Do low flow toilets really work well?

Low flow toilets have gotten a bad rap over the years...Casey tells you why and gives you and update on high efficiency toilets or HETs...watch this short video to get the scoop on what's going on now...

Feng Shui Your Leaks Away for a Prosperous New Year

You might think we're kidding, but we're not. All year long we talk about water conservation and the things you can do at your home or business to cut back on use -- because it's the right thing to do in water-dry California. Now we've decided to invoke a little feng shui magic to motivate and inspire for a dripless and prosperous new year.

In Feng Shui -- the Chinese art of placement -- water represents sustenance, wealth, and the flow of life. Here in the West, it's pretty easy to understand those associations.

So clean free-flowing water is a good thing (think fresh water and clear drains) but stagnant water and restricted flow, not so much. And water drip, drip, dripping from a leaking faucet or toilet? Well, consider the full implications of the expression "money down the drain".

It all makes sense - psychologically, energetically and literally.

Anywhere you have a drain, you want the outlets and lines to be clean and clear, with no obstructions. Anywhere you have a water inlet, you want faucets, shut-offs and other moving parts to be working smoothly, with no drips. (No restrictions on incoming sustenance -- and no waste!)

It's pretty simple, but you can take the whole feng shui wealth and water thing up a notch by paying attention to where in your house or office the inlets and outlets are located.

  

The top graphic shows what's called the 'ba gua' -- a graphical representation of the eight taoist principles of reality: wealth and opportunity; fame and recognition; relationship; creativity; helpful people and travel; career; knowledge; and family.

In the art of feng shui, the bagua can be 'laid over' -- or is superimposed on -- our physical environment. That's where the second graphic comes in.

Notice in the second graphic where the front door is indicated. If you're mapping out your house or office, orient the layout of your room or building so the entrance lines up with the lower edge of the bagua.

Next, look to see where your kitchen, bathroom or other inlets/outlets fall. In this diagram the kitchen is in the 'Fame and Recognition' area. According to feng shui, any problematic plumbing issues are going to negatively impact things relating to your reputation -- and because water is involved, those impacts may well be of the cha-ching variety. Say, people stop referring you for work, so new clients seem harder to come by...fewer clients means fewer jobs...You know, that kind of thing.

So what do you think about feng shui-ing your way into a more prosperous new year? Could be just the ticket!

It's Baaack -- the Sonoma County Direct Install Program

Just  a few weeks ago we put out a reminder that there were still rebates available in Sonoma County for water efficiency upgrades - even though the County's Direct Install Program was no more. Well, yes there are still rebates availabe. That part's true. But we were a bit off the mark on the other thing.

The Direct Install Program did end awhile ago - but it's back. Sonoma County is once again paying customers of select sewer districts to have their old-style non low-flow toilets changed out for the latest water efficient models.

It's a good deal all around. The County saves money in the long run by reducing water use and load on the sewer system, and you finally get those old water hungry fixtures out of your place.

This is not a rebate program. You are not required to pay any money up front for the toilet, seat, new angle stop or the standard installation. It is important to note, however, if there are any associated repairs or upgrades necessary when changing out your toilet, there could be charges not covered by the County.

But don't let that discourage you from checking it out. Our experience during the first incarnation of the program (and we installed several hundred toilets as part of the County program) was that extra repairs were rarely needed. So in general, you will be able to change out your non low-flow toilet fixtures - at no charge - and certainly for significantly less money than you would normally have to spend.

Trust us - this is an excellent opportunity.

The County is handling things a little differently this time. Instead of just making an appointment with us (or any of the other participating plumbers), you need to go ahead and sign up with the County. Once they get you signed up and queued up (they plan to fund a limited number per month), you can give us a call and we'll change out whatever antique thing you've got for a brand spanking new state-of-the-art water-saving wonder.

Visit the Sonoma County Water Agency Direct Install web page for more information and to get your name on the list.

Save Water, Save Money: Sonoma County Still Offering Rebates

A few years back there was a big push in Sonoma County to get as many of the older non low-flow toilets changed out for bona fide low-flow models. The effort was called the Direct Install Program, and it was a great success. Thousands of water-hungry toilets went bye-bye and mucho water is being saved as we speak.

