[Durham INC] Durham Citizens' Newsletter: March-April 2010 Issue

[Blalock, Amy]

Year-Round Watering Schedule Reduces Bills, Preserves Water Supplies

Even during a relatively wet year when water supplies are adequate, conservation is simply a wise use of a precious resource. Efficient water use can contribute to a healthy environment, reduce your water bill and help preserve water supplies for the future.

As spring approaches, the Department of Water Management is reminding customers about the year-round watering efficiency schedule for outdoor irrigation that became effective last year (June 2009).  This schedule allows all customers to water up to three days per week based on their addresses.

*  Customers with odd addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of each week.

*  Customers with even addresses may water on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week.

*  No watering is allowed on any day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.  

These restrictions only apply to automated irrigation systems and hose-end sprinkler devices; hand-watering is not limited in any way.  Also, temporary outdoor watering licenses are available for the purpose of establishing new landscapes to allow customers to water more frequently than permitted by the schedule above.  Similar irrigation schedules have been adopted by our neighboring utilities.  

In addition to the water efficiency requirements above, all automated irrigation systems are required to have a rain or moisture sensor installed and activated.  These sensors are designed to prevent automated systems from irrigating while it's raining or following a rain event.  In addition to saving water, sensors protect landscapes from being overwatered by automated systems and prevent run-off.  Rain sensors can easily be self-installed and are available through local home improvement stores or local irrigation professionals.  

By following this schedule, you can help Durham achieve higher levels of irrigation efficiency and reduce demand on local water supplies.  

To request a copy of our full-color WaterWise Landscaping Guide, call conservation staff at (919) 560-4381. Citizens can also get more information on ways to save water and lower water bills by visiting www.DurhamSavesWater.org <http://www.durhamsaveswater.org/>  or following us on Facebook (search Durham Saves Water).

Notice To Water Customers

Some customers may have received a letter in the mail from a private company offering an insurance plan to cover costs in the event that a customer-owned water lateral (service line) breaks causing damage to an individual's home/property.  

Please note, while this may be a legitimate insurance company and service, the City of Durham has NOT issued this letter. The City does not provide nor endorse this insurance.  Customers are advised to review their own homeowner's insurance policies and use caution when purchasing additional insurance coverage.

2010 Census Questionnaires Coming Soon to Your Mailbox

March is the all-important time for the 2010 Census.  All Durham residents will receive their 2010 Census questionnaires between March 15 and 17, with reminder notices to be sent out March 22.  Durham residents are urged to complete their questionnaires and return them by April 1 - which is Census Day.

The 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home.  It takes only 10 minutes to complete and all responses are used for statistical purposes only - the information is strictly confidential.

According to Mayor William V. "Bill" Bell, participation by all households is critical to get an accurate snapshot of the community's population and the impact that information has on future funding.  "The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress as well as the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the next 10 years," Bell said.  "It is paramount that every resident living in Durham complete this form and return it so that we have an accurate snapshot of our community.  I cannot stress enough how vital this data is to Durham and the funding we may be eligible to receive based on this information."

If residents need help filling out their forms, Questionnaire Assistance Centers will be located at libraries, City recreation centers, City Hall, and other public places throughout the community from March 19 through April 19.

For information about the 2010 Census, including the locations of the Questionnaire Assistance Centers, visit www.2010Census.gov <http://www.2010census.gov/>  or contact the Durham Local Census Office, located at 201 W. Main Street, Suite 201, or by phone at (919) 328-1310.

Subscribe to the City Manager's Report

Receive the latest information and important City news via e-mail with the City Manager's Report. The report from City Manager Thomas J. Bonfield highlights the latest happenings in Durham City Government. To subscribe, visit www.durhamnc.gov/managersreport.

Earth Day Festival Set For April 24 

The City of Durham will host its Annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 24, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran Street. In addition to great food and music, participants will learn ways to help Durham "go green." The event is free and will be held rain or shine. Vendors and volunteers are needed. For information, call Durham Parks and Recreation at 560-4355 or visit www.durhamearthday.org <http://www.durhamearthday.org/> .

Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival Set For May 22

Durham Parks and Recreation will host the 41st Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival on Saturday, May 22, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. A family tradition since 1969, Bimbé will be held at the CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran Street, and will feature old school hip hop artists Special Ed and Slick Rick. There will be weekday activities May 17 through May 21. Vendors and volunteers are needed. For information, call 560-4355 or visit www.durhamnc.gov/bimbe.

Safety in Numbers Campaign

Safety in Numbers is a 2010 initiative to mobilize Durham residents against gun crime and violence. It is coordinated by Project Safe Neighborhoods, a division within the Durham Police Department that partners citizens with law enforcement representatives. The campaign provides accurate violent crime data; offers various strategies citizens can employ to keep Durham safe; and promotes the importance of volunteering time to anti-crime efforts and programs for at-risk youth.  For information about the Safety in Numbers campaign, call Jennifer Snyder at 560-4438, ext. 29230.

Senior PharmAssist Help Available to Medicare Beneficiaries

Senior PharmAssist is a nonprofit program that provides assistance with medication management, paying for prescriptions, choosing Medicare-approved drug plans and staying independent as long as possible. If you are 60 years old or older or have Medicare and need help with your medications, call Senior PharmAssist at (919) 688-4772. Senior PharmAssist participates in three statewide programs: ChecKmeds NC, NCRx  and Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). 

Durham ... Beyond the Headlines

It's that time of year, when organizations are looking for speakers.  The City of Durham is available to talk to you on a wide variety of topics about your city.  For us, it's simple.  We want to build strong partnerships with our residents by providing presentations on topics ranging from where your tax dollars go, our water quality, code enforcement in neighborhoods, to parks and recreation and the list goes on...  Frankly, we want to be your best resource for getting answers to important questions about Durham.  Call us at 560-4123 or email us at speakersbureau at durhamnc.gov.  We're waiting ...

Toilet Rebate Program Still Available

The City of Durham is offering rebates valued at $100 for qualified water customers who replace theirexisting toilets with EPA WaterSense labeled High Efficiency Toilet (HET) models. Any toilet that meets the criteria and is purchased after January 1, 2008, is eligible for the rebate. Rebates will be applied as credits to customers' water bills. For information and the rebate form, visit www.DurhamSavesWater.org <http://www.durhamsaveswater.org/> . 

Your City - Your Channel

DTV8 provides programming to keep Durham informed on the important issues and services involving citizens every day. City government produced programs include scheduled meetings of the Durham City Council and the Durham Planning Commission. The City also produces "City Hall This Week," a program dedicated to informing citizens on what is going on inside Durham's city hall, and "CityLife," a show featuring information on current City issues and upcoming events. For a programming schedule, or to watch DTV8 live on the Web, visit www.durhamnc.gov/dtv8.

Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

A person with a disability may receive an auxiliary aid or service to effectively participate in city government activities by contacting the ADA Coordinator, voice (919) 560-4197, fax 560-4196, TTY (919) 560-1200, or mailto:ADA at durhamnc.gov, as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the event or deadline date.

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