Commercial Conservation Programs

Water Smart Technology
Commercial Irrigation Audits

Water Smart Technology
The City of Tumwater, in partnership with the LOTT Wastewater Alliance, now offers rebates of up to 75 percent of installed costs to commercial, industrial, or institutional sewer customers who install systems, equipment, appliances, or fixtures that save water and send less wastewater down the drain.

By participating in the Water Smart Technology program, you will:

1. Conserve our precious water resources
2. Reduce flows to the LOTT wastewater treatment plant, which is nearing capacity
3. Save money on your water and sewer bills

Time is money.  Is participating going to be complicated?
    Don't worry!  We've kept the paperwork to a minimum, and offer technical assistance throughout the process.

Who is eligible to participate?
    All industrial, commercial, and institutional sewer customers are eligible to participate, including:
        Restaurants, Hotels and Motels, Retail/Small Business, Car Washes
        Laundromats, Manufacturers/Processors, Office Buildings, Schools,
        Medical and Dental Service Providers, Churches, and the list goes on...

What types of projects qualify?
    Examples of eligible projects include replacement of:
        Single-pass cooling systems, Boiler and steam systems, Water-cooled ice machines
        Rinsing and Cleaning processes, Bathroom fixtures, Laundry equipment, vacuum pumps,
        the possibilities are endless!

How much will the rebate be?
    You can receive up to 75 percent of the installed project costs.  The exact amount of the rebate will vary depending on your water and sewer bill savings, or rebate limits on some appliances.  Only those projects that are more cost-effective than building new wastewater treatment capacity will be approved.  Additional benefits may include:
    *  Continued water & sewer bill savings, long after the project has paid for itself
    *  Technical assistance to identify water and wastewater flow reduction opportunities
    *  Recognition in newspapers, trade journals, and newsletters

Customer Testimonials

• DJ Murphy's - Pat Conner, Owner
  In 1999, DJ Murphy's replaced their water-cooled ice machine with an air-cooled model and installed three ultra-low flush toilets.  Water use at the restaurant has decreased by 65 percent.  "Like most small businessmen, I was looking for ways to reduce my operating costs - that's why I got involved with this program...You can make a difference in older establishments."
   
• Bank of America, Olympia Banking Center - Paula Willems, Senior Vice President & Gerry Ellison, Olympia Banking Center Manager
  In January of 2001, Bank of America replaced a 25-ton "single-pass" cooling system with an air-cooled model.  Single-pass cooling systems are extremely inefficient because water moves through them only once and then flows directly into the sewer system.  In the summer of 2001, the Bank used 79 percent lass water than in previous summers.  This is a water savings of over 650,000 gallons every year!
  "As a leading business in the community, we felt it was important to do our part to conserve water."

To learn more about the program, or to get the process started, please contact Dan Smith at (360) 754-4140 or send an e-mail.

FREE Commercial Irrigation Audits

Why take advantage of this free service?

Irrigation system efficiency is not usually at the front of every owners or facility managers mind.  Yet, there are important, long-term considerations to ensuring water usage is as effective and efficient as possible.  The following scenarios offer reasons to consider taking advantage of the free irrigation audit service:

1.     But…my landscaping is already green and lush!  The grass may be green, but it is likely over-watered.  Over-watering is the leading cause of costly turf problems, such as pest infestation and disease.  Excessive watering may also damage nearby structures, pavement, and landscaping features, and can eventually result in hefty repair costs.

2.     I already have a Landscape Manager or Contractor… Chances are these individuals already have heavy workloads that prevent them from thoroughly inspecting and repairing all irrigation system components.  If you hire a contractor, there may be a disconnect between the person who determines how much water is applied to the landscape and the person who pays the bill.  Both of these scenarios mean increased
costs for you.

3.     I have brown, dry, or stressed plants.  I should just water more…
While this may “green” up the spot in the short term, over time, this approach can be
very costly.  Identifying and addressing the underlying problem, like uneven spray coverage
or poor soils, will be more cost effective in the long run, helping you to cut down on water
use and improving the health of your landscape.

Who is eligible for a free audit?

Any Tumwater water customer with an irrigation meter is eligible for the program in the future.  You are being invited to participate, because you are among the top 20 highest water users in the irrigation category.

Why does the utility offer this free service?

As our community grows, so does the demand for water.  Our ability to acquire new sources is limited by competing demands of other growing communities in our area and environmental needs.  Conserving water is just one way to help the Tumwater water utility water in our community.  Conservation provides us with more leeway to find and develop new sources, meet state requirements, and help reduce our impact on already-stressed resources during a time of peak demand.

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