ANAHEIM, CA (August 21, 2006) - This summer and fall, Anaheim Public Utilities will provide free Watermiser™ pressurized waterbrooms to Anaheim schools. The use of waterbrooms instead of hoses or power-washing equipment to clean lunch areas and other outdoor surfaces at Anaheim schools will save an estimated 20 million gallons of water over the next five years.
    
While a standard hose and nozzle can use up to 18 gallons of water per minute, a pressurized waterbroom cleans more efficiently and uses as little as 2.8 gallons of water per minute. Studies have shown that the waterbroom requires 75 percent less labor to operate than a garden hose or broom. Its nozzle jets use a combination of air and water pressure to increase cleaning power with less water. The surface dries in minutes, helping to reduce liabilities.
 
In 2001, funded by a grant through Metropolitan Water District’s (MWD) Innovative Conservation Program, Anaheim Public Utilities conducted a study at 15 Anaheim commercial and institutional sites to determine the effectiveness of the waterbroom as a water conservation tool. Site participants included the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim parks, fast-food restaurants and hotels. Test results revealed an average water savings of 63 percent when the waterbroom was used instead of a hose and nozzle. In addition, participants reported reduced labor costs and faster drying time. 

As a result of this study, the waterbroom was added to the list of rebated water-conservation items in the Save Water – Save a Buck program. These MWD rebates, recently increased to $150 per broom, now make it economically feasible for Anaheim Public Utilities to distribute the waterbrooms to Anaheim schools at no charge. While the free distribution is limited to schools, all Anaheim commercial and institutional customers are eligible for the $150 rebate, which substantially reduces the cost of the device. Depending on the size and model, waterbrooms range in price from $199 to $269.

“In the past three years, I’ve distributed over 3,000 brooms to businesses and schools all over Southern California,” said Manuel Sosa, waterbroom demonstrator and owner of United Fulfillment Center. “They get the job done in half the time and with much less water.”

In the interest of water conservation, residential customers are encouraged to sweep rather than hose down sidewalks, driveways and patios. While rebates for waterbrooms are not available for residential customers, additional tips and other incentive programs for saving water in and around the home are available at www.anaheim.net.

The waterbroom is only one of several water-saving devices for which Anaheim Public Utilities customers can receive significant rebates. For more information, call 765-4256 or visit www.anaheim.net. Click on Public Utilities and then Advantage Services.