DROUGHT MANAGEMENT AND WATER CONSERVATION IN CHARLOTTESVILLE AND ALBEMARLE COUNTY Albemarle County Sewer Authority Gary Fern, P.E., Executive Director Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority Tom Frederick, P.E., Executive Director City of Charlottesville Lauren Hildebrand, P.E., Director of Utilities League of Women Voters February 24, 2009
Agenda What is Drought Management? Why is it important? Local Regulations Our Efforts in Conserving Water What can you do to help? Questions
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT Managing, handling, supervising, or controlling a long period of abnormally low rainfall, especially one that adversely affects growing or living conditions
Types of Drought Meteorological Drought A period of abnormally dry weather Average Use + Below Average Rain + Low Groundwater = Shortage Agricultural Drought Shortage of precipitation sufficient to adversely affect crop or range production Hydrologic Drought Period of below average water content in streams, reservoirs, ground-water aquifers, lakes and soils Socioeconomic Drought Demand for water exceeds supply
Why Drought Management is important in our community Health and Welfare of Citizens Population growth Economic Development Climate Change Natural Resources Unpredictable Future Supplies 36 States Expect Water Shortages by 2013
Virginia Administrative Code 9 VAC 25-780 Section 120 Is structured to unique characteristics of water source Includes minimum of three graduated stages Watch: Public outreach, raise awareness, intensify water conservation activities Warning: At least voluntary measures 5-10% conservation Emergency: Mandatory measures 10-15% conservation References local ordinances with procedures for implementation and enforcement
State Drought Indicators Precipitation Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoir Levels Palmer Drought Severity Index (agricultural)
When Are We in Drought? Combination of multiple factors considered by RWSA: Hydrologic Model Projections of Shortage Review of Streamflow Data Review of Data from State and National Agencies Determination of Drought Conditions by State Drought Monitoring Task Force
Drought Risk Assessment Risk Assessment Computer Model OASIS by Hydrologics, Inc. State-of-the-Art Includes all RWSA Reservoirs, Intakes, Pipelines 83 Years of Historical Flow Data Model Outputs Statistical Probabilities of Future Supply Conditions
Drought Risk Assessment Model Based on Existing System Operation Modified as System Operation Changes Recognizes Seasonal Variations Accounts for Reduced Water Demand Resulting from Conservation Used to Develop Triggers for Drought Stages Trial & Error Tested for Entire Historical Record Must Detect All Droughts Minimize False Alarms
We are in a Drought when Joint Staff Effort Albemarle County Community Development Department Albemarle County Service Authority City of Charlottesville Public Works Department Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority Collectively Called Rivanna Regional Drought Response Committee
Committee Assumptions Three Drought Stages Nomenclature to Follow Virginia Administrative Code Model for Minimum Water Conservation Targets (Seek Greater Conservation from Public): Warning Stage: 5% Emergency Stage: 20% (Exceeds State Goal) Retain Minimum 10% of Useable Storage at End of Drought of Record Outreach Efforts Coordinated Single Voice
What is Our Status Right Now? U.S. Drought Monitor: Abnormally Dry U.S. Geological Survey Meechum s River Gauge: Very Low Flow Compared to Historical Data DEQ statistics indicate that Statewide precipitation for October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008 was in the normal range (85% of normal), but that Statewide precipitation for the period from October 1, 2006 through November 25, 2008 was below normal (79% of normal). Not in Drought Status currently
Organizational Roles RWSA Develop, Implement Risk Assessment Model Manage Water Supply Operations Determine When Drought Stages Reached City and ACSA Develop Public Outreach & Awareness Administer Water Conservation Programs Adopt Ordinances, Implement, Enforce Mandatory Restrictions County Extend Outreach to Self-Supplied (Groundwater) Users Authorize ACSA to Implement Mandatory Restrictions under Title 15 of Code of Virginia
EMERGENCY WATER RESTRICTIONS
Triggers Guiding Drought Stage Decisions Watch: Greater Than or Equal to 20% Probability that Total Storage Less Than 80% within 12 weeks Warning: Greater Than or Equal to 10% Probability that Total Storage Less Than 70% within 10 weeks Emergency: Greater Than or Equal to 5% Probability that Total Storage Less Than 60% within 8 weeks
Water Restrictions Drought Watch Stage Request Voluntary Water Conservation
Water Restrictions Drought Warning Vehicle washing in a licensed vehicle washing facility Washing of outdoor surfaces prohibited, except where mandated Watering of athletic fields Only between 9:00 PM and 10:00 AM Only as necessary to preserve plant life
Water Restrictions Drought Warning Watering of established trees, plants, shrubs and gardens Manually using a non-leaking hose with automatic shut-off Only as necessary to preserve plant life In the US, 7 Billion gallons a day are used for landscaping 50% of it is wasted!