Maybe you were able to take advantage of the program - or maybe you missed the opportunity. The Direct Install Program is over -- but Sonoma County is still offering some water efficiency rebates.

You can find complete details -- and even download the necessary forms -- on the Sonoma County Water Agency's website. Visit www.scwa.ca.gov/sanitation-rebates/. There are rebates available for high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets if you're a customer of one of the sanitation districts listed.

If you're a resident of the City of Sonoma, go to the City's Water Conservation web page where you'll find info on the rebates available for high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets, as well as the Cash-for-Grass program. (No, not THAT kind of grass! geeze ;-)

The summer season is here, and this is when your water bill will start to climb if you're watering lawns and veggies. Let that be a reminder that there's water and money to be saved!

Drip, drip, drip, drip... Are YOU "Living With a Drip?"

When was the last time you assessed the situation at your house? Those piddling little drips you think are of no account? They add UP! Seriously people, don't be "Living With a Drip"!

The facts speak volumes - like gallons and gallons kind of volumes...

• Approximately 1 in every 318 homes or buildings has a leak.
• An invisible leak in the toilet will waste up to 15 gallons of water a day or 5,475 gallons a year.
• If a drip from your faucet fills an eight-ounce glass in 15 minutes, it will waste 180 gallons per month and 2,160 gallons per year.
• A slight trickling faucet or showerhead can waste up to 100 gallons of water or more in a week (depending on the size of the drip).
• A dripping faucet/hose bib can lose up to 180 gallons a month or 2,160 gallons per year.
• A 1/8 inch hole in a metal pipe, at 40 psi, leaks 2,500 gallons of water in 24 hours.
• A leak the size of a pinhead can waste 360,000 gallons per year, enough to fill 12,000 bathtubs to the overflow mark.
• Consider this, a failure at 70 pounds of pressure can expel up to 650 gallons of water per hour. That’s what you could be faced with if your washing machine hose fails. Washing machine hoses are usually made of reinforced rubber, which can lose resiliency and burst as it gets older. It’s important to replace this hose every 3-5 years.

Sources:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/plumbing
http://www.blindandsons.com

Rain Harvesting at Sonoma Community Center

In last week's post, we mentioned the new water tank at the Sonoma Community Center and said we really think it would be great to see more people harvesting and storing water in Northern California.

Well, we could have gone on to toot our own horn a little as it turns out. Here at Boden Plumbing we're so enamored of this kind of thing that we donated our help in getting the tank plumbed and primed to deliver water to the Center's beautiful garden and landscape. And this week we've got a few more pictures to share showing the guys at work.

Boden Plumbing trucks onsite at Sonoma Community Center,
near the new 8,000-gallon water storage tank.

Randy and Rudy scoping things out. (Yeah, Randy. It's kind of high.)

Looks like they opted to get started on terra firma first.

And then decided Randy would go up the ladder.
Chris, Casey, Rudy and Randy (left to right)

One company donated the tank and the drain that will bring water off the roof and into the tank. Waldron Landscaping provided trenching to get the water distribution lines where they need to be onsite, and then we laid the lines and got everything hooked up and functioning.

A small pump will push water through the system. During the dry part of the year, City water will keep the tank topped up. And then when the rain is falling, there is an overflow mechanism that will let any excess water drain away across the parking lot as usual. There is also a metering system that will allow the folks at the community center to monitor just how much water they are saving by storing and using the winter rains.

So a pretty cool set-up. There are still a few details to take care of before it's tested and fully functioning, but we'll be very interested to find out how it works out. Hopefully it will inspire other people to try rain harvesting and storage.

The Ancient Ingenuity of Water Harvesting

In this TEDIndia talk, Anupam Mishra talks about the amazing feats of engineering built centuries ago by the people of India's Golden Desert to harvest water. These structures are still used today and, as he explains, are often superior to modern water megaprojects.

New water tank at SCC

In an area that receives just nine or ten inches of rain a year and where the saline groundwater is 300 feet below the surface - too far to use solar power to pull it up even if it could be made potable - people have developed efficient ways to capture and store the water they need. Wouldn't it be great if site-specific water-harvesting became commonplace here in Northern California?

