Water Conservation

1. Water Conservation What you can do at Foundation Communities

2. Why?

3. That’s why

4. Current drought conditions

5. We are here

6. How do you use water onsite? • Two main areas: indoor and outdoor water use • Leaks account for major water use in both areas • Outdoor: • Irrigation • Pools • Special uses (cleaning, fountains, etc.) • Indoor: • Sinks (kitchen and bathroom) • Toilets • Showers • Washing machines and dishwashers

7. Outdoor water use Irrigation Pools Special uses (cleaning, fountains, etc.)

8. Parts of an irrigation system

9. Irrigation considerations • Zone irrigation systems should consider the following: • Exposure to sun and wind. • Different soil types. • Different depths of rooting and thus different depths of wetting for trees (18-36 in.), shrubs (12-24 in.), herbaceous plants and turf (6 -12 in.)

10. Plant root zones

11. Drip irrigation

12. Questions to ask your irrigator • How does this product work? What feature about it saves water and how? • Will this product work with your irrigation system? Will it fit? • Does the firm proposing this service have extensive irrigation experience and knowledge? • Is this cost effective? Spending $100.00 to save $10.00 worth of water may be admirable but is it a wise move? • Be wary of claims that you will save some large percentage of water.

13. Pool maintenance • Get a pool cover - Pool covers reduce evaporation by 30 to 50% and will warm the pool naturally. • Check for Leaks - A leaky swimming pool can waste over 100,000 gallons of water per year. Learn how to check for leaks in your swimming pool.

14. Pool maintenance contd. • Plant a Windbreak - Wind whipping across the surface of the pool will remove water from the pool. A windbreak can help you conserve water as well as energy costs • Pool Filters - Keep filters clean to prevent backwash. If there is backwashed water, use it on your lawn or elsewhere. Keeping your pool clean will reduce stress on the filter.

15. Indoor water use Sinks Toilets Showers Washing machines and dishwashers

16. Sinks • EPA Water Sense Aerators 1.5 gallons/minute (gpm) in kitchens • In bathrooms use .5 gpm • Water pressure can affect performance, test aerator • These can clog over time. They can be unclogged by soaking in vinegar or spraying water through in the opposite direction

17. Toilets • New Toilets – Use EPA Water Sense 1.28 gallons/flush (gpf) • Existing Toilets – Fix leaking flapper or replace pre-1993 toilets using > 3 gpf • Perform dye tests if you are in the unit doing other work • The toilets have improved greatly in the past couple of years (move from traditional gravity style to pressure assisted)

18. Low flow showerheads • EPA Water Sense 2 gpm • Or better: <1.75 gpm • These can get clogged over time with lime and other particulates. • Showerheads that flow well are less likely to be replaced by residents

19. Washing Machines and dishwashers • Normal detergent (especially powdered) will clog up high efficiency washing machines • Keep hoses and screens clean – Due to the high mineral content in our water these will clog over time. This reduces efficiency and makes the machines work harder. • Purchase Energy Star rated dishwashers • Encourage residents to only run the dishwasher when it is full and to not pre-rinse dishes.

20. Where do problems occur? Flapper detail

21. How can we help you? • Perform water audits • Help you with finding rebates for replacing systems • Give you feedback and suggestions on irrigation work • Provide staff and resident education