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City of Napa

With the governor proclaiming a statewide drought and mandatory rationing being imposed by some agencies, residents may be wondering about the City of Napa's water situation. With a diverse portfolio of local and imported supplies - and a very wet January and February - the City is fortunate to avoid mandatory drought restrictions in 2008. Despite a reduced allotment from the State Water Project, we are taking advantage of dry-year purchases and 2007 carryover water to bolster our Delta supplies. Lake Hennessey, our primary local reservoir, reached 94% of its capacity in March after starting last winter at just 54%.

This is absolutely no time for complacency, however. Water supplies are getting tight throughout the state. Long-term water conservation programs and decreasing per capita demand are an intrinsic part of our water supply planning for this year and beyond. The City asks customers to renew their commitment to water conservation as we enter the peak summer irrigation season:

  • Water infrequently and deeply, adjusting your schedule at least monthly to match the changing weather. Plants' water needs peak in July, and then decrease as days grow shorter.
  • Water in the early morning to avoid evaporation loss.
  • Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering driveways and sidewalks.
  • Prevent runoff by scheduling shorter run times and taking advantage of your controller's multiple start time feature.
  • Switch from spray to drip irrigation where feasible.
  • Use mulch to retain soil moisture and inhibit water-stealing weeds.
  • Install native and drought-tolerant plants to replace high-water-use turf.

Minimizing our water use this year will help to ensure a more reliable supply for 2009 if dry conditions persist. The City looks to have Lake Hennessey start next winter filled to at least 70% of its capacity. We will need our customers' water-saving help to reach that goal.

More than half of our community's annual water use is outdoors, so more efficient irrigation practices are key to our water future. For summer 2008, the City is installing an educational Water-Wise Demonstration Garden, beginning a "Smart" Controller rebate program, and resuming our popular workshop series. Visit www.cityofnapa.org/water for the latest on all City water conservation offerings, or call (707) 257-9497.

City of Napa Water Conservation Programs include:

RESIDENTIAL

WATER-WISE HOME SURVEY

In this FREE service, the City's Water Conservation Representative will visit your site and:

  • Show you how to read your water meter.
  • Check for leaks and recommend repairs.
  • Check toilet flush volumes and showerhead and faucet flow rates.
  • Provide free high-efficiency replacement fixtures if warranted.
  • Inspect your irrigation system and recommend improvements.
  • Provide an appropriate irrigation schedule.

TOILET REPLACEMENT

Replace your pre-1992 water-waster with a modern, efficient toilet. Simply verify your site's eligibility with the City's Water Conservation Representative, and then call a plumber on the participating list to schedule your FREE replacement. Enjoy savings of 2-5 gallons with each flush, thousands of gallons each year.

CLOTHES WASHER REBATE

High-efficiency clothes washers can save more than 50% in water and energy costs compared to conventional machines. The City is working together with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) to offer rebates of up to $200 for certain high-efficiency models. Applications are available at Bay Area washer retailers. Visit www.waterenergysavings.com or call (800) 933-9555 for more details. American Canyon, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga are also participating in this regional program.

COMMERCIAL

WATER-WISE BUSINESS SURVEY

Analogous to the Home Survey for residential customers, this FREE service provides commercial, industrial, and institutional customers with a water usage history analysis, a site visit by City water specialists, evaluation of indoor equipment, a landscape irrigation audit, and a follow-up report with cost-effective water-saving recommendations.

SMART REBATES

The City offers a variety of water-efficient equipment rebates through the statewide Smart Rebates Program. Eligible products include high-efficiency commercial clothes washers, high-efficiency toilets and urinals, pressurized waterbrooms, and X-ray film processor recirculation systems. For full program details, click the Smart Rebates logo at www.cuwcc.org or call (800) 563-5874.

LANDSCAPE

The City of Napa presents an annual Water-Wise Landscaping Workshop Series, sells the popular CD-ROM, Water-Wise Gardening in the Napa Valley, and beginning this summer is offering generous rebates for the installation of "Smart" weather-based irrigation controllers. A prominent Water-Wise Demonstration Garden is also opening.

FREE DEVICES

City water customers are entitled to an array of free conservation devices and literature, including:

  • Low-flow showerhead
  • Faucet aerator
  • Toilet leak detection dye
  • Toilet flapper valve
  • Rain/sprinkler gauge with lawn watering guide
  • Garden hose nozzle
  • Hose timer
  • Practical Plumbing Handbook
  • Sunset Magazine water-wise gardening reprints

These items and others are available at various public events, or they may be picked up from 8am to 5pm, Monday-Friday at Water Division headquarters, 1340 Clay Street, Downtown Napa.

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