HACLA Wins National Award for Water Conservation Program

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles continues to explore new ways and options to help our environment and save natural resources.  The agency’s Water Conservation effort was recognized with an Award of Excellence by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). 

Before a drought was declared in California, the Housing Authority launched a water conservation campaign which included resident education, water saving devices, new lease rules, indoor and outdoor water audits, and reduction of water and power usage.  The Housing Authority partnered with Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the Metropolitan Water District in order to implement a comprehensive water conservation campaign.  Every facet of water usage was examined from indoor to outdoor water consumption including water discharged into the sewer system.  As a result, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles saved a considerable amount of water.

As part of the Housing Authority’s Water Conservation Team, the Housing Authority hired summer youth workers, trained by the LADWP who made door-to-door visits to each public housing site (total of approximately 7,000 units) educating public housing residents on the importance and urgency of water conservation. Through newsletters and resident meetings, residents learned simple steps they can take in their daily routine that can save water such as turning off the faucet when brushing their teeth, using a bucket when washing their car, teaching children to not use the garden hose as a toy, and sweeping instead of hosing off their sidewalks. 

This year, HACLA continued the successful program expanding the efforts to more public housing sites. In partnership with Honeywell, all faucets and showerheads at every public housing site were replaced with water efficient models.  Water audits were completed at every public housing site which helped HACLA target its funds to address areas where there are inefficient water use. Drought resistant plants were planted at Jordan Downs and Nickerson Gardens public housing sites. Residents received information on the Mayor’s water conservation ordinance, water saving tips, and a free water nozzle with automatic shut-off valve to connect to their garden hose. To further compel residents to save water and comply with the City ordinance, the Housing Authority added new water conservation rules in its lease agreement and produced a video for viewing on the website to inform visitors about the new city water usage rules.