Subcommittee approves 2025 Water Use Efficiency Awards, to be presented to city council

At a Water Conservation Subcommittee meeting, the panel voted to approve the recommended winners of Santa Rosa’s 2025 Water Use Efficiency Awards and to refer the selections and a Water Awareness Month proclamation to the City Council.

Heather Aviles of the Water Use Efficiency team presented the nominations and recommended that the subcommittee approve the three winners. Aviles said the team has given awards for excellence in water use since 1998.

The three recommended winners and the program’s estimated annual water savings are:

- Alfredo Valencia: installed 330 gallons of rainwater storage and participated in the direct‑install toilet and fixture program; estimated savings about 15,000 gallons a year. - Deborah DeBray: removed more than 2,900 square feet of turf and installed a rainwater capture garden; estimated savings about 32,000 gallons a year. - Richard Dobbins: installed 275 gallons of rainwater storage, replaced one high‑flow toilet and removed 325 square feet of turf; estimated savings about 9,000 gallons a year.

Aviles said the Water Awareness Month proclamation will be presented to City Council on May 13, when the awards will also be recognized. She described outreach for Water Awareness Month, including the Eco Friendly Garden Tour (May 10) and the Water Smart Expo at Wednesday Market (June 25), and said staff expected strong public participation.

Board member Mullen moved approval of the awards and referral to City Council; Chair Bavenport seconded by voice when the vote was called. The record shows Board member Mullen voted “Aye” and Chair Bavenport voted “Aye.” Secretary Montoya recorded the outcome as passing unanimously with Board member DeWitt absent.

The subcommittee’s action was limited to approving the awards and referring them to City Council for formal recognition; no additional policy changes or funding decisions were made at the meeting.