From: Jennifer Cline
Sent: Wed Jul 08 14:33:23 2015
To: dpearson@canbyherald.com
Subject: RE: Water Conservation Informational article
Importance: Normal
Attachments: image001.png;
Hi Daniel,
Here is the updated water information
For June 2015 the City used 46.692 Million Gallons per day or (176.5 gallons per person, per day), which typically the demand we see in August.
2009 was a comparable year for low flows in the Molalla River, with average flows at 259 cfs. We are currently seeing average flows at 156 cfs for the year.
Let me know if you need any other info. Can you please send me a copy of the write up before you send it out.
Thank you,
Jennifer Cline, P.E.
City of Molalla
Public Works Director
O: 503.759.0218
F: 503.829.3676
"file:///C:
From: Jennifer Cline [mailto:jcline@cityofmolalla.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 3:30 PM
To: dpearson@canbyherald.com
Cc: Dan Huff
Subject: RE: Water Conservation Informational article
Hi Daniel,
The City of Molalla over the next few months will be working on an education program regarding Water Conservation. As you may know the Molalla River levels have been at record low flows this year. The City currently draws surface water from the Molalla River and monitors the flows on a daily basis. We are seeing Molalla River levels in June where we would expect them to be at in late July and August. In addition, the City is seeing water consumption rates rise. As consumption increases, so does the amount of water the City must treat on a daily basis, leading to increased operational costs as well as energy and treatment process expenditures.
The additional water consumption is typical for the summer season from increased outside use such as; lawn and garden irrigation, car washing and recreational use. We see the most consumption over the weekends, which is expected since most people are home. Today we are on track for supplying 44.4 million gallons of potable water this month alone. This is about 168.2 gallons per person, per day. With implementation of a water conservation education program in the City, we are hopeful to see a 10-15% reduction in use. Everyone is capable of making a difference in water conservation. Here are some ways homeowners and businesses can reduce their water consumption along with the monthly water bill:
OUTDOORS
- * Adjust your sprinklers so that they’re watering your lawn and garden, and NOT the street or sidewalk.
- * Water early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) or later in the evening (after 6 p.m.) when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimized.
- * Set it, but don’t forget it! Whether you have a manual or automatic system, be sure to adjust your watering schedules throughout the irrigation season.
- * Water established lawns about 1 inch per week (a bit more during hot, dry weather).
- * Inspect your overall irrigation system for leaks, broken lines or blockage in the lines. A well maintained system will save you money, water, and time.
- * Consider replacing some turf area with low water use plants and ornamental grasses. They are easier to maintain than turf, look beautiful, and require far less water.
- * Group plants with like watering needs. Creating “watering zones” in your garden will allow you to give each plant the water it requires — not too much or too little.
- * Add a shut-off nozzle to your garden hose and save about 5-7 gallons each minute your hose is on.
- * Adjust your mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so your lawn requires less water.
- * Apply the amount of water your soil can absorb. Water thoroughly, but infrequently. If run off or puddling occurs, break longer watering sessions into several short sessions allowing water to soak into the soil between each session.
- * Utilize a local carwash for washing vehicles. Commercial carwashes recycle and reuse the wash water.
- * Sweep or blow-off your driveway instead of washing with a garden hose or pressure washer.
INDOORS
- * Let your dishwasher do the work. The average dishwasher uses about 10 gallons or less per load. Many kitchen faucets use the same amount of water by running for just four minutes. So, let your dishwasher do the work!
- * Thawing food? Use the microwave, a bowl of water, or place it in fridge overnight instead of running the tap. You'll save about two gallons of water for each minute the faucet does not run.
- * Know where and how to turn off your home’s water supply in case of emergencies. If a pipe bursts anywhere in the.
- * Want ice-cold h2o with your summer meal? Chill a pitcher ahead of time rather than letting your faucet run until the water is cool. You will save more than two gallons of water for each minute the faucet does not run.
- * Wash only full loads. The dishwasher use about the same amount of energy and water regardless of the number of dishes inside, so run full loads whenever possible.
- * Replace older toilets with a WaterSense labeled high efficiency toilet. Older toilets can use up to 4 times more water per flush.
- * Regularly check for & repair water leaks. Even small leaks can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons of water a month. Many water leaks can be fixed by a do-it-yourself plumber, and repair parts are relatively inexpensive to purchase ($5-20).
- * Take shorter showers. Each minute you shave off your shower time saves up to 2.5 gallons of water.
- * Install an aerator on your bathroom or kitchen faucet and save about 1 gallon per minute. An aerator reduces the flow from the faucet, and uses air to maintain good water pressure.
- * Select an Energy Star-approved clothes washer next time you purchase a new washer. They use 15-20 less gallons of water per load, and you will see savings on your energy costs too.
What steps is the City taking to conserve water? Irrigation sprinkler run times in the parks will be adjusted to meet the minimum watering need of about 1” per week. The hours at the Fox Park Splash Pad will be reduced to 11 AM to 7 PM, a reduction of 2 hours a day. The hours could be reduced or the splash pad closed if levels continue to decrease.
Jennifer Cline, P.E.
City of Molalla
Public Works Director
O: 503.759.0218
F: 503.829.3676
From: dpearson@canbyherald.com [mailto:dpearson@canbyherald.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 3:07 PM
To: jcline@cityofmolalla.com
Subject: RE: Water Conservation Informational article
Anything you can send me so we can get a start please do. This will help me put together some questions and think of other sources to speak to as well.
Daniel Pearson
Reporter – Canby Herald/Molalla Pioneer
241 N. Grant St.
Canby, OR 97013
503-266-6831
dpearson@canbyherald.com
From: Jennifer Cline [mailto:jcline@cityofmolalla.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 2:57 PM
To: Daniel Pearson
Subject: RE: Water Conservation Informational article
I interviewed our WTP operator this morning and have some good data to share. I will work on getting this to you soon.
Also, I can provide some simple conservation methods businesses and home owners can implement around the City to conserve water. The City will be cutting back on watering the Parks and hours of operation at the splash pad as well.
Jennifer Cline, P.E.
City of Molalla
Public Works Director
O: 503.759.0218
F: 503.829.3676
From: dpearson@canbyherald.com [mailto:dpearson@canbyherald.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 2:56 PM
To: jcline@cityofmolalla.com
Subject: RE: Water Conservation Informational article
Too funny. I just got back from meeting with your mayor and was about to email you re: water conservation. Yes, I still want to do the piece. How much information do you have together that you can go ahead and send me?
Daniel Pearson
Reporter – Canby Herald/Molalla Pioneer
241 N. Grant St.
Canby, OR 97013
503-266-6831
dpearson@canbyherald.com
From: Jennifer Cline [mailto:jcline@cityofmolalla.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 1:31 PM
To: Daniel Pearson
Cc: Dan Huff
Subject: Water Conservation Informational article
Hi Daniel,
Just checking in to see if you’re interested in writing a water conservation informational article for the Molalla Pioneer? We are seeing impacts and having to make adjustments that we normally do not do until late July, early August.
FYI – the Molalla River has hit a record low of 99 cfs today recorded at the USGS Canby monitoring station. The last recorded record low was in 1940 of 106 cfs.
Jennifer Cline, P.E.
City of Molalla
Public Works Director
117 N Molalla Ave.
PO Box 248 *
Molalla, OR 97038
O: 503.759.0218
F: 503.829.3676