Water conservation success!

180x150-SAWSBy Mark A. Peterson

Ever wondered if it’s possible to save money, water and still have an aesthetically pleasing landscape? One glance at the North San Antonio Chamber Headquarters and the answer is a definite yes.

SAWSpic1In June 2011, the North SA Chamber participated in the Commercial Irrigation Design Rebate program. Together with SAWS staff, Chamber personnel determined that capping one zone and converting six zones to multi-stream rotating heads would reduce water consumption considerably.

SAWSpic2In 2010, their annual consumption was about 350,000 gallons — or an average of 29,000 gallons of water per month. After the retrofits were completed in June 2011, consumption per month dropped to 16,830 gallons over 12 months. Comparing 2010 to 2012, consumption was reduced by 69 percent.

As part of SAWS rebate program, customers receive monthly e-mails on their conservation progress. This helps the customer and SAWS monitor water usage throughout the year and discover potential savings or system malfunctions.

Another key feature of SAWS rebate program is the performance criteria, or recommended water use. Initially the customer’s account is credited a percentage of the rebate and then water usage is monitored for 12 months. If water use meets or is less than the recommended water use, the customer receives the remaining percentage of the rebate.

For more information on the Commercial Irrigation Design Rebate, or other rebate programs visit our website at saws.org/conservation. Or, call us at 210-704-SAVE.

Leadership Lab Alumni Association Chair: Karen Guz #SAWS

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Guz_KarenAbout the Company: The mission of San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is to provide secure affordable water services for their customers. Since the formation of SAWS, San Antonio has been recognized nationally for its novel conservation efforts and proactive water management planning, making San Antonio water’s most resourceful city. As the Conservation Director for SAWS Karen leads a team that assures efficient use of our water resources through programs that engage people in their homes and businesses.

About the Program: The Leadership Lab Alumni Association is an unincorporated affiliate of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and serves the alumni of the North SA Chamber Leadership Lab program by supporting and fostering the relationships developed by participation in Lab; providing alumni ongoing opportunities for leadership development and the establishment of new business and personal relationships; providing support and resources to Lab participants and to association members; enhancing the image and visibility of Lab and alumni in the community; and marketing association members to other business members of the Chamber.

Personally Speaking: Karen says, “The North Chamber has the capacity to bring together an enormous variety of business and community leaders who share a vision of a thriving and vibrant community. North Chamber working groups and events provide opportunities for individual professional growth, but also enhance community economic opportunities.”