Handbook - Water Efficiency Guide

Water Use Efficiency
Guidebook
Third Edition
January 2011
DOH 331-375 (Revised)
If you need this publication in alternate format, call (800) 525-0127. For TTY/TDD, call (800) 833-6388.
Table of Contents
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Chapter 1: Introduction to Water Use Efficiency Requirements

1.1 Intent of This Guidebook .....................................................................................................6
1.2 Protecting Our Water Resources ..........................................................................................7
1.3 Using Water Efficiently .......................................................................................................8
1.4 Who is Affected by Water Use Efficiency Requirements ...................................................9
1.5 Complying with the Water Use Efficiency Requirements .................................................10
Chapter 2: Water Meters

2.1 Overview of the Metering Requirement ............................................................................13
2.2 Why Meters Are Important ................................................................................................13
2.3 Production Meters ..............................................................................................................14
2.4 Consumption Meters ..........................................................................................................15
2.5 Intertie Meters ....................................................................................................................15
2.6 Meter Installation Schedule ...............................................................................................15
2.7 Exceptions to the Service Meter Requirement...................................................................17
2.8 Selection, Installation, Maintenance, and Operation of Meters .........................................19
2.9 Funding Options for Installing Meters and General WUE Efforts ....................................20
Chapter 3: Data Collection

3.1 Overview of the Data Collection Requirement ..................................................................21
3.2 Collecting Source Meter Data ............................................................................................21
3.3 Collecting Intertie Data ......................................................................................................22
3.4 Collecting Service Meter Data ...........................................................................................23
3.5 How to Collect Data...........................................................................................................24
3.6 Water Supply Characteristics .............................................................................................24
Chapter 4: Demand Forecasting

4.1 Overview of the Demand Forecast Requirement ...............................................................28
4.2 Projecting Demand Forecasts: Factors to Consider ...........................................................28
4.3 Demand Forecast Methods ................................................................................................29
Chapter 5: Water Use Efficiency Program

5.1 Overview of the Water Use Efficiency Program Requirement .........................................32
5.2 Process for Developing a Water Use Efficiency Program .................................................32
5.3 What to Include in Your Water Use Efficiency Program ..................................................34
5.4 Evaluate Your Rates ..........................................................................................................36
5.5 Evaluating Reclaimed Water Opportunities ......................................................................37
5.6 Evaluation of Water Use Efficiency Measures ..................................................................38
5.7 What Qualifies as a Water Use Efficiency Measure ..........................................................42
5.8 Water Use Efficiency Programs for Non-municipal Water Suppliers ...............................45
Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -2- Third Edition (January 2011)

Chapter 6: Distribution System Leakage
6.1 Overview of the Distribution System Leakage Requirement ............................................46
6.2 Water Loss Terminology ...................................................................................................46
6.3 Calculating Distribution System Leakage .........................................................................48
6.4 Alternative Methods to Calculating Distribution System Leakage ...................................50
6.5 Distribution System Leakage Standard Compliance .........................................................51
6.6 Reducing Leakage ..............................................................................................................52
6.7 Water Loss Control Action Plan: What to Include and How to Submit ............................53
Chapter 7: Goal Setting and the Public Forum

7.1 Overview of the Goal Setting Requirement .......................................................................57
7.2 Goal Setting Considerations ..............................................................................................58
7.3 Goal Setting Authority .......................................................................................................60
7.4 Regional Program Goals ....................................................................................................60
7.5 Goal Setting for Customers and Your Water System .......................................................63
7.6 Setting Goals Through a Public Forum ............................................................................69
Chapter 8: Annual WUE Report

8.1 Overview of the Annual WUE Reporting Requirement ....................................................72
8.2 Preparing Your Annual WUE Report ................................................................................73

Appendices ........................................................................................................ 76
Appendix A: Integrating Water Use Efficiency Requirements Into Your Planning

Documents
Appendix B: Water Use Efficiency Measures
Appendix C: Water Supply Characteristics and Examples
Appendix D: Distribution System Leakage Template, Instructions, and Calculation

Example
Appendix E: Water Use Efficiency Annual Reporting Worksheet
Appendix F: Recommended Publications and Websites
Appendix G: Water Volume Conversions
Appendix H: Goal Setting Flowchart
Appendix I: Examples of Customer Goals
Appendix J: Water Conservation Tips
Appendix K: Stop Water Waste
Appendix L: Water Tap Special Report: Water Shortage and

Tips to Reduce Outdoor Water Use This Summer
Appendix M: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program
Appendix N: Local Stories of Successful Water Use Efficiency Programs
Appendix O: Setting Goals to Use Water Efficiently
Appendix P: Reduce Leaks
Appendix Q: Water Conservation Leadership Guide: Issues for an Elected Governing

Board to Consider and
Sprayed Away: Seven Ways to Reduce Texas’ Outdoor Water Use
Appendix R: Example of a Large Municipal WUE Program
Appendix S: Example of a Small Municipal WUE Program
Appendix T: Examples of a Water Loss Control Action Plan
Appendix U: Water Use Efficiency Requirements for Non-municipal Water Suppliers

Acronyms and Abbreviations
AC Authorized consumption
DOH / department Department of Health
DSL Distribution system leakage
Ecology Department of Ecology
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ERU Equivalent residential unit
gpm Gallons per minute
MWS Municipal water supplier
ODW Office of Drinking Water
Planning documents Water system plan or small water system management program
SWSMP Small water system management program
TP Total produced and purchased
WAC Washington Administrative Code
WLCAP Water Loss Control Action Plan
“We” or “Us” Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water
WSP Water system plan
WUE Water use efficiency
“You” or “Your” Your water system

Chapter 1: Introduction to Water Use
Efficiency Requirements
1.1 Intent of This Guidebook
Developing an effective water use efficiency (WUE) program can take a lot of time and effort.
The intent of this guidebook is to provide basic information for any water system developing a
WUE program. Based on water system size and
complexity, some water systems may find parts
of this guidebook more useful than others may. Using Water Efficiently:
What is a WUE Program?
The main purpose of the guidebook is to help you Using water efficiently can help you
understand the state WUE requirements (chapter meet future needs, operate
246-290 Washington Administrative Code successfully within financial,
(WAC)), however, it does not cover all of them. managerial, and technical
Each chapter summarizes how to implement the constraints, and continue to deliver
WUE rule by providing guidance and examples. safe and reliable drinking water. We
Our goal is to clarify how to meet the Department encourage and appreciate all efforts
of Health’s expectations for complying with the you are taking to conserve water and
WUE rule. use it efficiently.
This guidebook will help you: A WUE program is a plan your water
system follows to increase water
• Create a WUE program that works for supply and water demand efficiency.
your water system. The intent is to minimize water
• Understand the fundamental WUE withdrawals and water use by
requirements: implementing water saving activities
and adopting policies, resolutions,
1. Planning. ordinances, or bylaws.
2. Distribution system leakage See Appendices R and S for real
standard. examples of WUE programs for both
3. Customer goal setting. a large and a small water system here
in Washington.
4. Annual WUE reporting.
We want to keep you informed of any new

guidance that may assist you in developing your WUE program. If you have any questions,
please visit our WUE website at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/programs/wue.htm or contact:
• Your regional office planner (see Appendix A for contact information).
• Mike Dexel, WUE Program Lead, (360) 236-3154 or michael.dexel@doh.wa.gov

1.2 Protecting Our Water Resources
In 2003, the Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1338,
better known as the Municipal Water Law, to address the increasing demand on our state’s water
resources. The law established that all municipal water suppliers must use water more efficiently
in exchange for water right certainty and flexibility to help them meet future demand. The
Legislature directed the Department of Health to adopt an enforceable WUE program, which
became effective on January 22, 2007. Creating a regulatory WUE program is intended to
achieve a consistently high level of stewardship among all municipal water suppliers (MWS).
Pressure on our state’s water resources comes from many sources, including population growth,
instream flows, and business needs. As the potential for developing new sources of water within
the state diminishes, the efficient use of water is necessary to meet future demand.
Water efficiency is a “proactive approach” to protecting public health.

The Office of Drinking Water’s mission focuses on public health. The WUE program draws the
connection between water resources and safe and reliable drinking water by expanding our
perspective to include water efficiency. Our WUE program will increase awareness about how
the efficient use of water strengthens the relationship between the reliability and safety of our
water supplies. This connection also enhances our ability to accomplish our mission.
The WUE program is a priority for the Office of Drinking Water. Droughts, climate change,
growth demands, and fewer granted water rights all signal the possibility of future long-term
water disruptions and temporary interruptions during peak demand due to declining water
supplies. The WUE program requires water systems to pay attention to their usage patterns by
reporting annually and managing water loss. Water systems can proactively prevent potential
health risks to their customers by effectively planning and implementing WUE measures that can
result in fewer emergencies.
The WUE requirements support our common goal of ensuring safe and reliable drinking water in
the following ways:
Contribute to long-term water supply reliability and public health protection.

Water systems must have a reliable supply of water to meet current and future needs. WUE
requirements help MWS operate efficiently to protect against:
• Temporary water service interruptions during peak usage.
• Long-term or repeated water disruptions due to limited water supply.
• Contamination of the water supply due to leaky pipes.
Public health is always at risk during these events. Water systems position themselves to provide
a reliable drinking water supply for their customers by implementing an effective WUE program.

Promote good stewardship of the state’s water resources.
Pressure on the state’s limited water supplies is steadily increasing. Water systems using their
water efficiently allow growth in their communities and water for other environmental uses. The
efficient use of water helps ensure reliable water supplies are available for your customers.
Ensure efficient operation and management of water systems.

For most water systems, conserved water can be the least costly source for new supply. Water
system managers have to balance operation and growth costs with customer revenue when
making decisions on the future of their water system. The WUE requirements involve the
customers and the public in the decision-making process through the goal setting public forum.
This input helps water system owners and managers make smart choices about how to use water
efficiently.
1.3 Using Water Efficiently
The Office of Drinking Water considers using water efficiently an important part of the planning
program. Since 1994, we have used the publication Conservation Planning Requirements to
describe how water systems should incorporate water use efficiency into their planning process.
Many water systems have based their successful conservation programs on the 1994 document.
This guidebook replaces that document.
The WUE requirements emphasize the importance of measuring water use and evaluating the
effectiveness of your WUE program. There are three fundamental elements:
Planning Requirements—As part of a water system plan or a small water system management
program, MWS are required to:
• Collect data.
• Forecast demand.
• Evaluate WUE measures.
• Calculate distribution system leakage.
• Implement a WUE program to meet their goals.
Distribution Leakage Standard—MWS are required to meet a distribution system leakage

standard to minimize water loss from their distribution system. In order to calculate leakage,
production (source) and consumption (service) meters are required.
Goal Setting and WUE Reporting—MWS are required to set WUE goals through a public
process and report annually on their performance to their customers and the Department of
Health. They also must make the information available to the public.

1.4 Who is Affected by Water Use
The Municipal Water Law (RCW 90.03.015(3)) says that WUE requirements apply to all water
systems defined as municipal water suppliers (MWS). A MWS is “an entity that supplies water
for municipal water supply purposes.”
Your water system is most likely a MWS if you can answer “yes” to any of the following:
• My system has 15 or more residential service connections.
• My system provides water to a city, town, public utility district, sewer district, or water
district.
• My system provides water in a residential manner to a non-residential population that
averages at least 25 people for at least 60 days a year.
• My system provides water indirectly for purposes listed in 1 or 2, through the delivery of
water to another water system.
If you answered “no” to all of these questions, you most likely don’t meet the definition of a
MWS and don’t have to meet the WUE requirements. Water systems solely regulated under the
Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and not state authority, are also not required to meet WUE
requirements. This includes federal government water systems, such as federal installations and
facilities.
Most Group A Community Water Systems are Considered MWS

The definition of a MWS includes water systems that serve 15 or more residential connections,
which includes most Group A community water systems. However, not all Group A water
systems are municipal water suppliers.
Our regulations consider both residential and non-residential connections when defining a Group
A water system. A water system using a water right to serve 15 homes would be a MWS. A
water system serving 14 homes and a business would not be a MWS because a business is a non-
residential connection. Both systems, however, are Group A community water systems.
In general, the following Group A water systems are examples of municipal water suppliers:
• City.
• Water district.
• Mobile home park.
• Water association.

Some Non-community Water Systems May Be Considered MWS
If your water system is a non-community water system that provides water that is used in a
residential manner (such as drinking, cooking, cleaning, and sanitation), you may be considered
a MWS if you provide water to a non-residential population for an average of at least 25 people
for at least 60 days a year.
Some non-community water systems may be MWS, however this is determined on a case-by-
case basis. We coordinate with the Department of Ecology on making these determinations. If
you have a non-community water system and are not sure whether you qualify as a MWS, you
may need to contact the Department of Ecology at the numbers listed below.
Department of Ecology’s Regional Offices:

Central Regional Office (Yakima): (509) 575-2490
Eastern Regional Office (Spokane): (509) 329-3400
Northwest Regional Office (Bellevue): (425) 649-7000
Southwest Regional Office (Lacey): (360) 407-6300
1.5 Complying with the Water Use

Litigation over the constitutionality of the MWL created some uncertainty for privately owned
water systems. On June 11, 2008, King County Superior Court Judge Jim Rogers struck parts of
the MWL. The ruling invalidated definitions of “municipal water supplier” and “municipal
supply purposes”, which temporarily removed privately owned water systems from the
municipal water supplier definition. However, on October 28, 2010, the Washington State
Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the MWL. The Supreme Court upheld the
sections of the law that were invalidated by the King County Superior Court.
These sections were the definitions of municipal water supplier and municipal water supply
purposes, and the “in good standing” status of water rights based on system capacity rather than
water use. The Supreme Court found that these sections do not violate separation of powers or
facially violate the right to due process. Privately owned water systems are once again defined as
municipal water suppliers, and they must comply with the WUE regulations.
Many privately owned water systems delayed implementing the WUE requirements until the
Supreme Court issued an official decision. The majority of the WUE requirements and deadlines
have passed for privately owned water systems (except for the service meter installation
deadline). Since those deadlines have passed, we recommend that all privately owned systems
comply with the WUE requirements listed in the third column of Table 1-1.

Most notably, privately owned water systems must submit the first annual WUE report by July 1,
2011, even if they haven’t fulfilled all of the WUE requirements. This report must include the
following information:
• Service meter installation schedule.
• Identify the established WUE customer goal.
• Total production—the annual total amount of water pumped from all source meter(s).
• Authorized consumption—the annual total amount of water consumed from customer
meter records plus any other authorized unmetered uses (see Chapter 6).
• Information regarding progress of fulfilling any of the other WUE requirements, such as
reducing water loss.
The requirements and compliance deadlines are listed in order by due date in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1: Summary of Water Use Efficiency Requirements

Deadlines for MWS Deadlines for MWS Deadlines for
Requirements under 1,000 with 1,000 or more privately owned
connections connections water systems
Include WUE program
January 22, 2008 January 22, 2008 December 31, 2011
in planning documents
Submit first annual
July 1, 2009 July 1, 2008 July 1, 2011
WUE report
Submit service meter
July 1, 2009 July 1, 2008 July 1, 2011
installation schedule
Set your own WUE
July 1, 2010 July 1, 2009 July 1, 2011
goals
Meet distribution July 1, 2011, July 1, 2010, July 1, 2013,
leakage standard or 3 years after or 3 years after or 3 years after
(based on 3-year installing all service installing all service installing all
rolling average) meters meters service meters
Complete installation
January 22, 2017 January 22, 2017 January 22, 2017
of all service meters
Enforcing the WUE Requirements

We will enforce the WUE requirements consistent with our compliance strategy. Initially, we
will focus our compliance efforts on technical assistance and guidance to help you develop an
effective WUE program that meets the intent of the WUE rule. Egregious violators may be
targeted for more formal enforcement if your water system fails to demonstrate that you have
met the WUE requirements. This may affect the status of your operating permit.

Show us that you have achieved WUE compliance by summarizing your efforts in the annual
WUE report. The annual WUE report is important. It tells us that you have made progress in
achieving water efficiency within your water system by explaining how you have performed
from year-to-year in the following categories:
• Reducing leaks.
• Installing or replacing meters.
• Implementing measures to help your customers use less water.
Once you submit your report, we will ensure that a customer goal has been established for your
water system and determine whether you are in compliance with the distribution leakage
standard (see Chapter 6). We will keep a record of all annual WUE report submittals, and notify
you if you fail to report.
Your WUE program will be reviewed for approval by our regional planners when you submit
your small water system management program or water system plan to us for approval. Planners
may withhold approval until you have demonstrated compliance with the WUE regulations.
You don’t need to send your WUE program to us, unless we request it. In many cases, the WUE
program will be kept for your own records as part of your planning document.

Chapter 2: Water Meters
2.1 Overview of the Metering Requirement
Measuring your water use with production and consumption meters is fundamental to helping
you develop a successful water use efficiency (WUE) program. Installing meters is one of the
most significant WUE requirements. Meters provide the information necessary to calculate
accurate distribution system leakage. They also provide useful information to evaluate the
effectiveness of your WUE program. Metering deadlines are listed in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1: Summary of Water Use Efficiency Requirements for Meters

Requirements Deadline
Install production meters January 22, 2007
Submit service meter With your first annual
installation schedule WUE report
Complete installation of
January 22, 2017
all service meters
2.2 Why Meters Are Important
Installing meters is the most important step you can take to establish an effective WUE program.
Meters provide the information you need to evaluate water use and leakage, and they help you
prioritize your WUE efforts. Installing service meters and billing your customers based on the
amount of water they use is the most effective water efficiency measure you can implement.
Once customers realize how much water they are using, water demand tends to decrease.
If you are not required to install consumption meters (see Section 2.7), you can install zone
meters to isolate sections of the distribution system. Zone meters will help you identify and
prioritize areas with the most leaks and evaluate how to proceed with a water loss control action
plan.
If you plan on installing meters in the future, you can get a head start by installing meter boxes at
each customer connection when street or sidewalk repairs, landscaping projects, or other
excavation/utility projects occur in your community.

Installing Meters Makes Economical Sense
Meters accurately identify water loss within the distribution system. Lost water has a value.
Consider the cost to pump, treat, store, and distribute the water. Add up these factors and you’ll
find that fixing leaks makes economical sense. The best way to accurately determine water loss
is to install consumption meters.
How Much Will the Customer Meter Cost?

We estimate the per-connection cost for installing a meter is $5.30 to $7.35 per month. This
includes the cost of the meter, installation, and meter reading with financing through a 15-year
loan at 6 percent interest. Over time, today’s investment in service meters and repairing leaks
will pay for itself.
2.3 Production Meters
Production meters, also referred to as source meters, are required on all existing and new water
sources. Measuring the water produced from your source and purchased from other water
systems is the first step in managing water efficiently. This information assists you in tracking
water production, understanding seasonal variations, and accounting for overall use of the
resource.
You are required to measure the volume of water produced or purchased upstream of the
distribution system with a production meter (WAC 246-290-496(1)(a)). Most water systems will
use their source meter to provide this information. If your water system has extensive
transmission mains, you may install a production meter at the beginning of the distribution
system to calculate distribution system leakage. Installing a meter at the beginning of the
distribution system does not alter the source metering requirements adopted by the Department
of Ecology, which may have different installation and reporting requirements.
Source meters must be able to measure the volume of water (WAC 246-290-496(1)(a)). Hour
meters, dedicated power consumption meters, and other non-volume meters don’t provide the
type of production data necessary to successfully calculate distribution system leakage.
Source meters are required as of January 22, 2007.
We expect that you are recording monthly production data. If you don’t have a meter on all of
your sources, you should install one immediately. Source meters are not under the same 10-year
installation schedule as service and intertie1 meters.
1
An intertie means an interconnection between public water systems, allowing the exchange or delivery of water
between those systems.

2.4 Consumption Meters
Consumption meters, also referred to as service or customer meters, provide information to you
and your customers regarding their water usage. Service meter data also provides the most
accurate assessment of distribution system leakage.
Service meters are required on all existing and new direct service connections2 and clustered
entities (WAC 246-290-496(2)(c) and (2)(d)). The requirements allow clustering of certain
customers using a single meter (see Section 2.7).
New connections must be metered at the time water is provided to the customer (WAC 246-290-
496(2)(d)). Service meters don’t need to be installed until a customer requests water from the
distribution system (for example, when a service connection is activated).
2.5 Intertie Meters
Permanent and Seasonal Interties

Meters must be installed on all interties used as permanent or seasonal sources (WAC 246-290-
496(2)(e)). You may need to install intertie meters at an earlier date in order to calculate accurate
distribution system leakage.
Emergency Interties
Emergency interties, described in WAC 246-290-132(4), are exempt from the metering
requirement.
2.6 Meter Installation Schedule
Meter installation schedule requirements only apply if you don’t already have service or
intertie meters installed. If you don’t have service meters installed on all existing direct service
connections and intertie connections, you must meet the following three requirements until your
water system is fully metered (WAC 246-290-496(2)(f)):
2
A direct service connection is a service hookup to a property that connects to a distribution main and where
additional distribution mains are not needed to provide service.

1. Submit a meter installation schedule with your first WUE report.
2. Implement activities to minimize leakage.
3. Report status of installing meters and minimizing leakage in your annual WUE report,
and in any planning document you submit for approval.
Submit a Meter Installation Schedule

You must submit a meter installation schedule to the Department of Health if you aren’t fully
metered. Use your first WUE report to document when and how you plan to install meters.
Your meter installation schedule must include:

• A schedule for completing installation on all existing connections and interties by
January 22, 2017 (WAC 246-290-496(2)(c) and 246-290-496(2)(f)).
• Documentation showing steady and continuous progress toward complying with the
service and intertie meter requirements (WAC 246-290-496(2)(f)(i)(C)). This may
include:
- Percentage of meters that will be installed each year.
- Funding strategy to cover the metering expenses.
Implement and Report Activities to Minimize Leakage

If you aren’t fully metered, there are actions you must take to minimize leakage (WAC 246-290-
496(2)(f)(ii)). These activities may include:
• Leak detection survey.
• Leak repair.
• Night usage survey.
• Planned replacement of leaking mains.
• Improved data collection.
Report Status of Installing Meters

You must report your progress on installing meters in your annual WUE report and WUE
program (WAC 246-290-496(2)(f)(iii)). Meter installation progress should be consistent with the
meter installation schedule provided to us.

2.7 Exceptions to the Service Meter
Requirement
The following clustered entities can measure the volume of water through a single meter:
• Campgrounds.
• Recreational vehicle parks.
• Property designated as a mobile home park.
• A building with multiple units (for example, an apartment building).
• Complexes with multiple buildings served as a single connection (for example,
a business park).
Am I a Designated Mobile Home Park?

To determine if your property is considered a designated mobile home park, please contact your
local planning authority (usually the county assessor). If the local authority has a zoning
designation, use code, property class, or similar term used to describe the property as a “mobile
home park” for the entire tax parcel or property legal description, then it is what we would
consider a “designated mobile home park” as written in WAC 246-290-496(2)(g)(iii).
Designated mobile home parks don’t need to install service meters.
State law (RCW 59.20.030(6)) defines a mobile home park as:

"Mobile home park" or "manufactured housing community" means any real property
which is rented or held out for rent to others for the placement of two or more mobile
homes, manufactured homes, or park models for the primary purpose of production of
income, except where such real property is rented or held out for rent for seasonal
recreational purpose only and is not intended for year-round occupancy.
Metering Requirements for Municipal Water Suppliers That Serve

Clustered Entities
If your water system serves a clustered entity, only one meter is required to measure
consumption. For example, if you provide water to an industrial park with six buildings, only one
meter is required to measure the consumption for the entire park. You would consider the
industrial park as one single connection since you have no authority over the distribution system
within the park. Consider the water used by the industrial park as an authorized consumption
when calculating leakage.

Metering Requirements for Clustered Entities That Are
Municipal Water Suppliers
If you are a campground, recreational vehicle park, or if your property is designated as a mobile
home park, and considered a municipal water supplier, you don’t have to install meters on all of
your direct service connections. You may use a single meter (for example, source meter) or
multiple meters to measure consumption in your distribution system. However, you are required
to meet all other WUE requirements, including the distribution system leakage standard.
A good way to determine leakage in the absence of service meters is by conducting night flow
testing. Measuring the amount of water used from your source meter or how much your reservoir
has emptied between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. is a good indicator of your water loss.
If your water system provides service to a complex with multiple buildings (such as public
college) and is a municipal water supplier, you must install service meters on all direct service
connections and must meet all other WUE requirements, including the distribution system
leakage standard.
Here’s an Idea
Consider installing the latest meter technology to track water use and leaks within your
customers’ homes.
The new automatic meter reading (AMR) and automatic meter infrastructure (AMI) meters
are worth the investment. They automatically collect information from your meters and some
have the ability to detect low flows (such as leaking faucets and toilets) and bill for that
usage. Perhaps, most importantly, these meters:
y Increase your revenue, without increasing rates.
y Reduce apparent losses (which reduces annual leakage percentage)
y Save water.
y With AMI, systems can see hourly reading for all connections.
y With high-resolution registers, you will be able to identify who your largest users are
and more importantly when they are using the water.
y You will be able to identify which customer has a leak and how large it is.
y You will be able to provide usage information to your customer’s fingertips.
y You will have access to the data that will help you predict future demands.

2.8 Selection, Installation, Maintenance,
and Operation of Meters
You must select, install, operate, and maintain your meters using accepted industry standards,
and as required by the manufacturer (WAC 246-290-496(3)).
We recommend that a qualified professional install your service meters in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. If you install your water system’s service meters, take extra care not
to disturb the distribution system. Contamination to the distribution system can occur when the
water lines are disrupted, compromising your ability to provide safe and reliable water.
Meters must be installed and calibrated correctly to be accurate. The accuracy of your meters
diminishes over time, and older meters may require calibration or replacement. Inaccurate meters
results in lost revenue. Even a few percentage points of inaccurate measurement on a larger
meter can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars every month. Develop a process and
timeline for inspecting, testing, calibrating, and replacing meters as recommended by the
manufacturer. How often you do this depends on the size of the meter, water quality, and other
factors.
On a Budget?
Save Money with Good Quality Used Meters
Many large water utilities are replacing their older meters with
new automatic meter reading (AMR) and automatic meter
infrastructure (AMI) technology. The older (used) meters may still
be in good working condition. If you are a private water system looking
for an inexpensive option to install meters for the first time, or replace very old
inaccurate meters, consider contacting your local utility to see what they are doing with
their old meters. Your regional office planner or engineer may also know which systems
are replacing their meters. See Appendix A for regional office contact information.
Before purchasing used meters, verify that the utility has tested a representative sample
for accuracy. It’s a good idea to look for meters that are above 95 percent accurate before
you purchase them.

