Showing posts with label water conservation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water conservation. Show all posts
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Meter Reading
Just a quick reminder that the boys, a.k.a. Jerry and Jeremy, are out reading meters today. August water bills will be in the mail on August 2 and will be due on August 25th. Please remember to continue conserving water when ever possible. Even though we are not in any conservation stages, the more we save now, the more we will have later or in lean years. You never know when old Mother Nature is going to withhold the moisture and we want to be sure we are prepared.
Olla Update!
When I planted my tomatoes several weeks ago, I also put in some ollas made out of clay pots. While the plants were small, they seemed to hold water for a couple of days before going dry. Of course the temperatures weren't as high then as they are now either. Now that the tomatoes are well over 3 feet tall and the temperatures are higher, I am finding the ollas are drying out daily. So this tells me two things. One, that they must be working and two, that maybe they aren't large enough. I still have to water the tomatoes as well, but I am trying to do it every other day and let the ollas water them on the off days. Since most of them now either have tomatoes on them or flowers, I am assuming my watering is sufficient. I was hoping to only use the ollas, but the tomatoes were wilting, so I have had to do some additional watering.
Anyone who gardens knows that it is a constant learning experience with lots of experimenting going on. Especially with vegetables. Lots of trial and error. But each year you can put that knowledge to use and have a better garden than you did the year before. So next year I will make ollas that are double the size of the ones I am currently using and see how that works. I will then take the ones I am using now and put them in another location. Perhaps around some zucchini plants or in the spaces between the green beans.
I am also wondering if I perhaps I didn't bury deep enough. Traditionally made ollas have a neck and you bury them up to the neck. Since I used clay pots, mine have no neck and so I had to make sure the top of the pot was accessible, which means some of the pot is sticking out above the soil line. So now I am wondering if I could attach a small piece of PVC pipe into the hole on the top of each olla and fill it through the pipe. This would enable me to bury the whole pot well below the soil line and just leave the PVC pipe sticking up. This would actually be helpful because I could make the pipe any length I want and eliminate bending and kneeling in order to reach the olla to fill it. So stay tuned for my olla modifications next spring!
If you are using ollas in your garden this year, let us know about it. We would love to hear how our customers as using them in their gardens and what their experiences are. I think they are a great alternative to overhead watering and I am determined to use them in my vegetable gardens as much as possible.
Anyone who gardens knows that it is a constant learning experience with lots of experimenting going on. Especially with vegetables. Lots of trial and error. But each year you can put that knowledge to use and have a better garden than you did the year before. So next year I will make ollas that are double the size of the ones I am currently using and see how that works. I will then take the ones I am using now and put them in another location. Perhaps around some zucchini plants or in the spaces between the green beans.
I am also wondering if I perhaps I didn't bury deep enough. Traditionally made ollas have a neck and you bury them up to the neck. Since I used clay pots, mine have no neck and so I had to make sure the top of the pot was accessible, which means some of the pot is sticking out above the soil line. So now I am wondering if I could attach a small piece of PVC pipe into the hole on the top of each olla and fill it through the pipe. This would enable me to bury the whole pot well below the soil line and just leave the PVC pipe sticking up. This would actually be helpful because I could make the pipe any length I want and eliminate bending and kneeling in order to reach the olla to fill it. So stay tuned for my olla modifications next spring!
If you are using ollas in your garden this year, let us know about it. We would love to hear how our customers as using them in their gardens and what their experiences are. I think they are a great alternative to overhead watering and I am determined to use them in my vegetable gardens as much as possible.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Earth Fair 2011
Just wanted to let you all know that the Pine Cove Water District will have a booth at the Earth Fair again this year. Last year we did a quick set up to see if there would be enough interest to warrant doing a booth again this year and there was! Happily, people are interested in saving water and other sustainable living ideas. So we will be back bigger and better this year!
