water conservation at the port of san diego

Michelle WhiteGreen Port Program Manager

Water Conservation at the Port of San Diego

Background of the Port

The Port’s Mission

• To balance regional Economic Benefits, Recreational Opportunities, Environmental Stewardship and Public Safety while protecting Tidelands Trust resources on behalf of the citizens of California.

Green Port Program

Water

• Improve water quality in San Diego Bay. Reduce the Port’s water usage to preserve San Diego’s water supply.

Water Conservation Background

• Three water agencies serve Tidelands:– Sweetwater Authority – 17%– California American Water Co. – 11%– City of San Diego – 72%

• The Port currently is in compliance with all Level 2 mandates from the City of San Diego

Current Voluntary Conservation Efforts

• Installed Smart Irrigation Systems in 5 major parks

• Replacing high- water use shrubs with water-wise plants or bark mulch where feasible

Current Voluntary Conservation Efforts

• Retrofitting buildings with ultra low-flow toilets

• Retrofitting all park restrooms with low-flow flush kits

What is the new “business-as-usual”?

• Requires a balance of:– Environmental stewardship– Parks– Tourism– Recreational opportunities– Community service

FY 07/08 TotalTotal Water Use: 213,060,694 Gallons (284,841 HCF)

*1 HCF = 748 Gallons

11%

25%

4%10%

50%

BuildingsShip UseComfort StationsMulti Use MetersIrrigation

Water Use Baseline FY 07/08

Potential Options for Reducing Water Use

• Irrigation– Reduce water use– Water-wise landscaping

• Buildings and Comfort Stations – Additional retrofits– Education

• Ship Use– Reduce water use– Education

• Multi Use Meters– Limited use or fee for use

Other options?

• Gray Water Recycling Systems– California Plumbing Code currently restricts

commercial buildings from installing gray water recycling systems.

– The Port is weighing in on proposed legislative changes to change this Code.

• Reclaimed Water– Infrastructure is not available on Port

tidelands.

Next Steps

• Stay informed of mandates from water agencies serving tidelands

• Determine best options for further conservation efforts

• Explore opportunities for working with our tenants

• Explore grant opportunities

Questions?

Michelle WhiteEnvironmental Services Dept.

(619) 686-6254mwhite@portofsandiego.org