Water Conservation for Business
- The Town of Colma hosted a luncheon for its cemetery operators on January 20, 2016. The goal of the meeting was to introduce the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District (RCD). The RCD is able to conduct water efficiency audits including pump, irrigation and operational practices to large, commercial water users. The response by our cemetery staff was extremely enthusiastic and we look forward to seeing our cemeteries save water and money in the near future!
- Regularly check for, report and repair water leaks. Employees can notify management of leaks in bathrooms or kitchens (e.g. running toilets). In addition, facility/maintenance staff know the building infrastructure and can identify problems. Facility/ maintenance staff can also proactively search for water waste.
- Choose drought tolerant and or native plants whenever possible, see http://www.cnps.org/ for more information on native plants. Colma is in Climate Zones 9 and 10. Select Mediterranean climate and California native plants that adapt to our climate of seasonal rainfall. Also, consider plants that offer food for wildlife and enhance local habitat. Also, avoid invasive species to prevent the further spread of exotic plants. For ideas on plant choices, visit the Colma Drought Tolerant Demonstration Garden!
- Monitor water bills for sudden rises in water use and contact Cal Water, should water use increase significantly to ensure there are no leaks or errors on your account.
- Install water conserving low-flow faucet aerators and shower heads and install toilets that use 1.6 gpf or less. Use the following Cal Water rebates for these water saving devices.
- Check your sprinkler system regularly. Make sure your building and landscaping system do not have leaks in the irrigation system. Make sure the irrigation heads are only watering landscaping and not parking lots; water loss through watering pavement is an easy way to reduce waste.
- Use weather-based irrigation systems. A sprinkler system can waste water, if sprinklers and automatic timers are not adjusted for the rainy months.
Rebates for Colma Businesses (Cal Water Bayshore District)
High-efficiency clothes washer rebate
Amount: Up to $400
Eligible devices: Tier 2 and 3
To apply: Rebate application
High-efficiency clothes washers use 35-50% less water and approximately 50% less energy than traditional washers. The water efficiency of clothes washers is rated using the “water factor” to describe and compare its water use. A lower water factor represents greater efficiency.
See the rebate application for additional restrictions and qualifications.
High-efficiency toilet rebate
Amount: Up to $200
Eligible devices: EPA Water Sense-labeled devices
To apply: Rebate application
High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs) are defined as fixtures that flush at 20% below the 1.6 gpf U.S. maximum or less, equating to a maximum of 1.28-gpf. (The HET category includes dual-flush toilets).
New toilet must be replacing an existing toilet that flushes at 3.5 gpf or greater. See the rebate application for additional restrictions and qualifications.
High-efficiency urinal rebate
Amount: Up to $300
To apply: Rebate application
High-efficiency urinals use less water than traditional urinals and include non-water urinals.
New urinal must flush at .25 gpf or less and be replacing an existing urinal that flushes at 1 gpf or greater. See the rebate application for additional restrictions and qualifications.
See Cal Water’s site to complete the rebate application: http://www.calwater.com/conservation/rebates_commercial.php
| Water Conservation Facts and Tips | Help save earth’s precious resources while saving money on your water bill at the same time. |
| California Urban Water Conservation Council | For best management practices see www.cuwcc.org. |