Los Osos Retrofit Ordinances Launched
On April 22, 2008, the Board of Supervisors approved two plumbing retrofit ordinances for the Los Osos area. The new ordinances are needed to address sea water intrusion into the lower aquifer zone of the Los Osos Groundwater Basin. Title 8 requires sellers to retrofit toilets and showerheads in their homes and businesses prior to close of escrow (this is called a "point of sale" ordinance). Title 19 requires builders of new development to retrofit toilets and showerheads in existing development to offset their new water use. The ordinances are effiective after May 22, 2008.
Although the Los Osos Sewer Project has occupied center stage for an extended period, efforts to increase the availability of water resources in Los Osos warrant considerable attention for a variety of reasons. The building moratorium has impeded development in much of the community for nearly 20 years. The availability of water resources will open a range of options in the planning and implementation of future development.
Conservation is far and away the least expensive and quickest way to increase water availability and it carries the added benefit of diminishing the potential of salt water intrusion arising from drawdown on existing aquifers. Another attractive aspect of conservation is that the residents who make the greatest effort reap the greatest rewards. The whole planet benefits from reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Producing, treating and distributing water makes a big carbon footprint. Conservation takes it down a size.
Installation of efficient toilets, showerheads and aerators creates the most effective conservation effect. The Los Osos 528-FLOW program does just that at NO COST to homeowners who agree to a few simple rules and regulations (see those below). All installations are done by licensed contractors and include quality fixtures at the cutting edge of technology.
Caroma
Originally an Australian company, Caroma is a world innovater in dual flush toilet technology. The 528-FLOW retrofit package includes two Sydney Smart toilets. Choose from regular or elongated bowl in either white or parchment color. Comfort height toilets are available for a $50 supplemental fee per toilet. These innovative Caroma toilets have two buttons; pressing one releases 0.8 gallons to flush liquid waste, pressing the other releases a 1.28 gallon flush for solid waste. The patented Caroma trap design of increased cross sectional area pushes flushing performance well beyond industry norms.
Also included in the 528-FLOW retrofit package are low flow showerheads and sink aerators. The showerheads save water and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumed in heating water.
Here are the rules and regulations:
1. Homeowner agrees to have work completed at the mutual convenience of homeowner and contractor
2. Homeowner agrees to maintain components in good working order.
3. Homeowner agrees not to remove or disable or modify the retrofit devices.
4. Homeowner agrees to allow the release of water use records to evaluate water savings.
5. 528-Flow retains the right to make all decisions regarding retrofitting any property. Cost may vary in commercial, hotel, apartment and condo installations. Commercial retrofit opportunities are available, please call 805-235-0873 for details.
6. Homes with 3 or more bathrooms may be retrofitted upon execution of an additional agreement.
If that sounds like a plan, how do you proceed? Click here!
Not sure yet? Call 805-235-0873 or 805-235-5814 for further information.
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