This note is from Stan Gage and Mike Ward.   We are volunteers on the Los Trancos County Water District's Efficient Use of Water committee whose charter is to help all of us be able to use less water, yet get the same benefits and lifestyle we now enjoy. 

The main way to do this is to fix leaks (in our houses, pools, hot tubs and irrigation systems), and use new technology appliances, fixtures and smart irrigation systems.  Toilets have come a long way since the first generation of low-flow models (they now work!), and the new smart irrigation controllers offer dramatic savings and are ready for prime time. 

We could figure this all out ourselves, but it would be easier if we could get professional help for everyone who needs and wants it.  

Well, we have good news.  Our Water District has approved the hiring of WaterWise Consulting, (WWC) a company who specialize in indoor and outdoor Water Surveys.   

This service will be paid for by the District for any resident that desires to have a survey at their home. 

Privacy statement.  Note that the survey results are exclusively for your use and action.  The LTCWD board will not see your report.  

Here's how it works:

- First, please respond to this email to get on the survey list. Let us know if you want Indoor only, or both Indoor and Outdoor surveys (useful for larger lot sizes). (and you can ask any questions you may have--we'll do our best to answer)  We'll be following this email with flyers to those without email and some phone calls to make sure everyone gets a chance at this. - Second, WaterWise Consulting will schedule all the candidates for surveys. 

- Third, on the appointed day, a WaterWise technician will meet with you at your house, brief you on the process and then assess your indoor fixtures and appliances, measure flow rates and look for leaks.  Then, if you requested an outdoor survey, they move to the outside to test your irrigation system, look for leaks or unnecessary watering situations, and will also review plumbing for pools and hot tubs.  They leave you a brief summary of findings and recommendations and available District rebates, and follow that up with a written report.

If you have a landscape person, it would be good to have them present for the outdoor part. 

I've (Mike Ward) just completed the trial run of this survey at my home.  It was actually fun, and I got surprised with several useful findings in the house and recommendations for improvements to my irrigation system, for which I'm grateful, and will act on.  (and I thought I was pretty prepared!)  

We're very excited about getting professional advice to as many homes as we can, which will help us learn how to get more out of less water.    At the last Water Board meeting where we proposed this idea, all the community guests and the board agreed to sign up.

It was a great education for me, and can be for you too. 

T. Michael Ward          mike "at" ostassoc.com
Stan Gage