Media Corner

For Immediate Release
November 07, 2006

Hundreds of Local Residents Get Sprinkled with Giveaways

Huntington Park, CA – Central Basin Municipal Water District partnered with the Oldtimers Foundation on Saturday to transform their multi-purpose community center into a one-stop shop for local residents to receive free water-saving devices. More than 500 people and cars packed the parking lots of the community center to receive High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs), while dozens of others took home Smartline ("smart") sprinkler controller systems.

The drive-thru HET event was held for 400 residents who were turned away at the August distribution event in Whittier after all the toilets were given out. They were assured at the time that the District would host another event just for them to make up for the time they spent waiting in line. The HETs, which use only 1.3 gallons per flush or less, compared to older models that use 5-7 gallons per flush, were offered on a reservation-only basis, and the residents expressed their gratitude for the special accommodation.

Valued at $350, the "smart" controllers use state-of-the-art technology to measure ambient air temperature as well as rain and freeze conditions to compute the most efficient watering schedule, 365 days a year. A representative from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California gave a demonstration on the use and efficiency of the controllers.

"As a public agency, we are committed to bringing programs and services to our communities that promote water-efficiency," said Board President Robert Apodaca. "Through events like this one, we are able to make a significant difference in our smaller communities."

For their hard work in organizing and marketing Saturday's event, the Oldtimers Foundation will earn funding that will go towards building low-cost housing, health fairs, computer classes, and other services for retired union workers in the southeast Los Angeles County.

In 1995, Central Basin began working with community-based organizations to distribute low-flow toilets while helping them earn funding. Participating organizations receive money for each old "water-wasting" toilet that is returned for recycling.

To get more information about other Conservation programs or partnership opportunities, please visit Central Basin's web site at www.centralbasin.org or contact the District's Conservation Coordinator at 310-436-2609.