Our thanks go out to Artificial Turf Supply for partnering with us on the development of a Water Conservation Demonstration Garden. The Demonstration Garden utilizes non-vegetative landscape features and water saving alternatives such as the synthetic turf provided by Artificial Turf Supply to show case how our customers can balance esthetically pleasing landscapes with water savings.
One additional comment… there was a general good impression of those that saw and touched the product (synthetic turf) when touring the sight and a general consensus that this particular product was an acceptable replacement for natural turf.
Sincerely,
Michael W. King
Customer Service Manager
El Toro Water District
Tel: (949) 837-7050 Ext. 203
Fax: (949) 837-4192
| San Diego County Water Authority News Release: August 4, 2008 |
Contact: John Liarakos Office (858) 522-6703 Mobile (858) 761-2544 |
or Craig Balben Office (858) 522-6726 |
Water Authority Reinstates Synthetic Turf Incentive Program
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report indicates no lead exposure risk
The San Diego County Water Authority today reinstated its synthetic turf incentive program after a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report that concluded that young children are not at risk from exposure to lead in newer synthetic turf fields.
On July 30, the CPSC released its evaluation of various synthetic athletic fields. The CPSC evaluation indicated that newer fields either had no lead or generally had the lowest lead levels. Although small amounts of lead were detected on the surface of fields as old as nine years, none of these tested fields released amounts of lead that would be harmful to children. The CPSC report is available at: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08348.html
In response to the CPSC report, eligibility for all Water Authority synthetic turf incentive applications will be retroactive to June 26, 2008, the original suspension date. This will ensure that all qualifying applicants will receive the synthetic turf incentives. This covers the residential pilot program, single-family residential customers not participating in a pilot program, and public sector customers. The Water Authority is working closely with member agencies to inform the public that the synthetic turf programs have been reinstated. Individuals should check with their water provider regarding the availability of synthetic turf incentives in their area.
The Water Authority and its member agencies suspended all synthetic turf incentive programs in response to a Center for Disease Control (CDC) health advisory in June that cited concerns about lead levels found in certain kinds of synthetic turf tested in New Jersey. The suspension was a precautionary measure until more definitive information and a CSPC recommendation on the safety of synthetic turf was available.
The Water Authority sponsors a variety of incentive programs that help cover the cost of product purchases that reduce household and commercial water use. It offers a rebate of $ 0.50 per square foot for synthetic turf to commercial and residential customers, and $0.75 per square foot to public sites. Some agencies may offer higher incentives. The Water Authority does not endorse or warranty specific products for purchase. For more information, visit www.20gallonchallenge.com.
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The San Diego County Water Authority is a public agency serving the San Diego region as a wholesale supplier of water from the Colorado River and Northern California. The Water Authority works through its 24 member agencies to provide a safe, reliable water supply to support the region’s $163 billion economy and the quality of life of 3 million residents.