2.9 Funding Options for Installing Meters
and General WUE Efforts
Generally, funding for meters is only available when meter installation is part of a larger capital
improvement project. A few state and federal loan or grant programs may provide funding for
meters, including:
• Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (loan).
• Public Works Trust Fund (loan).
• Community Development Block Grant (grant with a match requirement).
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (loan, may include partial grant).
Funding for Drinking Water Capital Improvement Projects, DOH 331-344, has information on
the programs listed above.
New Resource Available

In response to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, www.grants.gov was established
to improve government services to the public. This website is a central storehouse for
information on over 1,000 grant programs and provides access to approximately $500 billion in
annual awards. For more information visit www.grants.gov

Chapter 3: Data Collection
3.1 Overview of the Data Collection

Requirement
Understanding your impact on the water supply is important for making informed water resource
decisions. The water use efficiency (WUE) requirements include collecting data and describing
water source and supply characteristics (such as instream flow restrictions, salt-water intrusion,
and aquifer depletion).
Good information is needed to develop a successful WUE program. By understanding how much
water is used by you and your customers, you can make educated choices about how best to
conserve water.
Under the requirements, you need to collect production and consumption data on a regular basis
and report that information in your planning document and annual WUE report. Water
production and consumption data are critical for calculating distribution system leakage.
Water use data is needed for the following:

• Calculating leakage.
• Forecasting demand for future water needs.
• Identifying areas for more efficient use of water.
• Evaluating the success of your WUE program.
• Describing your water supply characteristics.
• Aiding in decision-making about water management.
3.2 Collecting Source Meter Data
Source meters are required on all existing and new water sources (WAC 246-290-496(1)).
Within a water system plan (WAC 246-290-100(4)(b)(ii)) or small water system management
program (WAC 246-290-105(4)(h)), you must include the following:
• Monthly and annual totals of water produced.
• Monthly and annual totals of water purchased from another water system.
• Annual totals of water supplied to other water systems through interties.

Water Produced
Water produced is the amount of water you use from your source. You must collect this data
monthly and calculate annual totals from each source (WAC 246-290-100 (4)(b)(ii)(A)). When
submitting your annual WUE report each year, you will need this information.
Source meters should be installed as soon as possible. You won’t be able to comply with the
WUE rule without this basic information. If you don't have a meter on all of your sources,
develop a plan and budget to get one installed now.
3.3 Collecting Intertie Data
Interties provide consumption and production data. If you supply water through an intertie,
consider it authorized consumption (AC). If you receive water through an intertie, consider it
total produced and purchased (TP).
Water Supplied
Water supplied is the amount of water you provide to another water system through an intertie.
Include this information in your AC data when calculating leakage (see Chapter 7). You must
collect this data annually from each intertie (WAC 246-290-100(4)(b)(ii)(C)).
Water Received
Water received, often purchased water, is the amount of water you get from another water
system through an intertie. Include this information in your TP data when calculating leakage
(see Chapter 7). You must collect this data monthly from each intertie and calculate annual totals
(WAC 246-290-100(4)(b)(ii)(A)).
Wheeled Water
Wheeled water is a term that identifies an originating water supplier that uses another water
supplier’s pipes (wheeling water system) to supply water to a receiving water system (end user).
This water is not directly used by the wheeling water system or its customers. Leakage must be
tracked for each water system (originator, wheeling water system, and end user).

3.4 Collecting Service Meter Data
Service meters are required on all direct service connections. For water system plan (WAC 246-
290-100(4)(b)(ii)) or small water system management program (WAC 246-290-105(4)(h)), you
must report the following:
• Water consumed.
• Annual totals for each customer class (such as single-family residence or
commercial use).
• Customer class seasonal variations (1,000 or more connections only).
Water Consumed
Obtaining consumption data from service meters is the most accurate method to know how much
water is used and determine leakage within your water system. You must collect annual
consumption data on how much water is being used by your customers (WAC 246-290-496(2),
246-290-100(4)(b)(ii), and 246-290-105(4)(h)(ii)). This data is useful in forecasting demand and
determining leakage. To help determine leakage, you should estimate and record any authorized
uses such as water system flushing, street washing, and firefighting.
Collecting regular consumption data will help you understand how water is being used, allow for
evaluating rate structures, recognize water-saving opportunities, and evaluate progress on
meeting goals. We recommend reading your service meters every month to obtain meaningful
data for decision-making.
Customer Class
Include your annual water consumption data in your planning document for each customer class.
Examples of class types are residential, non-residential, commercial, industrial, single family and
multi-family.
Small water system management programs: You must include the annual amount of water
consumed by your residential and non-residential customers (WAC 246-290-105(4)(h)(ii)).
Water system plans: You must include the annual amount of water used in each customer class
(WAC 246-290-100(4)(b)(ii)(B)). You have the flexibility to define your own customer classes
based on the types of customers in your water system.
Seasonal Variations in Customer Class for Water Systems

With 1,000 or More Connections
Consumption data for customer classes may vary from season to season, particularly in the
summer when water uses increase. For water systems with 1,000 or more connections, you must
collect seasonal data to describe the variations in water consumption trends (WAC 246-290-
100(4)(b)(ii)(D)). This data may be collected monthly, every other month, quarterly, or seasonally.

3.5 How to Collect Data
We suggest reading all meters (source, intertie, and service) every month. This will help you
detect significant changes in water usage and manage any potential major problems or leaks.
It is important to collect data from source and service meters at the same time, otherwise you will
get inaccurate water loss results for the year. Adjustments may be necessary when collecting data
to reflect a 12-month period. Evaluate your billing cycles, billing software and data collection
methods to ensure total production and authorized consumption annual values are accurate.
You have the flexibility to collect annual data on a schedule that meets your needs. For instance,
you might choose a “data collection year” beginning on May 1 and ending on April 30 the
following year. However, when you submit your annual WUE report, you will be asked to
identify a “reporting year” (such as 2010) that verifies you have met the annual WUE reporting
requirement.
The reporting year is similar to a tax year. For example, when you submit your report in 2011,
you are reporting data from the previous year, and the reporting year in this example is 2010.
When you submit your annual report each year, you will be asked to identify your total water
produced and authorized consumption for the previous year. Make sure you have collected this
information. The online reporting system will automatically calculate annual DSL percentage,
annual volume and DSL average percentage for the last 3 years.
3.6 Water Supply Characteristics
You will need to be aware of the factors that influence your ability to access your water supply.
In order to gain better information about the long-term reliability of your sources, take the time
to understand your water supply characteristics and consider them when making management
decisions (see Appendix C for more information).
There are two fundamental WUE requirements regarding water supply characteristics:
• You must describe water supply characteristics or provide a source description to
customers, the public, and Department of Health (WAC 246-290-105(4)(f), 246-290-
100(4)(f)(ii)(B)).
• You will also need to consider the water supply characteristics when establishing a
quantifiable water savings goal for your customers (WAC 246-290-830(6)(a)).

Connect Your WUE Program to Your Water Supply Characteristics
In order to provide context for customers and the public about your WUE program you must
describe your water supply characteristics or a source description when:
• Setting your goals (WAC 246-290-830(6)(a)).
• Developing your planning document (WAC 246-290-105(4)(f) and 246-290-
100(4)(f)(ii)(B)).
Small Water System Management Programs—

Source Description
You must describe your sources of water (WAC Here’s an Idea
246-290-105(4)(f)). This description is similar to When you submit your annual WUE
the information required in a wellhead protection report to customers, provide some
plan. Your water supply characteristics must background on the water supply
include: characteristics or watershed in which
• Sources description. you live. This example comes from
the City of Seattle’s Saving Water
• Name and location of the source from Partnership.
which water is used.
Watersheds:
Water System Plans—Water Supply The Source of Our Water
Characteristics The region’s fresh supply water
You must provide a narrative describing your comes primarily from two sources:
sources and any foreseeable impact (such as the Cedar River Watershed and the
drought) to the resource (WAC 246-290- Tolt River Watershed, both located in
100(4)(f)(ii)(B)). Base your narrative on existing eastern King County. The watersheds
information, no additional studies are required. are large, uninhabited areas of land
Using existing data and studies, describe how that gather and store rain and
using water from your source—now and in the snowmelt.
future—will affect the quantity and quality of
that water. Your water supply characteristics Year-round, 26 cities and water
must include: districts rely on a limited supply of
stored water from these two sources
• Sources description. to meet most of the daily needs of
• Name and location of the sources. business, government, institutions,
and 1.3 million people in our region.
• Production capacity. In addition to providing clean, clear,
• Seasonal variability. reliable drinking water, the
watersheds also provide habitat for
• Water rights. fish and wildlife.
• Legal constraints.
You should try to find and report as much information as possible. This will be valuable
documentation when planning for the future of your water system.

Your water supply characteristics or source description should be written in easy-to-understand
language. You want your customers to understand water supply availability, its value to them
and the environment, and the need to meet short- and long-term goals.
Appendix C has a list of questions to ask yourself when describing your water supply
characteristics. It also includes examples of what a source description or water supply
characteristics would look like within your planning document.
Where to Find Existing Water Supply Characteristics Information

Information from the Department of Health
• Your planning document, sanitary survey report, source metering records, water depth
records, or historical information prepared by your city or county.
• Planning documents submitted by other water systems in the area that have completed a
water supply characteristics narrative.
• Coordinated water system plans, if one
covers your service area.
Information from the Department of Ecology Here’s an Idea
• Ecology has completed groundwater studies To get an idea of water reliability,
in some parts of Washington State. See the graph your monthly water use
following link for information: over time to see how it varies.
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/groundwater Do the same for water depth
/completedstudies.htm records. Water depth can
• Water system plan reviewers in Ecology’s fluctuate a great deal, depending
Water Resources Program. on when the depth is measured
and the last time the pump ran.
• Well logs. These are available online at Look for long-term or seasonal
http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/welllog/ trends rather than changes from
You need to know the original owner of the one month to the next.
well, street address, or legal location of the
well (township, range, and section). Look at If you don’t have a way to
the well log for pump test information and measure water depth, we
water depth measurements made by the encourage you to contact a
driller. Also, note the date the well was qualified well driller to install a
drilled and the depth. water level recorder.
• Check the Report of Examination for the This information is inexpensive

water right permits. You can find this to collect and can provide
information by contacting your local valuable data about the long-term
Ecology Regional Office or the following reliability of your water source.
link: www.ecy.wa.gov/org.html
• Watershed plans. Ecology’s Watershed Planning Unit staff may know of watershed plans
or existing studies for your service area. See the following link:
www.ecy.wa.gov/watershed/index.html

• Ecology’s Instream Resources Protection Program contains important information
relative to water availability. To find the rules within your watershed, see the following
link: www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/ecywac.html#wr
• Additional sources of water supply information are available from Ecology at
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/ws/wtrsuply.html
Other Resources
• Comprehensive plans prepared by your city or county.
• Studies prepared by local city or county government water resource departments.
• The U.S. Geological Survey has completed studies in some parts of Washington State,
including information about streamflow. Select your appropriate county or basin on the
their search page: http://wa.water.usgs.gov/pubs/
• Colleges and universities have completed watershed studies throughout the state. Search
your local school to find a study near you:
www.hecb.wa.gov./Links/colleges/collegesindex.asp

Chapter 4: Demand Forecasting
4.1 Overview of the Demand Forecast

Requirement
As communities grow, the demand for water use often grows with it. In order to adequately serve
new customers, you must forecast future water demands to make sure you can provide service to
growing communities. The water use efficiency (WUE) requirements add criteria for you to
consider when preparing demand forecasts.
Demand forecasting is important because it identifies how much water will be needed in the
future. You need to collect consumption data on a regular basis from your service meters and use
that information to calculate demand forecasts.
4.2 Projecting Demand Forecasts:

Factors to Consider
Prepare your demand forecast within your planning document (WAC 246-290-100(4)(b)). The
WUE goals you establish may have an effect on the water demand for your water system. When
preparing your demand forecast you must project your demand both with and without savings
obtained from your WUE program (WAC 246-290-100(4)(c)).
You must include demand forecasting information within your WUE program.
Consider these factors when calculating your future water system supply needs:
• Population (current and future).
• Historic water use patterns.
• Local land use plans.
• Water rates and their impact on consumption.
• Employment (economic development and employment trends).
• Projected water use efficiency savings.
Population
Population forecasts should be based on information approved by your local planning agency or
the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). Alternative forecasts may be
provided to establish a potential population of high, medium, and low levels and corresponding
water demand forecast ranges, or as agreed to by the local planning agency.

Water systems often grow at a different rate than predicted. Review the number of connections
added to your water system, and compare this number with the OFM or local population
projections.
Historic Water Use Patterns

Historic water use patterns are an important component for accurate demand forecasting. This
figure is the basis for future projections. For some water systems, understanding the usage
patterns for different categories of customers and seasonal variations may be useful.
Current Land Use, Zoning, and Capacity

Adopted local government comprehensive plans and land use plans, including plans developed
under the Growth Management Act, should be used as the basis for forecasting the impact of
development on water use.
Water Rates
Rate structures can have an impact on the forecasted demand. You should identify your existing
rate structure as part of your planning requirement. Setting rates is the responsibility of the
elected governing board, governing body, owner, or the Washington State Utilities and
Transportation Commission.
Employment
Employment trends may change as businesses in your community expand. Understand how
economic development will affect the demands of your water system. Predicting these changes
should be considered when forecasting demand.
Projected Water Use Efficiency Savings

Implementing a WUE program may affect your demand forecast. Projected savings from the
WUE program can help you determine whether capital improvements can be delayed or
eliminated, and how much additional growth may be permitted. The forecasted reduction in
demand should be monitored against actual water use data to monitor conservation success.
Adjustments to future projections can be made as actual water use data becomes available.
4.3 Demand Forecast Methods
Demand forecasts are the basis for determining your capacity and infrastructure needs.
Depending on the type of planning document and water system size, there are different ways to
calculate demand forecasts. The forecast should identify the projected needs of your water
system and any contractual agreements you have to provide water to other public water systems.

Water System Plan
If you are completing a water system plan, you must project your demand for a consecutive 6-
year and 20-year period, consistent with the water demand design criteria identified in WAC
246-290-221. More information about design criteria and demand forecasting are available in the
Water System Design Manual (DOH 331-123).
You must include projections based on two different scenarios (WAC 246-290-100(4)(c)):
1. Forecast demand without projected water savings from your WUE program. This is
the forecast we require in the hydraulic analysis and capital improvement program.
2. Forecast demand with projected water savings expected from your WUE program.
This is based on cost-effective measures implemented by your water system to meet your
selected goals.
If you serve 1,000 or more connections, you must provide a third demand forecast scenario
(WAC 246-290-100(4)(d)):
3. Forecast demand if all WUE measures deemed cost-effective were implemented

(WAC 246-290-810). If you do not choose to implement all of the cost-effective WUE
measures you have evaluated to meet your goal, you must complete an additional demand
forecast showing what the demand with projected water savings would look like if all of
those measures were implemented.
All water systems must evaluate or implement WUE measures based on water system size
(WAC 246-290-810(4)(d)(i)). The example in Figure 4.1 is for a water system with 53,000
connections in which the customers are using 80 gallons per person per day. The water system
determined that seven of 10 measures were cost-effective. Because of the low average daily
customer use, this water system chose to implement three of the seven cost-effective measures to
meet its goal.

Figure 4.1 Demand Forecast Example for a Water System with
1,000 or More Connections
Projected Water Use Demand Example
Projected demand without

savings from WUE program
Water Use Demand
Projected demand with savings

from WUE program implementing
three cost-effective measures
Projected demand if all seven
cost-effective measures were
implemented
2007 2011 2015 2019 2023 2027
Year
Small Water System Management Program

If you are completing a small water system management program, you must project demand for
all of your approved connections (WAC 246-290-105(4)(k)). If your existing number of
connections equals the approved number of connections, simply project your existing demand.
Describe the demand projection using your average daily demand (see WAC 246-290-221 for
water demand design criteria).
You should base this projection on historical water use patterns, using actual water use and the
zoning and land use data from your local government comprehensive or land use plan.

Chapter 5: Water Use Efficiency Program
5.1 Overview of the Water Use Efficiency

Program Requirement
Developing your water use efficiency (WUE) program is the foundation for using water wisely.
A WUE program is a plan you follow to increase water supply and water demand efficiency. The
intent of the plan is to minimize water withdrawals and water use by implementing water saving
activities and adopting policies, resolutions, ordinances, or bylaws. Appendices R and S have a
large and small system example of WUE programs here in Washington.
Your WUE program should be:

• Consistent with the goals established by the elected governing board or governing body
of your water system.
• Designed to achieve the goals by implementing cost-effective water use efficiency
measures.
You are required to develop and implement a WUE program as part of your planning document
(WAC 246-290-800(2) and 246-290-810(2)). The requirement applies to water system plans
submitted for approval under WAC 246-290-100 and small water system management programs
developed and implemented or submitted for approval under WAC 246-290-105.
It is up to you to get the WUE program done and have it available for review if we request
to see it. WUE programs are generally submitted with your planning document. Depending on
when your next planning document is due, this would be the time to make sure it is ready for our
review. In most cases, we would not request to see your WUE program until you submit your
planning document for approval.
Appendix A identifies where to include WUE requirements in your planning documents.
5.2 Process for Developing a Water Use

Efficiency Program
Setting goals will help you and your customers use water efficiently. Every goal must have a
benchmark that is quantifiable within a prescribed amount of time.
Consider the following eight steps when developing your WUE program:

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of your current and
prior water conservation programs.
2. Select cost-effective WUE measures that support
your proposed goals. Here’s an Idea
3. Establish one or more quantifiable goals through You may want to consider
a public process. coordinating your WUE efforts
4. Fund your WUE program. Consider combining with neighboring water systems,
financial resources and forming partnerships other types of utilities, and local
with other entities, such as nearby water businesses. Pooling resources can
systems, working toward the same goal. lead to greater water conservation
savings.
5. Educate your customers about the benefits of
conservation. Partnerships may help you
achieve your goal in the
6. Be prepared to offer incentives or develop
following ways:
ordinances for using water efficiently.
• Combine financial
7. Keep your customers involved by informing
resources.
them of new measures that support your goals.
8. Set up a method to evaluate the effectiveness of • Purchase items in bulk to
your WUE program every few years. save money.
• Share technical information
Partnering With Other Water Systems and expertise.
If you want to lower your WUE program costs, one • Improve relationships.
option is to team up with other water systems. By
combining resources, you can save money on • Increase public acceptance
developing and promoting educational messages. and awareness of using
You may also save by coordinating on bulk water efficiently.
purchases of water-efficient devices. • Provide marketing
opportunities for local
You can learn valuable information from businesses.
neighboring water systems. Water systems with
similar characteristics to yours may have already These can be win-win situations
implemented successful WUE measures. Take the for everyone involved.
opportunity to learn more from those water systems,
because those same measures may work for your water system.

Partnering With Other Types of Utilities
Another option is to work with other types of utilities. Energy utilities are interested in customers
using less energy. Wastewater utilities are interested in decreasing wastewater volume. Consider
partnerships that help everyone achieve their goals of efficiency. Your local energy or
wastewater utility may already have programs in place, so you may want to partner with them on
educational efforts and materials.
Partnering With Local Businesses and Organizations

Partnerships with local businesses and non-profit organizations can assist with promoting your
WUE program. Local nurseries and landscaping companies can showcase native and drought-
tolerant plants to their customers with a water-efficient demonstration garden. Hardware stores
may highlight water-efficient fixtures and irrigation supplies. Non-profit organizations interested
in water efficiency and water resources may assist by providing bulk-purchasing possibilities,
such as the Partnership for Water Conservation at www.partners4water.org/
5.3 What to Include in Your Water Use

Efficiency Program
You must include specific information in your WUE program. A thorough analysis of your
current WUE program will help you develop an attainable goal, define parameters for cost-
effectiveness, and customize the program to meet the needs of your water system. The following
11 items summarize what to include in a WUE program:
1. Describe your current water conservation program. Describe what you are currently
doing to use water efficiently. This would include your “demand side” measures, such as
offering free faucet aerators to your customers; your “supply side” measures such as a recent
leak detection survey; or both.
Water systems with 1,000 or more connections must also estimate the amount of water saved
by implementing their current WUE program over the past 6 years (WAC 246-290-
810(4)(b)).
2. Describe the WUE goals that support your WUE program and how the goals were
established. Describe how the elected governing board or governing body developed the
goals through a public process (WAC 246-290-830). Include a copy of any adopted
resolution or other official document that identifies your elected governing board took an
action to adopt the goal. See Chapter 7 for a complete description of how to set your goals.
3. Evaluate WUE measures for cost-effectiveness. Take some time to research which
measures would be a “good-fit” for your customers and evaluate whether they would be cost-
effective. See Section 5.6 for guidance on what to include for this part of your WUE
program.

4. Describe the WUE measures you will implement to meet your established goals for the
next 6 years. Identify which measures will be funded to support the program and help you
meet your established goals. A minimum number of measures must be evaluated or
implemented based on the number of connections for your water system (see Section 5.6).
5. Describe how you will educate customers to use water efficiently. General education to
your customers about the importance of using water efficiently is required under WAC 246-
290-810(4)(f). In order to meet this requirement, you'll need to educate your customers at
least once per year. See Section 5.7 and Appendix J for water conservation tips to use for
your customers.
6. Estimate projected water savings from the selected WUE measures. Every measure you
select to implement should result in water savings. You will need to predict:
• How each measure supports the goal.
• The amount of water savings that will result from each implemented measure.
The measures you select establish your WUE program and will affect your future water
demand. See Chapter 4 for guidance on how to predict water savings based on different
WUE programs.
7. Describe how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your WUE program. WUE programs
change for a number of reasons. Things such as a drought, budget constraints, changes in
demographics, and climate change all may contribute to shifts in water use patterns. Plan to
adapt and amend your WUE program to keep it economical and effective.
8. Evaluate distribution system leakage. When you submit your planning document, you
must report distribution system leakage (DSL) for the previous 6 years (WAC 246-290-
810(4)(i)(i)). A water loss control action plan must be included with your planning document
if the rolling 3-year average of DSL exceeds the leakage standard (WAC 246-290-
810(4)(i)(ii)).
9. Evaluate rate structures that encourage water demand efficiency. The rate structure you
implement can have a significant effect on water use and promote water efficiency. See
Section 5.4 for guidance on what to include in this part of your WUE program.
10. Evaluate reclaimed water opportunities. You must evaluate reclaimed water opportunities
if you serve 1,000 connections or more. See Section 5.5 for guidance on what to include in
this part of your WUE program.
11. Describe your water supply characteristics. Both you and your customers should
understand the impact of water use in your community. Awareness of the water supply
characteristics within your watershed should help guide your WUE program and goal setting
decisions. See Chapter 3 and Appendix C for guidance on what to include in this part of your
WUE program.

5.4 Evaluate Your Rates
Implementing a rate structure that encourages efficient use of water is a good way to help
educate your customers about the costs of providing safe and reliable drinking water and
influence their water use.
You must evaluate a rate structure that encourages water demand efficiency (WAC 246-290-
100(4)(j)(iv)(B) and 246-290-105(4)(l)). There are a couple of things to consider when
performing this evaluation:
• First, describe your current rate structure. Some of the most common rate structures
do not encourage your customers to use water efficiently. These are declining block rate
(charge per unit of water decreases with higher use), flat rate (fixed fee regardless of
water use), and uniform rate (same charge per unit of water use).
• Second, evaluate at least one of the following conservation rate structures:
- Inclining block rates: Charge per unit of water increases with higher use.
- Seasonal rates: Charge per unit increases during peak usage season; generally targets
outdoor summer use.
Evaluate the feasibility of adopting and implementing a conservation rate structure. The
evaluation should identify the pros and cons of the chosen rate structure for both your water
system and your customers. Describe how rates may help fund your water system, your WUE
program, and established goals.
Uniform block rates are more effective than declining block or flat rates because they are based
on consumption. We realize that some water systems will see water savings by changing from
one of these rate structures to a uniform rate structure. You can only evaluate uniform rates only
if you are currently using a declining block rate or flat rate.
Implementing a new rate structure takes time. The elected governing board or governing body
should ensure the rate structure will cover all of the needs of your water system.
You should also inform and educate your customers about what the new rate structure is, how it
will affect their bill, and why the rate structure change is necessary. Describe exactly what
expenses the rate increase will cover, and inform customers that efficient use of water may
eliminate or delay the need for costly new sources that would cause an even greater rate increase.

Other things to consider:
• Explain to your customers that if they use water efficiently, then their water bills will not
go up. Give them ideas to use water efficiently to prevent higher water bills.
• Establish a rate committee to work with you on proposing a new rate structure.
• Prepare mock bills so your customers can see how the new rate structure will affect their
bill before they actually have to pay the higher amount.
• Provide historical use data in water bills to show customers how much they used
previously.
• Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission regulated water systems may have
additional requirements to follow. For more information, contact Utilities and
Transportation Commission by e-mail at consumer@wutc.wa.gov or 1-800-562-6150.
5.5 Evaluating Reclaimed Water

Opportunities
The use of reclaimed water can help balance the

Did you know?
water use demands of water systems, leading to
greater water savings. We support the use of Saving Water
reclaimed water for non-potable purposes such as Reduces Other
irrigation, industrial uses, and groundwater recharge. Utility Bills
Using reclaimed water saves potable water for Many people forget that when they
drinking water purposes and is an efficient use of the save water, they also save money on
state’s water resources. sewer fees and energy costs.
Water systems with 1,000 or more connections must If you use less hot water when you’re
collect information on reclaimed water opportunities washing the dishes or taking a
and include that information in their planning shower, you’re also saving on your
documents. (WAC 246-290-100(4)(f)(vii)). When energy or gas bill.
evaluating opportunities for the use of reclaimed Sewer rates, often based on water
water, you should identify: use, can be as much as two to four
• Where reclaimed water could potentially be times higher than water rates. So, by
used, such as parks, golf courses, groundwater using less water you also save money
recharge facilities, and car washing facilities. on your sewer bill.
• Where reclaimed water production facilities exist and the locations of reclaimed water
distribution lines (purple pipes).
• Any barriers to the use of reclaimed water, such as cost, permitting issues, water rights
mitigation, and local regulations that govern the use of reclaimed water.

