HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04161991 - EA.1 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS £-
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FROM: ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Cel
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SUPERVISOR NANCY C. FAHDEN, CHAIR �', "" �
SUPERVISOR TOM TORLAKSON c�sr► "r �TCourly
DATE: APRIL 16, 1991
SUBJECT: REDUCING WATER USE AT COUNTY FACILITIES
SPECIFIC REQUESTS) OR RECOMMENDATIONS) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Request all county departments to support the water usage review
being conducted by the General Services Department;
Request that all departments encourage employees to conserve water
by publicizing water conservation tips and information in employee
newsletters, on. bulletin boards, and through other means of
communication.
Request the General Services Department to investigate and report
back to the Environmental Affairs Committee on the feasibility of
the following items as means of further reducing water usage at
county facilities:
1. Use of reclaimed laundry and/or shower water at the Detention
Facility, Juvenile Hall, and Merrithew Hospital for landscape
watering;
2 . Use of reclaimed water trucked from the Contra Costa Water
District and/or Central Contra Costa Sanitary District;
3 . Reduction of vehicle washing or use of reclaimed water for
cleaning vehicles; . and,
4 . Use of well water including feasibility of drilling wells at
county-owned facilities;
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: xx YES SIGNATURE
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR xx RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S)
Supervisq� Nancy, Fanden, Chair Supervisor Tom Torlakson
ACTION OF BOARD ON April 16, 1991 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED x & OTHER x
Also, Requested General Services Department to r.evi.ew the feasibility of using reclaimed
water from Mt. View Sani.tary District.
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A
x UNANIMOUS (ABSENT TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Orig: Community Development Department ATTESTED &'('`'e /G. 11991
cc: County Administrator PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF
County Counsel THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
General Services Department AN LINTY ADMINISTRATOR
Health Services Department BY , DEPUTY
Sheriff-Coroner 61
Probation Department
Reducing Water Use at County Facilities
Continued - Page Two
Request the Health Services Department to assist with a
determination of the feasibility of using reclaimed for watering
landscaping, washing. county vehicles, and other possible uses; and
Request the Sheriff, Probation, and Health Services departments to
assess with the General Services Department any additional
reductions in water use, such as time restrictions on shower use.
FISCAL IMPACT
To be assessed as part of the review being conducted by the General
Services Department.
BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
In January, 1991, Supervisor Fanden introduced a Board Order
requesting a program for reduced water use. In response to this
request and possible water rationing requirements, the General
Services Department contacted all county departments advising them
of the need for water use reductions. Additionally, the General
Services Department began a review of water use at all county
facilities.
On March 25, 1991, General Services Department staff gave a
preliminary report on water use at county facilities. Following
the 1977 drought a number of measures were taken at county
facilities to reduce water use. Drip systems for landscaping were
installed, low-flow showers were installed in the Detention
Facility, and the lowest possible water pressure is being used for
restroom facilities in the administration buildings in Martinez.
The preliminary ' review by General Services indicates that a
significant portion of water use at county facilities goes for
landscaping. To maintain both the investment of funds put into the
purchase of the landscaping and the aesthetic quality in office
settings, the Environmental Affairs Committee requested General
Services to explore the use of reclaimed water and/or well water as
much as possible.
Further assessment of the feasibility of using reclaimed water will
be conducted by the General Services Department. The assessment
will examine costs, health and safety requirements, and other
operational items.
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