Want to Report a Water Waster? There's an App for That

Article by EMWD, image via Shutterstock

EMWD this week released a new mobile phone application that will allow users to report water waste directly from their mobile phones.

The free app is available for both Android and Apple devices through the Google Marketplace and App Store, respectively. It can be found by searching “EMWD Water Waste” in either search field.

The user-friendly interface allows members of the community to take photos and notify EMWD staff of all potential water waste situations within EMWD’s 542-square mile service area. All reports of waste will be followed-up by EMWD’s conservation staff.

The app has waste categories including:

 Use of excessive water due to unrepaired leaks or defective irrigation systems

 Use of water that results in flooding or run-off into gutters or streets

 Hosing down hardscape, such as sidewalks, driveways or patios with a hose

 Washing a car with a hose that does not have a shut-off nozzle

 Watering landscape between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Users are asked to include the date and time of the infraction, as well as the address or location of the reported waste. Multiple photos can be included in the report.

The app also includes important contact information at EMWD, including our 24-hour Integrated Operations Center for reporting after-hours leaks and contact information for EMWD’s anonymous Water Waste Hotline and Conservation Departments.

The reporting party is kept confidential on all reports of water waste. “We sincerely hope that people will use this app to help be our eyes within the community,” EMWD President Randy Record said. “By alerting us of potential waste with this easy-to-use app, we will be able to work with our customers to help them use water in a more efficient and responsible manner.”

EMWD currently has a fine structure in place for water waste. A first violation of reported water waste results in a warning letter. A second violation – which must be witnessed by EMWD staff– can result in a $25 fine for residential properties and $100 for commercial properties.

Fines may be waived if the offending party attends a workshop on how to use water efficiently. EMWD offers a variety of educational workshops, including those on landscape design and state-of-the-art irrigation systems.

“Our goal with this app is not to issue fines,” EMWD General Manager Paul Jones said.

“Our hope is that with increased public awareness, we can work with all of our customers to help limit water waste throughout our service area. We believe that by providing our customers the tools necessary to assist us that we can all benefit from this technology.”

EMWD is currently in Stage 4 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan. All customers are asked to reduce outdoor irrigation by 50 percent and beginning June 1, 2015, there will be an elimination of Tier 3 and a 10-percent reduction in Tier 2 in EMWD’s allocation-based tiered rate structure.