• Contractual obligations and agreements that limit the use of reclaimed water.
• Where reclaimed water is used or proposed within your water service area. Provide a
description and estimate usage.
• Your efforts to develop existing or new opportunities for the use of reclaimed water.
The use of reclaimed water is considered a WUE measure, or multiple WUE measures if you use
it for multiple purposes (see Section 5.7).
5.6 Evaluation of Water Use Efficiency

Measures
You must evaluate or implement a specified number of measures specifically targeted for your
customers. Each evaluation is related to the cost-effectiveness of the measure. The number of
measures you must evaluate or implement is based on the size of your water system. Larger
water systems must evaluate or implement more measures. Table 5-1 identifies the number of
measures you must evaluate or implement based on your number of existing connections. This
number represents a minimum number of measures. You may evaluate or implement additional
measures if necessary to meet your goals.
Remember, you must evaluate measures that support the goal you are proposing or have
established for your customers. Each measure you select to implement must have an
implementation schedule (WAC 246-290-830(6)(d)).
Supply side measures, such as leak detection surveys or replacing meters are not one of the
minimum number of measures you are required to evaluate or implement. These types of
measures must be implemented in order to reduce water loss and achieve the leakage standard.
Measures must be evaluated for cost-effectiveness from the following categories, if applicable to
your water system (WAC 246-290-810(4)(d)):
• Indoor residential
• Outdoor
• Industrial/commercial/institutional
Table 5-1 Water Use Efficiency Measures Based on Total Number of Service Connections
Number of Less 500 - 1,000 - 2,500 - 10,000 - 50,000
Connections than 500 999 2,499 9,999 49,999 or more
Water Use
1 4 5 6 9 12
Efficiency Measures

On a Budget?
Choosing Inexpensive Measures to Achieve Your Goals
Does your water system operate with limited financial resources
and staff?
Choosing the right measures to achieve your WUE goals can be a challenging task if
you've never done it before. For smaller water systems with less than 1,000 connections,
we recommend that you implement at least one quantifiable measure.
Inexpensive quantifiable measures include things such as faucet aerators, low-flow
showerheads, and hose repair kits. You don't need to buy one of these for every
customer, consider purchasing enough quantities to reach 50% of your customers and
have them available for pick-up to save on mailing costs.
Some of the most inexpensive measures (such as education) are the most difficult to
quantify. Here are some commonly used WUE measures that water systems implement:
• Sending water savings tips to your customers in the annual water quality report.
• Conservation rate structures.
• Educating customers to identify and repair leaks in and around their homes.
• Sending our Stop Water Waste brochure once a year.
• Educating customers how to save money on water and energy bills by installing
WaterSense fixtures and appliances.
• Showing consumption history on water bills.
• Placing water saving educational materials on their website.
Evaluation Criteria
If you choose to implement a WUE measure, you don’t have to evaluate it for cost-effectiveness.
Even though you don’t have to evaluate the measure for cost-effectiveness, an evaluation of
water savings may still be necessary to forecast demand. Knowing the expected costs to
implement a measure will help you develop your budget. We encourage you to implement WUE
measures that will meet your goal and support your WUE program.
Water systems with less than 1,000 connections—Describe how you evaluated any measures
you chose not to implement.
Water systems with 1,000 or more connections—There are three evaluations a water system
must consider when determining if a WUE measure is cost-effective (WAC 246-290-
810(4)(d)(iv)). They include:

1. Water system’s perspective: This looks to see if it would be cost-effective for the water
system. Water systems must include the marginal costs of producing water. Marginal
costs are the costs associated with developing supply to meet future demand and may
include such costs as a new well, new distribution or transmission lines, new storage, or a
new booster station. In other words, the benefits of using water more efficiently should be
quantifiably measured against the potential costs of developing new sources of supply.
2. Cost-sharing perspective: This looks

to see if it would be cost-effective if the
costs were shared with other entities,
such as neighboring water systems, Here’s an Idea
water conservation partners, sewer
districts, regional partners, wholesale Evaluating Cost Effectiveness
water agencies, and energy utilities. The Partnership for Water Conservation
Cost sharing can reduce WUE program has a free “Water Conservation Measures
implementation costs and give water List and Measure Evaluation Tool” for its
systems a way to identify measures that members. This tool will help you choose
will also benefit other entities with cost effective measures and estimate water
common interests. savings.
3. Societal perspective: This looks to see For more information about the Partnership
if it would be cost-effective if all costs for Water Conservation visit:
and benefits were included. Water www.partners4water.org/index.html
systems should begin by identifying
some of the other benefits that may occur by implementing the WUE measures. This may
include environmental, recreational, or aesthetic benefits such as more water in the river.
This can be a quantitative or qualitative evaluation because these benefits are more
difficult to quantify.
What is a credible cost-effective evaluation?

A cost-effective analysis is used to compare WUE measures on a dollar value basis. Identifying
the benefits and costs associated with each WUE measure will help you determine which
measures should be implemented to meet your goal. A WUE measure is cost-effective if the
benefits exceed the cost.
A simple way to do this is to look at the difference between the per gallon cost of conservation
and the per gallon cost of supply.
A credible evaluation of each measure should consider:

1. Cost of the measure:
Materials Rebates Contractor costs
Labor Staffing Advertising
2. Estimate of savings:
Number of units to be installed Water savings per unit

3. Cost benefit comparison
4. Net benefit of conservation
More information is available in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water

Conservation Plan Guidelines at www.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/guide.html
What is WaterSense?
WaterSense is a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). Much like the ENERGY STAR symbol for energy-efficient products and
practices, WaterSense is the symbol for water efficient products, services, and
practices.
WaterSense helps your customers identify products that meet EPA’s criteria for water
efficiency and performance. WaterSense labeled products, such as washing machines,
faucets, and showerheads, use 20% less water than standard products. Best of all, they
work without sacrificing performance! You may remember that many “low-flow”
toilets from the 1990s performed terribly. The WaterSense labeled water-saving
products of today are tested to ensure water efficiency and performance. Look for
WaterSense labeled products and start saving water today!
Why You Should Join WaterSense
First of all, it’s free! Second, it’s very likely that your customers aren’t aware that
purchasing WaterSense certified fixtures and appliances are guaranteed to save them
water. Third, it’s an easy way to help you achieve your Water Use Efficiency (WUE)
goals.
Remember, the WUE rule says that you must educate your customers. As a Water
Sense partner, you’ll receive a free educational tool kit available only to partners to
help you inform your customers about the WaterSense program. Use these free
resources to meet the WUE educational requirement!
How to Become a WaterSense Partner
Visit www.epa.gov/watersense/partners/promotional.html for more information about
becoming a WaterSense partner and instructions for joining.

5.7 What Qualifies as a Water Use
Efficiency Measure
A WUE program must include both supply and demand efficiencies. Certain measures must be
implemented while other measures must be evaluated. Measures may include water efficient
devices, actions, business practices, or policies or ordinances that promote efficient water use.
Supply-side measures (such as leak detection surveys, installing or replacing meters, and
water audits) that support supply-side goals to reduce leaks don’t count towards the
minimum number of measures listed in Table 5-1 that must be evaluated or implemented
in WAC 246-290-810(4)(d)(ii). These are considered activities that your water system
implements to understand and control water loss.
The measures you evaluate or implement must focus on encouraging your customers to use water
efficiently. The following mandatory measures don’t count towards the minimum number of
measures listed in Table 5-1.
Mandatory Measures You Must Implement or Evaluate

You must implement the following WUE measures:
• Install production (source) meters—WAC 246-290-496(1).
• Install consumption (service) meters—WAC 246-290-496(2).
• Perform meter calibration—WAC 246-290-496(3).
• Implement a water loss control action plan to control leakage—WAC 246-290-
820(4).
• Educate customers about how they can use water efficiently at least once per year
(see more about education on the next page)—WAC 246-290-810(4)(f).
You must evaluate the following WUE measures:
• Evaluate rates that encourage water demand efficiency (WAC 246-290-100(4)(j)(iv) and
246-290-105(4)(l)). See Section 5.4 for more information.
• For water systems with 1,000 or more connections, evaluate reclamation opportunities
(WAC 246-290-100(4)(f)(vii)). See Section 5.5 for more information.
Does Your Existing WUE Program Already Meet the Minimum Number
of Measures?
Many activities from your current WUE program may already qualify as implemented measures.
Here are a few that you may currently be implementing, and they would count towards the
minimum number of measures listed in Table 5-1:
Conservation Rate Structures

You must evaluate a rate structure to increase water demand efficiency (WAC 246-290-
100(4)(j)(iv) and 246-290-105(4)(l)). Because these sections only require an evaluation,

implementing a conservation rate structure counts as a WUE measure (WAC 246-290-
810(4)(d)). We encourage you to adopt rates that encourage customers to use less water while at
the same time fund your WUE program and maintain revenue.
Reclaimed Water
Water systems with 1,000 or more connections must evaluate reclamation opportunities (WAC
246-290-100(4)(f)(vii)). Because this section only requires an evaluation, the actual use of
reclaimed water counts as a WUE measure (WAC 246-290-810(4)(d)). The use of reclaimed
water is considered a WUE measure or multiple WUE measures if you use it for multiple
purposes. See Section 5.5 for additional information about reclaimed water.
Notifying Customers About Leaks on Their Property

Educating your customers about fixing the leaks within their homes or on their property counts
as a WUE measure (WAC 246-290-810(4)(d)). Also, if you have a program that notifies
customers of unusually high water bills that may be due to a leak on the customer side of the
meter, it counts as a WUE measure.
Educating Your Customers

You must educate your customers about the importance of using water efficiently. This may
include communicating this message through a newsletter, customers’ bills, or your annual
consumer confidence report (WAC 246-290-810(4)(f)). If you educate your customers more than
once per year, it counts as a WUE measure. This would include educational measures, such as
school programs, advertising (such as bus ads), or consumer education at fairs (WAC 246-290-
810(4)(d)).
Education should focus on informing your

Did you know?
customers about hardware measures that are
guaranteed water savers. Hardware measures Estimated Faucet
(such as telling your customers to look for the Leakage Rates
WaterSense label) are those that can be easily (number of drips)
quantifiable and rely less on behavior changes 60 drops/minute = 192 gallons/month
(such as turning off the faucet when brushing
teeth). 90 drops/minute = 310 gallons/month
120 drops/minute = 429 gallons/month

2010 EPA WaterSense Promotional Partner of the Year
Cascade Water Alliance
With only one full-time staff member overseeing water conservation programs,
Cascade Water Alliance successfully used its WaterSense partnership to help stretch
limited resources and expand into an even more comprehensive water conservation
program for its eight member agencies in King County, Washington. Collaborating
with local retailers and professionals, Cascade was able to promote WaterSense and
the importance of water efficiency to the 400,000 residents and 22,000 businesses it
serves, without breaking the bank.
Cascade worked with nearly 100 plumbers and prominent retailers including The
Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware to help make WaterSense a permanent
fixture in more than 2,000 households and local businesses. Cascade promoted its
toilet rebate program by working closely with these organizations and even filmed an
informational video to educate residents about the benefits of WaterSense labeled
toilets.
Cascade also recognized the importance of educating consumers at the point of

purchase and provided free training for retailer staff; issued point-of-purchase
materials; and conducted regular, in-store visits, which helped establish strong
relationships and encouraged promotion of the WaterSense label. According to sales
staff, some retailers estimated that thanks to Cascade’s rebate program, 75 to 90
percent of their toilet sales are WaterSense labeled toilets—up from virtually zero a
couple years ago. Ninety-four percent of customers surveyed by Cascade said their
new toilets perform as well as or better than their previous models, affirming EPA’s
performance criteria for WaterSense labeled products. Cascade also collaborated with
Seattle Public Utilities to achieve water savings outdoors, offering $50 rebates to
consumers hiring primarily WaterSense irrigation partners to install rain sensors.
Cascade also took WaterSense on the road with the WaterSense Road Show—a
traveling display that visits public events distributing free water-saving plumbing
fixtures and educating residents about using less with WaterSense. During
WaterSense’s Fix a Leak Week, Cascade distributed more than 100,000 toilet leak
detection kits by mail to encourage families to check for leaks and look for the
WaterSense label when considering new fixtures. The leak detection kit won the
Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association’s Excellence in
Communications and Best in Show awards.

The more often you educate your customers, the more likely you will change your customer’s
behavior about using water efficiently and help you meet your goal. Whenever possible, reward
your customers for their efforts to use less water. Help them understand they are part of the
solution. When educating your customers, explain to them:
• Why water conservation is necessary (such as protecting future water supplies).
• The financial benefits of conserving water (such as how it might save them money on
their utility bills).
• What might happen if water is not conserved (such as mandatory restrictions during a
drought).
• What your customers can do to help you achieve your goal (such as providing tips on
how to save water and what types of water saving devices achieve long-term savings).
Customer Class
If a specific WUE measure is being implemented for different customer classes, it counts as
multiple WUE measures. For example, toilet rebates across three customer classes (single-
family, commercial, and multi-family) count as a measure for each customer class, for a total of
three implemented measures.
For more examples of WUE measures, see Appendix B.
5.8 Water Use Efficiency Programs for

Non-municipal Water Suppliers
While most Group A community water systems are considered municipal water suppliers, many
non-community water systems aren’t municipal water suppliers. It is in the best interest of all
water systems to use water resources wisely.
Even if you don’t qualify as a municipal water supplier, as a public water system, you are still
required to have a basic WUE program within your planning document (WAC 246-290-
100(4)(f)(i) and 246-290-105(4)(g)).
See Appendix U for an example of what to include in your WUE program if you are a non-
municipal water supplier. The requirements are different depending on whether you must prepare
a small water system management program or water system plan.

Chapter 6: Distribution System Leakage
6.1 Overview of the Distribution System

Leakage Requirement
The distribution system leakage (DSL) standard is a significant element of the water use
efficiency (WUE) requirements. Collecting source and service meter data is the best way to
obtain accurate water loss information and provides the most accurate information to calculate
DSL.
Leaky water systems are costly. Significant revenue is lost through leaks, including:
• Energy costs for pumping water.
• Water treatment costs.
• Water that could be sold to other customers.
Water is a precious and limited resource. You should make every effort to keep leakage to a
minimum and strive to meet the DSL standard. Compliance with the leakage standard is based on
a 3-year average.
In order to calculate DSL, you must first install service meters on all existing direct service
connections (WAC 246-290-820(2)(a)). Until then, report your progress towards installing
meters and all actions taken to minimize leakage in your annual WUE report (see Section 2.6).
6.2 Water Loss Terminology
Water systems have been using the term “unaccounted-for water” for many years, yet the term
does not have a standardized definition. All water should be accounted for, nothing should be
unaccounted for.
The WUE requirements use the terms “authorized consumption” and “distribution system
leakage.” In order to account for water loss, all water that enters the distribution system must go
into the authorized consumption or distribution system leakage category.

Authorized Consumption
Authorized consumption is defined as the volume of water authorized for use by the water
system. All unauthorized uses and any water that cannot be tracked is considered DSL (WAC
246-290-820(2)(c)).
If authorized uses are tracked and estimated, these volumes of water can be added into the
authorized consumption category. Any authorized water not estimated will be considered DSL,
so it is important to track these events.
You cannot estimate consumption by unmetered customers/connections to the water system

such as residential homes or city parks. Even though these are authorized uses, they must be
metered and will count as DSL until a meter is installed. These types of existing connections to
your water system must have a meter installed by January 22, 2017.
Some examples of unmetered authorized uses that can be tracked and estimated include:
Maintenance flushing of the water system Fire-fighting (hydrant)
Cleaning of water tanks or reservoirs Street cleaning
Distribution System Leakage

All water that is not authorized consumption is considered DSL. DSL is defined as the water lost
from the distribution system and includes both apparent losses and real losses. Apparent losses
include things such as theft, meter inaccuracies, and data collection errors. Real losses are the
physical losses from the distribution system and include such things as reservoir overflows, leaky
valves, and water main breaks. Neither apparent nor real losses are authorized uses of water,
therefore they are considered leakage even if they are not actual “leaks.”
Some examples of water loss that you would put in the DSL category include:
Theft Data collection errors
Meter inaccuracies Calculation errors
Meter reading errors Water main breaks
Transmission Line Leakage

Some water systems have extensive transmission lines. You may exclude transmission line
losses from the DSL calculation when there is a production meter located upstream of the entry
to the distribution system (WAC 246-290-820(2)(b) and 246-290-496(1)(a)). If an additional
production meter is not installed upstream of the distribution system, the entire transmission line
losses are considered DSL (WAC 246-290-820(2)(c)).
If you are excluding transmission line leakage from DSL, you must describe transmission line
leakage and the efforts taken to minimize leakage in your planning document (WAC 246-290-
810(4)(i)(iii)). This does not replace any source meter requirements or waste of water
requirements adopted by the Department of Health or the Department of Ecology.

6.3 Calculating Distribution System Leakage
Annual DSL is calculated in both percentage and volume. At a minimum, collect:

• The amount of water produced from the source(s).
• The amount of water purchased from another supplier.
• The amount of water consumed by your metered customers and any other estimated
authorized use.
Below are the equations used for calculating the volume and percent DSL.
Note: When submitting your annual WUE report online, you don’t need to calculate DSL, the
database will do it for you.
Calculating Volume Distribution System Leakage

To calculate volume DSL, use the following equation:
Volume DSL = TP - AC
Report volume DSL in gallons
Calculating Percent Distribution System Leakage

To calculate percent DSL, use the following equation:
Percent DSL = ((TP - AC) / (TP)) x 100

Where:
DSL = Percent (%) of distribution system leakage
TP = Total water produced and purchased
AC = Authorized consumption
Round your percentage to the nearest tenth.

Use Appendix D and the following three guidelines to help you determine your TP and AC
for the year.
1. Add up the amount of water produced from all sources and any water purchased from
other water systems.
a. Most water systems will use source meters for determining water produced.
b. Water systems excluding transmission lines will use the production meter located
prior to the distribution system.
c. Other water systems will only use the amount of water purchased through an
intertie, if this is the only source of water.
d. Complex water systems may use all of the above.
This is your total production and purchased (TP).
2. Add up the following categories to determine authorized consumption:
a. Amount of water delivered to customers from service meters.
b. Amount of water sold to another water system.
c. Estimated authorized consumption (for example, fire flow and flushing of water
mains). When calculating DSL you may subtract unmetered or unbilled
authorized use from your TP if these events are tracked and estimated. Events not
tracked are considered DSL.
This is your authorized consumption (AC).
3. Calculate volume and percent DSL.
Table 6-1 shows how data might be used to calculate DSL. Your water system may have
different data to include or exclude in your DSL calculation.
Table 6-1: Water System Distribution System Leakage Calculation Example

Add up the amount of water produced from all sources 5,000 MG
Add any water purchased from other water suppliers 500 MG
TOTAL PRODUCTION AND PURCHASED (TP) 5,500 MG
Add up the annual amount of water delivered to customers 4,300 MG
from your service meters
Add any water sold to another water system 0 MG
Add all estimated authorized uses (fire flow, flushing of mains, and other
authorized uses)
Flushing 3 MG
Fire flow 1 MG
TOTAL AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION (AC) 4,304 MG
Volume DSL = 5500—4304 = 1,196,000,000 gallons3
Percent DSL = (5500—4304) ⁄ 5500 x 100 = 21.7%4
3
Report volume DSL in gallons.
4
When calculating percent DSL, round up or down to the nearest tenth.

6.4 Alternative Methods to Calculating
WUE requirements allow alternative methodologies for calculating DSL. The alternative
methodology allows you to use a different formula for calculating DSL—it does not replace the
service meter requirement. We must approve any alternative methodologies that provide a better
evaluation of DSL. Once approved, the alternative methodology can be used statewide. At this
time, there are no department-approved alternative methods to evaluate DSL, so use the formula
provided in WAC 246-290-820(2).
Any alternative methodology must be

(WAC 246-290-820(3)):
1. Approved by the Department of
Health. Here’s an Idea
2. Published as a standard or Use AWWA’s free water audit software
specification by one of the to conduct a standard water audit
following agencies: Water audits are one of the most useful tools to
• Environmental Protection determine your water loss. The Water Loss
Agency. Control Committee of the American Water
Works Association created free water audit
• American Water Works
software in 2006 in order to standardize the
Association.
auditing process and provide you with a user-
• American Public Works friendly tool to conduct a standard water audit.
Association.
Once you understand where your losses are
• American Society of Civil coming from through completion of a water
Engineers. audit, you can focus your efforts on reducing
• Department of Health. leakage to obtain real and meaningful water
3. Contain numerical standards so that savings.
compliance with the DSL standard Visit AWWA’s web site to download the free
can be determined. water audit software:
http://www.awwa.org/Resources/Water
If you are exempt from installing
LossControl.cfm?ItemNumber=48511
service meters (see Chapter 2), you are
&navItemNumber=48158
not exempt from meeting the DSL
standard. A good way to determine Two good references for controlling water
leakage in the absence of service loss:
meters is by conducting night flow
• Water Loss Control-Second Edition,
testing. Measuring the amount of water
Thornton, Sturm, and Kunkel,
used between the hours of 2:00 and
McGraw Hill Company, 2008.
4:00 a.m. is a good indicator of the
extent of your water loss. • AWWA’s M36 Manual-Third Edition,
2010

6.5 Distribution System Leakage Standard
Compliance
In order to reduce leakage within your distribution system, we expect you to troubleshoot where
your apparent losses are occurring (such as inaccurate meters) and make efforts to find and repair
leaks (such as conducting a leak detection survey).
After 3 years of collecting leakage data, calculate the average of those 3 years. Compare this
3-year average to the DSL standard. This is the compliance point for meeting the DSL standard.
For every year thereafter, DSL is calculated using a rolling 3-year average5 from the previous
3 years. When calculating percent DSL, round up or down to the nearest tenth.
There are four ways to comply with the DSL standard.
1. Ten percent or less DSL (WAC 246-290-820(1)(b)(i))

WUE requirements establish a 10 percent or less DSL standard based on a 3-year rolling
average. If your water system meets this standard, you are in compliance.
2. Alternative methodology (WAC 246-290-820(1)(b)(ii) and 246-290-820(3))

Water systems that use an alternative methodology to calculate leakage must meet the
numerical standard established for that alternative methodology. We will develop
compliance and action levels to determine whether a water system is in compliance.
3. Twenty percent or less for water systems with less than 500 connections
(WAC 246-290-820(1)(b)(iii) and 246-290-820(5))
Water systems with less than 500 connections are allowed up to 20 percent DSL only if
they specifically request the higher level of leakage and submit the following
evidence to the department:
• Production volume.
• DSL volume.
• A leak detection survey has been completed in the last 6 years.
• All leaks found have been repaired.
• Unable to find more leaks in the water system.
• Efforts to minimize leakage are part of the WUE program.
• Justification of the technical, economical or water system characteristics for the
higher level of leakage.
5
For example, after the third year of reporting leakage, you will take the average of years 1-3. In year 4, average
leakage is based on years 2-4, and so on.

4. Water loss control action plan (WAC 246-290-820(1)(b)(iv) and 246-290-820(4))
If your water system exceeds the DSL standard, you must develop and implement a water
loss control action plan (see Section 6.7 for an example). If you have developed and are
implementing your water loss control action plan, you are in compliance. Completing the
International Water Association’s water audit as part of your WLCAP will result in
compliance as well. If your water system exceeds the DSL standard, summarize your
water loss control efforts in the annual WUE report. (See Section 6.7 for more
information about the water audit.)
6.6 Reducing Leakage
You comply with the DSL standard if you develop and implement a water loss control action
plan. Depending on the amount of leakage, you may need to take aggressive action to get leakage
under control.
There are three categories of water loss control action plans:
For water systems greater than 10 and less than 20 percent DSL, you must:
1. Assess data accuracy.
2. Assess data collection methods and errors.
For water systems between 20-29 percent DSL, within 12 months you must:
3. Complete 1 and 2 above.
4. Implement field activities to reduce leakage.
For water systems with 30 percent or greater DSL, within 6 months you must:
5. Complete steps 1, 2, and 4 above.
6. Implement additional water loss control methods to reduce leakage.
Water Loss Control Methods

Water loss control methods are the activities your water system implements to reduce leakage in
the distribution system. The following list of water loss control methods can help you lower
DSL:

• Conduct a water audit (we recommend you use the IWA Water Audit).
• Conduct a leak detection survey.
• Repair leaky storage tanks.
• Calibrate or replace meters.
• Synchronize production and consumption meter reading schedules.
• Develop a schedule and budget for replacing old distribution lines.
• Control theft of water.
Implementing water loss control methods will help you achieve the DSL standard and identify
actions you can take to reduce wasted water. Once losses are controlled, you will benefit from
lower operating costs, lower energy bills, and increased safety and reliability in providing water
to your customers.
6.7 Water Loss Control Action Plan:

What to Include and How to Submit
Your water loss control action plan must be submitted within your planning document, or if
requested by us (WAC 246-290-820(4)). We recommend that you summarize your water loss
efforts within your annual WUE report.
At a minimum, include the following in your water loss control action plan:
• Water loss control methods you will implement to strive for the DSL standard.
- Such as leak detection, meter replacement, or perform a water audit.
• An estimate of how long it will take you to achieve the standard.
- You may want to establish a goal to identify a benchmark.
• A budget that demonstrates how you will pay for controlling leakage.
- Consider a rate increase, to apply for loans and grants, or any other means to pay
for infrastructure improvements.
• Any technical or economic concerns that will prevent you from complying with the
standard.
- If you feel that you cannot meet the DSL standard, you must explain what factors
are keeping you from complying. A strong case will need to be made in order to
be credible.

Example of a Water Loss Control Action Plan
Our water system established a supply-side goal to reduce DSL to less than 10% by 2010 or
within 3 years after becoming fully metered. We finished installing water meters on all
connections and city-owned facilities in April 2010. The DSL was at 20% for 2008 and was
reduced to 19.2% in 2009; which is a savings of 1 MG per month on average.
We have been very active in taking steps to help reduce the DSL, such as repairing leaks
when they are found or when we are notified, and replacing older water lines and leaking
valves. We also set up a meter replacement schedule for the larger outdated commercial and
industrial water meters, which is expected to be completed in 2012.
As a result of replacing these meters, we expect our revenue to increase from more accurate
measurements. The city has taken steps to verify the collection of the monthly data and to
have the source meters calibrated for accuracy.
We plan to propose a 1% rate increase to our city council this spring to cover the expenses of
needed infrastructure improvements to reduce DSL. We are concerned with the amount of
DSL and committed to finding, repairing, and meeting the established system distribution
leakage standard by 2013.
Complying with the DSL Standard by Completing the International

Water Association Water Audit
In 2010, AWWA published their M36 Manual that adopted the International Water Association
(IWA) water audit methodology to evaluate water loss. Completing the IWA water audit is the
best action you can take to demonstrate compliance with the DSL standard. We think it’s an
appropriate way to show that you understand what to do to control water losses and meets the
intent of the WUE rule. This new water audit method is, in our opinion, currently the best
available option for you to evaluate water loss.
Meter Inaccuracies are Considered in the IWA Water Audit

If you're concerned about meter inaccuracies, the IWA water audit method recognizes and allows
for customer meter inaccuracies across the entire distribution system when evaluating water loss.
This will address any concerns some water utilities may have regarding upsizing of meters to
meet residential fire sprinkler flow requirements.
How to Demonstrate Compliance

You can prove that you are serious about reducing DSL within your water system by completing
the IWA water audit. Upon completing the audit, you will receive a score that identifies focus
areas for you to plan for and implement in order to reduce water losses. Use the planning tool to
establish timeframes and benchmarks for achieving water loss reductions.
You will be in compliance with the DSL standard, regardless of your level of DSL, if you
complete the IWA water audit as part of your water loss control action plan.