Our focus for this year will be compost, mulch and water in the garden. While many of you are familiar with soaker hoses, drip systems and so on, we will be showcasing an very old idea that isn't used much any more but should be! We will have samples of easy to make compost bins and will have samples of the 3 stages of compost as well as ideas on what to compost.
There will be some other things there as well and lots of information. So we hope you will stop by and visit us and see what Pine Cove Water District is doing to promote water conservation.
Our focus for this year will be compost, mulch and water in the garden. While many of you are familiar with soaker hoses, drip systems and so on, we will be showcasing an very old idea that isn't used much any more but should be! We will have samples of easy to make compost bins and will have samples of the 3 stages of compost as well as ideas on what to compost.
There will be some other things there as well and lots of information. So we hope you will stop by and visit us and see what Pine Cove Water District is doing to promote water conservation.
Friday, April 22, 2011
It's Frugal Friday!
I guess by now most of you already know we are going out of Stage I into no stage of water conservation. However, this does not mean we should use water like there is no tomorrow. The residents of Pine Cove have been doing an excellent job of conserving water and we would like to see that continue. I found a frugal, water saving tip today that I never thought of before.
Many times I would save my bath or shower water for watering outside, however, in the winter, that doesn't work out so well and if you dont' have much to water outside, it seems like more of a chore than anything. So what is a good, year round way to re-use this water before it goes down the drain? How about using your bath water to either flush your toilet or wash your clothes? Everyone has to do both of these things and neither the toilet or the washer will care if the water has been slightly used by you in the shower.
You could let the water sit in the tub after your morning shower and just scoop out what you need to flush with each time. Or your could scoop it all out and fill up your washing machine and then do a load of laundry. I think these are both excellent ideas as neither one requires such pristine water as what comes out of the faucet. Especially the toilet!
I also purchased a gallon pitcher which I will use in the kitchen to save the water that runs out of my kitchen faucet while waiting for it to get hot. With summer coming, ice tea making becomes a daily activity in my house. While waiting for the water to get hot to do dishes, I can just fill up my pitcher and use that water to make iced tea, coffee, cook pasta or vegetables or water plants. It is perfectly good water that is being wasted.
Even though we are not in a conservation stage currently, it is still a good idea to conserve water because we never know when the next dry spell will hit. Just because water is plentiful now, doesn't mean it will be plentiful down the road. Plus the less water you use, the lower your water bill will be. Everyone likes lower bills!
Many times I would save my bath or shower water for watering outside, however, in the winter, that doesn't work out so well and if you dont' have much to water outside, it seems like more of a chore than anything. So what is a good, year round way to re-use this water before it goes down the drain? How about using your bath water to either flush your toilet or wash your clothes? Everyone has to do both of these things and neither the toilet or the washer will care if the water has been slightly used by you in the shower.
You could let the water sit in the tub after your morning shower and just scoop out what you need to flush with each time. Or your could scoop it all out and fill up your washing machine and then do a load of laundry. I think these are both excellent ideas as neither one requires such pristine water as what comes out of the faucet. Especially the toilet!
I also purchased a gallon pitcher which I will use in the kitchen to save the water that runs out of my kitchen faucet while waiting for it to get hot. With summer coming, ice tea making becomes a daily activity in my house. While waiting for the water to get hot to do dishes, I can just fill up my pitcher and use that water to make iced tea, coffee, cook pasta or vegetables or water plants. It is perfectly good water that is being wasted.
Even though we are not in a conservation stage currently, it is still a good idea to conserve water because we never know when the next dry spell will hit. Just because water is plentiful now, doesn't mean it will be plentiful down the road. Plus the less water you use, the lower your water bill will be. Everyone likes lower bills!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
More Frequently Asked Questions
It's Tuesday, so that means it is time for more frequently asked questions to be answered. If you think of a question for us that you never see answered here, email us at info@pcwd.org and we will answer it here on the blog for you! We are trying to think of everything, but you never know when someone will come up with a question that we haven't thought of yet.
