2014 Winter Resource

Planning For the Future Master Planning of the Water, Recycled Water and S ewer S ystems in the Works

New S ewer C ap Period Starts in November

Aging infrastructure replacement and planning for new development

It’s that time again – the next period for establishing your

City into the future. To meet these challenges, the Utilities Department

is re-established annually by averaging your household’s

for key facilities to meet the current and future demands on the water

your outdoor irrigations should be at a minimum. As the

are key factors in assuring the health and economic vitality of the

sewer cap for 2014–15 is coming soon. Your sewer cap

has embarked on an aggressive program to update the master plans

last three billing cycles during the winter months when

and wastewater systems. These plans are nearly complete.

temperature cools and the winter rains begin, turn your

WATER

money all year long on your sewer charges. The new

As the water system ages, it is the City’s goal to make improvements to meet the current and future needs of the community. In order to meet this goal, a comprehensive Water Master Plan that evaluates

all aspects of the water distribution system is under way. The last indepth look at the system was back in 2000.

The plan prioritizes water system needs and provides a course of action

irrigation down or off during the sewer cap period to save sewer cap becomes effective each July 1.

Because billing cycles vary depending on the meter-

reading route, winter water use periods may vary by a couple of weeks. To find out when your period begins

and ends, visit slowater.org and click on “winter water use schedule” or call (805) 781-7133.

to address those needs. The plan addresses the following three items: • Existing deficiencies within the water distribution system based

on today’s standards and requirements

• Deficiencies within the water distribution system to meet future

build‐out needs

• A prioritized list of recommendations with associated hard and

soft costs to complete the identified projects

R ECYC LED WATER

WASTE WATER C O LLECTI O N The City’s wastewater collection system was originally installed in the late 1800’s and has expanded incrementally. The City

is developing a hydraulic model of the wastewater collection

system and a data-driven, long-range, Infrastructure Renewal

Strategy that identifies existing and future system deficiencies, as well as prioritizes replacement programs to address these

The purpose of the Recycled Water Master Plan update is to analyze

deficiencies. The work includes an analysis of existing system

to potential customers. The current plan was developed in 2004

increased densities in the City.

the most cost-effective way to maximize the delivery of recycled water

conditions, future build-out including infill development, and

prior to the completion of the recycled water distribution system in

2006. The updated plan takes an in-depth look at the production and delivery of recycled water which will provide the information needed to optimize the use of this drought-proof water supply.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE: Technology and Innovation | Drought Update New Sewer Cap Improved Utility Billing | Rainy Season is Coming

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Fall 2014/Winter 2015 Volume 19, Issue 1

How Technology and Innovation Creates More Work Efficiency Innovation Using new technology within the constraints of an existing work environment can be challenging. The ergonomic limitations of a truck cab were restricting the use of the new asset management program in the field. To overcome this limitation, the wastewater collection system operator team did some brainstorming and designed, fabricated, and installed all of the mounting hardware and electronics to convert the cab of a truck into a user-friendly work station. With a laptop stored and safely secured, and the ability to place a wireless keyboard on the steering wheel, operators can fully navigate a 21-inch flat screen monitor that lowers from the cab headliner when needed. This new design allows crews to have complete access to City data anytime and anywhere while they are working (and not driving, of course!).

Within the last several years the world has seen many technological shifts. Our mobile devices have become the new way in which we access the world. Smart phones can now double as a calendar, credit card, music player and newspaper. The City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department has embraced the use of new technology to improve our efficiency, productivity, and communication allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint and stretch your dollars. Here’s how…

Advanced Technology In November of 2013, Cityworks, a new Computerized Maintenance Management System was up and running. This software uses a Geographic Information System to produce water and wastewater system maps as well as information about pumps, pipes, and other assets within the city. This information allows the department to make educated decisions about operation and maintenance. Cityworks helps with: • In field mapping via cell

• Identifying assets for

• Regulatory reporting

• Budget preparation

• Scheduling asset

• Inventory management

phone/tablet

maintenance & inspection

• Job costing

future replacement

• Daily workflow scheduling

Meter readers have been equipped with new Android based, 4G handheld devices to read the city’s 15,000 water meters each month. These new devices, which are similar to a cell phone, provides a multitude of benefits to the department and ratepayers. Communications between the field and office have improved. The ability to upload and download daily meter routes and other information remotely has allowed for paperless work orders and reduced fossil fuel usage. This new software also ensures the highest level of billing accuracy by accessing billing history and prompting additional levels of field verification if consumption is not in line with historical information for that account.

