Water Efficiency and Xeriscaping

Objectives: This e-learning will cover benchmarks you should be aware of, sources of excess water consumption, current water efficiency technology, billing strategies, and more. It will also address the type of plants you should select for xeriscaping, the landscape coefficient method for estimating water usage, and irrigation technology. Case studies will be provided.

Water Efficiency Topics

A. Benchmarking

• Minimum 12 months billing consumption + cost
• Benchmark sites within agency, with other agencies

B. Sources of Excess Water Consumption

• High flow fixtures /equipment
• Uncontrolled usage (outdoor faucets, etc)
• Landscaping
• Process usage (cooling towers)
• Tenant behavior

C. Technology

• Toilets (ultra low-flow, pressure assist, dual flush, waterless urinals)
• Faucets (low-flow, flow shutoff)
• Showerheads (low-flow, flow shutoff)
• Washing machines (front loading)
• Irrigation (drip irrigation, xeriscaping)
• Uncontrolled usage (outdoor faucets, etc.)

D. Billing Strategies

• Eliminate sewer charge for outdoor and process usage
• Install individual unit submeters

E. Resource Efficiency

• Rainwater harvesting
• Gray water reuse

F. Additional Benefits

• Electricity, water heating savings

G. Case Studies

Xeriscaping Topics

A. Benchmarking

• Establish current irrigation usage
• Irrigation water billing consumption and cost
• Total area irrigated

B. Landscaping Plant Selection

• Role of landscape architect
• Native species
• Low water use / drought tolerant species
• Local resources

C. Landscape Coefficient Method for Estimating Water Usage

• Local evaporation conditions (evapotranspiration rate)
• Type of grass (landscape factor, crop factor)
• Type of plant (species factor)
• Local area, structure (microclimate factor)
• Density of planting (density factor)
• Limitations

D. Irrigation Technology

• Spray sprinklers
• Drip irrigation
• Weather based irrigation controls
• Rainwater harvesting / gray water reuse

E. Case Studies

Instructor: Matt Pesce

2011 e-Learnings

Tuition

*Applicable to registrations submitted up to 30 days before the seminar start date

About NAHRO's e-Learning Courses: This NAHRO e-Learning course is brought to you by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. The online class, delivered in real time, allows you to interact with the instructor and other attendees--without leaving your desk.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. To attend the class, you will need access to a computer with a high speed internet connection and a telephone with a standard phone line (preferably with speaker function/capacity)
2. Registrants must have and provide an e-mail address to receive instructions for accessing the online class
3. Registration cancellation or substitution notices should be sent to professionaldevelopment@nahro.org
4. Only registered individuals who complete the course are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion/Attendance