TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the Office of Sustainability to establish a pilot rain barrel program to encourage the capture and re-use of rain water for watering of gardens and lawns.
DISCUSSION
During the recent storms a 5th District resident brought to the attention of the 5th District Solar and Sustainability Task Force the idea of capturing rain water in a barrel and re-using the water for their lawn and garden. In a time of higher water bills, global warming and water restrictions this idea has become more than a simple gardening tool.
Because residential irrigation can account for up to 40% of domestic water consumption, water conservation measures such as rain barrels can be used to reduce the demand on municipal water systems. Other benefits of a rain barrel include: providing oxygenated, unchlorinated water ideal for plants, conserving a valuable resource, and saving money on the water bill.
Currently, the City of Santa Monica offers a "Rain Barrel and Cistern Rebate Program". The program was fully launched in the fall of 2009, and to date, approximately thirty Santa Monica residents have started the process. Eligible participants include any property owner (resident, institution, or business) in the City of Santa Monica and any tenant of said property with the permission of the owner. More information about the program can be found on website of the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment:
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
FISCAL IMPACT
[Fiscal Impact]
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GERRIE SCHIPSKE |
APPROVED: |
COUNCILWOMAN, FIFTH DISTRICT |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |