A presentation by Mike Ban and David Iribarne of the Department of Water Resources and Conservation at the November 2, 2009 Council meeting caught my attention…

In addition to reporting on the efforts of the City to reduce its water use, the Ban/Iribarne presentation included a striking chart of facts and figures regarding overall water usage and conservation in Petaluma.

These figures demonstrate the cumulative effects of people using more efficient fixtures and appliances as well as replacing their lawns with low water landscaping. For example…

• The report mentioned that one residential household reduced its landscaping water requirement by 42% or 37,000 gallons.
• Friedman Brothers  Hardware Distribution Center on Lakeville Highway cuts its usage by 30% or 692,000 gallons by replacing 35,000 sq. ft. of turf with low water landscaping.

Clearly, the efforts of individuals, businesses, and the City of Petaluma are bearing fruit.  Going forward, the numbers will improve even further if homeowners and businesses continue their efforts.  In addition to properties already converted, the City is planning to sheet mulch or convert the turf areas at the Police Station, Fire Station 3, the Library, and Wiseman park.

According to David Iribarne, to date the City has already transformed 103,000 sq. ft. of turf on City properties, saving 5 million gallons of water annually.

For a copy of the complete presentation to the City Council, click on Petaluma Water Conservation Report

NOTE: Larger versions of the two slides featured in this article may  be viewed by clicking  on the  icons below.