FY 2011 Popular Annual Financial Report FY 2011 Popular Annual Financial Report | Page 15

Capital Investments

Saving Money While Conserving Water

indicated the smaller vehicles were handling the medical calls just as

well. Utilizing light response vehicles also improves safety by freeing

As part of a regional initiative to save water and match the type of

water used daily to our actual needs, the City began using reclaimed

up the fire engines to respond to life-threatening fire emergencies.

water. Reclaimed water is a highly treated wastewater that is

perfect for landscape irrigation, fountains, fire protection, and power

vehicles could save about $11,500 a year in fuel expenses alone.

generation. Using reclaimed water to irrigate makes more drinking

Additionally, the light response vehicles cost $500,000 less than fire

water available, which is especially important in times of drought.

engines, and using them can extend the warranty and life of engines

for years.

Trying to help college students cut back water usage, Arlington

The program’s initial results suggest that using light response

Water Utilities’ conservation program purchased 1,600 low-flow

showerheads that are expected to save 14.2 million gallons of

Don Crowson. “We will always be there for emergencies, but we

water yearly. The showerheads were installed in the summer at UT

need to be as efficient as possible in doing so.”

Arlington’s residence halls and other student housing areas. The new
showerheads are also expected to save more than $100,000 a year
in water, sewer, and natural gas fees.
New Ideas Spark Savings

In a pilot program started in March, the Arlington Fire

Department began sending light response vehicles – SUVs equipped
with medical equipment – to emergency medical calls instead of
dispatching fire engines. Fire officials

tulate, and Consider the Possibilities”

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“We are stewards of the public’s trust and funds,” said Fire Chief