CHARLOTTE COUNTY UTILITIES

1. CHARLOTTE COUNTY UTILITIES A Utility Perspective to Effective Water Conservation in the State of Florida. Presented by Jeff Pearson – CCU Utilities Director

2. Tiered Conservation Rates • Conservation rates should reduce the average per customer demand. 1st tier should reflect an average household demand (i.e. 0 – 5,999 gal.) • Rates discourage wasteful use of resources. • Rates should promote the conservation of water resources. • Conservation rates should be comparable with standard rate structures employed by other Florida utilities regulated in the same Water Management District. • Conservation rates should be simple and understandable.

3. Watering Restriction Enforcement • Enforcement is the responsibility of the Utility! • A once per week watering schedule should be implemented on a year round basis. 40 to 50% of all potable water is used for irrigation. • As the primary stakeholder, the water utility should enforce W.M.D. or local watering restrictions. • Enforcement efforts provide an opportunity to educate the public on water conservation. 1st offense should not be punitive. • Conservation is the cheapest form of new water sources.

4. Countywide Conservation Program • Conservation Program should utilize the Conserve Florida Guide. • SB 444 (June 2005) and HB 293 (June 2004), has changed the way public water suppliers plan and implement water conservation measures and best management practices (BMPs) as a condition of their Water or Consumptive Use Permit (WUP/CUP). • The Conserve Florida GUIDE, was recently developed by Malcolm Pirnie for the FDEP and the Conserve Florida Program.

5. Conserve Florida GUIDE Based Program • Develop a Utility Profile for your conservation program. • Conduct a water use evaluation. • Develop a “Water Conservation Toolbox.” • Develop the final water conservation 5-20 year plan. • Once implemented, develop Performance Benchmarks and “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) that work best for your utility. • Collaboration is the key to success!