TIPS FOR BOTTOM-LINE SAVINGS

Weather is variable; our watering times should be too. A convenient on-line tool is now available to help yourlandscaping service create a beautiful setting whileminimizing water use.

The Sprinkler Index is a scientifically based guide to helppeople adjust watering schedules for landscape irrigationcontrollers (also known as “timers”) that include a waterbudget adjustment feature. This feature allows you to alterrun times with one simple adjustment, displayed as apercentage. Changed weekly based on climate changes,the Sprinkler Index is the recommended setting for theweek.

You can save a considerable amount of water and reduceyour water bill by adjusting your controller via theSprinkler Index. Visit PWPweb.com for a direct link toMWD’s Sprinkler Index.

In addition to having a good watering schedule it isimportant to turn on each irrigation valve at least monthlyto see how it is working. Look for sprinklers that are notpopping up properly, water pressure that is too high,broken or clogged nozzles, and sprinklers that are spray-ing sidewalks, etc. Also, water in the early morning hours.not in the afternoon, or much of your water will be lost toevaporation by the sun!

Keeping Pasadena’s Business Community Connected

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PASADENA WATER & POWER150 S LOS ROBLES AVE STE 350PASADENA CA 91101

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Keeping Pasadena’s Business Community Connected

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NEWS

As part of a $74 million project to provide adependable source of locally generated power,PWP is replacing vintage equipment with two new45-megawatt combustion turbines adjacent to thelong-closed Glenarm Steam Plant. To be runduring periods of peak demand and when marketrates are high, the high-efficiency turbines willhelp stabilize electric rates. They will also reducenitrous oxide emission rates by 98 percent versusthe retiring units.

Power Production Superintendent John Carfraereports that construction of the new turbines is on-target. “Demolition is now underway to clearthe site of old cooling towers and above-groundfuel storage tanks,” Carfrae said. “We are alsocompleting soil remediation and the relocation of storm drains and sewer lines. The plant

has been here since 1906, so we are findingunderground structures and obstacles we didn’texpect, but work is moving along nicely.”

GE provided procurement and engineering servicesfor the project, Carfrae said, and all necessaryequipment has been ordered. High-voltageintegration equipment is now being delivered, andthe engines and generators are on stand-by inRiverside. “One of the last steps is to award aconstruction contract, which we expect to do thismonth,” Carfrae said. Watch for more progressreports in future issues.

March 2003

After an extensive public outreach effort, the Pasadena City Council has approved changes to the water rateordinance to fund an overhaul of Pasadena’s water system.

Built largely in the 1920s and ‘50s, city pipelines, wells and reservoirs are nearing the end of their useful lives.PWP has opted for prudent action, finalizing an 18-year Water System Master Plan to ensure the durability ofour water system for years to come. Because PWP has offered some of the lowest water rates in the region fordecades, it has been unable to fund a sufficient number of major improvement projects until now.

Effective April 1, a “capital improvements charge” will be added to all PWP water bills.

PWP will decrease the allowable amount of Block I groundwater sold to customers to better match the limitedavailability of this water. These changes are expected to generate an 11 percent increase in funding, designatedfor the water master plan project, which equates to an estimated $3.2 million per year. A second 11 percent increase, scheduled for July 2004, was also approved. These two changes, which will bring in $6.4 million per year, are strictly earmarked for citywide improvements identified in the Water Master Plan.

Even with these changes, PWP will continue to offer rates that are comparable to or lower than those ofneighboring cities. And as always, PWP is pleased to offer conservation incentives, equipment and services to help customers minimize their costs.

LIVE WIREDIALOGUE

DEARSCOTT

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

AnswerLine Customer Service Water Emergencies Power Emergencies

626.744.6970 626.744.4005 626.744.4138 626.744.4673

www.PWPweb.com

Dear Scott:

What should I do in the event of a power outage?

If windstorms, rain or a vehicle accident knocks outyour power, call PWP’s Emergency Hotline at (626)744-4673. Stay away from downed power lines orlines running through trees. PWP crews will work torestore power as quickly as possible. Remember thatcordless phones will not operate in a blackout, butcell phones and standard corded telephones shouldwork. Be sure to keep a cell phone charged. Also,have flashlights, batteries and portable radios on-hand. Have employees shut off all computers andmajor appliances, which will help guard againstcircuit overload. Leave one light on to signal whenpower has been restored.

