Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Strategy NS-3. Conserve water use within City operations. While the City’s internal operations account for a relatively small portion of Ashland’s overall emissions, conserving resources sets a visible example that residents and businesses in the community can follow. Water use, in particular, will be important to minimize in the future: with more frequent and severe droughts due to climate-driven changes in precipitation and snowpack, Ashland and the surrounding area will have to manage its water resources to minimize the impacts of increasing water scarcity. PRIORITY ACTIONS NS-3-1. Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collection systems at City facilities for graywater uses, and investigate opportunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and properties. This action aims to reduce the quantity of filtered, potable water used at City facilities by using rainwater for nonpotable uses, such as toilet-flushing and irrigation. Graywater recycling could further reduce the quantity of fresh, clean water used by the City for nonpo - table purposes.NS-3-2. Implement efficiency recommendations from the City facilities water audit. The City is currently in the process of conduct - ing an audit of water use at its facilities. The audit will help the City identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve the water efficiency of its operations. OTHER ACTIONS • Update City landscaping standards for reducing water consumption and chemical use. M Mi AdM Mi Ad 87 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANNATURAL SYSTEMS