12-20-2000 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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promoted replacement of toilets and showerheads in these homes as well installation of new high - efficient fixtures in our new homes. Seasonal demand is illustrated in Table I -3 show on page 3. Consumption is closely related to both temperature and the moisture content of the topsoil in the summer. No correlation can be found for winter. As the temperature increase in the summer, consumption also increases. However, frequent rain showers can temporarily offset some increases. It seems reasonable that the increase is mainly due to outdoor watering and other outdoor activities. Analysis of unaccounted -for water is useful in assessing the efficiency of a water system. The term "unaccounted -for water" has traditionally been defined as the difference between the amount of finished water pumped into the distribution system and the amount of water that has been metered for revenue accounts. This unaccounted -for water could include unmetered water used by the City, fire departments for fire protection and training, main breaks, maintenance of the water tower, flushing hydrants and lines, and/or line leakage. A summary of the last ten years is presented in Table I -1, on page 2. SECTION D. Programs As indicated earlier, water conservation can be accomplished through short-term and/or long -term methods. The City of Little Canada will implement short-term demand reduction measures as described in PART II, Section H. Long -term conservation is accomplished by improving water use efficiencies. The following examines long -term measures. Metering The City of Little Canada meters all of its customers. Most meters are read from a remote reader without entering homes. Testing and replacing meters is currently done on a metered consumption basis If consumption seems to increase or drop off from normal past use, the meter is tested and or replaced as necessary. We are in the process of developing a more proactive program of testing and replacing meters that will be based on meter type and age. We are hopeful this will enable us to address meters that are reading to slow. Conservation- Oriented Water Rates The City of Little Canada bills its customers quarterly, based on water use. The City uses a seasonal rate structure and charges a minimum monthly charge for all customers. The 1999 rates are as follows: 1st and 4`h Quarters 81.98 per 1,000 gallons 2nd and 3`d Quarter 52.05 per 1,000 gallons This seasonal rate structure is designed to increase the cost per 1,000 gallons during the high use summer months and help to conserve water during this time. Page 131