Follow this step-by-step process to complete the IWA water audit and include it in your water
loss control action plan:
1. Collect annual total production and authorized consumption as you normally do each
year.
2. Enter that information in the online reporting database.
3. If your calculated 3-year average DSL is over 10%, then you must complete a WLCAP.
4. You have the option of completing the IWA water audit within your WLCAP to
demonstrate compliance with the DSL standard.
The WLCAP must include:

• A completed IWA water audit.
• Water loss control methods you will implement to strive for the DSL standard.
• An estimate of how long it will take you to achieve the standard.
• A budget that demonstrates how you will pay for controlling leakage.
• Identify actions and benchmarks to achieve water loss reductions as a result of
completing the IWA water audit.
• Implement the recommended “functional focus areas” within the “water loss control
planning guide” of the IWA water audit based on your individual water audit data
validity score.
• Establish a supply-side goal, including a timeframe, to achieve an infrastructure leakage
index (ILI) of 3.0 or lower.
• Implement water loss control activities that strive to achieve an ILI of 3.0 or lower.
• Include a copy of the IWA water audit results within the WUE Program of a water
system plan or small water system management program or to the department upon
request.

AWWA's M36 Manual Overview
• Clear steps to compile the IWA water audit.
• Rational terms, definitions, and performance indicators that give water utilities
objective ways to assess their water loss standing and reliably plan loss control
activities.
• Worksheets, sample calculations, and references to AWWA’s free water audit
software.
• Techniques to capture more revenue by controlling apparent losses in customer
metering and billing operations, as well as unauthorized consumption.
• Innovative technologies to move from reactive, “break and fix” leakage
response to proactive leakage management featuring component analysis,
pressure management, leak noise logging and other advanced technologies:
successful approaches to minimize unnecessary source water withdrawals and
excessive water production costs.
• Structured guidance on planning the loss control program.
• Considerations for small water utilities.
• Case study accounts from small, medium, and large water utilities.
• View this website to learn more about the IWA water audit method:
http://www.awwa.org/Resources/WaterLossControl.cfm?
ItemNumber=48511&navItemNumber=48158

Chapter 7: Goal Setting and the
Public Forum
7.1 Overview of the Goal Setting

Requirement
One of the most important steps in using water efficiently is setting goals that can be measured.
Goals provide a benchmark for achievement and play a significant role in defining the success of
your water use efficiency (WUE) program. You must set your own goals through a public
process (WAC 246-290-830(4)(a) at least every 6 years.
The Impact of WUE Goals/Programs on Utility Revenue

There is no question that implementing a WUE program and goals to reduce customer
consumption has the potential of reducing your revenue. While this may be the case, it's
no excuse to not use water efficiently and should not prevent you from developing an
effective WUE program. Since you are required to put together a WUE program and
goals, you'll need to take a serious look at the effect on revenue and find a way to keep
those dollars coming in the door to maintain financial viability.
Here are some tips to create a successful path forward:

• Before you establish a goal, recognize that you may reduce revenue, and consider
a rate increase. You may need to re-think your rate structure entirely and adopt a
tiered rate approach.
• Consider rate increases on those customers that use the most water, this will help
you obtain the revenue you need. Reward those customers that use the least water
by not raising their rates at all, if possible.
• Determine the revenue effect of a WUE goal before you establish it. For example,
if you establish and achieve a 5% reduction goal over 5 years, how will that affect
your revenue?

7.2 Goal Setting Considerations
Goals should be designed to use water more efficiently. You are encouraged to adopt goals that
help you and your customers use water in the most efficient way possible. Understand your water
supply characteristics, infrastructure improvements, and future needs before establishing goals.
Each goal must identify the measurable water savings that will be achieved at a specific
time in the future. See Appendix I for 15 examples of goals that meet the regulatory
requirements.
You must consider the following information and make it available to the public prior to the goal
setting public forum6 (WAC 246-290-830(4)(d)):
1. Your existing WUE program (see Chapter 5 and WAC 246-290-810(4)):

• Water saved as a result of implementing WUE measures over the last 6 years (1,000
or more connections only).
• Current goals.
• WUE measures currently implemented.
• WUE measures that have been evaluated.
• How you are educating your customers (see Section 5.7).
• A projection of how much water you can save by implementing your chosen WUE
measures.
• How you will evaluate your WUE program.
• Distribution leakage information.
• The water loss control action plan, if required (see Section 6.7).
2. Any previous annual WUE reports (see Chapter 8).
3. Water supply characteristics information (see Chapter 3 and Appendix C).
4. Water demand forecasts information (see Chapter 4).
5. Summary of any comments received about the proposed goal and how you considered
these comments prior to formally establishing the goal.
6
In order to make the information easily accessible by the public, the information should be available directly from
the water system (place it on your Web site, if you have one). You might also consider sending a copy of the
information to your local library.

Process for Establishing a Goal
When getting ready to propose a goal, there are a few key things to think about in order to move
the process along smoothly (see Appendices H, I, and O for more on goal setting). Examples for
each step are provided to help you start developing your own goal setting strategy:
• Define your objective for proposing the goal, based on the information listed above.
Example: Reducing per capita consumption will help us provide better service, save
money, and may allow us to add more connections for future growth.
• Propose measurable water saving goals that will support your objective.
Example: Demand Side Goal—Reduce our annual consumption per residential
connection by 3 percent over a 6-year period.
• Establish a timeframe for achieving the proposed goals.
Example: Our demand forecast shows a need for new connections within 6 years
therefore, we have established a 6-year timeframe to achieve our goals.
• Determine the cost-effective WUE measures to support the goal.
Example: Faucet aerators, conservation rate structures, and educational outreach at the
county fair are the cost-effective measures that will help support our goal.
• Determine funding source for the WUE measures to achieve the goal.
Example: We will switch from a flat rate structure to an inclining block rate structure for
water use.
• Make information available to the public at least 2 weeks before your public forum.
Example: An information packet is available for viewing at our billing office and local
library.
• Provide public notice 2 weeks prior to goal setting public forum.
Example: Public notice is posted on the Office of Drinking Water’s website, the local
library, published in the local newspaper, and on the utility’s website.
• Hold a public forum and consider public comments.
Example: Public forum held at the town meeting hall, all public comments recorded.
• Establish goals.
Example: After considering public comments, our elected governing board establishes
the proposed goal and will make slight water rate increases every year over the next 10
years.

7.3 Goal Setting Authority
Goals must be established by the elected governing board or the governing body of the water
system (WAC 246-290-830(1)). The elected governing board or the governing body has the
flexibility to establish its own goal to achieve its objective.
A governing body is “the individual or group of individuals with ultimate legal responsibility for
operational, technical, managerial, and financial decisions for a public water system” (WAC
246-290-010). Examples include the president of the homeowners association or the owner of the
water system.7
An elected governing board is also defined in WAC 246-290-010 as “the elected officers with
ultimate legal responsibility for operational, technical, managerial, and financial decisions for a
public water system.” Examples include your city council, board of county commissioners, or
elected water board.
7.4 Regional Program Goals
You may find regional goals established for a particular area will best meet your needs. If a
regional goal is proposed, your governing board or elected governing body must formally
establish this regional program goal as your own goal through your own public process (WAC
246-290-830(4)).
When completing your WUE report, describe the progress made towards achieving the regional
goal. You should also document the specific measures you are implementing for your water
system that help achieve the regional goal.
7
Private systems not organized under an elected governing board must set WUE goals in a manner that allows
customers the same opportunities to provide input, such as during an annual meeting.

7.5 Goal Setting for Customers and
Your Water System
You have the flexibility to determine a goal that makes sense for your customers and set as many
goals you want. You may consider setting two types of goals: One that reflects supply-side
efficiencies and one that reflects demand-side efficiencies. Your demand-side goal might focus
on trying to get each customer to use less water during peak summer demand. At a minimum,
you must establish one goal through a public process, designed to help your customers
use water efficiently.
An ongoing supply-side management strategy to How water

remain under the leakage standard is a good goal conscious
to have. For example, you may want to set a are you?
supply-side efficiency goal to reduce distribution
Did you know that a
system leakage to less than 10 percent by a certain
study conducted in 2002 by
date. If you are over the leakage standard, we
the East Bay Municipal Water
encourage you to set goals both for reducing
District in Oakland, CA found that:
leakage within your water system, and for
reducing water use by your customers. • Even with service meters, 60
percent of single-family
Remember, setting a supply-side goal to reduce households thought they used
leaks is optional. You will need to implement less than 50 gallons per day/per
supply-side measures, such as replacing service house! The study found that they
meters, performing a leak detection survey, and were actually using 228-450
accounting for unmetered authorized uses, to gallons per day/per house.
comply with the leakage standard. These measures The U.S. Environmental Protection
are required. Agency's WaterSense Program
predicts that:
Changing Your WUE Measures to
Achieve the Goal • Each person uses an average of
100 gallons of water every day.
Choosing the right WUE measures is critical to
helping you achieve your goals. WUE measures • The average person unknowingly
should be directly related to your goals, otherwise wastes up to 30 gallons of water
they will not be effective in achieving your goals. every day.
If you are not achieving your goals, consider
• Indoors you can save about 30
implementing different WUE measures.
gallons of water per person per
day by upgrading your house with
Setting an Attainable Goal water efficient fixtures and
Every water system will have different reasons for appliances.
setting a goal for their water system. We
encourage you to adopt the most water use efficient goal possible. Every goal is specific to each
water system and may involve different motivating factors such as water supply characteristics,
infrastructure upgrade needs, social pressures, reducing irrigation demands, or the need to obtain
additional connections to meet future supply.

The first step in exploring what type of goal to set for your water system begins with stating a
clear objective. It is important to relate the goals back to the unique needs and limitations of your
water system. Make it real for your customers so that the goals address the needs of the
water system and the measures support your goals. Starting with a clear objective will lead to
development of an attainable goal.
Imagine the Savings!

One of the most difficult things to do when establishing a goal is to accurately predict
the water savings. If you only adopt non-hardware measures (such as education and
outreach) to achieve your goal, you will have a difficult time quantifying the savings.
Consider adopting at least one hardware measure (such as offering free faucet aerators)
to give you a better idea about how much water might be saved by installing these low-
flow fixtures.
Some water systems establish a conservative goal with a 1 to 3% savings per year for a
6-year period. If you’re having a difficult time quantifying the savings, you may want
to go with a conservative goal like that for now and see how you do. Remember, if you
don't achieve your goal, you just need to adjust your WUE program, which may mean
implementing different measures or establishing a new goal entirely.
Example of a 1% reduction target goal: "Reduce per capita consumption, currently 95

gallons per person per day, by 1% annually, so that by 2017 we have reduced
consumption to 89 gallons per person per day."
Assuming you were to establish a 1% savings annually over a 6-year period, you might
achieve a 6% reduction in per capita use/connection over today's consumption levels
(let's assume that’s 95 gallons per person per day). At the end of that 6-year period,
you'll need to re-establish a new goal.
Now imagine this, if you were to establish the same 1% reduction goal over the next 6
years, it would then turn into a 12% reduction over today's consumption. A 1% WUE
goal might not sound like much, but over 12 years, that might reduce per capita
consumption from 95 gallons per person per day to 84 gallons per person per day, and
that’s making progress!

Here are a few driving factors that may lead you to a specific goal:
1. Meet regulatory requirements. You may choose to implement or evaluate required
minimum number of measures, choosing low cost measures, within reasonable budget.
2. Demonstrate stewardship. You may choose to implement more measures than the
minimum required, within a reasonable budget level or—implement the minimum
number of measures, but at a higher implementation intensity.
3. Decrease operating costs. You may choose to implement any conservation that is more
cost-effective than the variable cost of supplying water.
4. Defer or avoid capital costs. You may choose to implement the amount of conservation
necessary to obtain the savings necessary to defer or avoid capital costs.
5. Obtain additional water supply (traditional supply available). You may choose to
implement any conservation that is more cost-effective than the cost of developing new
traditional supply.
6. Obtain additional water supply (traditional supply not available). You may choose to
implement all measures necessary (chosen in order of cost-effectiveness) to obtain the
amount of supply needed.
Quantify the Predicted Water Savings for Each Measure

Before you establish your goal, make sure that you have taken the time to predict the water
savings you will achieve from each implemented measure. This critical step is often
overlooked and may lead you to choosing a less aggressive customer goal or a goal that is not
attainable. It is much easier to predict the water saved from replacing a 3-gallon per flush toilet
with a 1.3 gallon per flush toilet than predicting how the water saving ideas in your quarterly
newsletter will affect customer behavioral water use patterns. Predicting the amount of water
each measure will save supports your goal assumptions.
Are You Only Using Education to Achieve the Goal?

Educating your customers is a good way to get them involved in your water saving efforts.
Remember, you must educate your customers at least once per year. The actual amount of water
savings achieved from educational programs is very difficult to measure. You may find that the
ability to achieve your goal is hindered if you rely entirely on educational tools. Without frequent
reminders, some customers might slip back into their old habits of wasting water.
Long-term goals for saving water should focus on true water savings devices (such as low-flow
showerheads), appliances (such as washing machines), and policies (such as ordinances). If your
WUE program implements these measures, make it a point to use your educational tools (such as
bill stuffers) to notify your customers about these long-term water saving options.

Stressed Water Supplies are a Great Reason to
Focus Your Goals on WUE Efforts
When competition for water increases and factors, such as drought, place a
strain on water supplies, it’s time to revisit your WUE program and goals.
During times like these, elected board members and customers are likely to
support a more aggressive approach to saving water.
When you adopted your WUE goals, did you look at your existing
WUE/conservation program and decide to keep doing what you’ve always
done. If so, ask yourself this:
• Did we establish a meaningful WUE goal or was our response more of an
exercise to meet the state’s goal setting requirements and deadlines?
• Is there more we could do to save water? And why would we want to?
• What could we do to encourage customers to do more?
Take this opportunity to evaluate your existing WUE program and consider
setting short-term goals that could help your system get through a drought or
shortage. And how about setting a more aggressive water-saving goal for the
long-term? Remember, you can establish as many WUE goals as you want to.
Achieving goals that are more aggressive will take more than sending
annual conservation tips to your customers. Consider implementing
efficiency measures that really save water, such as setting up a rebate
program to help customers replace old, inefficient showerheads and toilets
with WaterSense-labeled ones. The WaterSense logo identifies products
that meet EPA water efficiency criteria.
Setting a Goal That Meets Our Requirements

Goals must be measurable and have a timeframe. You must establish a measurable goal that
maintains or reduces water use (WAC 246-290-830(6)(b)). For example, express your goals in
terms of water produced from the source, customer usage, or other measurable basis.
See Appendix I for 15 examples of goals that meet the regulatory requirements.
Setting a timeframe for achieving each particular goal is important. You may want to achieve
your goal in 6 years to coincide with your water system plan update. Or perhaps 3 years, to allow
enough time to see if a particular WUE measure is successful in achieving the goal.

Setting a Goal to Maintain Historic Use
After reviewing the information, if you determine no further reduction is reasonably achievable,
you may propose a goal that maintains water consumption levels. Before assuming that you
cannot achieve further reductions in water use, ask yourself these questions:
1. Have we looked at all the possible conservation measures?
2. Are there cost-effective measures I may not know about?
3. Have I surveyed my customers to find out which measures they might consider trying?
4. Does my budget support additional measures?
We recommend against maintaining a historic consumption level. Instead, think about how you
might be able to narrow your focus in different areas. Consider establishing a goal for:
• A particular customer class (such as industrial/commercial).
For example: "Reduce consumption by 10% for our industrial and commercial customers
by the year 2016."
• Seasonal consumption. Consider a goal that may reduce seasonal outdoor water use.
For example: “Reduce the amount of water pumped from our source well by 5% in July
and August each year through 2017.”
• Your customers that use the most water.
For example: "Reduce average monthly seasonal consumption by 15% for our top 10%
highest water users by 2017."
If you end up establishing a goal to maintain a historic level (such as maintaining daily
consumption at 65 gallons per person per day), you must explain why you are unable to reduce
water use below that level (WAC 246-290-830(3)). Justification must be included in your
annual WUE report and planning document (WAC 246-290-830(3)).
How Do I Establish Goals If I Don’t Have Customer Meters?

You probably already have a source meter, if not, you must install one immediately. Since goals
must have a water savings target and timeframe/benchmark for achieving that target, then your
source meter is your only option to establish a WUE goal if you don’t have customer meters.
For example, your goal could be, “Reduce the amount of water pumped from our source well by
two percent each year through 2017 during the months of July and August.”
How Often Do I Need to Evaluate and Re-establish Goals?

Goals must be evaluated and re-established:
• Every 6 years.
• Any time a water system planning document is submitted to the Department of Health for
approval.

You may want to consider evaluating and re-establishing goals as part of your 6-year planning
update, if you are required to do so. Evaluation and re-establishment of goals must follow the
same public process and the same goal criteria used to establish the original goals.
Changes to goals are allowed at any time (WAC 246-290-830(8)). If you want to change your
established goals, you must:
• Modify the goal by following the same public process and goal setting criteria used to
establish previous goals.
• Identify the change to the goal in your next annual WUE report and planning document
(WAC 246-290-830(8)).
• Make necessary changes to your WUE program to achieve the modified goal (WAC 246-
290-830(9)).
Documenting Goals
Keep records that show you met all the WUE requirements when you established your goals, we
may ask to see this information. Records should include such things as:
• Meeting notice details, such as place and time of meeting, where and when notice was
posted, and how the public was able to access the materials supporting your proposed
goals.
• Public comments received about your proposed goals and how they were considered prior
to formally establishing the goals.
Saving Water and Energy in Small Water Systems

The Montana Water Center has developed a training course to help small water systems
operate efficiently with respect to water and power. This program consists of four 45-
minute presentations meant for use in a classroom type setting. Use it to educate your
elected governing board when establishing WUE goals/programs and options for
saving water and energy for your water system.
Four main topics are covered: Energy management, Water Conservation, Alternative
Energy in Water Treatment, and Water Accounting (Audits and Leak Detection). Each
presentation covers:
• Why a water system should care about this topic.
• What steps to take and how to measure success.
• Case history experiences of small water systems.
• Pertinent laws and regulations.
Download it from the Montana Water Center website or order the CD (preferred for ease
of use) from the National Environmental Services Center at 1-800-624-8301 and ask for
product #DWCDTR29.

7.6 Setting Goals Through a
Public Forum
Setting the Stage for a Public Forum

You must engage your customers and interested members of the public in a public forum
(meeting) when establishing your WUE goals (WAC 246-290-830(4)(a)). This meeting has
many benefits. It ensures your customers and the public can provide input on the decisions made
by the governing body. It also helps the public understand the need to use water more efficiently
and teaches them how they can help you achieve your goals.
Identifying Your Target Audience

You should look at three distinct groups of attendees:
• Your water system’s customers.
• Local community members.
• Special interest groups such as the environmental community, local tribes, and watershed
planning units.
Public Notice Requirements

The communication method you choose will be based on the audience you are trying to reach.
You must provide notice at least 2 weeks in advance of the meeting (WAC 246-290-830(4)(b)).
Posting your public notice on the Office of Drinking Water’s website is one acceptable way of
getting the message out. If your customers would not consider visiting the Office of Drinking
Water’s website to learn about the meeting scheduled to adopt your goals, then use other
methods of notification.
The notice must include the following information:

• Purpose of the meeting.
• Date of the meeting.
• Time when the meeting begins.
• Location for the meeting (include map if needed).
• Where your audience can find additional information supporting your proposed goal.
If public notice requirements in WAC 246-290-830(4)(b) are met, you may use an existing
public meeting already scheduled, such as a city council meeting. Otherwise, you will need to
arrange a special goal setting meeting.

Ways to Provide Public Notice
You can provide public notice in several different ways. A combination of the following
examples may be needed to make sure your target audience is aware of the public forum:
• Develop a bill stuffer to include in customers’ billing statement.
• Send direct mailing to customers and interested parties.
• Contact your customers and interested parties by phone or e-mail.
• Put up neighborhood posters.
• Include the public notice in your newsletter.
• Put posters in windows of local businesses.
• Run a public notice as an advertisement in your local newspaper or community shoppers’
guide.
• Publish in bulletins put out by churches or civic organizations.
• Publish on your website.
• Distribute a news release to local print media, radio, and TV stations.
• Publish on the Office of Drinking Water’s Web at
www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/programs/wue.htm
Handling Meeting Logistics

Select a meeting room large enough to accommodate the number of expected attendees. You
should designate one person to handle all logistical arrangements:
• Find out if there is a cost for using the room.
• Visit the room ahead of time to make sure the room will work for you.
• Make sure the room is accessible to people with disabilities.
• Reserve the meeting room or building.
• Identify and supply any needed equipment, such as recording equipment.
• Determine how you want the meeting room set up.
• Establish who lets you in, if the building is locked after hours.
• Identify who will take meeting minutes.
• Provide a sign-in sheet for attendees.
• Have an agenda and handouts available.
• Consider using a facilitator to run the meeting.
If your regularly scheduled meetings are closed to the public, dedicate the first half hour of the
meeting to the public for goal setting, then ask those non-members to leave so that you can
conduct your private meeting afterwards.

Tips for Conducting Effective Public Forums
Start and end the meeting on time, based on an agenda created prior to the meeting. Be clear
about the purpose of the meeting and expected outcomes. In addition to preparing what you want
to say, spend time practicing how the content will be delivered. Choose someone in your
organization with good communication skills, who is comfortable speaking in public.
At the beginning of the meeting, introduce water system

personnel in attendance. Stop frequently to provide Key Message
attendees the opportunity to ask questions. Answer their to Use When
questions as completely as possible in a clear, concise Setting Goals
way. Always end the meeting thanking everyone for When the public, your
coming and provide contact information for follow-up customers, or the elected
comments or questions. boards ask, “Why are we here?”
think of some key messages that
Remember, successful public forums require preparation, they might relate to, such as:
practice, and good communication skills.
1. Using water efficiently will
save you and your customers’
money!
2. You value the water supply
(both quantity and quality).
3. You are doing your part to
ensure water is available for
future generations.
4. Point out the importance of
relating the goals back to the
unique needs and limitations
of your water system.
5. Make it real for your
customers so that the goals
address the needs of the water
system and the measures
support your goals.

Chapter 8: Annual WUE Report
8.1 Overview of the Annual WUE

Reporting Requirement
One of the best ways to communicate your water use efficiency (WUE) efforts is through your
annual WUE report. Your report must include information about how much water was pumped
from your source(s), how much water was consumed by you customers (authorized
consumption), and what progress has been made toward achieving your water savings goals for
the year.
Submit your WUE Report by July 1

By July 1 every year, WUE reports must be submitted to your customers and the Department of
Health, and also made available to the public.
Electronically Submitting to the Department of Health

When reporting to us, you must submit your WUE information through our online reporting
database. We will not accept mail, e-mail, or faxed reports.
Follow these steps to submit your report:
1. Go to www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/programs/wue.htm
2. On the right hand side of the page click on “Submit Your Annual WUE Report Now.”
3. Click on the link “Submit WUE Report Now.”
4. Enter your water system ID number.
5. Complete the form.
6. Review the information for accuracy before you submit.
7. Hit the submit button. YOU’RE DONE!
After you successfully submit your annual report, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. Then
your report, along with every other WUE Report, will be available to the public online.
Please don’t include any other materials (such as the WUE section from your water system
plan, pictures, graphs, tables, charts, or examples of educational brochures) in your annual
WUE report. Instead, include this type of information on your website or in the annual
report to your customers (consumer confidence report).

Submit to Customers
Send the WUE report by e-mail or regular mail to your customers by July 1 every year. Consider
providing detailed information in the report to your customers about your WUE program rather
than in the summarized version you submit to us. Sending your customers the same report you
submit to the department may confuse them. Instead, summarize the WUE information in your
Consumer Confidence Report or newsletter.
Make Available to the Public

You are also required to make your annual WUE report available to the public (WAC 246-290-
840(1)(a)). Some ways you can do this include:
• Posting it on your website.
• Distributing it to local libraries.
• Letting your local media know it is available.
At minimum, you must provide your annual WUE report to the general public upon request.
Share the Info, Share the Wealth

You can view any submitted WUE Report by clicking on “Search for Completed WUE Reports”
from the main WUE website. Take this opportunity to see what neighboring water systems are
doing to use water efficiently. See how your WUE goals compare to others in the state. You may
even find some water-saving ideas for your own water system. Then, consider forming
partnerships with your neighbors to save money and develop a more effective community
outreach program.
8.2 Preparing Your Annual WUE Report
This section contains general information to help you fill out the online annual WUE report. We
intend to maintain a reporting system that is as streamlined and easy to use as possible. We will
make every effort to ensure that you can successfully submit your WUE information by updating
the reporting system as necessary. Look for a reporting worksheet on our WUE reporting website
at https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/eh/portal/odw/wue/default.aspx or in the Guidebook’s Appendix E.
Review this List Before You Submit Your WUE Report

There are a number of things you'll want to know before you submit your report to us each year.
Below is list of general guidelines about what to expect:

General Information
• Be brief and concise when reporting to us. The online form limits the space you have.
• Avoid using graphs, tables, special characters, symbols, bold or underline text, and
special fonts. The database may see this as a security risk and delete it from your report.
Instead, include this information on your web site or annual report to customers.
• Please fill out all fields in the WUE report. Some fields are required and won't allow you
to proceed if you leave them blank.
• Submit your report even if you don't have all of the information. By submitting your
WUE report to us, you can show what progress you have made and meet the annual
reporting requirement. Use the extra space provided at the end of the WUE report to
explain any data fields you may have left empty.
• You'll need to know the first five numbers of your water system identification number to
get into the reporting system.
• After thirty (30) minutes of inactivity, the system is designed to close automatically. If
this occurs, any information entered will be lost. You will be warned before it closes and
have an opportunity to keep working on the report.
• Use the WUE reporting worksheet to gather information before you submit the report.
• You will have an opportunity to review the report for accuracy. Once you submit the
report, you will not be able to re-open it for editing.
Meter Information
• If your system isn't fully metered, tell us approximately what percentage of the system is
metered and when you intend to be fully metered.
Reporting Year Information

• Select a reporting year from the drop down box. The reporting year is just like a tax year.
• You may submit information from previous years.
• 12-Month WUE Reporting Period: Enter the beginning and ending months that establish
your annual data information. For example, if you have determined that May 1 to April
30 is your annual data for the 2009 reporting year, enter 05/01/2008 to 4/30/09.
• If you don't have a full years worth of data (for example, maybe your software data
collection system crashed), then explain that in the space provided.
Production, Consumption, and DSL Information

• Enter your total metered water use (total production), in gallons, from all sources for the
year. This has nothing to do with your water rights. See Chapter 6 for a complete
explanation as to what you need to report for total production.
• Enter your total metered water use (authorized consumption), in gallons, from all of your
customers for the year. This has nothing to do with your water rights. See Chapter 6 for a
complete explanation as to what you need to report for authorized consumption.
• After you have entered total production and authorized consumption, the database will
automatically calculate DSL volume and percentage for the year.
• Three-year average DSL percentage will automatically calculate once you have submitted
3 years worth of data. The oldest year will be dropped from the average.

