Water Shortage Calls for Strict Conservation

On Dec. 17 the Pasadena City Council declared that a water shortage exists. On a voluntary basis, all Pasadena residents and Pasadena Water and Power customers outside the city limits are directed to cut water usage immediately by following these measures:

• Use a broom to hose down walkways, sidewalks and driveways instead of using a hose.

• Water your yard before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. no more than three days a week.

• Fix any water leaks right away.

• Refrain from cleaning, filling or maintaining levels in decorative fountains, ponds and other water features in your home unless they have a water recycling system.

• Don’t fill or “top off” your swimming pool.

• Don’t expect water from a Pasadena restaurant unless you specifically ask for a glass.

A shortage is anticipated because (1) all of our water resources – from Northern California to the Colorado River to our local reservoirs – are at record lows and (2) a federal ruling has restricted pumping from the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta, one of the greatest sources of water (36%) for Pasadena. Drought conditions are expected to continue, so please do your part to make conservation part of your daily life.

PWP has launched a community education effort to encourage everyone to conserve and will send reminders to people who do not adhere to conservation measures. For more information call the Water Shortage Hotline at 744-8888.

Water Awareness 101: At Home

Experts predict drought conditions in our semi-arid region will persist for years to come. It’s everyone’s responsibility to make water conservation a life-long habit.

Here are some simple tips:

• Shorten your showers by a few minutes or, even better, limit your time to five minutes.

• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.

• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth or shave. A typical water faucet uses 2.5 gallons per minute.

• Fix any leaky faucets, plumbing, sprinklers and toilet valves as soon as possible.

• Replace old toilets with high-efficiency models and get a $265 rebate per toilet from PWP, plus save over 2,000 gallons per year.

Let Us Brighten Your Day

Look in your mailbox this spring for an energy-saving starter kit from PWP that includes two free compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Sometimes called the “Ice Cream Cone Swirl” for its unusual shape, this brilliant invention uses 75 percent less energy than your standard incandescent bulb.

While replacing just two 60-watt bulbs may not seem like much, imagine how much energy could be saved if all 110 million American households joined you.

CFLs can last up to 10 years and are available in a variety of sizes, brightness and hues. You can replace everything from dimmable chandelier bulbs and night lights to the bulbs in your recessed fixtures. CFLs are also cooler to the touch and safer for everyone.

Don’t wait for PWP’s starter kit to change your bulbs! While these winter days are short and the need for indoor lighting is at its peak, switch all your old bulbs to “swirls” and start saving. If you need to dispose of old CFLs, just put them in your blue-lidded recycle container.

Get Enlightened at a Free Solar Workshop

Thinking about installing solar panels? A free workshop on Pasadena Water and Power’s new solar incentive program will illuminate the process Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Flintridge Retreat Center, 236 W. Mountain St.

Designed to save you time and energy, the workshop will help you learn how to choose a vendor, the types of solar panels and meters available, and tips on calculating your savings.

The timing has never been better! PWP’s residential customers receive a rebate of $3.50 per watt installed and, beginning this year, there’s no longer a cap on the rebate amount you can receive. Combined with the federal rebate of $2,000 and other local and state incentives, you can be sure this investment will pay off for you and the environment.

Refreshments will be served. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 744-4731 or go to www.PWPweb.com/solar for details. A workshop designed especially for businesses is scheduled for Feb. 8.