Q. Did you raise rates in February because I am conserving water and you aren't selling as much now?
A. In a word, no. While our water sales are down due to less people living here in Pine Cove as well as conservation efforts by many of our residents, we raised our rates do to the fact that our costs are escalating. Electricity has gone way up and so have many of the materials that we use. This economy is hard on everyone.
Q. Why do I keep getting a bill when I am not up there to use any water?
A. There is an advanced minimum billing amount of $47 for each water meter. Water usage is added on top of that minimum billing amount. If you use no water you will not be charged for any water. Only for the minimum amount of $47. The minimum amount is due even if you don't visit your home and don't use any water.
Q. Why can't you just come out and turn my water off so I don't get a bill at all?
A. We have to continually maintain all the water lines and make sure water is available to every property with a meter at all times. The advanced minimum billing amount of $47 goes towards this maintenance. Even if you choose not to visit your mountain home for years on end, we still have to maintain the lines to your home and make sure that there is water available for you when you do come up to visit.
Q. Why do I have to pay the water bill when I have a leak?
A. All water that runs through a customer's meter is the customer's responsibility and must be paid for. However, we do realize that when someone has a leak, the bill for the extra water used can be a financial hardship for them. We are therefore usually able to work with a customer who has had a leak and offer a payment plan to help make the payment more manageable. We are unable to forgive water bills, even catastrophic ones, due to the policy that is set by our Board of Directors.
Q. Why do you keep telling people to turn their water off when they leave their mountain home? It is very inconvenient to keep turning my water off and on when I arrive and leave.
A. See the question right above this one. A lot of leaks occur in homes that are only being used part of the time. The owner leaves without turning the water off and then has no way of knowing when something breaks or a leak develops. When we read the meters and notice a spike in water use, we will contact the owner to let them know, but by that time, they could have lost a lot of water. During the cold, winter months, pipes can burst, as was the case this past winter, and this can cause not only a high water bill, but if it happens in the house, it can cause a lot of damage as well. No one wants to deal with water damage in their home or a high water bill. Imagine arriving at your mountain home and opening the door only to find it had been flooded by a broken pipe. Turning your water off at your customer valve anytime you leave your mountain home assures that if something does go wrong, it will not result in catastrophic water loss or damage. It only takes a minute to do it and it can save countless hours of aggravation and a lot of money.
Well that is enough for this week. Remember if you think of any question that we haven't answered yet, go ahead and email us. We want everyone to understand how and why the water district operates the way it does. For more information you can always attend our monthly board meeting as well.
Q. Did you raise rates in February because I am conserving water and you aren't selling as much now?
A. In a word, no. While our water sales are down due to less people living here in Pine Cove as well as conservation efforts by many of our residents, we raised our rates do to the fact that our costs are escalating. Electricity has gone way up and so have many of the materials that we use. This economy is hard on everyone.
Q. Why do I keep getting a bill when I am not up there to use any water?
A. There is an advanced minimum billing amount of $47 for each water meter. Water usage is added on top of that minimum billing amount. If you use no water you will not be charged for any water. Only for the minimum amount of $47. The minimum amount is due even if you don't visit your home and don't use any water.
Q. Why can't you just come out and turn my water off so I don't get a bill at all?
A. We have to continually maintain all the water lines and make sure water is available to every property with a meter at all times. The advanced minimum billing amount of $47 goes towards this maintenance. Even if you choose not to visit your mountain home for years on end, we still have to maintain the lines to your home and make sure that there is water available for you when you do come up to visit.
Q. Why do I have to pay the water bill when I have a leak?
A. All water that runs through a customer's meter is the customer's responsibility and must be paid for. However, we do realize that when someone has a leak, the bill for the extra water used can be a financial hardship for them. We are therefore usually able to work with a customer who has had a leak and offer a payment plan to help make the payment more manageable. We are unable to forgive water bills, even catastrophic ones, due to the policy that is set by our Board of Directors.