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Future Enhancements All of this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the technological advancements planned for the future. One example is the installation of a state-of-the-art web-based communication system which will give water distribution operators more information and control over storage tanks, pump stations and system pressure through the click of a mouse.

The infrastructure of tomorrow is one that will utilize technology in a way that will provide our well-trained staff with the information they need to make critical decisions regarding the overall operations and maintenance of the system, all of which saves time and money.

HE Y! WHAT ’ S U NDE R THE RE? The old adage ‘out of sight, out of mind’ seems to apply to the water and sewer pipes that can be found under nearly every street (and some bridges) throughout the city.

You might think of these pipes like your body’s intestines – although you can’t see them, there’s a lot of ‘pipe’ in there. 134 miles of sewer and 184 miles of water lines are zig-zagging back and forth underground to bring those services right to your property. Your water and sewer rates pay to have people and equipment maintain, repair, and replace these lines. No other city funds are used to do this work – just the charges you get billed on your utility bill.

DROUGHT UPDATE – OUTDOOR WATERING RESTRICTION IN PLACE At this point in the year it is difficult to predict when and how much

The state-mandated watering restrictions are in effect until next

varied which adds to the uncertainty. That said, thanks to a multi-

on an ongoing basis. Your Utilities Services Section is available to

rain we will receive this season. The weather forecasts have been source water strategy, the City’s water supply is still in relatively good shape. The Community has five water sources to meet

our daily water demand: Salinas, Whale Rock and Nacimiento Reservoirs, recycled water (for irrigation), and groundwater.

The big question is – what if we have another rainy season like

last year? Unfortunately, this is a tough question to answer since

spring and water waste prohibitions will continue to be enforced

assist with questions regarding drought, irrigation practices and

water-wise landscaping – contact Utilities Services Manager Ron Munds at rmunds@slocity.org. You may also find helpful water conservation information at slowater.org.

THREE-DAY A WEEK SCHEDULE

there are a lot of variables to consider when trying to predict how much water will be in storage at the three reservoirs at the end of

Even numbered addresses:

Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday

wisely during this period of uncertainty.

Odd numbered addresses:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

the rainy season. What we do know is that we all need to use water

TIM E TO R ED U C E YO U R IR R IG ATI O N Though the days may be still be warm, your lawn, trees, and shrubs are sensing the change in the seasons and do not require as much water as they did just a month ago. The evenings are cooler and the days are getting shorter as we move towards winter. In fact, during this time of year

we recommend that you turn off your irrigation entirely and only water as needed. Reducing your irrigation schedule now will save you money on your water bill all winter long.

Month

Irrigation Minutes per Week

November

As needed (check soil moisture)

December

OFF

January

OFF

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ECRWSS

HELP PR EPAR E FOR THE ‘ FIR ST FLU S H ’ The phrase “first flush" is used to describe the runoff that occurs at the beginning of each rainy season. The first flush carries with it concentrations of pollutants that have accumulated during the period of dry weather between storms, which in our case, has been many months.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the rainy season:

EM ERG EN CY N U M B ER S

• Pick up after your pet.

• Keep the area in front of your home clean – pick up and dispose

Water & Sewer Problems 8 am to 5 pm (805) 781-7220

• Recycle used motor oil and oil filters.

After Hours & Weekends (805) 781-7312

of trash and debris in the gutter.

• Use your green waste container for grass and yard clippings.

If you have any questions, please contact the Utilities Department at 805-781-7215.

• Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers to your lawn before it rains.

• Report any illegal dumping of debris or hazardous material by

calling 781-7511.

R EMIND ER : O peration Clean S we ep

For more information on the City’s Stormwater Program, contact Aaron Floyd at afloyd@slocity.org.

Find your street sweeping day and help keep your street clean. http://www.slocity.org/finance/gis/gis.asp

OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO GROW If you haven’t already done so, check out the Utilities Department’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SLOUtilitiesDepartment.

You’ll get news about the latest projects, ways to save money on your water and sewer bill, interesting facts about your water and sewer utility, and much more. Like us on Facebook and join the conversation.

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