Western has $600 waiting for you! See page 3. Spring Western water news, info and tips

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1 Spring 2010 Western water news, info and tips Water Crisis Solutions The winter s heavy rains that have fallen on the Inland Empire and California have not ended the state's drought. Although reservoirs have started to fill, the Bay-Delta in Northern California, a critical part of the system that delivers water to Southern California, is still in crisis. Court-ordered restrictions to protect endangered fish have reduced the pumping of water to Southern California. Officials throughout California report that the Delta's ecosystem and the economy dependent on its water are in danger of collapse due to decades of environmental degradation. In response to the water crisis, the State Legislature last November passed, and Gov. Schwarzenegger signed into law, legislation aimed at addressing the Bay-Delta's problems. This legislation is intended to put California on the path toward making difficult decisions to implement some long-term solutions. The legislation includes a water bond which will be on the Statewide general election ballot this November. For more details, video, and pro and con information regarding the water bond, go to our website at wmwd.com. Landscape Contest Solar Cup Sets Sail Local Wastewater Plant Goes Solar General Information Billing After-hours Emergencies Landscapes Southern California Style SM Water Conservation Garden Event Line Rebate Hotline Fax water@wmwd.com Website wmwd.com Western has $600 waiting for you! See page 3. 1 Securing Your Water Supply WMWD Headquarters 8 a.m. 5 p.m.

2 Citrus Hill, Jurupa Valley, Elsinore and Patriot High School Teams Set to Sail in 2010 Solar Cup John V. Rossi General Manager Board of Directors Division 1 Charles D. Field President Division 2 Thomas P. Evans Director Division 3 Brenda Dennstedt Vice President Division 4 Donald Galleano Secretary-Treasurer Division 5 S. R. Al Lopez Director Local high school students are getting set to race solar-powered boats May 14 through16 at Lake Skinner. The Solar Cup program is designed to increase students exposure to science and mathematics, in addition to water quality issues. Each team, all veterans to the event, received a $2,500 sponsorship check to build their solar-powered boats. The four high school teams are sponsored by Western and two of our partnering water agencies Rancho California Water District and Jurupa Community Services District. Water Assemblies a Splash Western Municipal Water District, in partnership with the Water Education Advisory Council of western Riverside County, launched its annual elementary school water educational assembly program in March to promote water use efficiency. This year s performances included shows from ZunZun, which celebrates water education through music performances, and EarthCapades, an environmental vaudeville theater show. Performances were designed to inspire children to preserve our natural water resources while creating an entertaining and engaging environment for learning. A total of 18 water assemblies were performed at 10 elementary schools and viewed by more than 5,000 children. 2

3 Time to Get Smart Western is excited to introduce Smart Yard, a new water efficiency program to all eligible homeowners. Smart Yard is an innovative partnership between Western, HydroPoint Data Systems, provider of WeatherTRAK smart irrigation controllers, and YOU. Smart Yard will deliver smart landscape technology to homeowners, reduce participant water bills, and save more than one BILLION gallons of water, which will increase our community s long-term sustainability. Smart Yard participants will receive a WeatherTRAK smart controller, proven to save water in 23 studies; professional installation; five years of subscription service; toll-free customer support six days a week, and an irrigation system evaluation. Western is providing immediate rebates of $600 to $1,139 per home, depending on the smart controller model required for the landscape. In addition, you as a qualifying homeowner customer pay nothing up front and your portion will be financed on your water bill with no interest. Your fixed payment of between $9.99 and $18.99, depending on the controller model, will be automatically added to your water bill for five years. Most homeowners water bill savings will far exceed their monthly payments! Landscapes in our community use nearly 70 percent of the district s water supply, and are typically overwatered by 30- to 300-percent. To learn more about the Smart Yard program and estimate your water bill savings, visit WesternSmartYard.com or call toll-free

4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Goes Solar Last December, the panels were powered at the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority Treatment Plant in Corona. The plant is expected to save ratepayers more than $1 million over the next 20 years. More than 5,000 solar panels supply about 25 percent of the wastewater treatment plant's power during peak energy use times. Southern California Edison charges more during the hottest part of the day, which is when the solar system functions at its highest capacity. Western manages the plant and is a member of the wastewater authority. Western s General Manager John V. Rossi speaks at the Solar Project celebration. Where Does the Water Go? Did you know that the drains in your house aren t connected to the storm drains in the street? Water that has been used inside buildings is called wastewater. Used water goes down the drain in pipes that connect to a sewer collection system and then to a wastewater treatment plant, where it is cleaned. Treated (cleaned) wastewater can be reused in many different ways. It can be used to irrigate crops, water lawns and gardens, fight fires, flush toilets, run factories, create wetlands, recharge groundwater and even make snow! 4

5 Public Hearing Reminder A notice was mailed in early April announcing Western's Public Hearing at 6 p.m. May 19 concerning proposed water rate increases. It will be held in Western s Board Room at 450 E. Alessandro Blvd. in Riverside. Visit wmwd.com for more information. Western s First-Ever Turf Replacement Program Western recently introduced a pilot Turf Replacement Program that pays up to 40 cents per square foot for customers who replace their lawns with approved climate-appropriate plant materials. Western s first Turf Replacement Program is available through October 2011 or until $48,000 in funding is exhausted. Reducing or eliminating turf grass can save about 1,800 gallons of water per month. For details and to apply for the Turf Replacement Program visit the District s website at wmwd.com. The Turf Replacement Program is a pilot program, offered for a limited time, so apply soon. 5

6 2010 WesternWater-wise Landscape Contest o you have a water-wise landscape? Are you in the process of recreating your lawn to be more water efficient, installing drip, smart irrigation controllers and California-friendly or native plants? Well, we have the thing for you Western s Waterwise Landscape Contest, a program designed to recognize water-efficient home landscapes. Grab your digital camera, snap some shots, give a little detail, and you could be in with a chance to win a cash prize of $1000. The deadline is June 1. Please visit our website for full details, wmwd.com. Visit us on the internet at wmwd.com is published by Western Municipal Water District 450 E. Alessandro Blvd. Riverside, California Forward your comments and suggestions to WMWD Public Affairs at the above address or via to water@wmwd.com Printed on recycled paper 6