HomeMy WebLinkAboutCivic Center Water Conservation Program ,3641°-° /
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
To City Council and City Manager
From • Richard J. Folkers,
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Subject Informational Item:
CIVIC CENTER WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Date September 10, 1987
The City of Palm Desert has become water conscious in the design
and maintenance on our landscaping responsibilities. The landscaping
of our medians with a drought tolerant design is only part of what can
be done. The irrigation systems in public areas already landscaped
with turf, ground covers shrubs, and trees can be improved to deliver
water more efficiently.
The California Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with the
United States Department of Agriculture has completed a Soil and Water
Conservation Plan on the Palm Desert Civic Center. Don Ackley,
Irrigation Specialist and Sam Aslam, District Conservationist were
interested in conducting a three year field trial on our irrigation
system and landscape material for a number of reasons. First , we are
willing to cooperate. Second, there is now a weather monitoring
station directly across from City Hall on San Pablo Avenue. And third,
the Civic Center is convenient and easily measured for water
consumption.
The benefits which the City will derive from this study is three-
fold. We can save approximately $1 ,949.00 per year. Our irrigation
system was calculated to be at 56 percent efficiency. The maximum
efficiency of our irrigation system can rise as high as 85 percent.
Next, proper irrigation timing and sprinkler maintenance will assist in
healthier plant life. Finally, in order for private citizens to be
concerned with water conservation, the City should initiate and
recommend such programs as part of our concern for the future of the
Coachella Valley. This Soil and Water Conservation Plan Field Trial
will improve sprinkler distribution uniformity, proper irrigation
timer-settings for each season, and reduction of evaporation and run-
off.
CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
APPROVED DENIED
RECEIVED --_ ^ '. F,,
MEETING' L ,: _,
AYE
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN•VERIFIED J't:
Original on FiI with City Clerk's Office
Informational Item:
CIVIC CENTER WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Again, the cost of this study and field assistance is at no cost
to the City of Palm Desert. We have already begun improving the
irrigation efficiency through this program.
;Al& /4 ;44
RICHARD J:FOLKER < P.E.
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