FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
ITEM:		ACTION ITEM
2.	CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS FOR Water Conservation Equipment
Meeting Date:			February 18, 2025	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Conservation Devices
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	26-05-781187
Prepared By:			Kyle Smith	Cost Estimate:	$25,000
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Finance and Administration Committee reviewed this item on February 18, 2025, and recommended ________________.
CEQA Compliance: This action does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378.

SUMMARY: Since the 1980’s, the District has provided water conservation equipment to the public upon request and has free equipment available at various public events and workshops throughout the year. The District stocks 1.5 gallons per minute showerheads, automatic shut-off hose nozzles, faucet aerators, and other water efficient equipment and devices. Staff is requesting approval for the expenditure of up to $25,000 in budgeted funds to renew its stock of conservation equipment for the upcoming year. A display of equipment to be purchased will be provided at the meeting.

The District has purchased devices primarily from AM Conservation Group, as their products are reasonably priced, meet the quality standards expected by staff, and they offer a selection of utility-grade water conservation products. Most of the AM Conservation Group products have earned the EPA’s Watersense® and ENERGY STAR® certifications. Periodically, staff reviews products from other vendors and examines cost and quality for comparison. The other vendor the District has used is NRG, and costs were compared between the two vendors for this order with AM Conservation offering the best prices. When new products of interest become available, staff requests samples for testing before requesting quotes. The quotes for this purchase are attached as Exhibits 2-A and 2-B.

The District’s outreach program is done in coordination and partnership with California American Water. Both entities provide free devices and frequently share tablespace at outreach events.

RECOMMENDATION: The Finance and Administration Committee should recommend that the Board support the expenditure of up to $25,000 to renew the District’s stock of water conservation equipment.

IMPACT TO STAFF/RESOURCES: Funds for this expenditure were approved in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Water Conservation Program budget on line 4-2-2-D.

EXHIBITS

2-A Quote from AM Conservation Group

2-B Quote from NRG

2-C Equipment Information

U:\staff\Board_Committees\FAC prev Admin\2025\021825\Action Items\02\Item-2.docx