[Actually, that reminds us. Have you seen the new storage tank at the Sonoma Community Center? Really flashy. They'll be storing rain water captured from the roof and using it to irrigate the garden.]

So here's the story from India.



About the speaker:
Anupam Mishra works to preserve rural India’s traditional rainwater harvesting techniques as part of his effort to promote smart water management and ensure that every community is self-sustainable and efficiently safekeeping an increasingly scarce and precious resource.

He travels across India studying rainwater harvesting methods and learning from the people behind them. He presents his findings to NGOs, development agencies and environmental groups, pulling from centuries of indigenous wisdom that has found water for drinking and irrigation even in extremely arid landscapes through wells, filter ponds and other catchment systems.

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Find more great talks from TED at www.ted.com

Bill Gates Drifts Towards Arrakis in Quest for New Toilet

Bill Gates wants to reinvent the toilet and he's putting the considerable heft of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation behind the effort -- plus German taxpayers are kicking in $10 million to a joint project. According to a report we picked up from Time, "Over the next five years, this project aims to provide 800,000 people in Kenya with access to sanitation facilities and ensure clean drinking water for 200,000.

"The goal is to find "innovative solutions" for sanitation in poor urban areas. Gates says it's time to move on from the era of the classic toilet. He points out that, despite all the recent achievements, 40% of the world's population, or some 2.5 billion people, still lives without proper means of flushing away excrement. But just giving them Western-style toilets isn't possible because of the world's limited water resources."

photo credit: Sand Dunes by David Stanley

Shades of Dune, don't you think? But there's more...

The engineer who heads the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene department at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Frank Rijsberman, is presently working on two projects. With one project, the foundation supports the construction of pit latrines in rural areas and slums without sanitation facilities. With the other, it supports research projects, giving grants to scientists who come up with new ideas for using human excrement. He says there have been experiments to turn excrement into a kind of microwave that can be used as a source of energy.

Isn't that wild?

He says there are biological bacteria that could turn waste into compost, which sounds kind of old school to us, but he also talks about the possibility of toilets actually turning urine into drinking water. In view of the world's limited water resources, both the Gates Foundation and German Development Policy support various projects for dry toilets that do not use water to flush and that separate excrement from urine in order to dry it.

Another method put forward by the Gates Foundation in South Africa is using the urine of 400,000 people to make nitrogenous fertilizer in powder form. A similar albeit high-tech variation is currently being tested by the Society for International Cooperation in Eschborn, Germany. The importance of this research is not always easy to explain, says Rijsberman, because anything having to do with human waste provokes a "yuck factor."

Necessity may be what ultimately overrides the yuck factor. As potable water supplies continue to dwindle relative to demand, we'll see how close we come to Frank Herbert's vision in Dune.

"The Fremen also have complex rituals and systems focusing on the value and conservation of water on their arid planet; they conserve the water distilled from their dead, consider spitting an honorable greeting, and value tears as the greatest gift one can give to the dead. The novel suggests that the Fremen have adapted to the environment physiologically, with their blood able to clot almost instantly to prevent water loss." [Dune (novel) on en.wikipedia]

see:
A Human-Waste Gold Mine: Bill Gates Looks to Reinvent the Toilet from Worldcrunch at www.time.com.

Easy Resolutions for a Green and Prosperous New Year

We know you're thinking about it -- making a resolution for the New Year -- and we'd like to encourage you. (Because we're thinking about it too, and we'd like to encourage ourselves!) We all know we don't always succeed 100% in keeping the resolutions we make, but as it turns out, people who do make them are way more likely to achieve their goals than the people who don't make the gesture.

So let's do it -- let's make some resolutions for the new year. We've come up with a few suggestions we think are relatively simple and inexpensive but that would make an impact.

They generally fall into two categories: save water and save money. You're already thinking about how you can save money in the new year. All you need to do is add 'saving water' to your list of things to do and you're there.

#1 Repair and Service Existing Fixtures and Appliances,
aka Keep Everything Lasting Longer and Operating Efficiently

Give your water heater a nice drain-and-flush (see Prolong the life of your water heater with simple maintenance)

Stop those annoying and wasteful drips once and for all (see How Many Drips Does it Take to Waste a Gallon? and more Water Saving Tips Galore)

#2 Shut Off the Water

Are you one of those people who turn on the shower to warm up while you continue to do chores around the house? How about running the faucet while you brush your teeth or shave? Well in 2012, no more multi-tasking while bathing, ok? And just shut that faucet off. Turn it on when you need the water.

