Water Efficiency Plans for Towns and Municipalities

Planning to meet a community's demand for water is essential when designing any water project. Managing demand is a relatively new concept, but one which is becoming increasingly important. Including, as part of the planning process, a strategy to determine how a community and its citizens can use water more efficiently will help to reduce projected demand.

The specific objectives of water use efficiency plans for towns and municipalities differ with each community. Stretching limited water supplies, avoiding expensive water or wastewater infrastructure expansion, or addressing environmental concerns may each require different strategies.

Possible indicators of the need for a water use efficiency plan may include:

• Long-term water supply limitations
• Overpumping of groundwater, indicated by salt water intrusion into wells, or lower water
   levels in an aquifer
• Overextended wastewater treatment system
• High year round per capita water use (over 200 litres per person per day)
• High summer peak demand (often due to watering lawns, washing cars, etc.)
• High winter demand (usually caused by water bleeders)
• High water or wastewater treatment costs
• Large commercial use
• Large industrial use
• Rapid growth
• Decaying water and sewer lines
• Older residences

Pressure Reduction

Some water systems have optimized the pressure in their distribution systems, resulting in reduced loss through leakage and lower water use. For example, a slight decrease in water pressure may reduce water used during a shower, without a noticeable difference.

Flow Reducers at Service Connections

Flow reducers limit the flow rate at each service connection. They help to ensure that use by one connection will not interfere with water access for other customers.

Metering

All connections to the water system should be metered, and the water demand recorded. Meters larger than two inches should be checked annually to check for accuracy. Meters two inches or smaller should be randomly sampled to check for accuracy. Under recording can result in lost revenue for the water utility. Accurate metering is required to monitor water losses in the system.

Deteriorating Water and Sewer Lines - Leak Detection and Repair

A water use monitoring program should be implemented to compare metered water use with metered water supplied. If the unaccounted for water is greater than 15%, a plan, including a schedule of implementation, should be developed to detect and repair the leaks.

Pricing

Pricing is a very effective measure to increase the efficiency of water use, and reduce water waste. Increasing the price will result in a shorter payback period for customers who choose to invest in water saving devices or equipment.

The Public Utilities Board requires that the price of water reflect its full cost. Including the full price of the water supply and wastewater systems and operation on the water bill ensures that each customer pays for their fair share, and that each consumer is motivated to reduce water waste.

There are many pricing structures that may result in lower water use. Increasing block rate (the more you use, the more you pay) is a structure that is growing in popularity in communities with severe water and wastewater challenges.

Availability of Water Efficient Fixtures and Appliances

Communities may wish to work cooperatively with plumbers, plumbing suppliers, and hardware stores to ensure the availability of water efficient fixtures and appliances.

High Peak Summer Use

Summer peak water use is usually a result of outdoor watering of gardens, yards, etc. This can be addressed by programs that encourage lower water use landscaping and efficient watering methods.

High Peak Winter Use

Planned and unsanctioned bleeders may be responsible for high winter peaks. Alternative methods of reducing frozen water supply pipes may be explored, such as heat tracing, pump-back reservoir systems or continuous circulation of the water supply. Monitoring programs may isolate unsanctioned bleeders so they can be eliminated.

Public Awareness and Education

Education for water customers of best practices, as issues are raised, or as the need becomes apparent. The awareness and education material should reflect and address the water use patterns and needs specific to each community. For example, if the problem is a need to expand a water treatment plant due to summer use, a campaign targeting high outdoor water use may be appropriate.

Incentive Programs

Six litre toilet retrofit incentive programs have been successful in communities across North America, resulting in sustainable reduction in domestic water use. Offering retrofit kits at cost or below cost has also resulted in some success on a short-term basis.

By-Laws

By-laws requiring new construction and retrofits to use water efficient fixtures and devices may be considered.

Low Water Use

Even if domestic water use is already below 200 litres per person per day, the water utility should still formulate a plan that ensures continued low consumption.

There are many aspects of water use to evaluate when putting together a comprehensive plan. Areas to prioritize depend on your community's particular needs, and actions your community has already taken. Demand management programs can decrease costs and your community's need for water.