Q. Why do you keep telling people to turn their water off when they leave their mountain home? It is very inconvenient to keep turning my water off and on when I arrive and leave.
A. See the question right above this one. A lot of leaks occur in homes that are only being used part of the time. The owner leaves without turning the water off and then has no way of knowing when something breaks or a leak develops. When we read the meters and notice a spike in water use, we will contact the owner to let them know, but by that time, they could have lost a lot of water. During the cold, winter months, pipes can burst, as was the case this past winter, and this can cause not only a high water bill, but if it happens in the house, it can cause a lot of damage as well. No one wants to deal with water damage in their home or a high water bill. Imagine arriving at your mountain home and opening the door only to find it had been flooded by a broken pipe. Turning your water off at your customer valve anytime you leave your mountain home assures that if something does go wrong, it will not result in catastrophic water loss or damage. It only takes a minute to do it and it can save countless hours of aggravation and a lot of money.
Well that is enough for this week. Remember if you think of any question that we haven't answered yet, go ahead and email us. We want everyone to understand how and why the water district operates the way it does. For more information you can always attend our monthly board meeting as well.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Low Flow Landscape
I read an interesting article last week about low-flow landscaping. Since we are always looking to reduce water use here in Pine Cove, the title peeked my interest. I thought perhaps this article might have some worth while tips we could use, even though it is really geared towards off the hill type of gardening and landscaping. This article was written by Susan Harris and she started off by talking about builders who are facing mandates that require low-flow toilets, shower head and faucets, but then install lush, green lawns. Kind of an oxymoron since landscapes can soak up between 30% and 60% of all residential water. I notice myself that once my vegetable garden goes in, my water bill goes up. So I would like to find a way to provide the fresh, organic produce to my family that my garden provides, while still conserving water.
While much of the article had nothing to do with us, as it focused a lot on lawn removal, it did say that in California, 20% of the electricity consumed is used just to pump water. That is a lot of electricity. So reducing water usage will automatically reduce electricity usage. Food for thought.
All in all, the article gave no new tips about saving water in the landscape. It did have information on lawn pesticides and fertilizers and how the runoff ends up in waterways and creates dead zones where fish and aquatic plants can no longer survive. It also gave some good examples of landscapes with very little grass. So while it wasn't really helpful to us, it is good info to pass along to our friends and family living off the hill. Perhaps they will want to start removing their grass in favor of more water friendly landscaping choices.
While much of the article had nothing to do with us, as it focused a lot on lawn removal, it did say that in California, 20% of the electricity consumed is used just to pump water. That is a lot of electricity. So reducing water usage will automatically reduce electricity usage. Food for thought.
All in all, the article gave no new tips about saving water in the landscape. It did have information on lawn pesticides and fertilizers and how the runoff ends up in waterways and creates dead zones where fish and aquatic plants can no longer survive. It also gave some good examples of landscapes with very little grass. So while it wasn't really helpful to us, it is good info to pass along to our friends and family living off the hill. Perhaps they will want to start removing their grass in favor of more water friendly landscaping choices.
Announcing...
The Pine Cove Conservation Cabin! Look for more about this in the weeks to come. The Pine Cove Conservation Cabin will have lots of tips and reminders on how to save water both inside and out, rain water harvesting, drought tolerant plants, fire resistant plants and natives. I will be doing a feature here once a week or so. We especially want to get into rainwater harvesting more down the road. This is one way to provide yourself with irrigation water at virtually no cost once the system is installed. This will be especially helpful information for gardeners and any one wanting to water their plants and trees. So stay tuned for more.....
Monday, April 4, 2011
A Message from the General Manger
Over the past decade, the Pine Cove Water District has been in a conservation stage. Years ago, it was Stage II, which is mandatory compliance. As ground water has been replenishing in recent years, the District moved into Stage I, which is voluntary compliance. I would desire to remain in Stage I and continue our rebate program and our education campaign.