If you really do have trouble getting hot water to your sink or shower, there's a better solution than running the cold water down the drain. (see Got Hot Water? )

#3 Turn Down the Thermostat on Your Water Heater

For each 10 degrees F reduction in water temperature, you can save about 3-5% in home energy costs. Although water heater thermostats are often set at 140 degrees F, most households have plenty of hot water when theirs is set to 120. Reducing your water temperature can also extend the life of your water heater and pipes by slowing mineral buildup and corrosion.

#4 Use Shorter Cycles


If you have a newer dishwasher and washing machine, check to see if they have quick cycles. A quick cycle can get your dishes and clothes just as clean while using less water.

#5 Invest in One Water Saving Fixture

Do you have any of the older 3 or 5 gallons per flush toilets in your house? If you're able to replace one fixture this year, changing to a new water efficient toilet will make a big impact on your water usage. Switching to a 1.6 or 1.28 gpf toilet can save thousands of gallons in a year. Think about it.

Also, for a really low-cost way to put a big green check next to this resolution, make sure you have a low-flow shower head and aerators on your faucets. You can probably get these free-of-charge from your water department or city hall.

(see Save Energy and Money by Reducing Hot Water Use for some great tips on low-flow fixtures)

#6 Get that Flapper Fixed. Adjust that Chain.

Oh my goodness, the water you can save by simply fixing that leaking toilet. Nuff said. (but if not, see Just the Facts, Ma'am - on Water Leaks)

And most of all, have a very happy 2012...while saving water and saving money at home!!

Hey, Supwitchugirl? Save Water!

Save Energy and Money by Reducing Hot Water Use

The bottom line is that when you reduce hot water use in your home, you save energy and you save money. It's a win-win all the way around. And, it's pretty straightforward: You can lower your water heating costs by simply using and wasting less hot water in your home.

To conserve hot water, fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures and, next time you need to replace your dishwasher or clothes washer, be sure to choose energy-efficient models.

Fix Leaks
You can significantly reduce hot water use by repairing leaks in fixtures—faucets and showerheads—and pipes. According to the U.S. EPA, a leak of one drip per second can cost $1 per month, which might not seem like a lot, but just imagine if there are several leaks in various places around your home. The cost really can add up.

[Now if your water heater's tank leaks, you need a new water heater. Check out this helpful info on the EPA's Energy Savers website when it's time to shop for a new water heater.]

Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Federal regulations now mandate that new showerhead flow rates can't exceed more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at a water pressure of 80 pounds per square inch (psi). New faucet flow rates can't exceed 2.5 gpm at 80 psi or 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. Installing aerators on older faucets and replacing showerheads with a newer low-flow model is quite affordable and will achieve water savings of 25%–60%.

Low-flow toilets are also a must - and the new models far out perform the models that first hit the market way back when. So don't hang on to an old-style water hog because you've heard stories about having to double flush, etc. That's definitely not the case any longer.

Showerheads
Before 1992, some showerheads had flow rates of as much as 5.5 gpm. If you're not sure of your fixtures' flow rates, here's a quick test to determine whether you should replace a showerhead:

1. Place a bucket—marked in gallon increments—under your shower head.
2. Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
3. Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon (3.8 liter) mark.
If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 1-gallon mark, you would definitely save hot water with a new low-flow shower head.

There are two basic types of low-flow showerheads: aerating and laminar-flow. Aerating showerheads mix air with water, forming a misty spray. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water. If you want to reduce the amount of steam and moisture in the bathroom, choose a laminar-flow showerhead.

Faucets
The screw-on tip of the faucet—the aerator—determines the maximum flow rate of a faucet. New kitchen faucets generally come equipped with aerators that restrict flow rates to 2.2 gpm, while new bathroom faucets have ones that restrict flow rates to 1.5 to 0.5 gpm.

Aerators are inexpensive to replace and they can be one of the most cost-effective water conservation measures. For maximum water efficiency, purchase aerators that have flow rates of no more than 1.0 gpm.

