For Utilities, Conservation Means Leak, Odor, Revenue Headaches

When droughts strike and conservation measures are imposed, utilities face challenges beyond just revenue and an insecure water supply. Leaks and foul odors are part and parcel with water usage cutbacks.

California is experiencing “a paradox of conservation,” according to the Los Angeles Times. “Water agencies say the unprecedented savings — 31% in July over July 2013 — are causing or compounding a slew of problems.”

“Sanitation districts are yanking tree roots out of manholes and stepping up maintenance on their pipes to prevent corrosion and the spread of odors. And when people use less potable water, officials say, there's less wastewater available to recycle,” the report said.

The odor problems arise because there is less water in the system to keep it moving and low flow toilets mean people flush less frequently.

“Wastewater and gravity help push solids through waste management facilities throughout the state, but the low wastewater flow has led to solids accumulating and creating stoppages. The biggest issue with a large amount of solid waste accumulating in any one place is the smell. With the summer heat still going strong well into September, there are certain cities where it may be more noticeable than normal,” WattzOn, a software technology for water utilities, explained on its blog.

Utilities also face revenue challenges when conservation is imposed. "The need for more reliable revenue is more important than ever, as water service providers contend with prolonged droughts and aging infrastructure. Unfortunately, this need for revenue can make conservation the unwanted stepchild of water utilities," according to an editorial published by National Geographic.

For ratepayers, an unintended consequence of water conservation is how it affects their landscaping, according to ABC 7:

Arti Kirch of the Markham Regional Arboretum in Concord can recognize the signs of a tree in trouble. She can tell trees are dying of thirst. In this fourth year of the statewide drought, you can see trees with peeling bark, brown branches and the thin tops of trees. In yards across the state, it is a common mistake for homeowners to turn off the water to their lawns and forget to water their trees. In Walnut Creek, Gail Frick Barmby has put more than three decades of love and care into her backyard. This drought year has been the biggest challenge, yet. She had a little help from her gardener, Bird Morningstar.

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