Folsom Announces Water Reduction Plan

Folsom, Calif. – The City of Folsom announced its plans to reduce water use citywide by 32 percent, as well as a comprehensive rebate program for its water customers. 

The plan is in response to Gov. Jerry Brown’s emergency executive order, which directs a 25 percent reduction statewide in urban water use compared with 2013. The State Water Resources Control Board water conservation regulations released Tuesday requires the City of Folsom to reduce water consumption by 32 percent. The City of Folsom is taking all necessary actions to comply with state mandates while preserving community aesthetics and protecting the City’s water rights.

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

By June 1, the City of Folsom will:

• Reduce watering in parks by 1/3. Residents will notice dry, distressed grass in some areas of parks. High traffic areas, including sports fields, will remain green.  A schematic demonstrating the effects of the planned reduced park watering schedule is below
• Remove  turf and retrofit irrigation in more than 30 medians citywide equaling approximately 1.5 acres
• Turn off irrigation on nearly one acre of ornamental streetscapes that do not have trees
• Reduce irrigation run times along city streetscapes and mini-parks to reduce water yet sustain important tree habitat
• Prohibit new homes and buildings from irrigating with potable water unless water-efficient drip irrigation systems are used
• Suspend operation of water features at Kemp, Livermore and Nisenan parks this summer.  However, the Folsom Aquatic Center opens May 23 and will remain open and fully operational for the summer season
• Replace sprinklers at City Hall with water-efficient sprinklers
• Upgrade other city facilities with water-efficient irrigation systems 

Folsom water customers can also achieve the 32 percent conservation mandate by:

• Limiting watering to two days a week, on designated watering days, in accordance with Folsom’s Stage 3 restrictions
• Detecting leaks and identifying  inefficiencies with a free water-wise home consultation, commercial water audit or large landscape irrigation audit, available through the City of Folsom
• Replacing old appliances, fixtures and plumbing with more water-efficient models

Folsom water customers can track water use and refer to 2013 water consumption by reviewing Folsom utility bills or by downloading the City of Folsom’s water conservation app Dropcounter. The City of Folsom offers a comprehensive guide to water conservation on the City’s website. 

Beginning May 13, a new rebate program will be available for Folsom water customers, including:

• Cash for Grass Rebate:  Customers can receive 50 cents per square foot, up to $1,000, towards the cost of replacing turf with a water-efficient, drought-tolerant landscape
• Irrigation Efficiency Upgrade Rebate: Customers can receive 50 percent of the cost of material, not to exceed $500, to upgrade irrigation systems. Qualified equipment includes smart irrigation controllers that adjust to atmospheric or soil moisture conditions, high-efficient rotary sprinkler nozzles and drip system retrofits
• High-Efficiency Toilets Rebate: Customers can receive 50 percent of the cost of a high-efficiency toilet up to $175, to affordably replace toilets that use 1.6 gallons or more per flush with 1.28 gallons or less per flush
• High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebate: In a program administered by SMUD, Folsom water customers can receive $50 for purchasing a high-efficiency clothes washer
• Hot Water Recirculating System Rebate: Customers can receive 50 percent of the cost, up to $100, of a recirculating system that provides instant hot water at any fixture in the home

The applications and terms and conditions for each program will be posted May 13 to the City’s website at www.folsom.ca.us. 

“Folsom water customers have done a remarkable job of conserving water, and Folsom has had some of the highest conservation rates in the state,” said Mayor Andy Morin. “It will be a bit of a give and take, but I believe we can band together and strike a balance in order to maintain the high quality of our community while remaining environmentally responsible and in compliance with state regulations.”

Folsom residents successfully reduced water consumption by 21 percent in 2014. The City reduced water consumption in parks by 27 percent, and 31 percent in Landscape and Lighting Districts. This was among the highest conservation rates statewide.

For more information about water conservation resources or to report water waste, contact 916-355-7252.