Water Conservation Framework
Participant Profile

Municipal Entity:         City of Grand Rapids

Resolution Passed:       Yes

Overview of water conservation plan (under development):

• The City’s water conservation plan is under development, but the City has been doing many things with respect to water conservation, including: 

• Installed nternal joint seals on large transmission mains, which dramatically reduced lost water volumes;
  

• Educating the public through the distribution of AWWA pamphlets;
  

• The City’s Water/ESD LEED certified building was constructed in March 2004;
  

• The Rate Review Subcommittee was established in February 2005 and began exploring a variety of rate structures, including conservation rates, rate smoothing, and relief measures;
  

• The City’s Facilities and Fleet Management Dept. has implemented extensive programs to conserve water at City facilities, including installing automatic flush valves on all toilets and sinks, low flow toilets and showerheads, rainfall sensors and automated controls on irrigation systems, and reductions in water use in the custodial and vehicle wash operations;
  

• The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant utilizes treated wastewater wherever possible, including irrigation of the plant grounds and in operations for equipment cooling and pump seal water;

• The City’s planning department requires a minimum of 70% native Michigan species in landscaping plans submitted for review, reducing water demands for new installations;

• The CIty developed and published “Your Path to Water Wise Lawn Sprinkling” brochure in June 2008 for citizens.

• Recommendations for future conservation efforts include further restrictions on lawn irrigation; encourage the use of efficient / low usage fixtures and appliances; conduct audit of unbilled water in the system; continue public education; develop stormwater reclamation and reuse alternatives; and encourage and facilitate commercial / industrial conservation programs.
  

Contact:

Joellen Thompson
Water Systems Mgr.

jthompso@ci.grand-rapids.mi.us

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