PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE
ITEM:		DISCUSSION ITEM
2.	REVIEW PLAN FOR ADDITONAL PUBLIC OUTREACH TO NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNERS REGARDING RETROFIT REQUIREMENTS
Meeting Date:			November 14, 2013	Budgeted:	No
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Public Outreach
			General Manager	Line Item No.: 3-1-2
Prepared By:			Stephanie Pintar	Cost Estimate:	NTE $11,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on November 12, 2013 and recommended _______________.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY:  The Water Demand Committee directed staff to implement an outreach campaign to notify non-residential water users of the District’s upcoming retrofit requirements. California American Water had planned to send a letter and rebate information to all of its customers early last summer, but the effort was postponed when CAW’s new rates were approved and CAW had to survey its customers to implement the rates in October. As an alternative to the customer mailing, the District sent postcards to all of the non-residential property owners in its Water Supply Charge database. Staff also worked with local business organizations to spread the news. However, given that a customer mailing did not occur, staff believes that a significant portion of the non-residential sector will not be aware of the requirements or of the fact that rebates will no longer be available once the new requirements take effect.

Communication with the commercial customers is essential before the end of the year. Staff has been working with Thomas Brand Consulting to determine the best methods to communicate the requirements. Attached as Exhibit 2-A is a proposal that includes mailings to property owners and customers, radio, television and internet advertising and outreach to local community organizations. Staff has received a mailing list of Cal-Am’s customers so that communication can be directed both to the property owner and to the tenants.

Non-Residential Water Users within the District must meet Rule 143 Water Efficiency Standards by December 31, 2013. Some of the Water Efficiency Standards include:

· Replacement of toilets must be with High Efficiency Toilets (1.28 gallons per flush) unless the business already has Ultra Low Flush (1.6 gallon per flush) toilets;

· High Efficiency Urinals;

· High Efficiency Clothes Washers;

· Water Efficient Ice Machines.

Rebates (and Water Credit) are available for the purchase and installation of these items until they are required by a District program: After December 31, 2013, rebates (and credit) will no longer be available. For this reason, immediate action to communicate the conservation requirements as broadly as possible is crucial.

RECOMMENDATION: This is a discussion item. No action is needed.

EXHIBIT

2-A Commercial Customer Rebate Program Plan

U:\staff\Board_Committees\PublicOutreach\2013\20131114\02\item2.docx