Purchase Energy-Efficient Dishwashers and Clothes Washers
The biggest cost of washing dishes and clothes comes from the energy required to heat the water. You'll significantly reduce your energy costs if you purchase and use an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer. End of story.

When shopping for a new appliance, check the EnergyGuide label to compare energy use. It's also worth checking with your local water department for rebates. (See links below.)

---

There are other tricks for reducing you hot water use. You can also lower the water temperature on your water heater, and you might want to consider using a hot water recirculation pump.

But these basic steps will get you started.

For more information and help getting started, contact your local water provider.

:: City of Sonoma Residential Water Conservation has rebates, free showerheads and faucet aerators, and information on the Cash for Grass (no not that kind of grass) Program.

:: The Valley of the Moon Water District also has water conservation incentives.

:: City of Napa Water Conservation Resources

:: City of Petaluma Water Resources and Conservation

Lobby for Rainwater Capture in California

AB 275, the Rainwater Capture Act of 2011 makes it legal for all Californian’s to capture rainwater, thus decreasing stormwater runoff, increasing groundwater infiltration, and offsetting unnecessary potable water use for things like landscape watering. Wholly H2O, which helped craft the bill, considers this legislation a no brainer for California, a state whose water sources and their ecosystems are over taxed and under cared for.

Yet, there are bill opponents talking directly to the Governor and asking him to veto the bill. It would be great if as many people as possible contacted the Governor to request a signature. You can support AB 275, Rainwater Capture Act of 2011 by writing Gov Brown before October 8th.

Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160

Or you can go to his website – www.gov.ca.gov – where AB 275 is listed as an issue in a drop-down menu.

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"We're probably known around the universe as that really noisy blue planet where everybody pees in their water." -- Will Durst

Gray Water Systems for Sonoma

Gray water systems can be as simple as a rain barrel collecting and saving roof runoff or as complex as a system plumbed to code that separates out bath, sink and shower water for outdoor landscaping. As varied as they are, all gray water systems have one thing in common: they are designed for more efficient use of potable water.

California's Health and Safety Code, Section 17922.12, defines graywater as “untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious contaminated or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operation wastes. 'Graywater' includes but is not limited to wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tub". It does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.

The average family of four produces more than 38,000 gallons of gray water per year, according to John Russell, a landscape contractor and owner of WaterSprout, an Oakland design-build company focusing on gray water and rainwater catchment systems. (See gray water article in San Jose Mercury News.)

That's a significant amount of water, and considering how much summer water use goes to outdoor irrigation, the potential for reducing overall water consumption by reusing gray water to water lawns and other landscaping is equally significant.

Fortunately, Sonoma County recently implemented changes making it easier to legally install gray water systems in the County. The three types of graywater systems currently allowed in Sonoma County are:
1) Clothes washer system (single connection only)
2) Simple system (less than 250 gallons per day)
3) Complex system (more than 250 gallons per day)

BENEFITS of HOME GRAY WATER SYSTEMS

:: Reduces your potable water use up to 40%
:: Reduces your water bill
:: Reduces the County’s energy consumption when less water needs to be processes and transported
:: Reduces demand on Russian River and groundwater sources
:: Helps protect water resources for future generations

THINGS TO CONSIDER

:: Graywater may contain pathogens
although researchers have found no documented cases
:: Systems that pond may provide breeding grounds for mosquitos
ponding is avoided with proper mulch basins
:: Salt accumulation may inhibit plant growth
use biodegradable soaps exclusively
:: Unfiltered systems accumulate solids and may clog system
be careful what you send down the drain or include a filter in your system
:: Minimal contact with graywater is recommended
water is diverted outside and underground
gray water is not permitted for use on above ground veggies or root crops
:: When ground is saturated, graywater must be diverted to site’s sewer disposal
simply switch your system off during the winter rainy season

INTERESTED IN HAVING A GRAY WATER SYSTEM AT YOUR HOUSE? FOLLOW THESE BASIC STEPS*:

1) Educate yourself on the design, installation, and maintenance requirements for a graywater system
2) Design your system or hire a licensed designer/contractor to design your system
3) If required, submit appropriate permit(s) and plan(s) to the local enforcement agency (see contact details listed below)
4) Install your system, obtain required inspection(s), and final permit
5) Maintain your system

