Final Report, 2010 Urban Water Management Plan - Culver City

program is found to be successful at meeting reduction targets, the program may beaccelerated and more devices will be offered, such as precision nozzles.Building Code/New StandardsAlthough it does not have regulatory authority, GSWC supports adoption of new buildingstandards, beyond those currently in code to enhance conservation. If all current code changesthat improve the efficiency of fixtures and design are implemented, it could account for up to60 percent of the expected reduction in demand. Some of the changes proposed will becaptured in the CAL Green Code, adopted January 2011 as well as SB407 (Plumbing Retrofiton Resale) and standard updates for toilets and washers that are being phased in.Information/TrackingInformation and tracking represents a new element to the existing programs focusing oncollecting and processing information and ensuring that the programs are on track to meet thegoals. These activities will also help in program design by providing more robust informationabout customers and their water use patterns. The immediate priorities include:1. Automatic Meter Reading (AMR): GSWC currently follows the requirements of CPUCGeneral Order 103-A, which prescribe minimum water system design, operation andmaintenance standards for water utilities, and includes requirements for calibrating, testingfrequency, and replacing water meters. GSWC will continue to follow this standard andconsider the use of AMR in its systems as a priority to obtain real time data for water usageand identify customer-side leaks. This information can also help GSWC monitor the impactsof existing programs, make adjustments where necessary and develop new programs.2. Water Use Tracking Tools: Another priority, GSWC will consider plans to design anddevelop database tracking tools for water savings associated with its conservation plans andincrease flexibility in adding or changing program elements.GSWC is developing a companywide approach that will include assessment of options such asaccelerating the current programs, and adding additional programmatic, regulatory andinformation-based activities to meet the requirements of SBX7-7. This systematic approach mayallow GSWC to do more with less, in essence, administering overall conservation programoperations from a centralized location while allowing local resources for direct implementation ofBMPs and other water savings practices. Funding for all conservation activities is subject toapproval by the CPUC before programs can be implemented.7.5.1 Consideration of Economic ImpactsSince funding for all conservation activities is subject to approval by the CPUC before programscan be implemented, the economic impacts of complying with SBX7-7 have not yet been fullydetermined. However, an economic analysis to help develop programs that avoid placingdisproportionate burdens on any single sector will be prepared during development of theSBX7-7 water use efficiency program. The annual costs associated with implementing alltraditional CUWCC programmatic BMPs cannot be determined because it represents thecombined efforts of Metropolitan and GSWC, where funding levels, incentives and particularmeasures change from year to year. To continue benefiting customers, GSWC will takeadvantage of applicable partnership programs that will make conservation programs moreefficient and cost effective.Page 7-16Final Report, 2010 Urban Water Management Plan – Culver CityGolden State Water Companyg:\adminasst\jobs\2010\1070001.00_gswc-uwmp\09-reports\9.09-reports\2011-08\grp3\gswc_culvercity_2010_uwmp-final.doc