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Pacific Palisades Fires: Correcting Misinformation about LADWP’s Water System

LADWP ISSUES WATER SAVING TIP OF THE WEEK #3

NEWS RELEASE
August 18, 2008
LADWP ISSUES WATER SAVING TIP OF THE WEEK #3
USE A BROOM, NOT THE HOSE, TO CLEAN DRIVEWAYS AND SIDEWALKS
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) issued another water conservation “Tip of the Week” today to remind ratepayers that cutting water use even by modest amounts can save both water and money.  The LADWP, which imports between 85-90% of its water annually, has seen its water supplies decline and must achieve water savings through conservation efforts.
Tip #3: Use a broom, not the hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.

As much as 150 gallons of water are used every time someone washes down a driveway, sidewalk, walkway or parking area, leading to gross amounts of wasted drinking water each time.  It not only is a good practice to use a broom instead of a hose – in Los Angeles it is now the law.
Prohibiting the hosing down of sidewalks and driveways is one of more than a dozen violations of the Water Conservation Ordinance that was recently strengthened by the Mayor, LA City Council and the Board of Water and Power Commissioners.

Persons who continue to use a hose to wash sidewalks, driveways and gutters can be cited under the municipal code and fined between $100 and $600 depending upon the size of their meter.

An added bonus for customers using a broom rather than a hose is measurable savings on their water bill.  Someone who hoses down a driveway or sidewalk daily can achieve 1,050 gallons in water savings a week. Multiple this by 52 weeks, minus rainy days, and substantial savings of both water and money can be achieved.

To learn more about water conservation programs offered by the LADWP and the Metropolitan Water District, and for conservation tips for indoor and outdoor water savings, please visit www.bewaterwise.com or www.ladwp.com.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the nation’s largest municipal utility, provides reliable, low-cost water and power services to Los Angeles residents and businesses in an environmentally responsible manner.  LADWP serves about 1.4 million electric customers and 680,000 water customers in Los Angeles.

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