Does Your Lawn Have a Spotty Record?

Brown spots on lawns can make homeowners see red, but they don’t give a green light to overwater. Typical sprinkler heads spray unevenly, thus the pesky patches of brown grass that drive too many Pasadenans to shift their irrigation schedule to the overkill mode. Rather than drowning your lawn, a better solution would be to replace the old sprinkler heads with new “precision rotating sprinkler nozzles.” They have a unique multi-trajectory design that applies water much more uniformly. Also, their rotating streams are more wind resistant and irrigate slowly, which allows the water to soak into the ground rather than run off wastefully onto streets and sidewalks. In most cases, a landscape professional can replace your old sprinkler heads with these efficient nozzles without having to dig up any of the existing system. PWP currently offers a $5 rebate for each rotating nozzle (retail value runs about $7) and lists distributers on its website at www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater. 

Help Plan Pasadena’s Energy Future

PWP will host the second of four public forums on the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street. The IRP is our roadmap for meeting the community’s energy needs over the next 20 years, so please let us know how we can meet your needs as well as Pasadena’s sustainability goals while maintaining reliable, safe and affordable electric service to all customers.

For more information and meeting updates, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/irp.

Water Shortage Hotline a Success!

While Pasadena’s water supply is at a new low, thousands of gallons have been saved thanks to the concerned citizens who have called PWP’s Water Shortage Hotline. Our sincere thanks go to the nearly 500 callers who have dialed 744-8888 to report broken sprinkler heads, overzealous irrigation, neighbors hosing down sidewalks and more. PWP responds promptly to each call and, in most cases, the offender is glad we’ve alerted them to the problem. The Pasadena City Council declared a projected water shortage in December, calling on all of us to stop waste before mandatory restrictions are needed. To report waste, leave a message at 744-8888 detailing the type of waste and exact address and time of the occurrence.

The Power of 10

PWP kicked off its “Power of 10 Challenge” in early August, mailing 53,000 energy-saving starter kits to every household in Pasadena. The campaign challenges all Pasadenans to help the city cut 10,000 tons of annual carbon emissions by replacing 10 regular bulbs with 10 energy-saving bulbs and telling 10 friends to do the same. Your family can pledge to make the switch at www.cityofpasadena.net/CFL.

The free starter kit, which includes two free compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and a $75 voucher for more, will help you keep that pledge! Pasadena’s pledges will be tracked by Energy Star through their “Change the World, Start with Energy Star” national campaign.

Rebates, Rebates, Rebates!

PWP offers dozens of rebates to help residential customers, choose energy-efficient products. Most rebates have been available for years; some have recently been increased and others are completely new.

Energy Star Qualified Refrigerator $100 to $150

Refrigerator Recycling Bonus $25

Freezer Recycling Bonus $35

Energy Star Qualified Ceiling Fan with CFLs $40 to $50

Energy Star Qualified CFLs $75 per household

Energy Star Qualified Room Air Conditioner $50 to $75

High Efficiency Central Air Conditioner $100 to $150 per ton

Solar-Powered Attic/Roof Fan $90 to $100

Energy Star Qualified Skylight & Light Tubes $175 to $200

Energy Star Qualified Dual Pane Windows and Doors $2 to $2.50 per square foot

 Window Sun Shade Screens 60¢ to 75¢ per square foot

Efficient Pool Pump up to $250 Shade Tree up to $50 per tree

Solar PV System up to $3.50 per watt

If you’re a PWP Green Power customer, you’ll get an additional bonus rebate on most of the products listed above. Find full program details, rebate applications and a listing of PWP’s water-efficiency rebates at www.cityofpasadena.net/rebates.

Don’t Fall Back on Bad Habits

With cooler fall weather on the way, now is the time to reprogram your sprinkler system and kick that lawn-soaking habit!

Learn how at a free Efficient Irrigation Workshop at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Dr. A certified irrigation professional will explain the latest in water-wise technology and explain the best techniques for retaining beautiful grounds while greatly reducing water use.

Three more sessions are available: Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Online reservations are required at www.cityofpasadena.net/SaveWater. For advice on planting a drought-tolerant garden visit www.bewaterwise.com.