Section 490-RICR-00-00-1.5 - Methods for Achieving Targets for Major Public Water SuppliersA. Required Methods for Achieving Targets 1. Initiate a program to accomplish 100% metering of all water delivered as specified in R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-15.3-22(b). The metering requirement is not applicable to fire suppression systems, such as fire hydrants and fire sprinkler systems since the high flows of such systems makes metering impractical. 2. Initiate a program for the maintenance and replacement of meters in accordance with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards and water supply system management plans as specified in R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-15.3-22(b). 3. Initiate a program for installation of radio frequency reading systems as specified in R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-15.3-22(b). 4. Record metered usage and bill as specified in R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 39-15.1-3(b)(3)(e) or 46-15.3-22(c) as applicable. 5. Education to encourage the efficient use of water for all customers, which may be developed and implemented by others. 6. Rate structures that are adequate to pay for all costs associated with water supply, are equitable, sensitive to economic impacts, and encourage the efficient use of water, per R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 39-15.1-3 or 45-39.1.5 as applicable. 7. Implement leak detection programs in accordance with AWWA standards and water supply system management plans. If leakage is more than 10% of the withdrawals and/or purchased water, as reported to the Board pursuant to § 1.6(C)(5) of this Part, a system-wide leak detection program shall be initiated during the following fiscal year and progress reported pursuant to § 1.6(C)(6) of this Part, per R.I Gen. Laws § 46-15.3-5.1(c). B. Optional Methods for Achieving Targets shall be encouraged and where possible incentivized in combinations appropriate to the water supplier that recognize the differences in supply systems and sources. Optional methods shall include but are not limited to: 1. Residential conservation pricing including inclining block rates and seasonal rates. 2. Reduce nonagricultural outdoor water use. a. Limit landscape irrigation to no more than one inch per week, including natural precipitation. b. Limit landscape irrigation to evening and/or early morning hours to reduce evaporative loss. c. Limit the size of landscapes that require irrigation. d. Establish new plantings during the spring and fall, whenever feasible. e. Select landscape plantings that, once established, require little or no irrigation. f. Use soil moisture sensors on in-ground irrigation systems. g. Use non-potable water (such as rainwater) where appropriate. 3. Improve efficiency of indoor water use. a. In existing construction, replace water use appliances and fixtures with products that meet current building codes, WaterSense certified standards, or equivalent. b. In new construction, install appliances and fixtures that meet WaterSense certified standards, or equivalent. 4. Improve efficiency of water use by major water customers. a. Perform Water Audits (excluding proprietary processes) that determine opportunities for reuse and reduce water use. b. Install appliances and fixtures that meet WaterSense certified standards, or equivalent. c. Implement industry-specific best management practices, excluding proprietary processes. d. Renovations or new construction that utilize architectural and green building design standards such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, Low Impact Development (LID) and other best management practices. f. Outdoor water use methods as specified in § 1.5(B)(2) of this Part. 490 R.I. Code R. 490-RICR-00-00-1.5