*excerpted from Sonoma County's gray water systems brochure



For more information about gray water and Sonoma County, visit the Sonoma County Water Agency's web site at www.scwa.ca.gov/graywater

For more information about installing a gray water system at your home or business:
Unincorporated areas of Sonoma County: Visit PRMD on the web
City of Sonoma: Call 707-938-3681
City of Petaluma: Call 707-778-4301

Interested in reading more about gray water systems in the Bay Area?
See: Gray water systems growing in popularity, ingenuity and ease of installation, in the San Jose Mercury News

photos: Vianney Soto on flickr.com

Saving Water - One Pair of Pants at a Time

photo credit: Lars Plougmann on flickr

Here in the North Bay when we consider water conservation we commonly think about outside irrigation in the summer and low flow toilets in general. Turns out the food we eat and the other products we buy also contribute to the amount of water we use.

This month Levi's introduces a new line of jeans they're calling WaterLess Jeans. The process used to finish these pants is projected to save 16 million liters of water - a 28% savings. Who knew? Turns out it's not just how you wash your jeans, it's also how they're made that counts.

According to a Levi's announcement last November, "during the production process, a typical pair of jeans are finished in large washing machines and dryers to create a unique look and feel. Using traditional garment washing methods, the average pair of jeans undergoes 3-10 washing cycles - adding up to approximately 42 litres of water per unit"

Levi's have reduced the water consumption in the finishing process by making simple changes to the process such as:

• Reducing the number of washing machine cycles by combining multiple wet cycle processes into a single wet process
• Incorporating ozone processing into the garment washing
• Removing the water from the stone wash

"What's different about [the new collection] is that we're still using the same materials and techniques to create finishes for our jeans but we've substantially reduced water's role in the equation," said Carl Chiara, Director of Brand Concepts and Special Projects for Levi's. "Sometimes, the way to achieve a more sustainable design is to rethink a traditional process and find a way to do it better."

So there you go. We haven't quite reached the stage they did in Dune, but to avoid that, it would be no bad thing if we considered our use of water all along the way.

For more information:
:: Levi's WaterLess Jeans press release
:: Your pants are made of water on www.bluegranola.com

How Many Drips Does it Take to Waste a Gallon?

Drops of water are not like snow flakes. They don't come in an infinite variety of shapes and sizes. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, they are somewhat variable, but basically the drops dripping from our kitchen and bathroom sink faucets are betwen 1/5th and 1/3rd of a milliliter (mL).

That doesn't seem like much, but it can sure add up.

Consider the average drop -- about 1/4 mL of water. If your faucet is dripping once every other second, it takes just eight hours to fill a gallon bucket. By the end of the week, over twenty-one gallons have gone down the drain unused.

Maybe that still doesn't seem like much? What if that's not your only dripping faucet? What if your next-door neighbor, and their next-door neighbor on down the street, each have a couple of drippers as well?

Think about it. It's a simple thing to stop a dripping faucet. Gallons and gallons will be saved - gallons of fresh, clean finite water. Drips do add up, one gallon at a time.

Remember:
One gallon = 15,140 drips
One liter: = 4,000 drips

Calculate your drip quotient at ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/sc4.html

Then call us - with questions, advice or to get those drips fixed pronto.

When You Think Sustainability, Do You Think Water?

Carbon, dollars, fuel and food are big topics of conversation these days when it comes to sustainability. What seems to get pushed down on the list, however is a resource few in California (or anywhere else for that matter) can really afford to forget - and that is fresh water.

Piping or otherwise transporting it from great distances is expensive or downright cost prohibitive, so we rely on relatively local sources. Sure, LA pipes water all the way from up north and San Francisco gets water from the Sierra, but that's pretty much as far as the tether stretches and those sources are pretty much tapped out. Plus, just try floating the idea in Sacramento of another canal or pipeline or whatever. Ain't gonna fly these days.

So water and sustainability are really an inseparable pair, even if we often forget. Or get distracted.

In the Sonoma and Napa areas there's usually a lot of talk about water conservation at the beginning of summer or during prolonged droughts. We think it's important to make water conservation an everyday consideration. We use it everyday - using it wisely every time we turn on the tap needs to become a habit.

