Model homes throughout Southern California will demonstrate water conservation techniques under a pilot project authorized today by the Metropolitan Water District's board of directors.
From dual-flush toilets and high-efficiency clothes washers to lawns outfitted with weather-sensitive irrigation controllers, Metropolitan will partner with other water agencies and homebuilders to outfit at least 80 model homes with new-technology fixtures and California-Friendly landscaping that demonstrate residential water conservation exceeding current building standards.
"It's one thing to read or hear about a new water-saving device or appliance, but it's another thing to actually see it in a home," said Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer Ronald R. Gastelum. "This pilot project gives us the opportunity to show the public how water conservation has evolved from the proverbial brick-in-the-toilet tank days.
"Model homes, which attract large numbers of potential buyers and visitors interested in learning about the latest options to upgrade new and existing homes, provide us with a unique opportunity to educate and encourage the public on the latest methods in urban water conservation," Gastelum said.
Representatives from the building industry and homebuilders view the pilot project as a way to gauge the public's acceptance and demand for these technologies.
Under the $250,000 project, Metropolitan will provide developers with up to $2,500 in incentives per home to cover the incremental cost beyond plumbing code requirements for the fixture and landscaping upgrades. Metropolitan also will provide marketing materials to guide homeowners, prospective buyers and visitors, who can immediately realize lower monthly expenses by applying elements of the program.
Among the conservation concepts Metropolitan plans to exhibit in the models are water-efficient landscape designs tailored for three distinct Southland lifestyles — from the active family to the professional set and the "empty-nesters." The landscape designs incorporate native and California-Friendly plants to meld the aesthetic demands and maintenance challenges of the various lifestyles.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 18 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other water-management programs.
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