Section 5 – Communication Protocols
IRWD’s communication plan includes the various channels IRWD will utilize to convey critical messages regarding water shortage allocations and voluntary and mandatory actions, as outlined in Table 3-4 . Public outreach programs can help increase awareness of water shortages, while customer services and workshops can encourage ratepayers to actively participate in demand reducing strategies. A strong communication plan will educate IRWD customers, including local leaders and the business community, on the water supply situation; what actions are proposed; what the intended achievements are; and how these actions are to be implemented. While specific types of messaging are deployed at various shortage response levels, how these messages are conveyed to the public are described in the following communication plan. The single most important step IRWD can take in implementing voluntary measures is to inform customers in order to help reduce water demand. IRWD will employ additional strategies to achieve the necessary demand reductions in a shortage situation. Most of the effort will be focused on providing additional outreach to high usage tier customers. The community can be informed through IRWD’s website, webinars, workshops, social media postings, videos, billing inserts, email campaigns, water conservation booths, community association meetings, presentations, newsletters etc. Literature will be provided on the shortage condition, conservation methods and programs as well as water-saving devices, which can be distributed through various local organizations and communication program methods. The communication methods listed below can help convey the need for immediate conservation. • Public Outreach Program and Social Media – IRWD’s public outreach is aimed at promoting voluntary water conservation, something which IRWD has always done. Conservation is a constant ethic and goal, promoted throughout the service area, regardless of drought conditions. IRWD makes extensive use of its website and social media, to continually remind customers of the conservation message. The IRWD website heavily features conservation content and easy to use irrigation scheduling guidelines, information on incentives, and efficient irrigation. IRWD also informs its customers through billing inserts, mailers, videos, water conservation booths, newsletters, postcards, community association meetings, and local public events. Outreach is also accomplished by having key IRWD personnel available to present to groups such as the city council, community associations, chambers of commerce, business groups, etc. • Drought Response Center – In order to respond to increased customer requests for on- site assistance, higher call volumes, and new and expanded water efficiency program offerings, additional temporary staff and consultants will be brought on to augment the water efficiency staff. IRWD will also establish a hot line to respond to customer questions and a special email response program. A drought information webpage will also be provided. The webpage will have both local and statewide drought information in one easy to access location.
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IRWD – 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
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