2006 Water Comprehensive Plan - City of Bellevue

Technical AssistanceCustomer AssistanceThis measure is defined by DOH as “providing assistance and information to customerswhich facilitate water conservation.”Bellevue provides general technical assistance to customers upon request, including wateruse assessments and strategies for reducing water use. Assistance includes providing toiletleak detection dye tablets, and providing retrofit devices such as low-flow showerheads andfaucet aerators.Bellevue has a residential audit program for high summer water users. The program providesassistance through water usage audits and materials on efficient outdoor watering practices.Bellevue has a commercial audit program for large commercial water users. The programidentifies conservation measures and associated costs and benefits of implementation. Theprogram began in 1993 under SPU and continues via Cascade.Technical StudiesThis measure is defined by DOH as “collecting data and researching new technology todevelop programs which would produce measurable water savings.”Since 1991, Bellevue has participated in regional research of potential conservationmeasures. Studies have included an outdoor water use study; a residential evapotranspirationpilot program; evapotranspiration station research; reclaimed water use feasibility research; aconservation potential assessment for SPU’s retail and wholesale service area; and residentialand commercial water conservation studies. In 2005, Bellevue, along with the other Cascademembers, conducted a conservation potential assessment for the Cascade service area,including baseline market research on customer attitudes, water use behaviors, and waterfixture status.The studies have yielded information on customer water use including attitudes, behaviors,barriers and motivation to change; the level of complexity that can successfully be designedinto residential and commercial programs; improved water management at centrallycontrolled irrigation systems; the development of a temporary reclaimed water treatmentplant, and continued evaluation of uses for reclaimed water. These results have been used toguide program expansion and refine existing efforts.5-8