Goal Setting Information
• Indicate the date that you held your public forum to establish goals.
• Identify the WUE goal that was established by the elected governing board. Make sure
you identify a water savings target and timeframe for achieving the goal.
• Report all progress you have made in achieving water efficiency for your water system
and your customers.
• Identify any WUE measures you are currently implementing (such as customer
education, conservation rate structures, or offering low-flow showerheads).
• If you established a goal to maintain a historic level (such as maintaining daily
consumption at 65 gallons per person per day for the next two years) you must explain
why you are unable to reduce water use below that level.
• If you are exceeding the DSL standard, briefly explain what you are doing to control
water loss by summarizing your water loss control action plan.

Appendices
Appendix A: Integrating Water Use Efficiency Requirements Into
Your Planning Documents
Appendix C: Water Supply Characteristics and Examples
Appendix D: Distribution System Leakage Template, Instructions,
and Calculation Example
Appendix E: Water Use Efficiency Annual Reporting Worksheet
Appendix F: Recommended Publications and Websites
Appendix K: Stop Water Waste
Appendix L: Water Tap Special Report: Water Shortage and
Tips to Reduce Outdoor Water Use This Summer
Appendix M: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense
Program
Appendix N: Local Stories of Successful Water Use Efficiency
Programs
Appendix O: Setting Goals to Use Water Efficiently
Appendix P: Reduce Leaks
Appendix Q: Water Conservation Leadership Guide: Issues for an
Elected Governing Board to Consider and
Sprayed Away: Seven Ways to Reduce Texas’ Outdoor
Water Use
Appendix R: Example of a Large Municipal WUE Program
Appendix S: Example of a Small Municipal WUE Program
Appendix T: Examples of a Water Loss Control Action Plan
Appendix U: Water Use Efficiency Requirements for Non-municipal
Water Suppliers

Appendix A: Integrating Water Use
Efficiency Requirements Into Your
Planning Documents
Beginning January 22, 2008, water system plans and small water system management programs
submitted for review and approval must include the water use efficiency (WUE) planning
requirements. This appendix provides suggestions for incorporating WUE requirements with
existing plan layouts from the Water System Planning Handbook (DOH 331-068) and the Small
Water System Management Program Guide (DOH 331-134). Plan contents must be tailored
according to individual water system needs, size, and complexity. A number of different layouts
are possible and this is only a suggested approach.
Non-municipal water suppliers should consult Appendix U to determine planning

requirements regarding water efficiency.
A pre-plan meeting with Department of Health staff before writing a planning document will
assist you in organizing the WUE sections in your planning document. This meeting is an
important initial step in the water system planning process. Telephone numbers for the Office of
Drinking Water regional offices are listed below.
For more information, contact your regional planner:

Eastern Regional Office—Spokane Valley—Main Office: (509) 329-2100
Northwest Regional Office—Kent—Main Office: (253) 395-6750
Southwest Regional Office—Tumwater—Main Office: (360) 236-3030
Where to Include Water Use Efficiency in Your Planning Document
Small Water System
Water System
Deadlines and Water System Size Management Program
Plan Chapter*
Element**
Less than 1,000 1,000 or more 2 3 4 6 8 9 3 12 13 14 15 16 17
Requirement
Begin collecting production and

Jan. 01, 2008 Jan. 01, 2007 9 9 9 9
consumption data
Include WUE program in
Jan. 22, 2008 Jan. 22, 2008 planning documents (see 9 9
Appendix C and Chapter 5)
Evaluate a rate structure for
Jan. 22, 2008 Jan. 22, 2008 affordability and encourage 9 9 9 9
water use efficiency***
Evaluate reclaimed water
n/a Jan. 22, 2008 9
opportunities
July 1, 2010 July 1, 2009 Set your own WUE goals 9 9
Submit first annual

July 1, 2009 July 1, 2008 9 9 9
WUE report
Submit service meter

July 1, 2009 July 1, 2008 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
installation schedule
Continued
Small Water System
Water System
Deadlines and Water System Size Management Program
Plan Chapter*
Element**
Less than 1,000 1,000 or more 2 3 4 6 8 9 3 12 13 14 15 16 17
Requirement
July 1, 2010 or 2011, Meet distribution leakage

or 3 years after standard (based on 3-year 9 9 9 9 9
installing all service meters rolling average)****
Implement Water Loss Control

Action Plans
Beginning in 2012 If over 10 percent leakage 9 9 9 9 9
standard (based on 3-year
average)
Complete installation of
January 22, 2017 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
all service meters
* Water system plan chapters from the Water System Planning Handbook (DOH 331-068) suggested water system plan framework,
layout, and organization
** Small water system management program elements from Small Water System Management Program Guide (DOH 331-134)
layout and organization
*** Included in the water use efficiency program (counts as a water use efficiency measure if implemented)
**** For water systems with less than 500 connections, submit request for 20 percent distribution system leakage standard
Examples of measures that meet water use efficiency requirements
Industrial/Commercial/
Indoor Residential Outdoor Institutional
Toilet or urinal retrofit Workshops for Recycling or reuse

Rebate program landscape professionals Commercial pre-wash
Showerhead or faucet Soil moisture sensors sprayers
replacement Rain sensors Showerhead or faucet
Indoor water audit Irrigation timers replacement
School outreach Xeriscaping (low-water Cooling tower
Displays at fairs and use landscaping) improvements
events Demonstration garden Toilet or urinal retrofit
Speakers bureau Turf replacement Cooling systems
Targeted marketing rebate retrofit
Advertising (media) Landscape ordinances Air-cooled
Conservation rates Drip irrigation refrigeration
Customer leak Landscape water audit Water use audits
detection education Irrigating with (including irrigation
(indoor leak repair) reclaimed water systems)
Water bill showing Water bill showing
consumption history consumption history
Using reclaimed water
These measures can be used in more than one category
School outreach landscaping)

Displays at fairs and events Using reclaimed water
Speakers bureau Rebate programs (such as toilets or
Targeted marketing washing machines)
Advertising
Conservation rates
Water bill showing consumption
history
Water use ordinances
High efficiency shower heads
High efficiency faucet aerators
Toilet or urinal retrofit
Xeriscaping (low water use
Appendix C: Water Supply Characteristics
and Examples
You must consider the water supply "Water supply characteristics"
characteristics in your watershed when means the factors related to a public
establishing your WUE goals and program. This water system's source of water supply
appendix is designed to assist you in describing that may affect its availability and
your water supply characteristics or source suitability to provide for both short-
description. Answering the questions below will term and long-term needs. Factors
help you describe the water supply include, but are not limited to, source
characteristics for your water system. location, name of any body of water
and water resource inventory area from
For small water system management which water is diverted or withdrawn,
programs identify you source description: production capacity, the source's
• Source description: Do you use natural variability, the system's water
groundwater or surface water, or both? rights for the source, and other legal
What body of water or watershed is your demands on the source such as water
source taken from? rights for other uses, conditions
established to protect species listed
For water system plans address the following under the Endangered Species Act in
five water supply characteristics: 50 CFR 17.11; instream flow
1. Source description: Do you use restrictions established under Title 173
groundwater or surface water, or both? WAC, and any conditions established
What body of water or watershed is your by watershed plans approved under
source taken from? chapter 90.82 RCW and RCW
90.54.040(1) or salmon recovery plans
2. Production capacity: What is your
under chapter 77.85 RCW.
water system’s total source production
capacity by source?
3. Variability: Do your sources consistently produce the water needed to meet demand or
are there seasonal variations that limit use of the water?
4. Water rights: Does your water system have sufficient water rights? Include a copy of
your water rights self-assessment.
5. Legal constraints: If you share a water source with senior water right holders or other
legal considerations, how does this limit your ability to use the water you rely on (such as
the Endangered Species Act, Tribal treaty rights, instream flows, or watershed planning
limitations)?
Additional considerations that may apply to your water supply characteristics:
• Are there any limitations that may affect your ability to continue to use water from the
existing source location or develop future supply from the source?
• Is the aquifer or surface water body from which you divert or withdraw water able to
meet current and future needs?
• What external, social, economic, and environmental trade-offs result as the need to
develop additional water supply occurs?
• Can you delay developing additional water supply by wiser and more efficient use of the
resource?
• Is your water delivered to a different watershed than the one it is taken from?
• Are your sources located in any of the 16 fish-critical basins established by the
Department of Ecology? If yes, please name them and describe any impact because of the
designation.
• Have you considered how a drought or climate change impacts your ability to provide
water to your customers?
• What are the historical natural variations? What are the low flow-months for the
watershed in which your water source is located? How do these low-flow months
compare with your peak demand?
• What are the water rights? Are they sufficient? Is there a future need to add new supply?
Will water right limits be reached in the next 6 years? In the next 20 years? In the next 50
years?
• Are new water rights limited in your watersheds, or are your sources located in a closed
basin?
• Do your water rights require additional data collection and tracking? If yes, please
describe.
• Does the watershed have endangered or threatened species that rely on streamflows,
wetlands, or riparian habitat?
• Do any current instream flow requirements affect your diversions or withdrawals,
presently or in the future? At what year will the effect be noticeable?
• Are there any conditions from approved watershed plans or salmon recovery plans that
apply to your sources?
• Is there documentation that shows a hydraulic connection between the aquifer from
which you withdraw water and a river or stream? Which river or stream?
• What are the development patterns near your source or supply? Could these
developments affect aquifer recharge and local hydrology (for example, an increase in
impervious surfaces and exempt wells)?
For surface water sources, the following questions should be answered:
• Is instream flow mitigation a condition of your water rights?
• Are there any agreements or legal constraints that change your supply and demand
management strategies during the summer and fall flows or when droughts occur?
• Is water quality impaired (such as Total Maximum Daily Load or 303(d) list) for the
source stream? If yes, describe how the water quality is impaired (such as turbidity) and
how it may affect your ability to use water from your source.
For ground water sources, the following questions should be answered:
• What is the natural range of source changes over the past decades?
• Have you ever observed a change in production capacity?
• During extended drought summers or because of increased growth demand, has static
water level declined? What is the range? How many months does it take to return to
normal? Is this the norm? What has caused the most concern?
• Have you ever had to modify your well(s) level or rehabilitate your well(s) in order to
keep them pumping at the desired withdrawal rate?
How Well Do You Know Your Water Supply?

Does your water source consistently provide enough water to meet your needs? How does it
hold up during drought? These are questions all water utilities should consider, especially
when establishing water use efficiency programs and water-saving goals.
Understanding where your water comes from is more complex than identifying it as
groundwater or surface water. It’s recognizing that others rely on the same water source you
use every day. It’s being aware that while the quality and quantity of your water supply may
be adequate now, it may not always be that way.
“Water supply characteristics” are factors that may affect the availability and suitability
of your water source to provide for short-term and long-term needs. Factors include source
location, production capacity, the source’s natural variability, and legally available water
rights.
As you think about your water supply characteristics, consider who or what relies on the
water downstream from you, especially neighboring water systems. Farmers, industry, and
agriculture rely on water to do business and provide jobs for local residents. Yearly and
seasonal variations in water supplies can put tremendous stress on aquifers, stream flow, and
reservoirs, especially during a drought.
(continued)
How Well Do You Know Your Water Supply? (cont.)
In addition, depleting reservoirs and groundwater puts water supplies, human health, and
the environment at serious risk. When water levels drop, concentrations of natural or
human pollutants can rise.
Test your water supply knowledge

Here are questions to help you identify your water supply characteristics. You should use
the answers to establish a water use efficiency program and goals:
Natural conditions
• Has drought ever significantly affected your system?
• Is your supply limited by seasonal variations?
• How have water levels changed in your well (summer to winter, year to year)?
• Can all your sources produce enough water to meet high demand?
Sharing the resource, sharing the risk

• How is your neighborhood or community changing? Could new development, such
as an increase in paved surfaces and exempt wells, affect an aquifer or stream?
• Does customer demand change seasonally or year to year?
• How do static water levels change in your well?
• Have you ever had to deepen or rehabilitate your well to meet demand?
• Are you required to mitigate for instream flows as a condition of using your water?
Can senior water rights, instream flows, or tribal rights interrupt your water use?
• How would an increase in well drilling and reliance on groundwater in your area
affect your ability to meet current and future demand?
Options for the future and sustainability

• Do you have an emergency intertie with a neighboring utility? Might they ask you
for one?
• Can you meet projected demand for the next 6, 20, and 50 years?
• Do you have additional water rights?
• If you need more water rights, can you buy more? How long will it take to get
them?
If you know the answers to these questions, how do you use the information to manage
your water system? How can you use your answers to establish a water use efficiency
program and goals?
Many of these questions don’t have simple or easy answers. So, it’s important to start
asking the questions now and plan accordingly. For help, e-mail Mike Dexel, water
resources policy lead, at michael.dexel@doh.wa.gov or call (360) 236-3154.
Source Description
and Water Supply Characteristics
Small Water System Management Program Source Description
Our two sources of supply come from wells located in Water Resource Inventory Area
88. They are 200 feet and 350 feet deep, and produce 10 gallons per minute (gpm) and 50
gpm, respectively. The wells are located in Section 28, Township 99, Range 77,
approximately 500 feet south of Blue Bird Creek.
Water System Planning Water Supply Characteristics

We have five active groundwater wells located in Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) 99. They are all in the Safe and Reliable Aquifer, drilled to a depth ranging
between 220 and 410 feet below ground surface. They appear stable, as our static water
level measurements show only a natural variability of 5-feet difference in the summer
months. The wells produce between 80 and 100 gpm.
The U.S. Geological Survey tells us that our watershed recharges at the natural rainfall
average of about 30 inches per year. When droughts occur, we often experience a slight
drop in static well levels. This has not affected our ability to provide water to our
customers, although during drought years we strongly encourage limited outdoor water
use.
The Department of Ecology’s Watershed Plan for WRIA 99 indicates that our wells are
in a watershed basin closed to further water appropriations. They are hydraulically
connected to the Blue Heron River, which has a minimum instream flow restriction of 50
cubic feet per second between April 1 and October 31. Our peak demand generally
occurs between mid-July and late August. Our water rights have priority dates senior to
the established instream flow, so we are able to use water from our wells without
interruption from instream flow limitations.
The wells are not in a high- or medium-risk seawater intrusion area, as defined by our
watershed plan, and the chloride levels are well below the maximum contaminant level.
Iron and manganese are two naturally occurring elements in the Safe and Reliable
Aquifer. We treat our water to remove these elements before we deliver water to our
customers. Our wells have never needed rehabilitation.
Based on population trends for our county, it is anticipated that our population will
increase by about 3 percent over the next 20 years. This may create a need to supply new
customers in our service area. Our demand forecast predicts sufficient water rights to
meet the 20-year demand. If new water rights are needed, the instream flow limitation
would likely result in interruption during our peak demand.
Appendix D: Distribution System Leakage
Template, Instructions and
Calculation Example
Units can be recorded in millions of gallons, gallons, cubic feet, or acre-feet but must be
converted to gallons when reporting information in the online Annual Water Use Efficiency
Performance Report Form.
Water Volume Entering Distribution System:

Line 1 A—Total Volume Produced
This is the total metered volume of water produced from your source(s) of supply.
Line 1 B—Total Volume Purchased
This is the total volume of water purchased (as measured by intertie meters) from other
water systems.
Line 1—Total Water Produced and Purchased (TP)
Add the sum of Lines 1 A and 1 B. This is the total water produced and purchased in the
distribution system leakage calculation.
Volumes of Metered and Unmetered Water (Billed and Unbilled):

Line 2 A—Total Volume of Metered Water (Billed and Unbilled)
This is the sum of all categories (single family, commercial, and so on) of metered water
delivered to a customer.
Note: Make sure you are reading your consumption meters for the same time period you
are reading your production meters or make adjustments for your different meter reading
schedules.
Line 2 B—Exported Water
This is the total volume of water sold or exported to another water system.
Line 2 C—Estimated Authorized Uses
This is the estimated amount of authorized water used. These are restricted to uses of
water authorized by the water system and may be unmetered or unbilled.
Line 2—Total Authorized Consumption (AC)
This is the sum of Lines 2 A + 2 B + 2 C.
Line 3—Total Volume of Distribution System Leakage (DSL)
Subtract Line 2 from Line 1. This is the DSL volume you must report.
Line 4—Percent Distribution System Leakage (DSL)
DSL percent is calculated by dividing Line 3 by Line 1, then multiplying that number by
100. This is the DSL percent you must report.
Distribution System Leakage Data Collection Worksheet—Year
JAN FEB MAR APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC TOTAL
Total Volume
1 A.
Produced
Total Volume
1 B.
Purchased
1. Total Water
Produced and
Purchased (TP)
Total Volume Consumed:

Water Volume
2 A. Metered (billed
and unbilled):
Single-family Residential
Multi-family Residential
Institutional
Other
Continued
2 B. Exported Water
Estimated
Authorized Uses
2 C.
(may be unbilled
and unmetered)
Utility Flushing and

Tank Cleaning
Fire Fighting and Training
Storm or Sewer Cleaning
Other
2. Total
Authorized
Consumption
(AC)
3. Total Volume
DSL
4. Percent DSL
Distribution System Leakage Data Collection Worksheet—2/08 to 1/09
Total Volume
1 A. 375 375 375 400 425 450 500 500 475 375 375 375 5,000
Produced
Total Volume
1 B. 200 200 100 500
Purchased
1. Total Water
Produced and 5,500
Purchased (TP)
Total Volume Consumed:

Water Volume
2 A. Metered (billed
and unbilled):
Single-family Residential 210 210 210 215 240 275 450 450 275 210 210 210 3,165
Multi-family Residential 60 60 60 65 65 65 75 80 65 60 60 60 775
30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 360
Institutional
Other
Continued
2 B. Exported Water
Estimated
Authorized Uses
2 C.
(may be unbilled
and unmetered)
Utility Flushing and

1 1 1 3
Tank Cleaning
Fire Fighting and Training 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 1
Storm or Sewer Cleaning
Other
2. Total
Authorized
4,304
Consumption
(AC)
3. Total Volume
1,196
DSL
4. Percent DSL 21.7

Distribution System Leakage Calculation
Distribution System Leakage for Sampleville Water System
Add up the amount of water produced from all sources 5,000 MG
Add any water purchased from other water suppliers 500 MG
TOTAL PRODUCTION AND PURCHASED (TP) 5,500 MG
Add up the annual amount of water delivered to customers 4,300 MG
from your service meters
Add any water sold to another water system 0 MG
Add all estimated authorized uses (fire flow, flushing of mains,
and other authorized uses)
Flushing 3 MG
Fire flow 1 MG
TOTAL AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION (AC) 4,304 MG
Volume DSL = 5500—4304 = 1,196,000,000 gallons
Percent DSL = (5500—4304) ⁄ 5500 x 100 = 21.7%
Appendix E: Water Use Efficiency Annual
Reporting Worksheet

Water Use Efficiency (WUE)

Annual Reporting Worksheet
Use this worksheet to gather your WUE information, and then go to the online reporting system to
enter the data. Do not mail, fax, or e-mail this worksheet to Department of Health.
Today’s date:
Denotes a required field
General System Information
Water System ID#: _________________
Your first name: _________________________ Your last name: _________________________
Your title: ______________________________ Your phone number: _____________________
Your e-mail address: _______________________________________________________________
Meter Installation Information
Is your water system fully metered? Yes / No
If not fully metered - Current status of meter installation:

Note: Only required if your water system isn’t fully metered. Space limited to 500 characters.
Note: Don’t include things such as graphs, tables, or pictures when reporting to us online. Instead, include this
information on your web site or in your annual WUE report to your customers. Be brief and concise when reporting to us,
the online form limits the amount of space you have. After 30 minutes of inactivity, the database will automatically close.
Avoid characters, symbols, bold or underline text, and special fonts, these may be seen as a security risk by the database
and could be removed from your text. You can review your entire report before electronic submission.

Production, Authorized Consumption, and Distribution System Leakage Information
Reporting Year: __________
Note: Your reporting year is last year’s information (similar to a tax year).
12-Month WUE Reporting Period: ____ /____ /_______ to ____ /____ /_______
Note: You can choose any time period to collect annual data, it doesn’t have to be January-December.
Incomplete or missing data for the year? Yes / No If yes, explain

Note: Space limited to 1000 characters.
Note: When submitting annual data, you need to report Total Water Produced & Purchased (TP) and Authorized Consumption
(AC). The WUE reporting database will automatically calculate annual Distribution System Leakage Volume and Percent. It will also
calculate the 3-year average if you have submitted three annual WUE reports.
TP is defined as the annual amount of water pumped from all sources + any water purchased from another water purveyor.
AC is defined as the annual amount of metered water consumed by your customers + any estimated & authorized unmetered uses
such as water main flushing or water tank cleaning. AC is not your total authorized/permitted water rights.
Total Water Produced & Purchased (TP) = Annual Volume in gallons ______________________
Note: TP is defined as the annual amount of water pumped from all sources + any water purchased from another water
purveyor. Report your total Annual Volume in gallons.
Authorized Consumption (AC) = Annual Volume in gallons _______________________________
Note: AC is not your total authorized/permitted water rights. AC is defined as the annual amount of metered water
consumed by your customers + any estimated & authorized unmetered uses such as water main flushing or water tank
cleaning. Report your total Annual Volume in gallons.

Goal-Setting Information
Enter the date of most recent public forum to establish WUE goal: ____ /____ /_______
Note: You must re-establish a customer goal every 6 years through a public process.
Has goal been changed since last performance report? Yes / No
Customer WUE Goal (Demand Side) Tip: See DOH Fact Sheet #331-402
Note: You must identify the customer goal that was established by your elected governing board which indicates the
measurable water savings over time. Space limited to 1000 characters.
Example: “Within 5 years, reduce average daily per capita consumption by 8 gallons.”
Customer (Demand Side) Goal Progress: Space limited to 1000 characters.
Note: 1. Identify any WUE measures (such as conservation rates, or low-flow showerheads) you are currently
implementing.
2. Estimate how much water you have saved.
3. Report progress toward meeting goals within your established timeframe.
4. If you established a goal to maintain a historic level (such as maintaining daily consumption at 65 gallons per day)
you must explain why you are unable to reduce water use below that level.
Note: Don’t include things such as graphs, tables, or pictures when reporting to us online. Instead, include this information
on your web site or in your annual WUE report to your customers. Be brief and concise when reporting to us, the online
form limits the amount of space you have. After 30 minutes of inactivity, the database will automatically close.

Additional Information Regarding Supply and Demand Side WUE Efforts
Note: If you established a supply side goal (such as “Reduce leakage to 10% in 5 years”), identify here and include all
efforts to reduce water loss. Include any other information that describes how you and your customers use water efficiently.
Space limited to 2000 characters.
Note: Don’t include things such as graphs, tables, or pictures when reporting to us online. Instead, include this information
on your web site or in your annual WUE report to your customers. Be brief and concise when reporting to us, the online
form limits the amount of space you have. After 30 minutes of inactivity, the database will automatically close.
Use this worksheet to gather your WUE information, and then go to the online reporting system to
enter the data. Do not mail, fax, or e-mail this worksheet to Department of Health.
Appendix F: Recommended Publications and
Websites
Websites
Washington State Department of Health, Water Use Efficiency

www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/programs/wue.htm
Evergreen Rural Water of Washington

www.erwow.org
Partnership for Water Conservation

www.partners4water.org
Alliance for Water Efficiency

www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—WaterSense

www.epa.gov/watersense
Water: Use It Wisely

www.wateruseitwisely.com
American Water Works Association—WaterWiser

www.awwa.org/waterwiser
Saving Water Partnership

www.savingwater.org/education.htm
Green Plumbers
www.greenplumbersusa.com/
Disclaimer: Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply
endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.
Publications
BMP Costs & Savings Study: A Guide to Data and Methods for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of
Urban Water Conservation Best Management Practices, prepared for California Urban Water
Conservation Council by A & N Technical Services, Inc., March 2005
Handbook of Water Use and Conservation, Amy Vickers, 2002
Residential End Uses of Water, AWWA Research Foundation, 1999
Water Conservation Plan Guidelines, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1998
Water Conservation Programs—A Planning Manual, AWWA Manual M52, 2006
Water Loss Control-Second Edition, Julian Thornton, Reinhard Sturm, George Kunkel, McGraw
Hill Company, 2008
Water Audits and Loss Control Programs-Third Edition, AWWA Manual M36, 2010
Water Meters—Selection, Installation, Testing, and Maintenance, AWWA Manual M6, 1999
This appendix will help you convert water volume information in your annual WUE report to
gallons. You can record water use data in the unit of measurement most convenient to your
water system—most water meters measure water in cubic feet.
When you report to the Department of Health for the year, convert to gallons.
The American Water Works’ WaterWiser website has a free unit conversion tool that you can
download to your computer:
www.awwa.org/Resources/Content.cfm?ItemNumber=30807&navItemNumber=3347
The table below can help you convert some common volume units of measurement to gallons.
Table G-1: Water Volume Conversion
Convert from Conversion factor Convert to

gallons divide by 1,000,000 millions of gallons
millions of gallons multiply by 1,000,000 gallons
cubic feet multiply by 7.48 gallons

100 cubic feet multiply by 748 gallons
cubic meter multiply by 264.17 gallons
acre-feet multiply by 325,851 gallons
1 cubic foot = 7.48 gallons

100 cubic feet = 748 gallons
1 cubic meter = 264.17 gallons
1 acre foot = 43,560 cubic feet = 325,851 gallons
The goal setting flowchart on the next page shows the steps needed to establish your goal,
including the public forum process. Chapter 7 and Appendix O have detailed information about
goal setting. Here are some important things to remember about goal setting:
• If you have 1,000 or more connections, you have until July 1, 2009, to
establish your goals.
• If you have less than 1,000 connections, you have until July 1, 2010, to
• A minimum of one goal is required.
• The goal must be designed to enhance the efficient use of water by your
customers.
• If you established a goal to maintain a historic level (such as maintaining daily
consumption at 65 gallons per person per day), you must explain why you are
unable to reduce water use below that level (WAC 246-290-830(3)).
• Goals must be evaluated and re-established:
- Every 6 years.
- Any time a water system planning document is submitted to the Department of Health
for approval.
• The elected governing board or governing body at your water system must
Goal 1: Reduce average day demand per connection from 310 gallons to 260 gallons in
5 years.
Goal 2: Reduce daily use per person from 100 gallons to 70 gallons in 10 years.
Goal 3: Reduce water production per person, on an average annual basis, from 250 gallons
per day to 230 gallons per day within 6 years.
Goal 4: Save 100,000 gallons per day, on an average annual basis, at full implementation of
the conservation program in 6 years.
Goal 5: Reduce average 3rd-tier residential water consumption per customer by 15 percent by
2013.
Goal 6: Reduce seasonal outdoor water use by 2 to 3 percent by December 31, 2010.
Goal 7: Save 5 gallons per family home per day by 2014.
Goal 8: Reduce single-family residential water consumption by 25 gallons per day (gpd) per
home by 2014.
Goal 9: Reduce per connection use by 7 percent by 2010.
Goal 10: By 2015, reduce consumption per equivalent residential unit (ERU) from 495 to 415
gpd/ERU.
Goal 11: Reduce consumption by 20 percent for the highest 10 percent water users in our
single-family class customers by 2012.
Goal 12: Reduce seasonal summer demand by 25 gallons per day for residential customers
within the next 6 years.
Goal 13: Reduce total production from our wells by 5 percent within 6 years.
Goal 14: Maintain daily per capita consumption at 65 gallons per person per day for the next 2
years (justification required for maintaining consumption levels (see WAC 246-290-
830(3) and Section 7.5).
Goal 15: Reduce regional consumption by 1 percent at the end of 3 years (based on a regional
program goal).
Saving water is easy and it starts with you! When you use water efficiently, you save money on
your water, gas, and energy bills too. The average household spends as much as $500 a year on
its water and sewer bill and can save about $132 per year by doing a few simple things to use
water more efficiently.
Use these water conservation tips to:

