Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance (WANA)

The  City of Long Beach today unveiled a pilot program for residents to
conserve resources by using water from their washing machines in
backyard irrigation systems for trees, shrubs and gardens.

"Conventional  wisdom and common sense ideas are essential when adopting progressive improvement," Mayor Bob Foster said. "The 'Laundry to Landscape' program  helps raise awareness throughout the community, change attitudes and
encourage greater participation in sustainability efforts."

The City Council approved the pilot "Laundry to Landscape" program in March
2011. Councilmember James Johnson, Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal and
Councilmember Patrick O'Donnell co-sponsored the measure. The program is
a partnership between the Water Department, which is providing the
funding, and the Office of Sustainability. It is believed to be the
first  "Laundry to Landscape" program in Southern California featuring
municipal funded installation.

Four people in each of the nine City Council districts will be selected to receive a free installation.
The program is open to single-family homeowners with suitable
properties. To apply, visit www.sustainablelb.com or call 562.570.6281.

The
"Laundry to Landscape" program will complement and augment other City
sustainability initiatives, including the Rain Barrel Program, Mulch
Home Delivery Program and Lawn to Garden program. Additional benefits
include reduced consumption of potable water, reduced load on our sewage
infrastructure and the replenishment of natural groundwater sources.

Water
discharged from washing machines, bathtubs and sinks is considered
graywater, dirtier than potable water but cleaner than sewage water or
"black" water. Graywater irrigation systems are safe for watering most
vegetable gardens, except for root vegetables such as potatoes and
carrots. Graywater is not recommended for watering lawns.

No City
permits are required, but a licensed plumber will install the systems.
Green Job Trainees with the Office of Sustainability will assist with
installing the irrigation system.

The program will be evaluated
for effectiveness, and to determine whether to consider future programs
that include more advanced graywater systems.


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