But now is the best time to help prevent problems inthe future. Make sure tree limbs around your businessare at least four feet away from power lines. If thelimbs are too close, call a tree service companycertified to trim around power lines.

Make backup power arrangements to prevent anydisruption of service to sensitive equipment. Have a

licensed electrician connect a portable backup gener-ator to the electric circuits you want to serve. Neverconnect the generator to your wiring or service panel– this can create an electrical backfeed and put fieldservice crews in danger. If you do hook up a generat-or, you are required by law to call (626) 744-4005 tonotify PWP of its location (violators are subject toprosecution).

Dear Scott:

How do toilet leak detection devices work?

The Flow Manager, manufactured by AQUAONE

Technologies, Inc., is the result of four years of exten-sive research and testing. The unit detects and stopsoverflows and leaks for tank toilets. It is equipped witha powerful microprocessor, high-tech logic board, anda safe battery-powered system. It is easy to install,operate and maintain. Bowl overflows are usuallycaused by clogged traps and tank overflows are usuallycaused by stuck fill valves or floats. Leaks can developfrom faulty, loose or corroded parts. The Flow Manag-er stems these problems through a three-part system.A bowl sensor detects high-rising water, while a tanksensor detects both high-rising water and leaks. Amain controller shuts off the toilet water flow when aproblem is detected. Prevent water waste as well ascostly damage and cleanup. To find out more, callAQUAONE at (562) 427-3096 or visitwww.aquaone.com.

With an MBA from LoyolaMarymount, Acting Director ofCustomer Care Scott Ushijimahas served the City of Pasadenasince 1993, most recently asMarketing Manager.

CUSTOMERSPOTLIGHT

Home to the People’s Choice Awards and the PasadenaSymphony, the Pasadena Convention Center and CivicAuditorium has hosted the prime-time Emmy Awards

more than 25 times as well asnumerous meetings, conven-tions, trade shows and specialevents year-round. Withmore than 375,000 visitorsper year, the landmark is nowexpecting to save more than1.2 million gallons of waterannually with new waterfreeurinals.

The complex includes the3,029-seat Pasadena CivicAuditorium, built in 1931,and the 74,000-square-footConference Center, built in1973, which features a28,000-square-foot Confer-ence Building and a 32,000-square-foot Exhibition Build-ing. Offering food andbeverage services, a list of

amenities and cutting edge audiovisual and telecommuni-cations equipment, the Center prides itself on customersatisfaction.

The Center’s staff is also interested in showcasing state-of-the-art technology, said Executive Director JamesCanfield. “So, when our Account Manager Irma Cruzsuggested we join PWP’s Waterless Urinal Program, wewere eager to join the growing number of facilities,including the Pasadena Rose Bowl, in converting to thenew fixtures.” The Center recently replaced 32 urinals

with new waterfree devices. “We’re very excited toparticipate in this program,” Canfield said. “It’s a greatopportunity to help conserve an important resource whilesaving money at the same time.”

While each urinal is expected to save an average of45,000 gallons of water per year, the technology hasmany other benefits. Because there is no flush valve orwater supply pipe work required, installation charges areminimal. Sewer costs are also reduced due to lower watervolume.

Waterfree urinals are also nearly worry-free. Their hands-free operation improvesrestroom sanitation and,because there is no flushvalve, the models are lesssusceptible to vandalism.Maintenance is simple: acartridge filters out allsediment, resulting in fewerdrain blockages. Replace-ment of the cartridge isquick and easy, the bowlcan be cleaned in seconds,and a sealant liquid forms abarrier within the cartridgeto eliminate odor.

“We’ve seen excellentresults from waterfreeurinals at other facilities,”said Cruz. “I’m pleased thatthe Pasadena ConventionCenter has joined thisgrowing trend.”

Pasadena Convention CenterExecutive Director JamesCanfield is committed to conservation.

Each water-free urinal can save up to 45,000 gallons ofwater per year, and save sewer costs as well.