Irvine Ranch Water District
http://www.irwd.com/liquid-news/news-releases/archive/environmental-sustainability-remains-a-key-irwd-priority.html
Environmental Sustainability Remains a Key IRWD Priority
Published Friday, May 20, 2011
Contact: Shannon Reed, Public Affairs Manager
reeds@irwd.com, (949) 453-5500
The District is committed to protecting the environment through effective water and resource management
Protecting, sustaining and revitalizing the environment matters to IRWD. We demonstrate this longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability through a variety of innovative water management programs including urban runoff reduction and treatment, public education and environmental partnerships, recycled water and water banking, and energy sustainability.
"IRWD continues its history of environmental stewardship," said IRWD Board Director Peer Swan. "Not only do we work hard to help our customers to use water efficiently, but we have constructed the Natural Treatment System and the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary to treat urban runoff before it enters the sensitive Newport Back Bay. These facilities not only are an inexpensive way to clean the water but also create open space for wildlife and areas for people to get close to the environment - a win, win, win situation."
Urban Runoff Reduction and Natural Treatment Programs: The IRWD San Joaquin Marsh encompasses more than 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands. In addition to providing a valuable open space oasis and wildlife habitat for the community, the working wetlands help naturally clean the urban runoff from San Diego Creek, removing up to 70 percent of the nitrogen carried in the water, helping to protect the environmentally sensitive Upper Newport Bay.
Modeled after the San Joaquin Marsh, the IRWD Natural Treatment System is a series of smaller, man-made wetlands located throughout the IRWD service area. These wetlands naturally remove contaminants from urban runoff in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner. Both the Natural Treatment System and the San Joaquin Marsh help IRWD protect the environment through the treatment of natural dry-weather runoff.
Education Programs and Environmental Partnerships: The IRWD education program and partnerships with environmental organizations further exemplify our commitment to environmental sustainability. IRWD recognizes the significant impact lifelong learning can have on a community and as such, provides extensive student and community education programs in our service area. Examples include student assemblies and workshops, tours of our facilities for both students and community members, and community events aimed at educating the public on conservation, California-friendly gardening and general water management. Additionally, IRWD participates in key environmental partnerships with Sea & Sage Audubon and Discovery Science Center to provide education about our water resources and environmental sustainability throughout the community.
Reducing Reliance on Imported Water: IRWD boasts a highly diverse water supply, using local groundwater, recycled water and water banking to reduce our dependence on costly imported water. In 1990, imported water made up approximately 64 percent of IRWD’s water supply; today, it accounts for only 28 percent. Reducing the District’s reliance on imported supplies protects IRWD customers from statewide supply fluctuations, keeps costs low, and reduces our carbon footprint by decreasing the amount of imported water moved across the state to meet IRWD demands. Further, by reducing our imported demands, we help reduce demand on the environmentally sensitive Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, underscoring the District’s belief that ecological protection and restoration of the Delta is vital to ensuring the health and reliability of California’s future water supply and economy.
Energy Sustainability: The IRWD recycled water and conservation programs have significant energy efficiency benefits. Water imported to Southern California requires large amounts of power to move it across the state, particularly over the Tehachapi Mountains. By reducing our imported water use, IRWD has cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20,000 tons annually.
IRWD also has implemented an effective solar energy program designed to further reduce our carbon footprint. Nearly 700 solar panels on the roof of the IRWD Sand Canyon office building provide more than 20 percent of the total energy needed for the building. 800 panels installed on the roof of the IRWD Zone 3 drinking water reservoir produce more than half of the energy needed to run that facility. Solar energy also helps power the mixers at the IRWD Los Alisos Water Recycling Plant.
To read more about IRWD environment programs, please visit www.irwd.com and click on the “Environment” tab.
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