HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-13-2005-9eORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 13, 20Q5
Action Agenda
Item No. q-C~ .
SUBJECT: Draft Water Conservation Policy For County Facilities and Report on Water
Use and Performance Measures
DEPARTMENT: Public Works, Personnel,
Energy Task Group
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Draft Water Conservation Policy For
County Facilities
Under separate cover: Orange County
Water Usage and Cost Comparison
Report
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wayne Fenton, Assistant Public Works
Director, Telephone 919-245-2628
Wilbert McAdoo, Public Works Director,
Telephone 919-245-2625
Elaine Holmes, Personnel Director,
Telephone 919-245-2552
PURPOSE: To consider adoption of a Water Conservation Policy covering Orange County
government facilities and equipment, in follow up to the Board's Environmental Responsibility
goal and to receive a report on building water use and possible water conservation performance
measures.
BACKGROUND: In keeping with the Orange County Environmental Responsibility goal and
Board of County Commissioners' direction, the Public Works Department, in conjunction with
the Personnel Director and the Energy Conservation Task Group has developed a preliminary
draft Water Conservation Policy For County Facilities far Board review. Staff also has compiled
and analyzed data on building water consumption and developed possible water conservation
performance measures far the Board's review,
Draft Policy
The attached draft establishes County policy to conserve water and reduce water consumption
in County government facilities.
Staff recommends the draft policy be considered as a preliminary policy far County facilities
pending further research of water conservation options and opportunities that would include
broader reviews and discussions with the Commission for Environment, The focus of this
preliminary policy is on County buildings and grounds and addressing the most immediately
attainable conservation measures.
Energy conservation and vehicle fuel conservation have been addressed in separate policies.
Policy highlights include:
• Setting goals.
• Designating responsibilities for water conservation as to the Energy Conservation Task
Group, Public Works Department, department heads and employees,
• Providing for an annual Water Conservation Action Plan setting out specific actions to be
accomplished during the coming year for review and approval by the Board, in conjunction
with the annual budget process.
• Providing for data collection, reporting and performance measures to assess water
conservation performance.
• Establishing Water Use Standards far County facilities, including watering plants, washing
vehicles and the like.
• Establishing a framework of supporting programs including employee awareness, incentives,
water efficient equipment and construction and so faith,
Water Consumption and Performance Measures
Public Works maintains a database of water consumption and cost information from utility
billings for County buildings, This will serve as the basis for measuring the County's success in
reducing water consumption. As the Board wishes, this information may be presented in a
variety of formats and varying levels of detail,
Under separate cover, Public Works has provided a report covering Orange County water
usage and cost, Public Works also will provide a brief presentation of this information at the
Board meeting. At the Board meeting, the Board may wish to provide direction to staff on the
types of water consumption information that it wishes to receive and the desired format for this
information, Based on the current data, staff recommends two measures be used to assess
the County's success in reducing building water consumption, These are:
• Average daily water use per month -total and by building -and
• Average daily water cost per month per square foot -total and by building.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
1. Adopt the attached Water Conservation Policy effective January 1, 2006, subject to any
further direction it may wish to provide,
Receive the report on County building water use and measures and provide additional
direction to staff as desired.
Orange County 3
Effective: (date) Attachment
-D RAFT-
Water Conservation Policy For County Facilities
A. General
Orange County's "Environmental Responsibility in County Government" goal includes
the objective: Initiate policies and programs that conserve energy, reduce
fuel/utility/resource consumption.,." In support of this goal, the County has adopted this
Water Conservation Policy,
The cost for water for County facilities is a significant County cost, Beyond this, water
consumption has significant environmental impacts, including direct local impacts, As a
result, it is both necessary and beneficial far the County to adopt a policy of water
conservation and efficiency for County government,
Energy conservation and vehicle fuel conservation are addressed in separate policies,
B. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to reduce the County government's water consumption,
wherever possible, and improve the efficiency of use for that water that must be used in
Orange County government facilities,
C. Policy Goals
Establish the policy foundation of responsibilities, planning, programs, standards,
performance measures and the like to manage the County government's water use
and conserve water.
2. Manage water use to minimize use to the greatest extent possible while maintaining
safe and acceptable work conditions.
3. Achieve a reduction in average water consumption per square foot annually,
4, Incorporate water conservation systems, devices, and design in renovations,
replacements and new construction.
D. Scope
1. Facilities
This policy applies to County awned and leased buildings, whether occupied by the
County, the courts or other agencies.
