AWWA SOURCES55650

This paper discusses the Home Water Survey Program (originally called the Home Water Audit Program) that was introduced in 1997 by the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) in Eugene, Oregon. The program's primary goal is to reduce outdoor water use by introducing participants to efficient watering methods. These include following evapotranspiration (ET) guidelines, sprinkler adjustments, installing drip irrigation and becoming aware of different water needs of plants in their yard as well as backflow protection recommendations for underground irrigation systems. Additionally, the program focuses on indoor water use. Surveyors look for leaks, promote resource efficient appliances and catalog fixture flow rates. Free aerators and showerheads are given to those who can use them. EWEB's program is unique is three areas: ET information is provided to the customer linked to sprinkler measurements; backflow inspection of irrigation systems wrapped into the audit process (if necessary, a free first test brings customers into compliance in an educational, positive way); and, ET based indexing of customer water use to the amount of water needed in the evaluation phase of the program. By introducing an objective measure, ET, we are able to show customers a way to minimize water use while bolstering their confidence that they will be able to continue to maintain beautiful and healthy landscapes. The innovations of this program are transferable to other service areas. This program sets a high standard for program evaluation as a way to ensure accurate measurement of the program's effect on peak water use. A follow-up study indicates a sustained reduction of peak water use for program participants in the first three years after the audit. A new Access database has been developed by EWEB to perform the evaluation using field data inputs. The author believes this tool can be useful for providing integrated and continuous evaluation of program effectiveness. Includes tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

01/01/2002

Number of Pages:

16

File Size:

1 file , 210 KB