Water Efficiency

Water Efficiency

One of the most effective ways we can move toward sustainable water use is to become more efficient in the ways we use water. Efficient water use is the cheapest and smartest way to meet competing needs for water. See our critical report, Washington's Wa$ted Water: How our lax water efficiency laws waste millions of gallons and millions of dollars, for recommendations about important steps toward more efficient water use.

Water Conservation Rule

CELP believes strong and enforceable water conservation and efficiency programs are crucial to ensure a legacy of clean, flowing waters for Washington.  As part of the rule-making process, the Department of Health accepted public comment on its proposed rules regarding water use efficiency.  CELP reviewed the proposed rules and submitted comments.  Visit the Department of Health website for more information on the new rule.

Background

CELP's 2002 report, Washington's Wa$ted Water, was instrumental in passing legislation during the 2003 Legislative Session which required the state to adopt new rules to strengthen water conservation planning requirements by public water suppliers. The Department of Health convened a committee of 26 conservation experts from a variety of stakeholder perspectives to advise it about what the water conservation rules should include. CELP was invited to be a member of this committee and served as one of three members of the environmental caucus.

Among the areas Health is obligated by law to address in these rules are:

    * Criteria for demand forecasts

    * Leak standards

    * Collection and reporting of water consumption and/or water purchase data

    * Minimum requirements for water conservation performance reporting by water suppliers

    * Requiring public water suppliers to adopt conservation goals through a public process, and use all cost-effective means to achieve those goals

    * A compliance process that incorporates a graduated approach

The Department of Health anticipates adopted the final rule in January 2007.  To learn more about water efficiency, click here.

The Partnership for Water Conservation

Thanks to CELP's participation in its creation, the long-anticipated public-private partnership between water suppliers, environmental groups and business became a reality. The Partnership for Water Conservation is now a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that will bring representatives from the public and private sectors together to increase efficient water use in the Central Puget Sound region. The Partnership brings together persons with diverse perspectives and will serve as a forum for these people to determine how best to foster a conservation ethic in a populous and growing area. Prospectus - Partnership for Water Conservation

Beginning in June of 2002, CELP and key water suppliers in the Central Puget Sound region convened a larger working group of more than twenty people, including representatives from environmental groups, public interest groups, local governments, utilities, businesses, and industries to brainstorm what this organization should look like. This group agreed there was a critical need for an organization that could increase water efficiency in this region by providing a forum for sharing diverse perspectives about water conservation, developing best practices for the region, and offering technical expertise and assistance with conservation programs and services.  Their recommendations are the foundation of the Partnership for Water Conservation.

Potential business activities for the Partnership have been identified and focus on four key areas: technical support in conservation program development and implementation, development of regional best management practices, advocacy for increased conservation, and clearinghouse of conservation information and resources.