1% of potential reductions
San Rafael is no stranger to periodic droughts and the need to conserve water, and the community has responded by reducing per capita water use by about 25%, from 152 gallons per person per day (gpcd) in 2005 to 114 gpcd in 2016. In addition to installing low-flow fixtures (showerheads, faucets and toilets) and water-efficient appliances (clothes washers and dishwashers), residents and businesses are planting native, drought-tolerant species and even replacing lawns with attractive, low-water use gardens. Good thing, because as temperatures continue to rise, we will experience more droughts and more intense heat waves than before.
Our Greenhouse Gas Inventory counts emissions that are generated from the energy used to pump, treat and convey water from the water source to San Rafael water users. Far more emissions are created from the energy that is used to heat water, but those emissions are counted in the residential and commercial sectors. Therefore, the water sector comprises a much smaller share of community emissions than one might expect.
The water agencies that supply San Rafael’s water are committed to using 100% renewable energy in their operations. Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) began purchasing Deep Green electricity from MCE in 2017, and Sonoma County Water Agency, which provides 20-25% of MMWD’s water, started purchasing 100% renewable electricity in 2015. As a result, emissions from the water sector will go down to nearly zero, but the overall contribution to community emissions reduction is small.
The City will take the following actions to reduce emissions from water use.
Table 11: water conservation measures to reduce community emissions
| ID | Measure | GHG Reduction by 2030 (MTCO2e) | Share of Reductions |
| WC-C1 | Community Water Use | 830 | 100% |
What is the City of San Rafael Going to Do to Help?
Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in residential and commercial buildings and landscaping.
- Work with Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) and other organizations to promote water conservation programs and incentives.
- Educate residents and businesses about local and State laws requiring retrofit of non-compliant plumbing fixtures during remodeling and at resale.
- Ensure all projects requiring building permits, plan check, or design review comply with State and MMWD regulations.
- Encourage the installation of greywater and rainwater collection systems and the use of recycled water where available through ordinance or engagement campaigns.
Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in municipal facilities and operations.
- Replace high water use plants and inefficient irrigation systems with water-efficient landscaping.
- Investigate synthetic turf that uses organic infill for ball fields and parks to reduce water, herbicide use, and maintenance costs, while increasing field use throughout the year.
- Replace inefficient plumbing fixtures with high-efficiency fixtures.
- Use recycled water as available and practicable.