1. Educate your customers and ask them to share these ideas with their family, friends, and
neighbors.
2. Develop your own materials to personalize and reprint for your customers.
Indoor Use
General
• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your
indoor plants or garden.
• Make sure your home is leak-free. When you are certain that no water is being used, take a
reading of the water meter. Wait 30 minutes and then take a second reading. If the meter
readings change, you have a leak!
• Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can
help you discover leaks.
• When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
• Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
• Know where your master water shot-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent
damage to your home.
• Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water
conservation among children and adults.
• Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of re-fills saves water
and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
• Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
• Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
• Report broken pipes, open hydrants, and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water
provider.
• Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
• When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don’t throw it in the trash—
dump it on a plant.
Bathroom
• Take short showers instead of tub baths.
• In the shower, turn the water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn the water back on
to rinse. Repeat when washing your hair.
• Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up
to 750 gallons a month.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.
• If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with
a water-efficient model.
• When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as
the tub fills up.
• Bathe small children together.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
• Never use your toilet as a wastebasket. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of
tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Check for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If you have a leak, the color will
appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. Flush immediately to avoid stains. A leaky toilet can
waste 200 gallons per day.
• Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models and ask your water provider if they offer
rebates.
• If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace
or adjust it.
• If your toilet flapper doesn’t close after flushing, replace it.
• If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by
inserting a displacement device in the tank. Place a 1-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank
to displace toilet flow or purchase a device available at most hardware and home centers
designed for this purpose. Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
• Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face/hands.
Kitchen
• Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
• Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin instead of running water from the tap. Use a vegetable
brush. Re-use the water that vegetables are washed in for watering plants.
• Don’t use running water to defrost meat or other frozen foods; thaw in the refrigerator
overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Add food wastes to your
compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.
• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the “light wash” feature
if available to use less water.
• Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes don’t have to be rinsed before
washing. Just remove large particles of food, and put the soiled dishes in the dishwasher.
• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• Don’t waste water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or
heat it on the stove or in a microwave. Or install an instant water heater at your sink.
• Some refrigerators, air conditioners, and icemakers are cooled with wasted flows of water.
Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
• Run your dishwasher only when full.
• When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to
water your trees or shrubs.
• Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut
down on the number glasses to wash.
Laundry
• Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on
the washing machine.
• Consider purchasing a high efficiency washing machine, which can save over 50 percent in
laundry water and energy use.
• Run your clothes washer only when full.
• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
Long-term Indoor Water Conservation

• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• Consider installing an instant hot water heater on your sink.
• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking if you have a
sudden and unexpected spell of freezing weather.
• If you are considering installing a new heat pump or air-conditioning system, the new air-to-
air models are just as efficient as the water-to-air type and don’t waste water.
• Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your
pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• When shopping for appliances, look for the WaterSense and Energy Star labeled models,
compare the resource savings to traditional models. Not only will you save water and energy,
but your bills will go down too.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of
water per year!
Outdoor Use
General
• If you have a well at home, check your pump periodically. If the pump turns on and off while
water is not being used, you have a leak.
Car Washing
• Use a shot-off nozzle on your hose that can be adjusted down to a fine spray, so that water
flows only as needed. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in
place to prevent leaks.
• Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• Wash your car on the lawn, and you’ll water your lawn at the same time.
Lawn Care
• Thirty percent of water used by the average American household is devoted to outdoor water
use, and more than half of that is used for watering lawns and gardens.
• More than 50 percent of residential irrigation water is lost due to evaporation, runoff, over
watering, or improper system design/installation/maintenance.
• Don’t over water your lawn. Lawns only need 1 inch of water per week. Buy a rain gauge so
that you can better determine when to water.
• Water the lawn or garden early in the morning during the coolest part of the day. Consider
installing an automatic timer. Don’t forget to adjust your watering schedule, as days get
longer or shorter.
• Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to ensure they operate properly.
• Raise your lawn mower cutting height—longer grass blades help shade each other, reduce
evaporation, and inhibit weed growth.
• Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water.
• Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway
or sidewalk.
• Don’t leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or
garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• To water sloping lawns, apply water for 5 minutes and then repeat 2-3 times.
• If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.
• If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for
better absorption.
• Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
• Remove thatch and aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather
run off the surface.
• Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought
tolerant landscape.
• Use sprinklers for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
• Let your lawn to go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered
every 3 weeks or less if it rains.
• Install soil moisture sensors on sprinkler systems.
• Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an
unexpected rain.
• Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining.
Pool
• If you have a swimming pool, consider purchasing a new water-saving pool filter. A single
back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
• Lower pool water level to reduce amount of water splashed out.
• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.
• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
• Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating
pumps.
• Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24
hours later to see if you have a leak.
• When backwashing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
• If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
Landscape Irrigation
• Detect and repair all leaks in irrigation system.
• Water trees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, longer and less frequently than
shallow-rooted plants that require smaller amounts of water more often. Check with local
extension service for advice on watering needs in your area.
• Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems for trees and shrubs.
• Use mulch around shrubs, flowers, vegetables, and garden plants to reduce evaporation from
the soil surface and cut down on weed growth.
• Mulching lawn mowers help protect water loss and do not require disposal of grass clippings.
• Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time, and
money.
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with
landscape plants for water.
• Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
• When outdoor use of water is restricted during a drought, use the water from the air
conditioning condenser, dehumidifier, bath, or sink on plants or the garden. Don’t use water
that contains bleach, automatic-dishwashing detergent, or fabric softener.
• Choose shrubs and groundcovers, instead of turf, for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes
and isolated strips.
• Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
• Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought
tolerance.
• Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the
sprinkler heads in good shape.
• Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to
minimize evaporation.
• Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
• Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and
landscape requirements.
• Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.
Long-term Outdoor Conservation

• Consider replacing all or even a portion of your lawn with plants and trees that require less
water.
• Replace your lawn with a flower or vegetable garden. Not only will you have fresh flowers
and vegetables, you’ll also save money at the grocery store and you won’t have to mow your
lawn anymore.
• Plant it smart. Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees.
Once established, they don’t need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period
without watering.
• Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip
irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.
• Use native plants or practice xeriscape garden techniques in garden and lawn areas. Native
plants generally require less water than exotic species.
• We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets,
sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
• Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for
optimum outdoor water savings.
• Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid over watering some while under
watering others.
• Use a layer or organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth
that competes for water.
• Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems towards water-loving plants in the
landscape for automatic water savings.
Other Outdoor Uses

• Avoid installing ornamental water features, such as fountains, unless they use recycled water.
• Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating
pumps.
• Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation, than those spraying water
into the air.
• When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the
most.
• Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from
leaking or bursting.
Industrial/Commercial or Institutional
Each industrial/commercial or institutional (ICI) facility is unique and may have water using
processes not indicated here. Look for innovative solutions to reduce water use. Here are some
water saving tips for the ICI customer class:
• Adjust pump cooling and flushing water to the minimum required.
• As equipment wears out, replace with water-saving models.
• Install air-cooled ice machines—Machines that use single pass cooling water for their
condensers can use 10 times as much water as air-cooled units.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator rather than under running water.
• Replace pre-rinse shut-off spray nozzles—Spray Nozzles can use as much as 5 gallons of
water each minute, while efficient low-volume nozzles use 1.6 gallons per minute. These
units are designed to remove food as effectively as or even better than their high flow
counterparts.
• Serve water in bars and restaurants only upon request.
• Wash only full loads in the dishwashers.
Eliminate single pass cooling—Single pass cooling uses water once and then discharges it to
the sewer. Single pass cooling can use up to 40 times more water than a closed loop-cooling
tower. Consider:
• Installing a cooling tower.
• Replacing single pass water-cooled equipment with air-cooled units.
• Reusing single pass water in other processes as long as water quality is acceptable.
Sterilizers and Autoclaves

Sterilizers and Autoclaves can account for as much as 10 percent of hospital water use. This high
amount of water use is due to the large number of machines, their continuous availability, and
often the inefficient design of older equipment.
• Retrofit units with solenoid operated valves—These valves can shut the unit off when not in
service.
• Replace old inefficient units with new efficient models—Newer units are designed to
recirculate water and shut the machine off when not in use.
Appendix K: Stop Water Waste – It’s Easier Than
You Think! (DOH 331-450)
The tips you’ll find within this brochure are designed to not only save water, but also save you
money on your water, energy/gas, and wastewater bills. Maybe all three!
It’s available online at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/Publications/331-450.htm

Appendix L: Water Tap Special Report:
Water Shortage and
Tips to Reduce Outdoor Water Use
This Summer
This special Water Tap report provides useful information about water use efficiency and water
conservation.
It’s available online at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/Publications/331-375-L1.pdf
Need some tips for your customers on how to reduce outdoor water use? This one-page
document can easily be shared with them.
It’s available online at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/Publications/331-375-L2.pdf

Appendix M: U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s WaterSense Program
You’ve had the opportunity to review the requirements of the WUE rule, and one of your next
steps is to educate your customers about efficient water use practices. Simple messages about the
value of using water efficiently can help change the way people use water in your community.
Developing an effective WUE program takes time and effort. Fortunately, WaterSense, a free
program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is partnering with water
utilities, government agencies, and other promotional partners to help make water-efficient
products and practices commonplace.
Educating Customers Can Save Water

Consistent water efficiency messaging is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance the
efficient use of water by your customers. WaterSense can help you develop your water efficiency
program by providing you with a credible, national brand that has a strong and consistent water
efficiency message.
Educating your customers is a requirement of the WUE rule, sending information periodically
(more than once per year) to your customers is considered a water efficiency measure that can
help you meet your water efficiency goal.
By joining WaterSense, you get a toolkit that will help you meet the minimum educational
requirement.
WaterSense will provide you with many benefits to help effectively communicate water
efficiency messages to your customers. Seasonal water efficiency messages are a great way to
keep your customers informed throughout the year. Use the WaterSense tool kit to develop
quarterly newsletter articles such as “This season’s water efficiency tips.”
The following materials are available exclusively to partners:

• Utility bill stuffers
• Artwork for promotional items
• Fact sheets
• Brochures
Building a Water Saving Certified Home

EPA recently announced the first WaterSense labeled homes in the country.
• The program is helping homebuyers cut their water and energy use while at the same
time saving money on utility bills. Four WaterSense labeled new homes have been built
by KB Home in Roseville, California, and will help families save an average of 10,000
gallons of water and at least $100 on utility costs each year.
• Since signing on as the first national builder to partner with WaterSense, KB Home has
agreed to build three communities of homes that will earn the WaterSense label, which
will be the first in the nation to meet WaterSense criteria for newly built homes. Each
house includes WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures, an efficient hot water delivery
system, water-efficient landscape design, and other water and energy-efficient features.
• Each WaterSense labeled new home is independently inspected and certified to ensure
EPA’s criteria are met for both water efficiency and performance. A WaterSense labeled
new home is built to use about 20 percent less water than a typical new home.
Join WaterSense Now

The Office of Drinking Water has already joined WaterSense, and we’re encouraging drinking
water utilities throughout our state to become WaterSense partners too. If you’re ready to
become a partner now, just go to their website www.epa.gov/watersense/ or contact the
WaterSense Helpline by e-mail at watersense@epa.gov or call 866-WTR-SENS (987-7367).
Appendix N: Local Stories of Successful Water
Use Efficiency Programs
Do you have a successful WUE program that you would like to share with ODW? We want to
hear from you! Send us your success story so that we can share it with others. Here are some
examples:
Northwest Water Systems (Kitsap County)

“Last December, I had the three old toilets (3.5 gal./flush) replaced with three Toto double-flush
low–volume (0.9/1.6 gal./flush) toilets. I have since been monitoring my bi-monthly water usage,
and comparing it with the same bi-monthly periods for the previous year. For the period of
January thru June of 2008, I have reduced my potable water consumption by about 60
percent.”
Pasadena Park Irrigation District (Spokane County)

“Replacement of leaking lead joint water mains was the initial step in the water system's water
use efficiency program. Before the main was replaced, Pasadena Park had a 45 percent water
loss rate (over a million gallons a day), costing the system an estimated $75,000 a year in lost
revenues and electricity, plus unknown costs in wear and tear. Concurrent with this project,
Pasadena Park also implemented a metering program; upgraded their SCADA and began
automatic meter reading; and conducted an annual water audit. As a result of the project and
related water use efficiency efforts, the water system has reduced its water loss to 9.8 percent,
and has recaptured 875,908 gallons of water per day. The value of their recaptured water
is $177,000 per year, which makes the loan payments for the system improvements each year,
plus $47,000 additional. That money is being used to fund radio read meters, which have a leak
alert function that helps to find leaks faster.”
Wind River Water Association (Skamania County)

“We were able to detect a huge leak on a home after the meters went in. We feel that almost a
million gallons of water passed undetected before this discovery. We had no idea how out of
control things were. Some people used as much as 65,000 gallons a month. Since the meters
went in, not one residence has used more than 7,000 gallons a month. We were charging $12.00
a month for unlimited water before. Since the new water rates were implemented, we are saving
about 80,000 gallons a month. Now, as you can see, we have a very aggressive rate plan to
encourage continued conservation of water.”
Appendix O: Setting Goals to Use Water
Efficiently (DOH 331-402)
One of the most important steps in using water efficiently is setting water efficiency goals. Goals
help you track your progress and determine the success of your water use efficiency (WUE)
program. This six-page document helps you set goals to help manage the growing demand for
water.
It’s available online at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/Publications/331-402.pdf

Appendix P: Reduce Leaks: Using water audits
and leak detection surveys
(DOH 331-388)
This six-page publication explains how to calculate your leakage rate, detect, and repair leaks.
It’s available online at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/Publications/331-388.pdf

Appendix Q: Leadership Guide: Issues for an
Elected Governing Board to
Consider and
Sprayed Away: Seven Ways to
Reduce Texas’ Outdoor Water Use
The Institute for Local Government in California developed a Water Conservation Leadership
Guide to help their local officials with water conservation issues. The document includes:
• Water conservation options for local agency policies and programs.
• Water efficiency options for agency facilities.
• Water efficiency options in the community.
• Resources to help develop water efficiency policies and programs.
It’s available online at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/Publications/331-375-Q1.pdf
Here’s a document from Texas that provides useful information. The intro to this document says
it all:
“Texas is the fastest growing state in the nation. Our water supplies are limited. So it is a
shame that during the summertime, much of our most precious natural resource ends up...
Sprayed Away.”
It’s available online at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/Publications/331-375-Q2.pdf

Appendix R: Example of Large Municipal WUE
Program
Note/Disclaimer: The Department of Health did not officially approve this WUE program. We consider it to
be a good example of how you might want to think about writing your own program if you operate a larger
water system.
City of Bellingham
Water Use Efficiency Program - 2008
MUNICIPAL WATER LAW REQUIREMENTS
Background
In 2003 the Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute House
Bill 1338, known as the Municipal Water Law (MWL) to address increasing
demand on our state’s water resources. The Department of Health (DOH) was
directed to oversee and enforce a Water Use Efficiency Program1 (WUE) to help
support the collective goal of ensuring a safe and reliable drinking water supply.
The WUE seeks to support this goal in the following ways:
Contribute to long-term water supply reliability and public health

protection
Promote good stewardship of the state’s water resources
Ensure efficient operation and management of water systems
This program became effective on January 22, 2007, and established certain
responsibilities that water suppliers must fulfill. Fundamental elements include
the following:
Water Use Efficiency Program

Distribution Leakage Standard
Goal setting and Performance Reporting
Metering Requirements
The requirements and deadlines are listed below and in order of due date for
Group A municipal water suppliers.
Table 1.
Deadline for MWS with
Requirement
1,000 or more connections
Include WUE program in planning documents January 22, 2008
Submit first annual WUE report July 1, 2008
Submit service meter installation schedule July 1, 2008
Set your own WUE goals July 1, 2009
Meet distribution leakage standard (based on 3-year July 1, 2010, or 3 years after
rolling average) installing all service meters
Complete installation of all service meters January 22, 2017
1
WAC 246-290-810
City of Bellingham

As part of the Planning Requirements of the WUE, municipal water suppliers are
required to collect data, forecast demand, evaluate WUE measures, calculate
distribution leakage and implement a WUE program to meet their goals. As of
January 1, 2007, water suppliers have been obligated to collect production and
consumption data on a regular basis to include in planning documents and
annual performance reporting. As part of this data collection, demand forecasting
is also an essential component for determining future use and potential savings
through a water use efficiency program. A description of the water supplier’s
water source and supply characteristics must also be provided.
Distribution Leakage Standard

Prior to adoption of the MWL, the Department of Health did not have a set
distribution leakage standard, but encouraged a figure of 20% or less. Municipal
water suppliers must now meet a 10% or less distribution system leakage rate to
comply with the new state standard. Leakage must be presented both as a
percentage and as leakage volume, and based on a rolling three-year average.
Compliance with the distribution leakage standard must be met by July 1, 2010; if
unable to meet this standard, the supplier must develop and implement a Water
Loss Control Action Plan that outlines the steps and timelines to achieve the
desired leakage rate. Additionally, a meter installation schedule is also required
for all service connections currently not metered.
Goal Setting and Performance Reporting

The WUE requires municipal water suppliers to establish water use efficiency
goals. Establishing goals demonstrates commitment and support from the utility
and its water customers to use water efficiently. Goals must be established
through a public process and reported on annually to customers and DOH by
July 1 of each year. The WUE goals established through a public process are for
a six-year period, and should be re-evaluated each cycle. Goals must be
measurable, address water supply and demand forecasting, and include an
implementation schedule for each goal. Performance reports are required to be
made available to the public: this requirement may be fulfilled by including the
performance report information in the annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Annual water system production total, distribution system leakage information,
and a description of the WUE goals and progress of achieving them must also be
included in this publication.
City of Bellingham
WATER SUPPLY CHARACTERISTICS
Source
The City of Bellingham (hereafter “the City”) water system originates from the
rain and snow deposited on the Deming Glacier on Mt. Baker, which then feeds
streams that flow into the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River. Water from the
Middle Fork is diverted via a dam through an underground tunnel in Bowman
Mountain. From there, the water travels to Mirror Lake, where fine sediment
settles out, and then on to Anderson Creek and its final destination of Lake
Whatcom, which acts as a supply reservoir for the system. Water withdrawn
from Lake Whatcom is screened then treated at the water treatment plant,
located near Whatcom Falls Park. The current average production from the
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is about 10 million gallons per day (mgd). Treated
water is pumped though nine pump stations and stored in one of 14 storage
reservoirs placed throughout the City. The combined capacity of the storage
reservoirs is 28.43 million gallons (MG). The City’s system has six main
pressure zones with storage and seven constant pressure neighborhood zones
that do not contain water storage.
HISTORICAL WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Background
The City has had a water conservation program in place since the early 1990s.
Both supply and demand measures have been included in the program, and
seek to focus efforts on the customer classes that use the most water, as well as
seasonal usage issues. Reducing outdoor water use during peak demand
periods (summer months) has been promoted through education and outreach.
Reductions in indoor water usage have been encouraged through distribution of
water conservation kits that contain a low-flow showerhead, faucet aerators, a
toilet displacement bag, and water conservation information. A Voluntary
Metering Program was established that encourages water conservation and
accountability. The City also conducts scheduled annual leak detection on water
system zones to ensure efficiency and accountability. Detailed information about
the City of Bellingham’s water conservation program can be found in Chapter 4
of the 2009 Water System Plan (WSP).
Measures
Table 2 lists the City’s current water conservation measures and the associated
sectors they target. Several of these measures will be continued and expanded
upon as part of the WUE program.
City of Bellingham
Table 2.
Existing Water Conservation Program Sectors
Measure SF MF ICI
A. Source Meters (S) X X X
B. Service Meters (S) X X
C. System Leak Detection and Repair (S) X X X
D. Voluntary Metering Program (S) X
E. Ordinance Adoption/Modifications (D) X X
F. Video Production (D) X X X
G. Water Conservation Kits (D) X X
H. Water Consumption History on Water Bill (D) X X X
I. Water Conservation Survey (D) X
J. Rain Barrel Workshops (D) X X
K. Sprayhead Replacement (D) X
L. Public Outreach (D) X X X
SF—Single-family residential water customers (D)—Demand side measures
MF—Multi-family residential water customers (S)—Supply side measure
ICI—Industrial, Commercial, Institutional water customers
A. Source Meters
At the City’s Water Treatment Plant (WTP), one source meter measures the
water entering the facility from the Lake Whatcom Reservoir.
B. Service Meters
Service meters are required on all multi-family, commercial, industrial,
irrigation, college and university, and city facility accounts. In 1995, the City
adopted municipal code that mandates all new single-family residential (SFR)
construction must install meter-ready assemblies, in 2005 the code was
amended to state that all new SFR water customers be metered.
C. System Leak Detection and Repair
The City has been operating a leak detection program on its water system
since 1994. A systematic approach to finding and repairing leaks through the
distribution system was adopted through annual valve exercising and leak
detection equipment. The City also established leak detection zones to
prioritize areas of the system that contain water mains that are older and
more prone to leaks, in an effort to conform to state water accountability
measures. Leak detection figures for 2001 and 2002 are significantly higher
than in more recent years, a phenomenon largely dependent on whether the
zone area surveyed contains water mains constructed in the early 1900s. In
2005 and 2006, the City took a more efficient and aggressive approach to its
traditional leak detection process, and hired a consultant to increase the miles
of pipe examined, surveying 16 miles in 2005 and 25 miles in 2006. Meters 3
inches and larger are tested annually, and meters 1.5 to 2 inches are tested
every 5 years. The City has a meter maintenance crew and meter testing
facilities to facilitate this process. An average of 10 miles of water main in the
distribution system has been tested annually since 1994.
City of Bellingham
D. Voluntary Metering Program

In January 2005, City Council adopted municipal code that established the
Voluntary Metering Program (VMP). The City subsidized a portion of the cost
to single-family residential water customers desiring to switch from a flat-rate
water service to a metered water service. The cost to the water customer has
been a one-time fee of $150. Goals of the VMP are to encourage water
conservation and to work towards metering the remaining 16,000+ water
customers who pay a flat rate, and allow customers an opportunity to save
money on their water bill.
E. Ordinance Adoption/Modifications
Annual review of existing municipal code and ordinances related to water use
and conservation is ongoing and aims to support long-range water resource
planning efforts and goals of the City’s water conservation program.
F. Video Production
The City promotes water conservation through various media including video
production. Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and 30-minute television
segments on outdoor and indoor water conservation are among these
products and are aired on Bellingham Government Television Channel 10
(BGTV10) and presented at various workshops and events.
G. Water Conservation Kits
Water conservation kits contain a 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) showerhead,
2.0 gpm kitchen faucet aerator, 1.5 gpm bathroom faucet aerator, toilet tank
bank (flushes with 1 gallon less of water), and water conservation information.
Kits are free to Bellingham water customers and available in two locations.
H. Water Consumption History on Water Bill
In 2006 the City implemented a new customer billing format and template to
include a monthly water consumption chart and message box for water
conservation tips and announcements.
I. Water Conservation Survey
The City has conducted three water conservation surveys of single-family
residences over the past 13 years. Two have been in the form of mailers, the
third via telephone. Information solicited in the survey focused on customer
attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to water use to guide the water
conservation program.
J. Rain Barrel Workshops
A rain barrel program has been in place for approximately 5 years, focusing
on education and outreach about outdoor water usage during summer
months. Brochures, workshops, and rain barrel sales have been ongoing and
give an opportunity to educate residents about peak demand during low rain
event periods and their role in helping to reduce the problem.
City of Bellingham
K. Sprayhead Replacement Program

In partnership with Puget Sound Energy, commercial water customers
received commercial water-efficient sprayheads for dishwashing that are 1.6
gpm, compared with conventional that can use up to two times as much
water.
L. Public Outreach
Outreach to water customers and residents has been in the form of
brochures, booths, presentations, displays, video production, web, and
mailers.
Partnerships and Affiliations

The City of Bellingham believes that building strong relationships and partnerships
locally, regionally, and nationally helps to better serve the needs of its water customers.
Research, support and networking with other utilities, non-profit organizations, and the
private sector aid in the planning and protection of our vital resource. The City is a
member of the following organizations that promote water conservation:
o Partnership for Water Conservation (http://www.partners4water.org/)

o Alliance for Water Efficiency (http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/)
o WaterSense (http://www.epa.gov/watersense/)
o American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (http://www.arcsa.org)
o Whatcom Water Alliance
o Lake Whatcom Management Team (http://lakewhatcom.wsu.edu/)
Estimated Water Savings

Estimated water savings through the City’s current water conservation program is based
on estimated quantitative figures through its water conservation kit distribution to
residential water customers, sprayhead replacement program for commercial water
customers, and rain barrel sales to residential water customers. Leak detection figures
are also included in the water conservation program (Table 3).
Table3.
2000-2007 COB Water Conservation Program
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total Savings
Rain Barrels 0 0 8,954 7,220 0 10,801 30,066 36,067 93,108
H20 Kits 0 0 5,314,400 5,314,400 5,314,400 13,286,000 13,286,000 13,286,000 55,801,200
Sprayhead Replacement 0 0 0 0 0 0 18,875,245 0 18,875,245
Leak Detection 7,884,000 14,235,000 22,600,800 0 0 7,752,600 6,832,435 4,993,200 64,298,035
Total Estimated Annual Savings (gal) 7,884,000 14,235,000 27,924,154 5,321,620 5,314,400 21,049,401 39,023,746 18,315,267 139,067,588
Historical Water Consumption

A complete breakdown of water consumption by customer class is provided in Chapter
2 of the City of Bellingham’s 2009 WSP. From 1990 to 2007, the City has seen a 41%
increase in water services and population. Despite these increases, average daily
water production has remained steady, fluctuating by approximately 2% on average,
which is equal to the 2% average annual population growth rate during the same time
City of Bellingham
period. Of the total water produced, 56% is metered. Figures 1 and 2 displays these
trends.
Figures 1. and 2.
Water Consumption and Population

1990-2007
12.00 80,000
million gallons/day (mgd)
10.00 70,000
60,000
population
8.00 50,000
6.00 40,000
4.00 30,000
20,000
2.00 10,000
Average
0.00 0 Daily
Consumption
19 90
19 91
19 92
19 93
19 94
19 95
19 96
19 97
19 98
20 99
20 00
20 01
20 02
20 03
20 04
20 05
20 06
07
Population
19
Flat Rate Real Losses:

