GWP From The Source Newsletter

June 2022, Volume 20, Issue 2

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Call Us: 855-550-4497 

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GWPCustomerService@GlendaleCA.gov

Outdoor Watering Restrictions

California is in a state of emergency, after consecutive months of being in a drought. As you know, Glendale has moved into Phase III of Mandatory Water Conservation as of February 1, 2022. Phase III of Mandatory Water Conservation limits outdoor watering to Tuesdays and Saturdays, for no more than 10 minutes per watering station.

It’s important that Glendale residents come together and conserve as much water as possible, especially with summer approaching. Our Chief Assistant General Manager of Water, Michael De Ghetto, interviewed with Marc Brown of ABC7 News to discuss the importance of water conservation, and emphasize the Phase III restrictions. Watch the interview here.

Residents who do not comply with Phase III of the Water Conservation Ordinance will receive a violation warning notice. Repeat violations can result in a fine of up to $1,000. Customers can anonymously report water waste by calling GWP’s water waster hotline at (818) 550-4426, or by submitting an online form at GlendaleCA.gov/ReportWaterWaste.

Let Us Make Your Home Energy & Water Efficient

With summer approaching, there is no better time to set yourself up for energy and water saving success. The Smart Home Upgrade program helps residential customers save energy and water through a home survey, then the installation of free energy and water saving devices.  Here is a step-by-step process of how the Smart Home Upgrade program works:

Step 1: Resident contacts GWP’s certified contractor, Richard Heath and Associates (RHA), to schedule an appointment.

Step 2: An RHA contractor will visit the home of the resident and identify potential energy and water efficiency upgrades. A report will be generated listing the recommendations. Each recommendation will include the anticipated annual energy and water savings.

Step 3: Resident receives FREE energy and water saving upgrade materials discussed in the recommendations.

Click below to learn more or call RHA to schedule your appointment at (800) 263-9313.

Above Artwork by: Elizabeth Jung, 2nd Grade, Monte Vista Elementary School
Elizabeth's artwork was featured in MWD's 2022 Calendar!

Annual "Water is Life" Student Art Contest

Glendale students, grab your art supplies and get creative! It's time to participate in our annual “Water is Life” Student Art Contest. The art contest is open to all K-12th grade GUSD students. Students are asked to submit artwork portraying the water-wise theme "water is life", along with a short message about water conservation. 

First place winner will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card, 2nd place winner will receive a $75 Amazon Gift Card, and 3rd place winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card for their talents. Also, a total of 15 entries will be selected by GWP to compete in the regional art contest hosted by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for consideration of inclusion in their annual Water is Life calendar.

Artwork must be submitted with a completed Poster Information Card and Parental Approval Form. and emailed to GWPConservation@glendaleca.gov. 

Deadline to submit artwork is July 1, 2022. Click below for contest guidelines. We look forward to seeing creative artwork from our talented Glendale students! 

NEW Electric Vehicle Buyers Guide Website

Our new EV Buyers Guide makes it easier than ever to learn about the benefits of driving an electric vehicle. This guide has information on available EVs on the market, and the ability to compare EV costs against plug-in hybrid traditional gasoline vehicles. You’ll also find information on incentives and programs for EVs and EV chargers, home charging options, a map of public charging stations, and EV dealers. Click below to check out our new site! 

Turf Replacement Program

Outdoor landscaping consumes about 60% of household water use. Replacing lawns with California Friendly plants is a great way to cut water bills in half. Glendale residents are encouraged to can take advantage of The Turf Replacement program offering a rebate of $2.00 per square foot up to 5,000 square feet of converted yard per year. Click the button below to learn more about this program. Also, check out real Southern California landscape transformations and get inspired by seeing pictures, and learning about CA Friendly plants at mysmartgarden.com/GlendaleCA.

