LADWP Customers Saved 6 Billion Gallons of Water from June to September
LOS ANGELES (NOVEMBER 7, 2022) – Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell joined LADWP General Manager Martin L. Adams, Board of Water and Power Commissioner Mia Lehrer, and Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, president and director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, at the Nature Gardens of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) to congratulate Angelenos for achieving record-setting levels of water conservation over the summer. From June to September of this year, LADWP customers collectively saved nearly 6 billion gallons of water compared to the same period in 2021. Angelenos have also reduced per capita daily water use to 110 gallons as of September, averaged over the last 12 months.
“At the beginning of the summer, we called on Angelenos to cut back on their water use, and today, we can recognize the past few months as one of the most historic stretches of conservation in L.A. history,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “As we continue to give Angelenos more ways to conserve, it’s a perfect time to kick off the start of tree planting season – a crucial part of our work to make Los Angeles a more resilient, equitable, and beautiful City.”
As California faced threats to water supply due to climate change and Los Angeles prepared for a dry, hot summer, the City of Los Angeles in June called on residents to further conserve water by implementing Phase 3 of the city’s water conservation plan ordinance. This required Angelenos to reduce outdoor watering to two days a week, for eight minutes per station. LADWP also further promoted water conservation rebates and programs to help customers cut back on water use. The programs include:
- Free showerheads and faucet aerators
- $5 per square foot rebate for turf replacement
- $500 for high-efficiency clothes washers
- $250 for high-efficiency toilets
- $500 for zero and ultra-low water urinals
- Smart water use monitoring devices
- Varying rebates for rotating sprinkler nozzles, weather-based irrigation controllers and soil moisture sensor systems
- Free, hands-on DIY landscaping workshops
- And up to $2 million through the Technical Assistance Program for commercial customers
Over the summer, LADWP customers responded by taking advantage of these rebates, cashing in on water and bill savings. From June through September, LADWP provided over $2.8 million in rebates for items including clothes washers, toilets, turf replacement, which is 70 percent more than the same time last year.
Customer Rebate Program Participation (June-Sept 2022)
|
Rebated from June 2022 – September 2022 |
June-September % of year (1/3 is average) |
|
|
High Efficiency Toilets |
2,501 | 32% |
|
Turf Replacement (Square Feet) |
275,289 | 47% |
|
Clothes Washers |
1,254 | 32% |
|
Total Rebate Dollars Provided |
$2.8 million vs. $1.7 million in the previous year |
The Mayor, Councilmember O’Farrell and other speakers gathered in the Nature Gardens to promote and reiterate the importance of drought tolerant gardens and other water saving measures, as well as attracting wildlife and pollinators crucial to maintaining Los Angeles’ rich biodiversity. The gardens were designed by now Board of Water and Power Commissioner Mia Lehrer and her team in 2013, and showcases California Friendly plants and landscaping features appropriate for the Los Angeles climate.
“In addition to being an iconic cultural institution in Los Angeles, the Natural History Museum is also leading the way in its sustainable design and environmental practices,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the chair of the City Council’s Environmental Justice committee. “Keeping in line with its mission to educate and enrich the public, the Natural History Museum is showing Angelenos the beauty and practicality of incorporating sustainability into landscaping, design, and architecture.”
“The Natural History Museum is a place for Los Angeles residents to learn about what they can do at their own homes to play a role in water conservation. Our Nature Gardens are a beautiful example of using native plants and turf alternatives to support biodiversity, reduce water consumption, and promote sustainability, and we hope it inspires everyone to create their own drought-resilient garden and continue to take more actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, NHMLAC president and director.
Martin L. Adams, LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer said, “A typical residential customer in LA uses over one third of their water outdoors. As such, there is an opportunity for more savings in landscaping and irrigation. Customers can take advantage of various LADWP programs to transform landscapes, and plant trees and shrubs appropriate for our climate. And fall is planting season, meaning it’s the perfect time to let a California-friendly landscape get established so that it’s beautiful, healthy, and less thirsty this summer.”
“Sustainable landscapes and trees are very important for Los Angeles especially as we live with climate change,” said Board of Water and Power Commissioner Mia Lehrer. “We can create beautiful, thriving landscapes with the right kind of trees, plants and features that attract creatures, use less water, and create energy savings through the shade from the trees.” She added, “That is landscaping, water conservation, and energy efficiency the L.A. way, and we have many programs to help you do it.”
LADWP urges customers to continue saving water even as Los Angeles weather becomes cooler and wet. Adams adds, “While we are all grateful for the rain, remember that a few rainy days does not mean we are no longer in a drought. Our water supply will continue to be challenged by climate change, and saving every drop all year-round matters.”
To learn more about LADWP’s water conservation resources, please visit www.ladwp.com/save.
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