(extrapolated 0.29%
metered SFR): Unbilled
30% Authorized
Consumption:
0.23%
Non-Revenue
Metered: Water:
56% 14%
Water Production Breakdown

2000-2007
The largest number of service connections in the City is comprised of single-family

residential water customers, which also happen to be the largest water consumer.
(Table 4) This customer class includes both metered and flat-rate water customers,
consuming approximately 35% of the total water produced.
Table 4.
Number of Service Connections by Customer Class
Customer Class Number of Service
Connections
WTP Usage 1
ADU 35
Colleges & Universities 49
Commercial General 1,912
Commercial Lodging 40
City of Bellingham
Duplex 1 Svc Single Lot 835
Duplex 2 Svcs Single Lot 25
Industrial General 49
Institution-City 71
Institution-General 89
Institution-Public Schools 35
Institution-Whatcom 14
Irrigation 419
MBCS - 1 Svc Duplex 108
MBCS - 1 Svc SFR 112
MBCS - 2 Svc Duplex 100
Multi-Family Apartment 1,265
Single Family Residence 2,982
Water District 11
Unmetered/Flat Rate 16,222

Consumption:
Total 24,374
Figure 3 and Table 5 below summarize historical consumption by customer class. After
single-family residential, commercial and multi-unit residential are the second and third
largest water consumers by customer class.
Figure 3.
City of Bellingham
Table 5.
Historical Consumption Summary by Customer Class
Customer Class Daily Consumption (mgd)
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Average
WTP Usage 0.17 0.17 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.13 0.14 0.12 0.15
Flat-rate and Metered 3.23 3.06 3.72 3.95 3.80 3.55 3.90 3.83 3.63
Single Family Residential
Multi-Unit Residential 1.51 1.51 1.67 1.64 1.72 1.70 1.77 1.75 1.66
Institutional 0.47 0.47 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.43
Commercial 1.80 1.76 1.83 1.84 1.87 1.83 1.85 1.74 1.81
Industrial 0.31 0.24 0.30 0.32 0.31 0.32 0.33 0.29 0.30
Irrigation 0.25 0.29 0.47 0.45 0.48 0.44 0.46 0.44 0.41
Water District 1 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.52 0.39 0.33 0.33 0.30 0.42
Total 8.26 8.01 9.07 9.32 9.17 8.73 9.20 8.89 8.83
1 The Water District customer class refers to the purveyors served by the City.
City of Bellingham residential per capita water usage averages approximately 105
gallons per capita per day (gpcd). This figure is just above the national average of 101
gallons per capita per day (gpcd) for a non-conserving home. An estimated 70% of
daily per capita use is attributed to indoor water usage, and 30% for outdoor use.
Due to the high proportion of flat rate single-family residential water customers, the
water production and water consumption figures for total residential consumption are
estimated based on known metered single-family residential water customer data (Table
6).
Table 6.
Non-Revenue Water Summary

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Average
Residential Consumption 5.50 5.32 6.16 6.34 6.15 5.81 6.22 6.10
(mgd)
Total Non-Revenue Water 1.22 1.45 1.31 1.31 1.63 1.87 1.65 1.42
(mgd)
Total Residential 6.72 6.77 7.47 7.65 7.78 7.68 7.87 7.52
Consumption (mgd)
Population 67,171 68,890 69,260 69,850 71,080 72,320 75,150 75,220
Residential Per-capita Use 100 98 108 110 109 106 105 100 105
(gpcd)
Non-residential 2.59 2.51 2.73 2.81 2.87 2.78 2.84 2.67
Consumption (mgd)
City of Bellingham
Employment Population 32,350 37,317 38,973 40,814 42,666
Non-residential Per-capita 77 77 71 70 63 72
Use (gpcd) 1 2
gpcd = gallons per capita per day
Table 7 summarizes historical city water demand. Average Daily Demand (ADD)
represents average daily water production, including unaccounted uses throughout the
year, and is used to estimate the total annual amount of supply needed. Maximum
Daily Demand (MDD) represents the day of the year during which the maximum water
usage occurs as a result of customer consumption. Supply, pumping, and treatment
facilities are typically designed with a capacity equal to the projected future MDD.
Table 7.
Historical Demand
Year ADD (mgd) MDD (mgd) PHD (mgd)
2000 9.48 15.84 23.76
2001 9.46 15.33 23.00
2002 10.38 17.91 26.87
2003 10.63 19.52 29.28
2004 10.81 20.69 31.04
2005 10.60 17.77 26.66
2006 10.85 19.38 29.07
2007 10.32 18.34 27.51
Peak Hour Demand (PHD) represents the maximum usage that occurs in a 1-hour
period during the MDD. The PHD is used for sizing distribution system piping and
distribution system reservoir storage. Reservoir storage capacity is developed based
on a combination of ADD, MDD, and PHD, and their relative differences. The City has
developed diurnal demand curves for extended period modeling of the water distribution
system based on records from its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
system. The diurnal curve represents the variation in demand throughout the day as a
function of total demand. Based on the data evaluated for the diurnal curve, the
PHD/MDD peaking factor is 1.5.
City of Bellingham
The ratios of MDD/ADD and PHD/MDD are often referred to as “demand ratios” or
“peaking factors” and are computed for the purpose of characterizing demand in a given
water system. Based on a review of the historical data (Table 8), the MDD/ADD
peaking factor has been as high as 1.92 for the time period evaluated. Therefore, this
factor will be applied to generate the projected MDD. The PHD/MDD peaking factor of
1.5 as developed from the diurnal curve will also be applied to generate the projected
PHD.
Table 8.
Demand Peaking Factors
Year MDD/ADD Peaking Factor
2000 1.67
2001 1.62
2002 1.73
2003 1.84
2004 1.92
2005 1.68
2006 1.79
2007 1.78
City of Bellingham
2008-2014 WATER USE EFFICIENCY (WUE) PROGRAM
Adopted Goals and Measures

City staff has been researching various water conservation measures that could
complement and expand upon its existing measures, as well as produce greater water
savings with new measures. As was stated in the previous section and demonstrated in
Chapter 2 of the Water System Plan (WSP), the largest water customer class and
consumer of the City’s water supply is single-family residences. The focus of the
historical water conservation program has been to provide programs and information
targeted towards this customer class and to reduce peak demand during periods of low
rainfall. A review of historical consumption data confirmed that this is still an important
focus for the City.
In preparation for the WUE goal and measure adoption, staff presented to City Council
an overview of its existing water conservation program as well as two proposed goals
and nine measures for 2008-2014. The presentation took place on December 10, 2007,
at the City Council afternoon Public Works Committee meeting at City Hall. This
meeting was open to the public and information was available on the website in
advance. Staff received input from Council members on the proposed goals and
measures for consideration for the formal adoption at the January 14, 2008, meeting.
On January 14, 2008, City Council formally adopted by resolution two water use
efficiency goals and nine measures. Modifications to the goals were proposed and
approved by Council through the same process described above, on March 25, 2009.
Modifications were implemented to be in compliance with the DOH requirement to adopt
measurable goals.
The existing water conservation program and newly adopted measures focus primarily
on the demand side of water efficiency within the utility customer base. Supply side
water efficiency has been addressed for several years through the City’s ongoing leak
detection program, and will continue in the existing measures option 9 outlined in
following section.
At present the City has over 24,000 water customers; over 60% of these customers are
single family residential and pay a flat rate water bill. In light of this situation, staff
believes that the City is not in a position to adopt more aggressive water use efficiency
goals at present. The City established a goal to maintain city-wide per capita daily
consumption for the next 6 years due to the lack of meters on the majority of water
customers. As the City works to finance metering of all its water customers in
accordance with its adopted water metering schedule, water use efficiency goals will be
reviewed annually in congruence with updated single family residential metered data to
determine if the City can financially support a more aggressive water use efficiency
goal.
City of Bellingham
Goals
1. Maintain city-wide per capita daily consumption at an average of 105 gallons per
capita per day (gpcd) for residential usage and 77 gpcd for non-residential usage for
the next 6 years.
2. Keep city-wide water demand equal to or below city population growth rate for the
next 6 years.
Measures
1. Toilet retrofit program for SFR water customers
2. Toilet retrofit program for Multi-family water customers
3. Toilet retrofit program for Commercial customers
4. Develop and implement a water conservation education program for 6th-grade
students
5. Create lawn-watering door hanger for distribution during peak demand periods to
educate water customers about proper outdoor watering techniques
6. Evaluate and develop High-Efficiency Fixture Program
7. Develop future water rate structures with an emphasis on water conservation
8. Upgrade City Parks to high-efficiency irrigation systems
9. Continue existing public outreach measures
Measures #1-3, toilet retrofit program for SFR, Multi-family, and Commercial water
customers, was adopted to focus on reducing water consumption on the largest indoor
water consuming fixture (based on usage). These three customer classes also make
up the largest water customer base and use within the utility. Providing financial
incentives for these customer classes to replace older, inefficient fixtures can have a
substantial impact on the planning and development of future water supply source and
infrastructure. Pilot programs will be launched in 2009 to determine the most
appropriate and cost-effective approach to upgrading inefficient fixtures.
Measure #4, develop and implement a water conservation education program for 6th-
grade students, will begin late 2008 and early 2009. This measure was adopted to
follow-up with existing City-sponsored environmental education programs that have
been in progress for 4th- and 5th-grade elementary school students the past several
years. Research and development of a new water-conservation-focused program will
evaluate the appropriate age group and implementation at that level.
Measure #5, lawn watering door hanger about lawn watering during peak demand
periods, was developed and implemented summer 2008. The door hanger aims to
educate water customers about water conservation and smart watering tips during the
summer months when outdoor watering puts the heaviest strain on the water supply.
The door hangers will be distributed every summer.
Measure #6, evaluate and develop high efficiency fixture program, is expected to begin
late 2009 and continue indefinitely. The goal of this measure is to evaluate existing
City of Bellingham
code and associated impacts of modifying it to include mandatory installation of high

efficiency fixtures.
Measure #7, develop future water rate structure with an emphasis on water
conservation, is expected to begin in 2010. In 2004 the City adopted a water rate
structure based on a cost-of-service model. In 2007, the City Council adopted a
schedule of rate increases through 2012. The City will be evaluating a conservation
block rate structure, as well as seasonal rates, for feasibility within the City’s water
system and customer base.
Measure #8, upgrade city parks to high efficiency irrigation systems, is expected to be
evaluated beginning 2012 or as needed per system. This measure will assess existing
systems and prioritize those that need upgrades and/or repairs.
Measure #9, continue existing public outreach measures, will carry on throughout the
duration of the six-year period. The existing public outreach is described in the Historical
Water Conservation Program above (Table 1 and page 5) and includes education to the
City’s water customers.
Prior to implementation of adopted measures, an evaluation of cost effectiveness and
estimated water and energy savings will be conducted for each adopted measure.
Funding for a pilot program for measures #1-3 is incorporated into the 2009 water
conservation budget; measure #4 was financed through the 2008 budget, and
measures #5 and #9 were paid for through the 2008 budget. Measures #6-8 will be
financed in later years as the budget allows. Cost-sharing opportunities with other local
utilities will also be explored for some measures. Adopted measures will continue to be
implemented as long as they result in water savings, water conservation education, and
are cost-effective to the utility. This analysis will be conducted using the US
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Water Conservation Plan Guidelines, AWWA
Water Conservation Programs Planning Manual, POLIS WaterSmart Scenario Builder
Soft Path Analysis Tool, or other similar methodology. An estimated timeline for the
adopted goals and measures can be found in this document.
Program Evaluation
The WUE program as a whole is mapped through a basic program logic model.
A program logic model is a picture of how the program works—the theory
and assumptions that underlie the program. The model provides a road map of the
program: how it is expected to work, what activities need to come before others, and
how desired outcomes are achieved. It is also a beneficial evaluation tool that facilitates
effective program planning, implementation, and evaluation. The WUE program logic
model will provide the framework for evaluation of the program as well as the adopted
measures. Both formative (program improvement) and summative (proof the program
worked as planned) evaluation will be on-going throughout the 6-year period at the
macro and micro levels to determine if measures are proving to be cost-effective and
meeting the short- and long-term outcomes.
City of Bellingham
Water Meter Installation Schedule

On August 11, 2008, Bellingham City Council adopted Resolution 2008-26, which
outlines the City’s Water Meter Installation Schedule as required by DOH.
Staff scheduled two meetings with Council prior to the adoption meeting; these were
open to the public and presented a menu of options the City could consider
implementing to meet the state’s metering deadline. Staff were directed by Council on
specific options to pursue and schedule over the next several years. This schedule
outlines the steps over the next 9 years the City will be taking to meet the service meter
installation mandate of 2017.
Current Distribution System Leakage (DSL)

Until all city water customers are metered, the City does not need to meet the mandated
10% or less DSL rate. The City must, however, include information on its efforts to
minimize system leakage in each Annual Performance Report. The City has had an
ongoing leak detection program since early 1994. When the origin of a leak is
determined to be on the city water main, the City repairs the leak at its own cost in a
timely manner. If the leak is determined to be on the property owner’s water service
line, the property owner is notified and held responsible to repair the leak.
Water Demand Forecast

Table 9 below demonstrates recent figures for population, number of water services,
rainfall and average daily demand.
Table 9.
Trends in Population, Services, Rainfall, and Average Daily Demand consumption
%
% Change # Rainfall ADD % Change
Year Population Change
Population Services (in) (mgd) Consumption
Services
2000 67,170 2.27% 21,493 2.37% 28.00 9.48 2.71%
2001 68,890 2.56% 22,076 2.71% 36.00 9.46 -0.21%
2002 69,260 0.54% 22,352 1.25% 24.00 10.38 9.73%
2003 69,850 0.85% 23,240 3.97% 34.00 10.63 2.41%
2004 71,080 1.76% 23,464 0.96% 35.83 10.80 1.60%
2005 72,320 1.74% 23,905 1.88% 31.06 10.59 -1.94%
2006 73,460 1.58% 24,210 1.28% 34.99 10.85 2.46%
2007 75,220 2.40% 24,573 1.50% 32.03 10.31 -4.98%
If the trends above continue, and the City is able to meet its goal of maintaining its
current per capita water use throughout the planning period, the ADD and MDD for the
City’s system will be reduced 12% in 2028 from projections without conservation
measures (Table 10).
City of Bellingham
Table 10.
Bellingham Water Demand Projections with and without Conservation

Without Conservation With Conservation
ADD MDD ADD MDD
Current Year 10.32 19.81 -- --

2014 14.20 27.26 12.54 24.08
2028 19.27 37.00 16.99 32.63
Note: Demands in mgd.
Using the population and employment projections and applying the per capita unit
demand factors, future water demand requirements for the City’s water distribution
system were determined. To project future water demands, it was also assumed that
the unit demand factors and the peaking factors would remain constant through the
planning period. The projected water system demands for the required 6-year and 20-
year planning periods are summarized in Table 11 and in Figure 4 below.
Table 11.
Total Projected Water Demands

Year Water Water ADD Backwash and MDD Backwash and Total Total
System ADD System MDD Plant Usage (mgd) Plant Usage (mgd) ADD MDD
(mgd) (mgd) (mgd) (mgd)
2008 11.5 22.0 0.6 1.2 12.1 23.2
2009 11.8 22.6 0.6 1.2 12.4 23.8
2010 12.1 23.2 0.7 1.3 12.7 24.5
2011 12.4 23.8 0.7 1.3 13.1 25.1
2012 12.7 24.5 0.7 1.3 13.4 25.8
2013 13.1 25.2 0.7 1.4 13.9 26.6
2014 13.5 25.9 0.7 1.4 14.2 27.3
2028 18.3 35.1 1.0 1.9 19.3 37.0

City of Bellingham
Figure 4.
60
50
40
Water Demand (mgd)
30
20
10
0
2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
Year
ADD MDD PHD
Reclaimed Water Opportunities

The City of Bellingham recognizes the importance of reuse of treated wastewater in
reducing the demand for potable water and coordinating the Water System Plan and the
Sewer Comprehensive Plan. The City of Bellingham’s wastewater treatment facility
would serve as the supply of reclaimed wastewater. Creating reclaimed water,
however, would require significant and costly improvements to existing treatment
processes to generate the requisite Class-A standard for effluent reuse.
The City has considered potential customers for water reuse from two perspectives.
One is to identify current large water customers of the City. Table 12 provides a listing
of the top 20 water customers of the City.
Table 12.
Top 20 Users of Reclaimed Water Consumption
Last Name Total Percent of

Consumption Total
(ccf)1
Western Washington University 113,063 4.31%
Whatcom County WD 2 71,783 2.74%
Whatcom County WD 7 54,280 2.07%
Port of Bellingham 52,115 1.99%
City of Bellingham 43,675 1.66%
Bellingham Cold Storage 43,096 1.64%
City of Bellingham
Top 20 Users of Reclaimed Water Consumption
Last Name Total Percent of

Consumption Total
(ccf)1
Bellingham School District 33,524 1.28%
Bellingham Golf and Country 32,415 1.24%
Saint Joseph’s Hospital 30,798 1.17%
Haggens 27,995 1.07%
Bellingham Housing Authority 27,464 1.05%
Bellis Fair 27,340 1.04%
Trans-Ocean Products, Inc. 23,470 0.89%
Habitat Properties, LP 21,916 0.84%
Britax Heath Tecna, Inc. 21,903 0.83%
Northwest Health Care Linen 21,131 0.81%
Kimco Realty Corporation 18,932 0.72%
Icicle Seafoods 18,882 0.72%
Whatcom County Administrative Services 17,055 0.65%
Bornstein Seafoods, Inc. 16,312 0.62%
1
Total Consumption measured from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007.
CCF = hundred cubic feet
A review of Table 12 reveals the following facts. First, many of the largest customers
actually represent many smaller points of consumption, for example, Bellingham
Housing Authority, Bellingham School District, City of Bellingham, Haggens and
Western Washington University. Other large water users are food processors such as
Bornstein Seafoods and Icicle Seafoods, where reclaimed water use would not be
permitted.
Two of the largest City water customers are wholesale customers of the City (Whatcom
County Water Districts 2 and 7). The City could not substitute reclaimed water to these
wholesale customers.
This assessment still leaves several potential reuse customers from the list of top water
users. The City examined these potential customers and assessed the feasibility of
extended reclaimed water service from the wastewater treatment plant to these
potential customers. The location of six potential reclaimed water users and their
locations in relationship to the WWTP are shown on Figure 4-3. An assessment of
these potential reclaimed customers revealed the following facts:
• Fairhaven Park is located about 5,000 feet away from the WWTP at about
elevation 170 feet.
City of Bellingham
• Lake Padden golf course is located about 20,000 feet away from the WWTP at
about elevation 470 feet. It could potentially use reclaimed water for 3 to 4
months. In addition, the golf course’s proximity to Lake Padden could limit reuse
potential.
• Boulevard Park and the new waterfront area is located about 15,000 feet away
from the WWTP at about elevation 170 feet. It could potentially use reclaimed
water for 3 to 4 months.
• Fairhaven Middle School is located about 3,000 feet away from the WWTP at
about elevation 150 feet. It could potentially use reclaimed water for 3 to 4
months.
• Bellingham Golf & Country Club is located about 35,000 feet away from the
WWTP at about elevation 170 feet. It could potentially use reclaimed water for 3
to 4 months.
• PSE and the Cogeneration Plant is a peaking power plant that has unpredictable
water demands. When operating it uses up to about 200,000 gal/day.
The combination of the costs of adding Class Treatment to the WWTP, and of pumping
and piping of reclaimed water to existing potential customers make reuse of treated
wastewater economically unfeasible. The cost of the additional treatment would be
great. Even greater would be the cost of constructing miles of transmission and
distribution pipes to convey the treated wastewater to the points of application. The
total amount of water that would be off-set from the City’s supply would be relatively
small considering the large cost of additional treatment and conveyance. As a result,
reuse of treated wastewater does not make sense for the City of Bellingham at this time
and is not something the City will pursue during the life of this Water System Plan.
The City does, however, understand the importance of reuse of treated wastewater in
potentially reducing demand for potable water. Bellingham will continue to evaluate the
use of reclaimed water and will pursue any viable opportunities that are identified.
Rate Structure Analysis

At present, the City uses a “cost-of-service” basis for its water rate structure that was
adopted in 2004. The City of Bellingham provides water service to roughly 24,000
customers (91,000 people) inside and outside of its boundaries. Customers pay water
rates under a structure the City most recently modified in 2007 through Ordinance No.
2007-12-106, establishing a multi-year rate strategy extending through 2012. In 2010,
the City will begin reviewing other water rate structure models that encourage water
demand efficiency for consideration for the new rate adoption beginning 2013.
Marginal Cost
Two methods were utilized in calculating marginal cost for the City. One
approach attempts to quantify the current unit cost of existing capacity based on current
operating costs and annualized capital costs based on the current replacement cost of
the City's water system. (Based on 2008 data, replacing the $139.3 million in City water
City of Bellingham
assets would cost about $666.2 million in 2009 dollars.) This "marginal cost revenue
requirement" is divided by the total projected demand to determine the marginal cost
per ccf based on the current unit cost of existing capacity. Another approach focuses
on incremental water system investments needed to provide additional capacity, based
on the growth-related portion of capital project costs and the incremental demand
attributable to growth over the capital project planning period. This approach also
involves deriving an annualized revenue requirement, but does so on an incremental
basis (e.g., incremental operating and capital costs attributable to expansion-related
capital projects). Table 13 displays both unit cost of existing capacity as well as unit
cost of incremental expansion.
Table 13.
Marginal Cost
Unit cost of existing capacity $10.47 ccf
Marginal unit cost of expansion (incremental) $1.98 ccf
The above marginal unit cost of expansion is based on the expansion portion of planned
Capital Improvement Projects. The $1.98 /ccf thus understates the true marginal cost of
new supply, as a new system would require not only supply, but treatment and
transmission as well. It is difficult to define, develop, and implement an effective
marginal-cost structure that successfully promotes the most efficient use of the water
system, given the interplay of all the factors that drive rates (changes in costs, growth
patterns, customer characteristics, weather and climatic conditions, etc). In addition,
due to economies of scale, the marginal cost of providing water initially decreases as
more water is sold; rates based on marginal cost would be lower than rates based on
average costs, which ultimately contradicts promoting water conservation. To help
remedy this, the City could develop rates based on longer-term marginal costs.
WUE Program
City of Bellingham
Estimated WUE Measure Timeline
WUE Goals
1. Maintain city-wide per capita daily consumption at an average of 105 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) for residential use, and 77 gpcd for non-residential use
for the next 6 years.
2. Keep city-wide water demand equal to or below city population growth rate for the next 6 years.
2008 2009 2010

WUE MEASURES J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
1. Toilet Retrofit Program for SFR
2. Toilet Retrofit Program for Multi
3. Toilet Retrofit Program for Comm
4. 6th Water Conserv. Grade Prog x x
5. Lawn watering Doorhanger ° ° °
6. High-Efficiency Fixture Prog
7. Water Conserv. Rate Struct.
8. City Parks High Effic. Irrig. Syst.
9. Existing Measures ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° °
WUE Program
City of Bellingham
Estimated WUE Measure Timeline
WUE Goals
1. Maintain city-wide per capita daily co
for the next 6 years.
2. Keep city-wide water demand equal t
2011 2012 2013

WUE MEASURES J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
1. Toilet Retrofit Program for SFR
2. Toilet Retrofit Program for Multi
3. Toilet Retrofit Program for Comm
4. 6th Water Conserv. Grade Prog
5. Lawn watering Doorhanger
6. High-Efficiency Fixture Prog
7. Water Conserv. Rate Struct.
8. City Parks High Effic. Irrig. Syst.
9. Existing Measures
WUE Program
City of Bellingham

WUE Program Logic Model
Public at Large SFR Toilet Retrofit % reduction in

Program # Audits
consumption data
Public, Private, and Conducted

Government
MFR Toilet Retrofit
Partnerships # Fixtures
Program
Replaced or
Funding Installed
Stewardship/
Commercial Toilet
Behavior Modeling
Water and Retrofit Program

Wastewater Facilities # Distributed Indoor
Conservation Kits
High‐Efficiency # HEF Replaced
City Staff Fixture Program HEF Policy/Code or Installed
Adoption

WUE Guidelines City Parks High‐ % reduction in Maintain city‐wide

Efficiency Irrigation consumption per capita daily
# Parks Upgraded
Schools Upgrade consumption at an
Stewardship/ average of 105
Behavior Modeling
# Participants gallons per capita

Equipment
per day (gpcd) for
Duration of
Increased residential usage,
Education Program material exposure
Technology community and 77 gpcd for
knowledge of water non‐residential
# Evaluations
as an important usage for the next
Returned
Media, i.e. Print, resource six years.
Radio, Television, and Lawn Watering Door
# Delivered
Web Hanger Campaign Decrease in visible
excess watering
Est. % compliance
Water with volunteer
Increase in proper
outdoor watering
use and
schedule
adjustment of
Existing Public sprinklers
Outreach Measures
‐ VMP
‐ RSRP # Home
# meters installed
‐ Rain Barrel Program participating in
‐ Direct Contact, i.e. VMP
Events and Tabling
‐ Indirect Contact, i.e. # RSRP Workshops
Displays, Handouts, % Stormwater
Mailings, and Media reduction
# Homes
‐ Leak Detection participating in
RSRP % reduction in
water consumption
# Rain Barrel % Increase in home Keep city‐wide
workshops and installation and use water demand
participants of rain barrels equal to or below
the city population
Rain barrel
% reduction in growth rate over
program
peak season the next six years.
evaluation
demand
# Sales of rain
barrels
# Inquiries
# of Website Visits
Water Conservation Revenue (+/‐)
Rate Structure
# Airings of PSA’s
and videos
% Increase direct
# Handouts, public contacts and
Brochures, Mailings education
Printed/Distributed
# Public Events and
Presentations
W

# Leaks Repaired % water savings
Appendix S: Example of a Small Municipal WUE
Program
Note/Disclaimer: The Department of Health did not officially approve this WUE program. We consider it to
be a good example of how you might want to think about writing your own program if you operate a
smaller water system. The Partnership for Water Conservation helped this small water system create and
write their WUE program.
Objectives
The objectives of this document are:
• Describe how the Clear Lake Water District (Clear Lake) will meet the state requirements of the
Water Use Efficiency Rule (WUE Rule)
• Outline the water use efficiency goal Clear Lake has established
• Describe the water use efficiency measures that Clear Lake has chosen to implement to meet its
goals
Clear Lake’s water use efficiency program will be re-evaluated annually.
New Water Use Efficiency Plan

Under the WUE Rule (for more information on the WUE Rule see Addendum C), Clear Lake must set
water use efficiency goals by July 1, 2010 and measure progress each year toward meeting those goals.
Goals must include a measurable outcome, address water supply characteristics, and include an
implementation schedule. Clear Lake must also evaluate or implement efficiency measures to help
meet the goals.
Goal and Measures