Orange County 4
Effective: (date) Attachment
2. Water Sources
This policy applies to use of water from municipal sources and wells,
E. Responsibilities
1. Energy Task Group
As provided in the County's energy conservation policy, the Manager appoints an
Energy Conservation Task Group. The Task Group provides direction, counsel,
and oversight as to implementation of the Water Conservation Policy, As necessary
the Task Group addresses questions of policy interpretation and adherence, The
Task Group also seeks input on innovative tools and techniques to support water
conservation in County facilities.
2. Public Works Department
The Public Works Department is responsible for:
Up fitting as authorized and maintaining County facilities in accordance with the
requirements of this policy, including installation of water conserving devices and
verification of correct equipment settings and operation,
Development of the annual Water Conservation Action Plan and identifying any
associated costs, as part of the annual budget process.
3. Department Heads
Department heads are responsible for:
• Communicating the County's water conservation goals and policies to staff,
providing guidance and promoting adherence.
4. Employees
County employees are responsible for:
• Becoming knowledgeable about the County's water conservation policies and
initiatives and complying with these policies,
• Advising the supervisor of any circumstance that prevents adherence to the
County's policies.
Bringing forward ideas and suggestions for water conservation that may not have
been identified to them,
Orange County 5
Effective: (date) Attachment
F. Water Conservation Action Plan
The Energy Task Group, Public Works Department and others involved coordinate
the development of an annual "Water Conservation Action Plan,"
2. This annual plan identifies specific actions to be implemented or proposed and
estimated time lines ahd responsibilities for implementation,
3, The action plan is submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for review and
approval, in coordination with the annual budget process.
4, The action plan is reviewed and updated annually along with evaluation of the
previous year's performance, during the annual budget process.
G. Reporting, Benchmarking and Performance Measurement
1. Reporting
The Public Works department:
• Obtains information for all billing periods for each water billing to provide reports
on a monthly/quarterly and annual basis assessing progress, by building and/or
department where feasible as well as for the County as a whole, in reducing water
demand, This includes analysis of the information and assessment of trends.
Presents reports to department heads and the County Manager to aid in
determining if conservation efforts are meeting goals or additional efforts are
required.
• Presents reports to the Board of County Commissioners to advise them of
progress in conserving water.
2. Benchmarking/Performance Measurement
Reporting information is used to benchmark and measure performance:
From year-to-year (aggregate and by individual building) in keeping with
accepted industry practices, and
• Compared to results for organizations located in similar geographic areas,
Orange County 6
Effective: (date) Attachment
H. Water Use Standards
1. General
The intent of the water conservation policy and program is to achieve reductions in
water consumption while maintaining reasonable comfort levels for building
occupants.
2.. Waterless or low-flow fixtures are used for any replacement fixtures, unless
technically impractical.
3, The County gives preference todrought-tolerant plants when new or replacement
plants and/or trees are required for landscaping. Large areas of grass are avoided
in favor of alternative plantings and landscaping techniques, whenever possible,
4. Irrigation is limited to critical needs to support survival of plants, and if allowed by
local watering restrictions. Permanently installed irrigation systems are preferred to
provide most efficient distribution of water,
5, Vehicle washing is performed only as permitted by local watering restrictions, If
performed, it is done only with water conserving spraying devices rather than an
open garden hose.
I. Programs
To support the Water Conservation Policy and initiative, the County implements a
variety of programs including:
1. Employee Awareness/Public Awareness
The County conducts communications programs to promote employee awareness
of the need for water conservation, This includes such activities as distribution of
this Water Conservation Policy, reminders via pamphlets, e-mails, Orange Alive,
coverage in new employee orientation, and opportunities at employee events to
reinforce the conservation ethic,
As appropriate, the County also informs the public of water conservation measures
in use such in County restrooms or in grounds care activities.
2. Incentives
Incentive programs will be developed to improve compliance and acceptance by
County employees and other building occupants, These may include building
versus building contests, department versus department contests, financial
incentives, recognition of employees who demonstrate the conservation ethic and
the like.
Orange County 7
Effective: (date) Attachment
3. Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance procedures are used to eliminate water loss through drips
and leaks
4. Repairs
Repairs/replacement of equipment take into consideration the most cost
effective solution over the life of the repair/equipment. Such consideration includes
improvements to water efficiency.
5. Low Demand Retrofits
The County determines priority needs and pursues water conserving system
retrofitting, based on the availability of funds and maintenance needs such as the
condition of the equipment.
6. New Construction
New construction is required to follow water efficiency standards as set forth by the
Guidelines for Sustainable Public Facility Design and Development. Consideration
is given to the feasibility of rainwater collection for non-potable uses
Draft -December 7, 2005