On-Air Interview with Vicki Westbrook, Program Spokesperson

*Ms. Westbrook is the Deputy Director of the City of Durham Dept. of Water Management

Q: What are you trying to accomplish in the Durham Water Conservation Program?

A: With a new tiered water rate system in place, the City of Durham is working to educate all water customers and residents on the importance of water conservation, to help reduce water demand, preserve Durham’s water supplies, and instill a long-term water conservation ethic among Durham residents. To get the lowest water rate, we are encouraging our customers to follow as many of the 111 water- and money-saving tips to help use water wisely.

Q: Why is there a need for an expanded Water Conservation Program?

A: In recent years, the Southeast region, the state of North Carolina and the triangle area specifically have experienced severe drought events which have made citizens more aware of the need to protect and conserve our precious water resources. Residents could not fill swimming pools, wash cars, or water their lawns until early Spring. Some business operations were also disrupted due to the drought. One tactic that was taken by the Durham City Council included the adoption of a new tiered rate structure and other increases for water and sewer services. The new rates were effective on July 1st; and were reflected in August bills for monthly customers and in September bills for bi-monthly customers. We all need to do our part in conserving water. Every drop of water is essential to our day-to-day life and Durham’s economic and environmental sustainability. It’s time to get serious about saving water- and we can all make a difference.

Q: What changes should customers expect in their water bill? What are the benefits of the new tiered water rate system?

A: Tiered water rates are designed to encourage efficient water use. Under a tiered water rate structure, the price of water increases with each tier depending on usage. Simply put: The less water you use, the lower your bill, the more money you save, the better we preserve Durham. It’s a win-win solution-- you save money for the more important things in your life, while helping sustain Durham’s water resources, the local economy, the community, and our way of life.

The new plan includes five tiers for single family residential customers, based on water usage. The tiers are designed to reward customers who use less water by charging the lower rates. Conversely, the more water a customer uses, the higher the tier and charges for water use

All non-residential customers are set at the Tier 3 rate, and all irrigation accounts are set at the Tier 5 rate. Water and sewer service charge increases are also included in the new structure.

The new tiered rate system also benefits the City of Durham. The new rates will help pay for large capital projects including a new automated meter reading system, a new elevated water storage tank, additional water supply options (Teer Quarry and Jordan Lake), interconnections with other utilities and plant and system rehabilitation projects.

Q: What can Durham residents specifically do to conserve water and save money on their water bill?

A: With today’s high prices, every penny that we can save counts. And saving money is becoming a higher priority in households across the area. Durham’s tiered water rates mean the less water you use, the lower your rate, and the more money you save for the things you need. We encourage residents to follow as many of the 111 easy ways to save water to help reduce their water bill:

SIMPLE EVERYDAY TIPS:
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute. That's 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

• Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes and save 1,000 gallons each month. By turning off the water while you shampoo your hair, you can save an additional 50 gallons per week.

• Install a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week. Visit Durham’s City Hall to purchase a 1.5 gallon per minute water-efficient showerhead.

• Turn off the water while you shave, lather your hands, or wash your face and see water savings add up to 100 gallons a week.

• Check your toilet for leaks by putting food coloring or leftover coffee in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. Other signs that a toilet is leaking include the sound of running water and the toilet turning on and off without being flushed. You may need to replace the flapper, the handle or adjust the water level in the tank. Fixing your toilet can save more than 600 gallons a month.

• Use your clothes washer or dishwasher only when you have a full load and save up to 600 gallons each month.

• Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week. Remind your children to turn off faucets tightly to prevent dripping.

• If you are planting this season, choose drought-tolerant, low water use plant varieties for year-round landscape color. You can save up to 550 gallons each year.

• Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car, or use a bucket of soapy water to clean and clear water to rinse. Washing your car only when needed will save you hundreds of gallons each month.

You can find more tips, including a new online bill calculator, on www.durhamsaveswater.org

TOILET REBATE PROMOTION
• Did you know that October is National Toilet Repair Month?

• Upgrade to a High Efficiency Toilet (HET) and receive up to $100 credit rebate on your water bill. The City of Durham Department of Water Management is offering rebates valued at $100 when qualified water customers replace their high water using toilets with EPA Water Sense rated High Efficiency Toilet (HET) models. Any toilet purchased MUST be a High Efficiency Toilet (HETs use an average of 1.28 gallons per flush) and MUST be on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense list. Any toilet which meets the criteria and is purchased after January 1, 2008, will be eligible for the rebate. Rebates will be applied as credits to customers' water bills. To apply for the rebate/credit, you'll just need to submit all of the following:

the original dated sales receipt for your toilet
a copy of your most recent water bill
a completed Rebate Application Form

For information about the toilet rebate program, you can call 1-866-522-3806 or e-mail toiletrebate@durhamnc.gov

FALL SEASON PLANTING TIPS:

• Fall is the optimal time to prepare your yard for landscape color with drought-tolerant, low water-use plants. Two-thirds of household water-use takes place outdoors, making the yard the best place to impact water consumption.

• Plant wildflowers that will reseed themselves. They'll provide seasonal color and year-round charm to your landscape. Some suggested varieties include penstemons, desert marigold, golden dyssodia, tufted evening primrose, poppies, and lupines.

FOLLOW WATER RESTRICTIONS:
• On-going Water Restrictions: Durham continues to limit outdoor watering to two time per week, Wednesdays and Saturdays between 5:00 am and 8:00 am OR 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Customers may, however, be allowed to obtain 30-day licenses for landscaping projects delayed due to the drought.

Q: How can Durham residents get more information?

• For the complete list of 111 water-saving tips or to use our new online bill calculator, visit http://www.durhamsaveswater.org

• Call Durham One Call at 919-560-1200
• Check out Durham’s Cable Station on Cable Channel 8
• Check out your water bill stuffers and City of Durham newsletter
• Also check out educational articles on print and online
• Check out community special events in the area