Clear Lake's goal will be to reduce their summer usage by .5% by the year 2012 or roughly 25,000 gallons
by the year 2012. Clear Lake evaluated various different scenarios and came up with an attainable goal
for a water savings. Because Clear Lake’s historic usage is highest during the summer months, the
community decided to focus water savings during those times.
Clear Lake will reduce its water use by utilizing two different measures:
1) Clear Lake will encourage their customers to conserve water by implementing a conservation rate
structure to target demand during the summer for outdoor water use. The new rate structure will target
and affect most of the excessive outdoor water users during the summer months.
2) Clear Lake will increase efforts to promote water conservation among their customers and reduce
overall water demand. They will more proactively focus on efforts to educate their customers about
water conservation during all seasons. This educational information will primarily be provided bi-
monthly to customers in the form of tips for outdoor and indoor water use. These will be in the form of
regular messages included in their billings. Clear Lake will also include separate mailings for seasonal tips
such as those for winterizing houses to prevent leaks. Education during the summer months will focus
on reducing outdoor water use, and during the winter months will focus on reducing indoor use.
Table 1 summarizes the years 2008 and 2009 production and consumption volumes and water loss.
Table 1
2008/2009TownDistribution System Leakage Summary
Month Production Consumption Distribution System Leakage
(gal) (gal) Volume (gal) Percentage
2008
Jan/Feb 1,008,304 732,292 276,012 27.4%
Mar/Apr 833,011 733,788 99,223 11.9%
May/June 1,156,408 1,712,172 (555,764) (48.1)%
July/Aug 2,187,152 2,113,848 73,304 3.4%
Sep/Oct 1,959,644 1,248,412 711,232 36.3%
Nov/Dec 1,052,436 824,296 228,140 21.7%
Flushing* 475,000 (475,000)
TOTALS 8,197,955 7,839,808 358,147 4.4%
2009
Jan/Feb 1,443,640 1,306,756 136,884 9.5%
Mar/Apr 878,152 779,416 98,736 11.2%
May/June 1,608,200 1,498,992 109,208 6.8%
July/Aug 2,347,224 2,196,128 151,096 6.4%
Sep/Oct 1,091,332 1,331,440 (240,108) (22.0)%
Nov/Dec 1,315,732 1,037,476 278,256 21.1%
Flushing* 213,400 (213,400)
TOTALS 8,684,280 8,363,608 320,672 3.7%
* Misc Flushing and Fire Dept Usage
Water Use Efficiency Measures

The WUE Rule requires that water efficiency measures must be implemented or evaluated. WAC 246-
290-810 identifies the minimum number of water use efficiency measures that must be evaluated based
on system size. Clear Lake has less than 500 connections and therefore must evaluate or implement one
supplementary water use efficiency measure in addition to the mandatory measures. The following
sections describe the mandatory measures and the supplemental measures Clear Lake will implement.
Mandatory Measures:
1. Source and Service Metering and Meter Calibration
Clear Lake currently meters all customers and sources. Clear Lake is already in compliance with this
requirement.
2. Leak Detection and Water Accounting
Clear Lake has maintained a low Distribution System Leakage (DSL). They are a relatively new system
and have not had many problems with leakage. Their three-year rolling average is 3.3 percent and is in
compliance with this requirement.
3. Customer Education
Clear Lake sends out seasonal water conservation tips to their customers during the beginning of each
season to help prepare customers for the changing season.
Supplementary Measures Clear Lake will Implement:
1. Rates that Encourage Efficiency
Clear Lake is working with the Partnership for Water Conservation and the Rural Community Assistance
Corporation to determine a competitive rate structure. They want to implement a rate structure that
will provide financial sustainability as well as encourage high water users to reduce usage during the
summer months of June, July, and August.
2. Bi-monthly Educational Seasonal Conservation Information
Clear Lake will offer more frequent educational information outlining more efficient indoor and outdoor
water use during each billing cycle. Bi-monthly educational tips will target the high users of water in the
area. Clear Lake will educate the public about why water conservation is important and why there is a
particular need to lower water usage during the peak months of June, July, and August. Conservation
tips will address seasonal topics such as outdoor water reduction in the yard, and during the winter
months will focus on indoor leak prevention tips.
Clear Lake will implement all of the measures listed previously as part of their new WUE Program as well
as continue with measures they are currently using. Table 2 summarizes these measures.
Table 2
New WUE Program Measures
Implemented Measure Applicable Customer Classes
Conservation Rate Structure 1
Educational Materials 1
Total Measures Counted 2
Target Water Savings Projections
Table 3 shows projected savings from these goals and measures.
Table 3
Projected Water Use Efficiency Savings
Year Population Population Usage Usage Yearly Usage
Summer Winter (gal/capita/day) (gal/capita/day) Savings (Gal)
Summer Winter
2007 313 273 77.21 47.02 N/A
2008 321 281 85.93 45.05 N/A
2009 325 285 83.22 60.66 N/A
2010 325 285 81.98* 50.91 8,333
2011 325 285 81.84* 50.91 16,667
2012 325 285 81.71* 50.91 25,000
Maximum 378 338 N/A N/A N/A

Capacity
*Based on 3-year average usage
Demand Forecasting
The WUE Rule has added new criteria to consider when preparing demand forecasts. Clear Lake is now
required to project demands both with and without anticipated savings from the WUE program. It also
provides a basis to measure conservation success versus actual water use data. Clear Lake has a
maximum of 15 connections. All connections have been sold, limiting future growth of the system.
Table 4 provides water demand forecasts with and without anticipated savings from the WUE Program.
Table 4
Demand Forecast With and Without Conservation Savings
Year Population Population Without With Average Day
Summer Winter Conservation Conservation Demand
Average Day Average Day (gpd) Winter
Demand Demand
(gpd) (gpd)
Summer Summer
2007 313 273 24,168 N/A 12,835

2008 321 281 27,578 N/A 12,654
2009 325 285 27,318 N/A 17,258
2010 325 285 26,354* 26,300* 14,249*
2011 325 285 26,354* 26,263* 14,249*
2012 325 285 26,354* 26,218* 14,249*
Maximum 378 338 N/A N/A N/A
Capacity
*Based on 3 year avgs
Annual Performance Reporting

Clear Lake must submit a performance report to the Department of Health by July 1st, and each year
thereafter. The annual report must include:
• Total source production and system wide consumption

• Distribution system leakage in percentage and volume
• Goal description, schedule, and progress toward meeting goals
The Washington Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (DOH) has developed a report form
that must be used. DOH has also developed a spreadsheet to track monthly production and
consumption volumes and calculated DSL volume and percentage. These reports will be made available
to the public.
Summary
To comply with the new requirements set forth in the WUE Rule Clear Lake has set a goal to reduce
summer water use by .5% by the year 2012. Clear Lake will employ several measures to accomplish this
goal, which are as follows:
• Implementing a new rate structure

• Increase customer education
If their goal is realized, Clear Lake will see a total savings of 25,000 gallons per year by 2012.
Addendum A
History of Clear Lake Water District’s Water Use and Programs
In order to understand the Clear Lake’s (Town) water efficiency goals, it is important to review their
history prior to the setting of the current goals.
Water Supply Characteristics
The current source of water for Clear Lake is one ground water well. Clear Lake is within the Nisqually
Watershed Resource Inventory Area 11 (WRIA 11).
The water right was granted in 1995. Clear Lake acquired a well site located in the southeast ¼ of the
northwest ¼ of the northeast ¼ of Section 27, Township 17 North, Range 4 East (27/04E-27B). The well
was completed at a depth of 400 feet and developed in a water-bearing sand and gravel from 369 to 384
feet below ground. The water right for the well allows for an instantaneous withdrawal of 230 gallons
per minute (gpm) and an annual withdrawal of 59 acre-ft/yr (19.2 MG/Yr).
Table 5 summarizes water rights held by Clear Lake.
Table 5
Clear Lake’s Existing Water Rights
Source Name
Permit/ Primary or Existing Water Rights
Certificate Supplemental
No. Right Instantaneous Annual Withdrawal
gpm acre-feet MG
Groundwater Well G2-28922 Primary 230 59 19.2
The Effects of the Clear Lake’s Past Programs
Clear Lake’s past conservation efforts have been mainly educating their customers about what they can
do to reduce their water consumption. They have periodically sent out seasonal tips to their customers
encouraging them to prepare for the winter or summer months. Clear Lake has focused on educating
their customers about winterizing their pipes for the winter months and proper watering techniques for
the summer months. Because Clear Lake has a seasonal population it can sometimes take a month or
two to find out that a pipe has broken or that a hose has been left on. The winter population is very low
and uses a very small amount of water, so Clear Lake wants to focus its efforts on the summer months.
Table 6 summarizes water use since 2007.
Table 6
Historic Annual Use Per Capita (may change to winter/summer)
Year Population Population Gal/capita/day Gal/capita/day
Summer Winter Summer Winter
2007 313 273 77.21 47.02
2008 321 281 85.93 45.05
2009 325 285 84.19 60.66
Water Meters
Clear Lake currently has meters on all existing customer connections and the source, and meters all new
connections.
Data Collection
Clear Lake collects data on a regular basis. The source meter is read every other day and consumption
meters are read bi-monthly for billing purposes. Clear Lake reports water produced and consumed
annually.
Clear Lake has maintained very reasonable water loss. They check meters regularly and can usually spot
irregular water usage. They have a fairly new system and have not had many problems with the system
so far. The biggest water loss is usually during the winter from a customer’s broken pipe. Their three-
year rolling average is 3.3 percent and meets the WUE guidelines of being under 10 percent.
Table 7 summarizes the last three years’ production and consumption volumes water loss, also called
distribution system leakage.
Table 7
Historic Distribution System Leakage Summary
Year Production Consumption Distribution System Leakage
(gal) (gal) Volume (gal) % 3-yr rolling average
2007 7,242,136 7,122,148 119,988 1.7% NA
2008 8,197,955 7,839,808 358,147 4.4% NA
2009 8,684,280 8,363,608 320,672 3.7% 3.3%
Customer Education
Clear Lake has promoted water conservation and educated customers about efficient water use by
including a conservation tip in their first seasonal billing statements.
Conservation Rate Structure
Clear Lake established a tiered rate structure in 2005 to comply with the Municipal Water Law. They
established a three-tiered structure after checking and comparing the rates of several community
systems in the area. Clear Lake has seen a steady rise in water consumption, particularly during the
summer months. The current rate structure does not evenly distribute the costs to the average
consumer. The high users of water are subsidized by the low users of water under the current rate
structure.
The current ensure financial sustainability for the water system. The new rate structure will be based on
the budgeting needs of the water system to include regular calibration of meters, maintenance, and
replacement used in water pumping. Additionally, the new rate structure will also be structured to
target the excessive water user’s price signal about the value of water among the top tier users. A new
rate structure would help lower excessive outdoor water use. Additionally the new rate structure will
more evenly distribute the costs to the second and third tier of customers. Future review of the rate
structure will determine if any changes will be necessary for the water system.
Table 8
Town Water Rate Summary in CCF
Customer Class Base Rate Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
0-15 (CCF) 15-30(CCF) Over 30 (CCF)
Charge per 100 Charge per 100 Charge per 100
Cubic Feet(CCF) Cubic Feet(CCF) Cubic Feet(CCF)
Single Family $20.00 $0.65 $0.90 $1.25
Table 9
New Town Water Rate Summary in CCF
Customer Class Base Rate Tier 1 Tier 2
0-15 (CCF) Over 15 (CCF)
Charge per 100 Charge per 100
Cubic Feet(CCF) Cubic Feet(CCF)
Single Family $20.00 $1.25 $1.90

Addendum B
The Water Use Efficiency Rule

Water Use Efficiency Rule Background
The Washington legislature passed the Water Use Efficiency Act of 1989 (43.20.230 RCW), which
directed the Department of Health (DOH) to develop procedures and guidelines relating to water use
efficiency. In response to this mandate, the Department of Ecology (Ecology), the Washington Water
Utilities Council, and DOH jointly published a document titled Conservation Planning Requirements
(1994).
In 2003, the Municipal Water Supply – Efficiency Requirements Act (Municipal Water Law) was passed
and added new requirements to RCW 70.119A. It requires additional conservation measures and serves
as the new standard for water efficiency for all public water systems, in particular municipal water
suppliers. The Municipal Water Law, among other things, directed DOH to develop the Water Use
Efficiency Rule (WUE Rule), which became effective January 22, 2007. The WUE Rule is outlined in WAC
246-290 and the Water Use Efficiency Guidebook (DOH Publication #331-375). These documents
provide guidelines and requirements regarding the development and implementation of conservation
and efficiency programs for public water systems and municipal water suppliers. Conservation and
efficiency programs developed in compliance with these documents are required by DOH and by
Ecology as part of a public water system water right application. Conservation must be evaluated and
implemented as an alternate source of supply before state agencies approve applications for new or
expanded water rights.
The WUE Rule sets more stringent requirements for public water systems. The Water Use Efficiency
Guidebook replaces the 1994 Conservation Planning Requirements and is comprised of eight chapters:
1. Introduction to Water Use Efficiency Requirements

2. Water Meters
3. Data Collection
4. Demand Forecasting
5. Water Use Efficiency Program
6. Distribution System Leakage
7. Goal Setting and the Public Forum
8. Annual Performance Report
Water Use Efficiency Descriptions and Requirements

The Water Use Efficiency Guidebook establishes varying implementation and evaluation requirements
for municipal water suppliers (MWS). The new requirements focus on the importance of measuring
water usage and evaluating the effectiveness of the WUE program. There are three fundamental
elements to the Rule, including planning, distribution leakage standards, and goal setting and
performance reporting.
Table 10
Summary of WUE Requirements
Requirement Deadline for MWS under
1,000 connections
Begin collecting production and consumption data January 1, 2008
Include WUE program in planning documents January 22, 2008
Set WUE goals July 1, 2010
Submit first annual performance report July 1, 2010
Meet distribution system leakage standard (based on 3-year July 1, 2011, or 3 years after
rolling average) installing all service meters
Complete installation of all service meters January 22, 2017
Water Meters
Metering all water production and consumption is critical for determining system-wide and individual
water use efficiency. The Rule sets deadlines for meter installation and data collection, which are shown
in Table 11.
Table 11
Meter and Data Collection Deadlines
Requirement Deadline for MWS under 1,000
connections
Install production meter(s) January 22, 2007
Begin collecting production and consumption data January 1, 2008
Complete installation of all service and intertie meters January 22, 2017
As Table 11 indicates, the WUE Rule requires production meters on all existing and new water sources
now, and requires consumption meters on all customer connections by 2017.
Data Collection
The WUE Rule requires regular collection of production and consumption data. Data must be reported
in Clear Lake’s planning documents and in its annual performance report to DOH. Water use data will
be used for the following:
• Calculating leakage
• Forecasting demand for future water needs
• Identifying areas for more efficient water use
• Evaluating the success of the WUE program
• Describing water supply characteristics
• Aiding in decision-making about water management
It was recommended by DOH to begin collecting production and consumption data by January 1, 2008 in
order to have a year’s worth of data available to prepare the first annual report, due July 1, 2009.
The WUE Rule also sets requirements for collecting source and service data. Source meters must be
read monthly and reported in monthly and annual totals. Service meter totals must be reported in
annual amounts for each customer class, although it is recommended to read meters every one to two
months.
The WUE Rule requires that water distribution systems have a three-year rolling average leakage rate of
less than 10 percent of finished water production by July 1, 2011. Distribution system leakage is defined
as the water lost from the distribution system and includes both apparent losses and real losses.
Apparent losses include things such as theft, meter inaccuracies, and data collection errors. Real losses
are the physical losses from the distribution system and include such things as reservoir overflows and
leaky water mains. Known or credibly estimated losses can be excluded from the leakage calculations
and may include uses such as construction, firefighting, and flushing.
Distribution system leakage for Clear Lake equals the difference between the treated supply volume
from each source and the volume measured at the customers’ meters plus any credibly estimated
authorized unmetered usage.
Appendix T: Examples of a Water Loss Control
Action Plan
Example #1:
Our water system established a supply-side goal to reduce Distribution System Leakage (DSL) to
less than 10% by 2010 or within 3 years after becoming fully metered. We finished installing
water meters on all connections and city-owned facilities in April 2010. The DSL was at 20% for
2008 and was reduced to 19.2% in 2009; which is a savings of 1 MG per month on average.
We have been very active in taking steps to help reduce the DSL, such as repairing leaks when
they are found or when we are notified, and replacing older water lines and leaking valves. We
also set up a meter replacement schedule for the larger outdated commercial and industrial water
meters; which is expected to be completed in 2012.
As a result of replacing these meters, we expect our revenue to increase from more accurate
measurements. The city has taken steps to verify the collection of the monthly data and to have
the source meters calibrated for accuracy. We plan to propose a 1% rate increase to our city
council this spring to cover the expenses of needed infrastructure improvements to reduce DSL.
We are concerned with the amount of DSL and committed to finding, repairing, and meeting the
established system distribution leakage standard by 2013.
Example #2:
Summary
The Water Department is effectively working to reduce our Distribution System Leakage (DSL).
We established a supply side goal to reduce DSL from 15.2 % to 12.5% by 2013. We expect to
achieve 10% or less DSL by 2015.
Finding Apparent Losses

The first step is to find out more about our apparent losses by obtaining more accurate data. To
do this, we aim to resolve our method of reading meters this year. We installed radio-read meters
last year to obtain more accurate consumption data year-round because we didn't read manual
meters during the winter. We also plan to implement a system to account for the un-metered
authorized water consumption, like hydrant flushing. Last year, we identified an unauthorized
connection without a meter tapped into the system. The situation has been corrected and we
continue to look for and remove any unauthorized consumption.
Finding Real Losses

Another priority of ours is to identify sources of water loss within our system. Our leak detection
survey has been a great success. Initially in 2007, our calculated leakage was over 22%. We have
reduced that to an average of 15% in 3 years and established future goals to reduce it to less than
10% DSL by 2015.
We had a company perform a leak detection survey in 2009; the results of that survey prompted
us to replace 750 feet of water main. We also discovered many deteriorated service line
connections (between the main water line and service lines to customers), and we have replaced
or are working to replace those lines next year.
At this time, only two of six city-owned buildings/facilities have meters installed. We will install
meters on those other four facilities by 2012.
We also have planned a new metered filling station for water trucks and the Fire Department.
This will help us track previously unmetered authorized uses for trucks for cleaning streets, fire
fighting, or construction.
In addition, we have taken the following measures to reduce the annual volume of water loss:
1. Resolution #304 enforces a $500 fine for unauthorized fire hydrant use.
2. Upgraded meter telemetry capabilities and reliability for increased monitoring of water
production.
3. Calculating distribution system leakage twice a month as well as the required annual
calculation.
4. Quick and efficient response by staff to all known distribution leaks.
5. The replacement of aging and unreliable watermains.
6. An annual leak detection program that will survey a minimum of 25% of our watermains
every year until compliance is achieved.
Funding Our Water Loss Program

The water department staff and city council have made both a financial and philosophical
commitment to using our water effectively and wisely, now and into the future. Through both
changes to our rate structure and actively seeking out loans for needed system
improvements/repairs, we expect to meet our DSL reduction goal. We will achieve this by:
• Enhancing Our Conservation Billing Structure – Our rates are designed to reward
conservation and penalize over use. We adopted a third tier to the existing two-tiered rate
billing system. Those customers in the third tier will now pay more for excessive water
use, which will help fund our WUE program and provide general financial viability for
our water system.
• Seeking Funding Opportunities: We will actively seek funding to repair our aging
infrastructure, which is over 50 years old in some areas.
Appendix U: Water Use Efficiency Requirements
for Non-municipal Water Suppliers
Small Water System Management Program (SWSMP)
These are the Water Use Efficiency Requirements for Non-municipal Systems if you are
completing a Small Water System Management Program (SWSMP)
A complete water use efficiency (WUE) program includes both supply side (water system) and
demand side (customer) strategies for efficient water use. A utility should demonstrate its
efficient use of the resource and help their customers to use water efficiently. This guidance has
been developed to assist non-municipal water systems in meeting the planning requirements and
recommendations regarding water use efficiency.
WAC 246-290-105
(1) The purpose of a SWSMP is to:
a) Demonstrate the system’s operational, technical, managerial, and financial capability to
achieve and maintain compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal plans and
regulations.
b) Establish eligibility for funding under chapter 246-296 WAC.
(2) All non-community and all community systems not required to complete a WSP as described
under WAC 246-290-100(2) shall develop and implement a small water system management
program.
Water Use Efficiency-Related Requirements

1. Per WAC 246-290-496(1)(a), Install production (source) meters.
2. Provide water production data monthly and annually for each source and provide water
consumption data for residential and non-residential annual totals, WAC 246-290-
105(4)(h)(i and ii).
3. Forecast demand considering water use trends based on actual water use records, WAC
246-290-105(4)(k)(i).
4. Evaluate a rate structure that would encourage water use efficiency, WAC 246-290-
105(4)(l).
5. Create a water use efficiency program, WAC 246-290-105(4)(g).
WAC 246-290-010 defines a WUE program as policies and activities focusing on increasing
water supply efficiency and water demand efficiency to minimize water withdrawals and water
use.
The WUE program recommendations summarized below replace the Water Conservation
Program (Element 14) previously required in the Small Water System Management Program.
We recommend that an effective WUE program should include:

• Set water saving goals for supply side (water system) and demand side (customer) to
promote water use efficiency.
• Identify water saving measures to meet goals.
• Evaluate, report, and manage water loss.
• Educate your customers about WUE.
• Install consumption meters to determine annual residential and non-residential usage.
• Evaluate WUE program effectiveness every 6 years.
• Report WUE program success annually to your customers. Consider using an annual
newsletter or your annual consumer confidence report.
Water System Plan (WSP)
These are the Water Use Efficiency Requirements for Non-municipal Systems if you are
completing a Water System Plan (WSP)
A complete water use efficiency (WUE) program includes both supply side (water system) and
demand side (customer) strategies for efficient water use. A utility should demonstrate its
efficient use of the resource and help their customers to use water efficiently. This guidance has
been developed to assist non-municipal water systems in meeting the planning requirements and
recommendations regarding water use efficiency.
WAC 246-290-100 WAC

(1) The purpose of a Water System Plan is to:
a) Demonstrate the system’s operational, technical, managerial, and financial capability to
achieve and maintain compliance with relevant local, state, and federal plans and
regulations.
b) Demonstrate how the system will address present and future needs in a manner consistent
with other relevant plans and local, state, and federal laws, including applicable land use
plans.
c) Establish eligibility for funding under chapter 246-296 WAC.
Water Use Efficiency-Related Requirements

1. Per WAC 246-290-496(1)(a), install production (source) meters.
2. Provide water production data monthly and annually for each source and provide water
consumption data for each customer class (annual totals) per WAC 246-290-100(4)(b)(ii)(A
and B). If over 1,000 connections, include seasonal variations, WAC 246-290-100(4)(d).
3. Provide a demand forecast for a consecutive 6-year and 20 year period with and without
efficiency savings, WAC 246-290-100(4)(c).
4. For systems serving 1000 or more connections, evaluate reclaimed water opportunities,
WAC 246-20-100(4)(f)(vii).
5. Evaluate the affordability and feasibility of a water rate structure that will encourage water
demand efficiency, WAC 246-290-100(4)(j)(iv).
6. Create a water use efficiency program, WAC 246-290-100(4)(f)(i), taking into consideration
the water supply characteristics and affect from current and future use on water supply (see
WAC 246-290-100 (4)(f)(ii)(B) and Appendix C).
WAC 246-290-010 defines a WUE program as policies and activities focusing on increasing
water supply efficiency and water demand efficiency to minimize water withdrawals and water
use.
The WUE program recommendations summarized below replaces the 1994 Conservation
Planning Requirements/Guidelines used in Water System Plans.
We recommend that an effective WUE program should include:
• Set water saving goals for supply side (water system) and demand side (customer) to
promote water use efficiency.
• Identify water saving measures to meet goals.
• Evaluate, report and manage water loss.
• Educate your customers about WUE.
• Install consumption meters to determine annual usage and customer class data.
• Evaluate WUE program effectiveness every 6 years.
• Report WUE program success annually to your customers. Consider using an annual
newsletter or your annual consumer confidence report.

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Water Use Efficiency

DOH 331-375 (Revised)

Chapter 1: Introduction to Water Use Efficiency Requirements

Chapter 2: Water Meters

Chapter 3: Data Collection

Chapter 4: Demand Forecasting

Chapter 5: Water Use Efficiency Program

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -2- Third Edition (January 2011)

Chapter 7: Goal Setting and the Public Forum

Chapter 8: Annual WUE Report

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -3- Third Edition (January 2011)

Appendix A: Integrating Water Use Efficiency Requirements Into Your Planning

Appendix B: Water Use Efficiency Measures

Appendix C: Water Supply Characteristics and Examples

Appendix D: Distribution System Leakage Template, Instructions, and Calculation

Appendix E: Water Use Efficiency Annual Reporting Worksheet

Appendix F: Recommended Publications and Websites

Appendix G: Water Volume Conversions

Appendix H: Goal Setting Flowchart

Appendix I: Examples of Customer Goals

Appendix J: Water Conservation Tips

Appendix K: Stop Water Waste

Appendix L: Water Tap Special Report: Water Shortage and

Appendix M: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program

Appendix N: Local Stories of Successful Water Use Efficiency Programs

Appendix O: Setting Goals to Use Water Efficiently

Appendix P: Reduce Leaks

Appendix Q: Water Conservation Leadership Guide: Issues for an Elected Governing

Appendix R: Example of a Large Municipal WUE Program

Appendix S: Example of a Small Municipal WUE Program

Appendix T: Examples of a Water Loss Control Action Plan

Appendix U: Water Use Efficiency Requirements for Non-municipal Water Suppliers

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -4- Third Edition (January 2011)

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -5- Third Edition (January 2011)

1.1 Intent of This Guidebook

We want to keep you informed of any new

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -6- Third Edition (January 2011)

Water efficiency is a “proactive approach” to protecting public health.

Contribute to long-term water supply reliability and public health protection.

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -7- Third Edition (January 2011)

Ensure efficient operation and management of water systems.

1.3 Using Water Efficiently

Distribution Leakage Standard—MWS are required to meet a distribution system leakage

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -8- Third Edition (January 2011)

Most Group A Community Water Systems are Considered MWS

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -9- Third Edition (January 2011)

Department of Ecology’s Regional Offices:

1.5 Complying with the Water Use

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -10- Third Edition (January 2011)

Table 1-1: Summary of Water Use Efficiency Requirements

Enforcing the WUE Requirements

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -11- Third Edition (January 2011)

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -12- Third Edition (January 2011)

2.1 Overview of the Metering Requirement

Table 2-1: Summary of Water Use Efficiency Requirements for Meters

2.2 Why Meters Are Important

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -13- Third Edition (January 2011)

How Much Will the Customer Meter Cost?

2.3 Production Meters

Source meters are required as of January 22, 2007.

Water Use Efficiency Guidebook -14- Third Edition (January 2011)

2.5 Intertie Meters

Permanent and Seasonal Interties

2.6 Meter Installation Schedule

Projected demand without

Projected demand with savings