We would like your input on this matter. Please email Becky at becky@pcwd.org or fax us at 951-659-3112 or call us at 951-6592675 and let us know your opinion regarding staying in Stage I water conservation, going into no stage or should we move into Stage II. We would appreciate it very much if you would let us know what you think.
Sincerely,
Jerry Holldber
General Manager
We would like your input on this matter. Please email Becky at becky@pcwd.org or fax us at 951-659-3112 or call us at 951-6592675 and let us know your opinion regarding staying in Stage I water conservation, going into no stage or should we move into Stage II. We would appreciate it very much if you would let us know what you think.
Sincerely,
Jerry Holldber
General Manager
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday Musings
I am so happy to see some sunshine today! Do you ever notice how the weather affects your mood and energy levels? It seems that during the snowy, rainy & foggy weather, I don't function very well. My brain seems to be foggy and I have no desire or energy to do much of anything but lay around and drink hot tea. But once the sun comes out, it is like someone changed my batteries. I am re-energized and ready to tackle projects that I have let slide for months.
This week promises the arrival of spring like weather and I for one, am very happy about that. I know we need the snow, but I really am anxious to get back to outdoor activities. I hope by the end of this week, that I can see the ground in my garden again. I have lots to do out there and it is time to get started. Here at the water district, we will be working on some projects such as using ollas for conserving water when watering the garden, composting for soil improvement and water retention and rain water harvesting for making use of the moisture that falls from the sky. All of these things are key to conserving water while still enjoying the delightful benefits of a home garden.
Some of these projects will be done at my personal garden. Since I was planning to do them anyway, I am more than happy to report the results back here on the blog so that everyone can benefit from what learn. I am also looking forward to touring a local garden that uses rain water harvesting in their garden. Rain water is so much better for plants and between using that for the landscape and ollas for the veggie garden, I am hoping to reduce my outside water use drastically. Of course you can put rain water in your ollas as well.
It is my hope that by using a variety of gardening methods, I can show people how to use water wisely and efficiently, thereby enabling everyone to have a garden they can enjoy while doing what is right for the earth and conserving our precious water resources. It is easy to get lax about water use when we have had a wet winter, but just remember that we never know if we will receive abundant moisture or not during any given winter,so it is best to use as many water conserving techniques as possible, no matter what the moisture situation is like. Conserving today, provides for tomorrow!
So here is hoping for springs arrival and getting started on some of my garden projects!
This week promises the arrival of spring like weather and I for one, am very happy about that. I know we need the snow, but I really am anxious to get back to outdoor activities. I hope by the end of this week, that I can see the ground in my garden again. I have lots to do out there and it is time to get started. Here at the water district, we will be working on some projects such as using ollas for conserving water when watering the garden, composting for soil improvement and water retention and rain water harvesting for making use of the moisture that falls from the sky. All of these things are key to conserving water while still enjoying the delightful benefits of a home garden.
Some of these projects will be done at my personal garden. Since I was planning to do them anyway, I am more than happy to report the results back here on the blog so that everyone can benefit from what learn. I am also looking forward to touring a local garden that uses rain water harvesting in their garden. Rain water is so much better for plants and between using that for the landscape and ollas for the veggie garden, I am hoping to reduce my outside water use drastically. Of course you can put rain water in your ollas as well.
It is my hope that by using a variety of gardening methods, I can show people how to use water wisely and efficiently, thereby enabling everyone to have a garden they can enjoy while doing what is right for the earth and conserving our precious water resources. It is easy to get lax about water use when we have had a wet winter, but just remember that we never know if we will receive abundant moisture or not during any given winter,so it is best to use as many water conserving techniques as possible, no matter what the moisture situation is like. Conserving today, provides for tomorrow!
So here is hoping for springs arrival and getting started on some of my garden projects!
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