I. WATER USE & CONSERVATION POLICY.pdf

Los Angeles County

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Metro Water Use and Conservation

(GEN 52)

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy ofthe Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to conserve the use ofpotable water resources at its facilities in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. The use ofwater for construction, operations, and maintenance purposes must be consistent with local, state, or federal water conservation measures. In instances where it is necessary to protect public safety, human health, and the environment, the LACMTA may deviate from water conservation measures.

PURPOSE

Varying conditions required the LACMTA to use potable water in order to fulfill its mandates. The purpose ofthis policy is to ensure that potable water is used in a consistent manner during any LACMTA construction and operation related activity by:

(1) Ensuring the uniform and sustainable implementation ofwater conservation and efficiency actions within the LACMTA.

(2) Prioritize the use ofpotable water only to those instances where public safety or the environment is impacted.

APPLICATION

This policy is applicable agency-wide in the planning, procurement, design, construction, operations, and maintenance ofall LACMTA and LACMTA-funded projects and assets.

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APPROVED: County Counselor NJA ADOPTED: C

Effective Date:.:l1Z1/z.o~ Date of Last Review _

Water Use and Conservation Policy (GEN 52)

GENERAL MANAGEMENTMetro Water Use and Conservation

(GEN 52)

1.0 GENERAL

The LACMTA uses potable water in a variety of situations to ensure the safe operation of its system and implementation ofconstruction activities. The LACMTA may selectively curtail the use of potable water only to essential services during periods when statewide water conservation measures are in effect. State and local statutes and guidelines further outline potable water use prohibitions to reduce water consumption and encourage water conservation on both a regional and local scale. Examples of prohibited uses currently required by local jurisdictions where the LACMTA operates include:

• use ofa water hose to wash any hard or paved surfaces including, but not limited, to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, and parking areas;

• continuous leaking ofwater from any pipe or fixture within LACMTA's facilities;

• washing ofany vehicle with a hose if the hose does not have a self-closing water shut off or device attached to it;

• irrigation during periods of rain or allowance ofany excess irrigation water to sheetflow onto adjoining streetscape;

• irrigation between the hours of9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;

• irrigation oflandscaping for more than the required watering times per station;

• irrigation of any large landscaped areas where rain sensors are not installed; and

• use ofnon re-circulating systems in new conveyor car wash systems.

The use of potable water at LACMTA construction sites is permitted under best management practice for dust suppression purposes required to comply with applicable environmental regulations.

Divisions and departments may use potable water to wash LACMTA vehicles only at bus or rail washing systems designed to capture and re-circulate water.

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2.0 PROCEDURES

2.1 Procedure in Using Potable Water for Pressure Washing Activities

2.1.1 Prioritize facility locations that must be regularly cleaned using pressure washing equipment.

2.1.2 Ifpressure washing is deemed essential, appropriate water conservation and efficiency measures must be applied.

2.1.3 Conduct pressure washing activities using cost-effective water efficient equipment.

2.1.4 Capture and dispose any generated wastewater to an appropriate facility.

2.2 Procedure in Using Potable Water for Construction

2.2.1 Develop a plan for dust suppression purposes to comply with applicable environmental statutes, regulations, and guidelines.

2.2.2 Use ofpotable water as a dust suppression agent should always be secondary and should only be used ifall other dust suppression technologies are not feasible or cost-effective.

2.3 New Construction Planning, Design and Construction; Existing Buildings Operations.

2.3.1 Use water conservation and efficiency guidelines outlined in applicable Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) reference books for all planning, procurement, design, construction, operations, and maintenance ofour linear and non-linear facilities.

2.3.2 Prepare manuals ofoperation, as applicable, to ensure that water efficiency and conservation technologies are adopted and maintained.

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3.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Sustainable - Meeting the resource needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Water Conservation - Implementation ofan action, behavioral change, device, technology, or improved design or process implemented to reduce water loss, waste, or use. Water efficiency is a tool ofwater conservation that results in more efficient water use and thus reduces water demand. The value and cost-effectiveness ofa water efficiency measure must be evaluated in relation to its effects on the use and cost ofother natural resources and any beneficial reduction in water loss, waste, or use.

Water Efficiency - The accomplishment ofa function, task, process, or result with the minimal amount ofwater feasible, or an indicator of the relationships between the amount ofwater needed for a specific purpose and the amount ofwater used, occupied or delivered.

4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

Environmental Compliance and Services Unit (ECSD) oversees the water conservation policy and assists LACMTA Strategic Business Units in applying LACMTA water conservation measures.

Strategic Business Units (SBUs) are responsible for following and applying water conservation measures.

5.0 FLOWCHART

Not applicable.

6.0 REFERENCES

Ordinance Amending Chapter XII, The Water Conservation Plan of the City of Los Angeles, Article I - Emergency Water Conservation Plan ofthe Los Angeles Municipal Code by Amending Sections 121.00 Through 121.10 to Establish Additional Prohibited Uses ofWater and Eliminate Water Rationing Requirements

South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 403 and amendments

U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Reference Guides

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7.0 ATTACHMENTS

Not Applicable

8.0 PROCEDURE HISTORY

03/24/2009 New water conservation policy

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