Water Conservation Tips

Conserving water is always important, but especially now since we are in Phase III of Mandatory Water Conservation and as we head into the dry summer months. See below for easy indoor and outdoor water conservation tips you can apply to your home:

Saving Water Indoors

• Take 5 minute showers.
• Purchase a low flow shower head.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Fix all leaky faucets.
• Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait 30 minutes. If the food coloring seeps into the bowl, you have a leak.
• Wash only full loads in the washing machine.
• Wash only full loads in the dishwasher.
• Capture tap water. While you wait for water to get hot in the shower or sink, catch the flow in a bucket or bowl and use this water for your house plants or garden.
• Avoid taking baths. If you must fill your bathtub, try to fill it only halfway. A full bathtub uses 36 gallons of water.
• Replace fixtures. Old fixtures tend to be inefficient. There is a good chance you can save water by replacing old fixtures.

Saving Water Outdoors

• Check your irrigation system. Repair leaks, replace damaged sprinkler heads, and adjust sprinklers to avoid over-spray. 
• Do not hose down driveways, patios, stairs, or walkways. Use a broom or blower instead. 
• Don't leave the hose running while washing your car. Use a nozzle with an automatic shut off and a sponge and pail of soapy water. 
• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Two inches of mulch will help hold the moisture in the ground and cool the root systems. Leave a six inch space between mulch and plant. 
• Set your lawn mower blades higher. Set a blade heights at 2 or 3 inches. Longer grass blades will reduce evaporation and shade the roots. 
• Step on your grass and see if it springs back when you lift your foot. If the grass springs back, no need to water today. 
• Use a pool cover for your swimming pool. This can reduce evaporation. 
• Install a drip irrigation system. A low-volume water irrigation system uses less water. 
• Water before 9:00 A.M. and after 6:00 P.M. 
• If rain is in the forecast, turn off sprinklers two days before the rain and keep them turned off two more days after. 
• Retrofitting your garden with CA Friendly plants is one of the best ways to reduce water use in your landscape. Check out www.bewaterwise.com for more tips and tricks for conserving water. You can also see pictures of CA Friendly gardens at mysmartgarden.com/GlendaleCA.

Mylar Balloon Safety

During this time of year, metallic or Mylar balloons are popular gifts for graduation celebrations as well as Father’s Day. They have also become the cause of many power outages. To reduce the risk of outages and potential injuries, make sure helium-filled Mylar balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Properly dispose of them in the trash instead of letting them go. 

Use caution and avoid celebrating with Mylar balloons near overhead electric lines. Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, or kite that becomes caught in a power line.

Always assume downed wires are energized and extremely dangerous. Call 911 immediately to report downed power lines. Click below to watch a video to see what happens when Mylar balloons come into contact with power lines. 

Local Clean Distributed Energy Resources Request for Proposal

On Friday, May 27th, GWP published it's latest request for proposal (RFP) to solicit proposals from contractors to develop and deliver clean distributed energy and capacity resources (services) within the City of Glendale. GWP is seeking up to 50 MW of reliable and dispatchable energy capable of being incorporated into the City's integrated resource portfolio. This capacity would be in addition to GWP's existing local energy efficiency, demand response, and solar-storage hybrid programs.

Beware of Utility Scams & Fraud Calls

Often times, utility scams and fraud calls can be convincing. It is important not to fall victim to these types of scams and always be on alert. The impersonator may have several tactics in mind to obtain information from you, but it is very important not to ever give any information to the caller, not even your account number or even confirm your account number if they seem to have it.

If you suspect a fraudulent call about the status of you GWP account, hang up the phone immediately. We will NEVER threaten to shut your power off. You can then check the status of your account online through the MyGWP Portal, or call GWP at 855-550-4497.

Lately, some topics targeted by the fraudsters include purchasing gift cards, or sending money electronically through Zelle or other payment services. We will never ask you to pay your bills by purchasing money packs/gift cards, or advise you to make payments into a virtual currency ATM. 

Is Your Contact Information Up-To-Date?

It is hard to remember to change your contact information when you get a new phone number or email address. However, it's important that your information is correct with your utility. Communication via phone, text or email is a fast and easy way for us to reach you. 

Whether we need to notify you of an outage, or a water leak please make sure we can get a hold of you. To update your contact information, register/log-in to the MYGWP portal. Once logged in, go to “Manage Account” and enter your phone number in “Customer Contact”. There is also an “Account Contact” tab where you can enter your email address.

Click on the link below or call 855-550-4497 to update your contact info. 

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