Implementing a Water Efficiency Program for Your Property
Using water efficiently has many cost benefits to a business. Not only can a business save on water costs, but businesses may also capture savings on energy, wastewater fees, chemicals, and reduced capital costs for wastewater treatments systems (for those businesses that need to meet discharge requirements).
The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) offers a number of services and incentives, in its’ service area, to promote efficient water use within the existing business community. EBMUD has also adopted water efficiency requirements for new businesses under Section 31 of its regulations which need to be met as a condition of water service. Please visit the EBMUD web site at www.ebmud.com for information on our service area and the latest water conservation program information. Other water agencies within the BOMA sphere of influence that provide water conservation services include the Alameda County Water District (www.acwd.org), the Contra Costa Water District (www.ccwater.com), Zone 7 Water Agency (www.zone7water.com), Solano County Water Agency (www.scwa2.com), and the City of Hayward (www.ci.hayward.ca.us).
 EBMUD Water Conservation Programs and Services and Requirements for New Businesses
EBMUD offers the following services and programs for business customers in the District's service area:
Water Surveys
EBMUD offers free surveys to the business community (Industrial, commercial, and institutional) designed to help customers use water more efficiently indoors and outdoors. Depending on the end uses of water at a given business, the indoor site survey may involve a review for water use efficiency of restroom fixtures, water using hardware and processes, and leak detection. An outdoor survey may include a review for water efficiency of the irrigation system and watering schedule, plant material, and maintenance practices.
Business Incentives
Any hardware or process change that will result in predictable water savings may be eligible for an EBMUD business incentive. The level of the incentive is based on the projected value of the water savings over the life of the measure.
Pre-Rinse Spray Nozzle Program
EBMUD will replace free of charge high-water use spray nozzle(s) located within restaurants, institutions, and commercial facilities with water-efficient models that can save you water and money.
High-Efficiency Toilet Rebate Program
EBMUD offers customers $150 or up to the total toilet cost (not including sales tax), whichever is less for the purchase of qualifying High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs) between January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
Clothes Washer Rebates
EBMUD offers rebates up to $250 for eligible water and energy efficient coin-operated clothes washers and up to $150 for other eligible commercial clothes washers.
Conservation Devices
EBMUD has been distributing free low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and other water-saving devices and material to customers since the early 1980's.
Irrigation Programs
EBMUD offers free outdoor surveys and irrigation related services for large-landscape customers in its service area.
Irrigation Controller Incentives
EBMUD customers can find out about WaterSmart irrigation controller discount incentives. Whether you are a property owner or a landscape professional, these controllers can reduce your water bill and enhance the value of your property.
CIMIS
The California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) is a program that manages a network of over 120 automated weather stations in the state of California. Managers of large landscapes can use this free service to schedule irrigation controllers to irrigate based on the local weather conditions.
Workshops and Events
View information for upcoming water conservation workshops and events.
EBMUD Water Efficiency Service Regulations – Section 31
New Business handles requests for new service installation. Our office is located on the first floor at 375 - 11th Street, Oakland, CA 94607. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Water Conservation Plan Review new!
Water service shall not be furnished to any applicant for new or expanded service unless all applicable water-efficiency measures are installed at applicant expense as described in Section 31 of the Regulations Governing Water Service to Customers. Information can be obtained by calling 1-866-40-EBMUD (1-866-403-2683).
EBMUD WaterSmart Certification Pilot and Recognition Program – Coming in April 2008
Contact Water Conservation Office for more details at 510-287-0591
The purpose of the WaterSmart Business Certification and Recognition program is to reward companies and institutions that achieve outstanding water efficiency. Businesses and institutions can apply for certification at any time throughout the year. The certification program is open to business and institution customers in the EBMUD service area.
Recognition awards are issued annually at an event hosted by EBMUD.
Certified businesses/institutions will be publicly recognized for their efforts and featured as examples to other businesses.
How to Apply for Water Smart Certification
Water Efficient Business Practices: A Planning Guide – Coming in May 2008
 Topics will include:
- A reference document on CII water-use efficiency
- Applies 13 water use technologies
- Covers 20 different business types
- Description of end uses
- Identifies water savings hardware and processes
- Cost-effectiveness estimates
Water Quality - FAQs
Water quality problems are carefully investigated by the District’s Water System Inspectors. To report a problem please call 1-866-403-2683.
Recycling
EBMUD uses recycled water and untreated water from local reservoirs as sources of non-potable water. Recycled water is wastewater that has been highly treated and disinfected to meet stringent and protective standards set by the California Department of Health Services. Recycled water is not a drinking water supply, but there are many appropriate uses for recycled water.
Report A Problem
To report a water emergency or EBMUD water-related problem, call 1-866-403-2683.
Please use our contact form to report a non-emergency issue. Non-emergency issues will be responded to within five business days.
EBMUD customers can call and report problems such as water leaks, water taste, and odor concerns 24 hours a day. Emergency issues, such as pipeline breaks or leaks, are investigated immediately, and repairs are prioritized based on the severity of the leak.
Additional Sources on Water and Resource Efficiency for Office Buildings Links:
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