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Water Frequently Asked Questions
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How much water does the average resident use?
144 gallons per day
How much does the average single-family home use?
416 gallons per day
How much does the average multi-family apartment use?
124 gallons per day
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How much does the average day-time visitor use?
60 gallons per day
How much does the entire City use?
13.2 million gallons per day
Where do we get our water?
90% of Santa Monica’s water is imported over 400 miles away from the Sacramento Bay Delta in Northern California and the Colorado River - 10% is generated from our own groundwater wells located in and around Santa Monica.
Why do we import so much of our water?
Contamination by MTBE, a gasoline additive, caused several of the City’s groundwater wells to shut down in 1996. The water from these wells require treatment from facilities that have not been constructed - our wells may not be on-line for years to come.
Since southern California is an arid region that receives an average of 12” of rain per year, local water resources have been tapped out. We must import water so that we can drink water, bath, wash clothes, wash our cars and keep our lush gardens green year-round.
Do we use recycled water?
Santa Monica is a leader in the reuse or recycling of dry-weather urban runoff, the waste water originating from our streets (from inefficient sprinkler systems, people hosing down sidewalks, driveways, patios, etc.). The runoff is captured and sent to the Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility (SMURRF) for treatment. The treated water, nearly meeting standards for drinking water, is used as irrigation water for several parks, medians and private landscapes. Additionally, the water is used to flush toilets in the dual plumbed Public Safety Facility for Santa Monica Police and Fire.
How can I lower my water bill?
Install water efficient fixtures such as toilets, showerheads, faucets. Once you do, you can have the Bay Saver Fee removed. Check for leaks and repair immediately. Check your sprinkler systems frequently for leaks and overspray.
Does the City offer rebates for water efficient fixtures/appliances?
Yes, the City offers rebated for certain qualified fixtures/appliances. See the Water Efficient Programs and Rebates section for details.
Water Efficiency Hotline (310) 458-8972
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Last updated: Friday, 04/16/2010
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Save Money Doing the Right Thing for the Environment
The City of Santa Monica and other regional agencies currently have numerous rebate and grant programs that can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars!
$ $ $ REBATES $ $ $
From new clothes washers, to low-water irrigation systems, to rain barrels, this is the real deal. Check our resources and find out which programs are right for you. Don't delay--funding is limited and most offers are first come, first served.
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