOURCES
CALIFORNIA WATER EVENTS
| Regional Water Board Meeting Wed Sep 08 @09:00AM Elihu M. Harris Building, First Floor Auditorium, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612 |
| Fundamentals of Grey Water Systems for Sustainable and Integrated Water Management - New Webinar Mon Sep 13 @11:30AM Webinar |
| Wholly H2o September Forum: Establishiing Baseline Water Use, Audits, Benchmarking Mon Sep 13 @07:00PM Jellyfish Gallery, 1286 Folsom (at Ninth St.) San Francisco, CA 94103 (corner of 9th and Folsom, Civic Center Bart) |
| Early Detection Monitoring for Quagga & Zebra Mussels Tue Sep 14 @08:00AM EBMUD San Pablo Bay Reservoir ,7301 San Pablo Dam Road, San Pablo, CA |
| Theoretical and practical approaches for event detection and alarm reduction in water treatment Wed Sep 15 @11:30AM Webinar |