And it can - with just a little added attention and an eye towards sustainability.

• Create a personal water management philosophy
• Identify high consumption activities
(showers, watering lawn, washing clothes and dishes, etc.)
• Identify and practice water conservation actions
• Install water efficient equipment and fixtures

Want to connect with others interested in local sustainability issues and efforts?
:: Green Drinks Sonoma
:: Transition Sonoma Valley

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Just the Facts, Ma'am - on Water Leaks

The single most important fact on water leaks may simply be that a significant amount valuable water is wasted every year without ever being used - often for reasons that are easily remedied. It's a crime. Or, as Jon Miller would say, "Call the cops. We've been robbed!"


According to the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency:

• Leaks can account for, on average, 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, which is enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.
• The amount of water leaked from U.S. homes could exceed more than 1 trillion gallons per year. That's equivalent to the annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami combined.
• Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
• Common types of leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. All are easily correctable.
• Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills.
• Keep your home leak-free by repairing dripping faucets, toilet valves, and showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts don't require a major investment and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers.
• The vast majority of leaks can be eliminated after retrofitting a household with new WaterSense labeled fixtures and other high-efficiency appliances.

Perhaps the simplest fix - and one that will make a big impact - is replacing a leaking toilet flapper.

• If your toilet is running constantly, you could be wasting 200 gallons of water or more every day.
• If your toilet is leaking, the cause is most often an old, faulty toilet flapper. Over time, this inexpensive rubber part decays, or minerals build up on it. It's usually best to replace the whole rubber flapper—a relatively easy, inexpensive do-it-yourself project that pays for itself in no time.
• If you do need to replace the entire toilet, look for a WaterSense labeled model. If a family of four replaces its older, inefficient toilets with new WaterSense labeled ones, it could save more than 16,000 gallons per year. Retrofitting the house could save the family approximately $2,000 in water and wastewater bills over the lifetime of the toilets.

Find more tips - and facts - on the U.S. EPA WaterSense web site.

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Water Saving Tips Galore

There are at least 101 ways to conserve water. Really, there are.

Here are 10 for starters:

#1
Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.

#2
When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

#3
Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.

#4
Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

#5
Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

#6
Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.

#7
Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

#8
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.

#9
Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

#10
For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

The 10 tips listed above come courtesy of Water Use it Wisely. There are lots of great resources on their site - check it out.


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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

Water Wisdom Workshop in SonomaSaturday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Don't worry about the drought - get informed!

There are things we all can do to use water more efficiently and reduce demand. To find out just what, attend the Water Wisdom Workshop this Saturday at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Sonoma. Boden Plumbing will be there with information on hand about the various water-saving fixtures and strategies available. Come with questions! Expect to go home with a lot of good info for the long dry summer ahead.

The event is free and open to the community. The Veteran’s Memorial Building is located at 126 First St. W. , one block north of Sonoma Plaza.

Saturday's event is organized and sponsored in part by the City of Sonoma, Valley of the Moon Water District, Sonoma Ecology Center, Napa Resource Conservation District, and Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District. The stated purpose of the event is to educate Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley residents on the importance of conserving water.

Besides the featured speakers, vendors will also be on hand with displays water products, new innovations, and good information on using water efficiently and coping with impending rationing. Vendors have been encouraged to send bilingual representatives, so encourage everyone you know to take some time out Saturday to stop by the Veterans building. Language differences should not be a barrier to saving water!

The following is the speaker schedule for the event:

• 10:00 Water in Sonoma County: its journey to and from your home, Brian Michelson, SCWA
• 10:30 Rebates to Assist You in Becoming More Water Efficient, Carrie Pollard, SCWA
• 10:40 Sonoma County Greywater Regulations Dewayne Starnes, County of Sonoma, PRMD
• 11:20 City of Sonoma Greywater Regulation Joe Burroughs, City of Sonoma
• 11:40 Landscaping with Natives Mark Newhouser, Sonoma Ecology Center
• 12:30 Drip Irrigation for Your Home Garden Joel Grogan, Sonoma Ecology Center, QWEL Certified
• 12:50 Water Wise Plants, Sonoma County Master Gardeners
• 1:10 Your Watershed is a Changing Climate, Lisa Micheli, Sonoma Ecology Center
• 1:30 Low Impact Development with a stormwater focus, Jack Betourne, Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
• 1:50 City of Napa Water Conservation Program, Pat Costello, City of Napa

We look forward to meeting you on Saturday. See you there!

