June Workshops Successful - Fall Workshop Planned

Much thanks to the speakers at our June workshops: Tools & Techniques for Meeting Your WUE Goals. They include: Keynote speaker Beau Schilz from PACE Engineers, Mike Dexel - DOH Office of Drinking Water, Jenna Smith - Seattle Public Utilities & Aimee' Brown - PECI, and panel members: Marla Carter - Everett Public Works, Kathleen Cahall - City of Bremerton, Michael Brent - Cascade Water Alliance & Lisa Dennis-Perez - LOTT Alliance.  The PWC Program & Services Committee is busy planning another great workshop for the fall on Water Loss & Leakage. If you are interested in participating in workshop planning contact the Program & Services Committee Cochairs: Debbie Thomas or Rich Hoey.

Smart "ET" Controllers Of Big Interest to Show Goers

Homeowners with automatic sprinkler systems can significantly reduce their water consumption (by up to 50%!) with the installation of a Smart Controller. Smart (also know as Weather-based or ET) controllers are a new and effective technology that use weather data and site information to adjust watering times and frequency. Standard timers simply turn on at set intervals. Smart controllers save water by watering zones only when water is needed. Installation by a certified landscape professional is highly recommended since initial installation and set-up generally require a knowledge of soils, precipitation rates, slope measurements, and the water regime of the plants in each zone. Smart controllers use various technologies. Some use sensors located in your own yard. Others access weather from local weather stations. Costs vary and are in the $300 to $500 range, plus installation. For information on the unit presented at the garden show click here or contact Larry Zimmer at InHarmony Sustainable Landscapes. To find out more information about Smart Controllers and other outdoor water conservation information check out our Conservation Tips or Resource Library.

Local Utilities offer Rebates on Smart Controllers

Homeowners who receive their water through local water suppliers in King County may be eligible to receive a rebate when they install or upgrade to a Smart Controller. Rebates are being offered through the Saving Water Partnership and Cascade Water Alliance. To find out if your water utility is providing a rebate click here.

PWC/WSNLA Garden Wins Top Awards at NW Flower & Garden Show

We were excited to learn that our display garden, designed by Janine Anderson CPH, and Terry LeLievre of Anderson-LeLievre Design Group, was presented with three top awards at this year's NW Flower & Garden Show:

• Founder's Cup - for the most overall meritorious exhibit. This is the "best in show" award.
• Sunset's Western Living® Award - presented to the garden most filled with fresh, useful, achievable ideas that enhance outdoor living in the West. Judged by Sunset editors.
• A Gold Medal for garden design

PWC partnered with the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association (WSNLA), to present a garden that was sustainable and water friendly.  Photos from our garden: Garden, Garden, Smart Controller Display, Water Feature from roof water.

DOH Provides WUE Guidebook

After many years of hard work the Washington State Dept. of Health adopted the Water Use Efficiency Rule on January 22, 2007. For infomation on the final rule click here. You'll find a copy of the Rule, a new Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) sheet and the new guidebook to help waters suppliers implement the rule.