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10 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN - WATER CONSERVATION SECTION o BMP la. Residential Water Survevs. Since 1994, the City has offered free residential water use surveys. Surveys are conducted by City staff and include checking toilets, showers, and faucets for leaks and distributing free showerheads and faucet aerators as needed. The survey also provides advice on outdoor irrigation efficiency by measuring landscape areas, testing sprinkler system for irrigation efficiency, teaching the customer how to set the irrigation controller, developing a monthly irrigation schedule (based on soil type, evapotranspiration, and irrigation system), recommending sprinkler system repairs or improvements, and providing brochures on water efficient landscaping, design, and plants. Between 1994 and 2002, 295 single - family and about 100 multi - family customers have utilized this service. This program continues as a customer service, but has been largely replaced by the Water Allocation Program. ❑ BMP lb. Residential Water Allocation Proaram. The Water Allocation Program (WAP) is a software tool the City is using to produce a water budget for each individual single - family customer each billing period. The water budget reflects what each household should use if common water efficient technologies and practices are employed. The water budget is printed on each customer's water bill. The purpose of this water budget is to provide customers with relevant information to help them conserve water and lower their water bills. The water budget is based on number of occupants, landscape type and area, weather, and the presence of a pool. The WAP is not a requirement of the MOU. However, it targets and serves a function much like the residential water surveys in informing and educating people how to conserve water. ❑ BMP 2. Residential Plumbing Retrofit. In the past, the City has distributed showerheads, aerators, and toilet tank leak detection tablets at community events, fairs, and during Water Awareness Month. At these events the City also markets water use surveys and distributes conservation educational materials. Currently, the City's low -flow showerhead penetration rates are estimated to be near the BMP 2 coverage requirement of 75 %. BMP 1 also addresses and promotes the same indoor plumbing steps as BMP 2. Hence, BMP 2 is not considered in future implementation. ❑ BMP 3. Svstem Water Leaks. Leak Detection. and Renair. The City's unaccounted- for water rate of around 4% is significantly below the 10% coverage limit set forth by this BMP. The City monitors its unaccounted -for rate continually and repairs system leaks immediately when found. The City purchased an electronic leak detector unit and its crews have participated in AWWA sponsored Leak Detection training, surveying at least 15 miles of main and service lines per year on an on -going basis. ❑ BMP 4. Metering with Commoditv Rates. The City meters water use for all of its customers and uses a conservation promoting multi -block rate structure. The City requires separate irrigation meters for customers with large landscaped areas, to distinguish outside water use from interior water use, and to facilitate potential recycled water conversions. Commercial /industrial/institutional customers are required to have fire sprinkler systems. Since 1999, the City requires residential fire sprinklers in all new single and multi - family construction. Separate meters are This inference is derived from the EBMUD Water Conservation Market Penetration Study, 2002. 10