Discover the Benefits of the Water Wise House Call Program: An Inside Look

At Contra Costa Water District, we're committed to helping our community use water efficiently. To shed light on how we support our customers, we interviewed Water Use Efficiency Technician Linda Ljuba, to provide insights into the free Water Wise House Call program. Here's what you can expect from this valuable service.

Q: For those who might be unfamiliar, what typically happens during a Water Wise House Call?

Linda: We start by checking the customer's water meter for movement and show them what to look for if they suspect a leak and how to read their meter. We also provide their daily average water use based on the most recent meter readings. A big focus is usually on irrigation, as it tends to be the largest water user, but the visit is tailored to the customer's specific concerns. If there's a leak, our goal is to identify its source by isolating shut-off valves and checking toilets. We educate customers on how to troubleshoot leaks and, if there's no leak, we dive into their irrigation system. This includes showing them how to perform a walkthrough of their sprinklers and, most importantly, helping them program their irrigation controller for efficient watering.

Q: What is the number one question asked by homeowners during Water Wise House Calls?

Linda: The most common question is how to tell if they have a leak and, if they do, how to find it. Many homeowners don't even know where their house's shut-off valve is. During the visit, we take them step by step through checking their water meter, what to look for on the meter's low-flow indicator, and how to isolate different parts of their plumbing system to narrow down where a leak might be. It's also a great opportunity to introduce them to our Flume rebate, which helps them track water usage more closely, potentially identifying leaks that occur during the night or at other times.

Q: What is the most common type of leak you see when you are at a Water Wise House Call?

Linda: The most common leak we encounter is a toilet leak. It's surprising how often this happens. Irrigation leaks, such as a leaking irrigation valve, are also common, followed by issues with pool fills, where a valve might not be fully closed, causing water to leak out.

Q: How do you assess a household's water use, and what kind of recommendations do you typically make?

Linda: We use a historical printout of their water use to spot any unusual spikes, which could indicate an issue like over-irrigation, pool fill stuck on, or a leak. Based on what we find, we make tailored recommendations. Often, this involves correcting overwatering by suggesting practices like cycle watering to prevent runoff, where water doesn't soak into the yard but flows down the sidewalk instead. We also provide practical tips for saving water both inside and outside the home, along with a watering guide to help customers adjust their watering schedules throughout the year.

Q: Can you share a success story or example where the Water Wise House Call program had a significant impact on a household?

Linda: There have been many instances where the program has been incredibly useful, even when we haven't been able to find a leak. Customers often express gratitude for the information they receive, like learning how to isolate different parts of their plumbing, read their meter, properly shut off valves, and how to program their irrigation controller. It's hard to single out one story because so many of our visits have made a positive difference.

Q: What is something people are surprised to learn during Water Wise House Calls?

Linda: One of the main things that always shock people is the flow rates on their sprinkler system. When we do flow rates per station and see the cumulative gallons used on a watering day, it's always an eye-opener. Another surprise is the service itself-many people are unaware that we offer such a service, so they're pleasantly surprised to learn that we do. Of course, the fact that it's free of charge is another pleasant surprise. And to top it off, customers love the little swag bag they receive at the end of our visit.

Q: What advice would you give to residents who are interested in improving their water efficiency but may not yet be ready for a Water Wise House Call?

Linda: If they're not ready for a house call, I'd recommend they start with our water efficiency tips webpage and the watering guide (PDF). Even simple steps like not exceeding 12 minutes per watering day for lawns or watering no more than four days a week can make a big difference. Testing toilets for leaks using free dye tabs from CCWD is another excellent step. Additionally, ensuring hoses have nozzles and faucets are turned off when not in use can prevent unnecessary water loss.

Q: Are there any costs associated with the Water Wise House Call program, or is it a free service for Contra Costa Water District customers?

Linda: The program is completely free for customers in CCWD's service area, from Martinez to Brentwood. Plus, we offer free devices, like hose nozzles and toilet dye tabs, to help customers conserve water.

Q: In addition to the Water Wise House Call program, what other water efficiency programs or resources are available to Contra Costa Water District customers?

Linda: We offer several rebate programs, including Lawn to Garden and Smart Timer rebates. Learn more about our programs and resources, including plant selection guides and gardening tips specific to Contra Costa. These programs and tools are designed to help our customers use water efficiently year-round.

The Water Wise House Call program is a fantastic resource for Contra Costa Water District customers looking to improve their water efficiency and reduce their impact on the environment. We thank Linda for the valuable insights and encourage all customers to take advantage of this free service to make their homes more water efficient. Sign up for a Water Wise House Call online or call our Water Use Efficiency office at 925-688-8320.

Water Use Efficiency Technician Linda Ljuba conducts a Water Water House Call with a local resident and CCWD customer.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.