Water Restrictions Drought Warning Watering of newly seeded/sod lawns and plantings Must be installed by a licensed contractor Establishment period: 45-day seed/ 20-day sod Only between 9:00 PM and 10:00 AM Sod lawn limited to ½ inch of water daily
Water Restrictions Drought Warning Prior to irrigation installation, customer must provide: Written estimate of the amount of water to be used A dated receipt from the contractor including the installation date Irrigation method to be used Testing and servicing of irrigation systems Only systems contracted before Drought Watch declaration Provide copy of contract to Director
Water Restrictions Drought Warning Use of ornamental fountains prohibited Swimming and Wading Pools Filling requires written approval Only pools contracted before Drought Watch declaration Provide copy of contract Serving of drinking water only upon request Hydrant use, except for fire suppression, is prohibited
Water Restrictions Drought Warning Operation of air conditioning without water conserving equipment prohibited Lodging establishments to limit the daily washing of linens
Water Restrictions Drought Emergency All exemptions previously issued are cancelled Emergency water rates may go into effect Leaks must be repaired within 3 days All outdoor watering is prohibited
Water Restrictions Drought Emergency Signs displayed prominently Written water reduction plans All businesses, institutions and governmental entities Reduce use by 20% Submit plan to municipality within 14 days
Voluntary Carwash Certification Program 1 st in Virginia 3 rd in the United States
Voluntary Carwash Certification Program General Operating Standards Equipment Maintenance Employee Training In-Bay and Conveyor Carwash Facilities require a minimum of 20% recycle
Voluntary Carwash Certification Drought Watch Program Reclaimed Water used for irrigation Drought Warning In-Bay and Conveyor Facilities require a minimum of 40% recycle Drought Emergency Comply with Water Reduction requirements
How our Agencies Conserve Water Use Water-Wise principles in Parks landscaping Regularly check for and repairs leaks in the water distribution system Monitor utility bills for all accounts to spot leaks Partnerships at community, regional and national level
Incentives to Conserve Water Creates automatic water savings for the highest indoor usage; Installation of ultra low flow toilets- Toilets account for 27% of indoor residential use $100 rebate offer
Agency Programs Distribute educational materials for the public Work to expand rebate and giveaway programs Develop new conservation programs Research and revises existing conservation plans and reports
Agency Programs Conservation Leader Program Modeled after the successful Block Leader program in Cary, NC where it achieved higher conservation rates during droughts Use existing Neighborhood Groups to share information on rebates, restrictions and conservation tips
Agency Programs Restaurant Conservation Pilot Program Carwash Certification Program Free Indoor Conservation Kits Rain Barrel Workshops
What you can do to conserve water An average home uses more than 200 gallons of water per day Clothes washer - 21.7% of water use; 56,000 gallons/year Operate only full loads and/or use correct volume settings Consider replacement - old washers use approximately 41 gallons per load, while new high-efficiency machines use only 23 gallons. Dishwasher - 1.4% of water use; 3600 gallons/year Wash full loads Consider replacement - reduce by 30-50% water usage per load Faucet - 16% of water use; 35,000 gallons/year Turn off the water running while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing Catch "warm-up" water and use for plants Consider installing low flow restrictors/aerators to faucets ($2-4)
What you can do to conserve water Showerhead - 16% of water use; 37,000 gallons/year Take shorter showers (typical shower lasts 8 minutes and uses 17 gallons; an efficient shower lasts 3 or 4 minutes and uses 7.5 gallons) Leaks 14% of water use; 30,000 gallons/year Check for and repair toilet leaks - will waste from 30 to 500 gallons of water per day Fix faucet leaks (usually a washer will work) - a gradual dripping faucet can leak up to 5 gallons of water per day Irrigation systems typically leak 20-40% Toilet - 27% of water use; 60,000 gallons/year Offset older toilets with a plastic jug of pebbles and water to minimize flushing Flush less frequently
What you can do to conserve water Irrigation systems - seasonally highest domestic use; up to 100,000 gallons/year or more Lawns need only 1 inch of water per week, and they don't need to be watered daily; over watering causes 85% of turf problems Water at night, if possible, to reduce evapotranspiration Upgrade your sprinkler clock Install a rain shutoff device Collect rainwater with a rain bucket or cistern system with drip lines Convert turf to low water-use landscaping such as drought resistant grass, plants, shrubs
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT Throughout the ages a variety of efforts have been utilized to both encourage rain and conserve water Some more successfully than others!
Questions