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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

Day of Reckoning on Water UseApproaches for Sonoma County

Suddenly we're all wondering how to cut back 30% on our water usage.

Suddenly? Around here it's like talking about the Big One - the earth shattering earthquake that we all know will strike someday. We talk about it, then forget about it, and never prepare ourselves for the inevitable.

Well, the water story in California is the same. We all know the reality of the climate - and we all know how much the Bay Area has grown over the past twenty or thirty years. At some point the water supply and water demand lines were going to cross and then start heading in opposing directions. Probably just needed a drought year to tip the balance.

OK, so we've all been put on notice. So what do we do now?

First and foremost - stop the leaks
You’d be surprised how much water goes down the drain as a result of leaking faucets and connections or running toilets. If you need the cold hard facts, visit this USGS website to find out just how much one leaky faucet can set back your water budget. Check it out.

Also, it’s a good idea to have a separate shut-off for your irrigation system so that if leaks develop outside – and they often do – you can shut your system down until repairs can be made without affecting the house supply.

Replace your old water-hungry toilet
The toilet is certainly the largest water user inside your house, so take advantage of the Sonoma County Water Agency’s rebate program and replace any old non low flow toilets. The water agency will reimburse Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District customers (sewer customers, not septic users) $150 for each high-efficiency toilet installed when you are replacing an old non low flow model. Not bad!

...and water-hungry clothes washer
Did you know that front loading clothes washers (also called horizontal axis machines) cut water use by nearly 40 percent. A typical top-loading machine uses about 40 gallons of water for each full load. In comparison, a front loading clothes washer uses only 20 to 25 gallons. You do the math. Depending on how many loads you wash, you could save as much as 7,000 gallons of water per year.

In addition to the water savings, you also save the energy you would have used to heat that water. Plus, these appliances use less energy than conventional washers - approximately 50 percent less, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Not bad.

Rebates are also available for installing water efficient clothes washers; check with Valley of the Moon Water District (996-1037) or City of Sonoma (938-3681) for more info on what appliances qualify for rebate. On septic? You may still qualify for the same rebates if you are a Valley of the Moon Water District customer or get your water from the City of Sonoma. Check with your water supplier for details.

Consider a Hot Water Recirculation Pump
Are you running the tap waiting for the hot water to arrive? It's a big water waster, but what are ya' gonna do, right?

Wrong. A hot water recirculation system could be just the ticket.

Think about it. You may not run the hot water all day long while the family is away from home at work and school. During that time, heated water lays in the line cooling off. Then when you do get home - or up in the morning - and need the hot water, all that unused and now tepid water needs to be run through the line - and down the drain - before fresh hot water reaches the faucet.

It's goofy. Standard faucets and showerheads put out 2.2 - 2.5 gallons per minute. Even low flow fixtures will allow up to 1.6 gallons down the drain while you wait for hot water. That adds up.

With a recirculation system, water temperature is maintained in the line when you need it most. At Boden Plumbing, we like the Grundfos Comfort System. It's a straightforward install and easy to maintain. The pump attaches to your hot water heater and a small return valve is unobtrusively installed on the furthest faucet in the home. Since the existing lines are used, there's no added expense for additional lines. Then timers keep that hot water circulating in the pipes just when you need it most - saving time, energy, water. You name it.

Choose appropriate plants
Customers in our service area enjoy a Mediterranean climate, which means hot dry summers. With so many wonderful choices available, there's really no excuse for watering plants adapted to a different climate. Reducing turf area to a sensible minimum and growing plants best suited for your area automatically reduces your irrigation use.

...as long as you follow through and water less, that is
Duh! But you'd be surprised - you might even surprise yourself. Seriously, remember to adjust your watering schedule to match your new heat- and sun-loving landscape. Also, include plenty of hose bibs in your outside set-up for easy hand watering and spot watering.

Would you like more information? Visit www.h2ouse.org for more details on wise water use. Or e-mail us here at Boden Plumbing.


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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com