WaterMatters
WaterMatters is a quarterly newsletter that is delivered as part of the water customer's invoice mailing. The newsletter is also available as a link to the online billing statement. The attached newsletters are 2-page pdfs.
Winter 2011-2012: Latest Mallets creak restoration projects; a2energy program provides special assessment funding for commercial properties in Ann Arbor and expertise on weatherization and energy efficiency for both business and residential buildings; Driveway snow shovling tips; Snow plow tracking now online; A2H2O refillable bottles for-sale; Protecting water meters and pipes from freezing.
Fall 2011: Customer Service Center relocates to Larcom City Hall; Save Water and Save Energy with Huron River Watershed Council's campaign; New online services now available to start/stop water service or calculate a sample water bill; Fall leaf management options reminders; Protect songbirds during migration season and draw shades after 11 p.m. in high-rises.
Summer 2011: How much does your water cost? Inspect your sump pump every summer (how and why); Report basement flooding; Why your tap water may appear briefly reddish; Storwater rate-reduction credists available; Backflow prevention inspections and devices.
Spring 2011: New phone-in credit, debit card and e-check bill payment options available; Footing Drain Disconnect program's benefits and targeted areas; new stormwater requirements for residential construction projects over 200 square feet; no phosphorus fertilizers needed for healthy lawns and river; place A2H2O bottle photos on a virtual map; stormwater rate-reduction credits available.
Winter 2010/11: Important insurance policy reminder to check if you are covered for basement flooding; many of the University of Michigan's www.watersemester.com events are free and open to the public; join the energy challenge at www.a2gov.org/energy to save money and combat global warming; common sense sewer reminders of items to NOT flush down the toilet, properly dispose of medications and FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease), and avoid problems with tree roots in sewer lines.
Fall 2010: Water system conservation: what does this mean to the city and for residents? Protect water meters and pipes from freezing; start/stop water service online; new Parks class guide online at www.a2gov.org/parks; RecycleBank program starts in Ann Arbor; new flyover data used for stormwater rate calculations; fall leaf management options--don't rake leaves into the street! Remember to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Summer 2010: First anniversary of free, online water bill payment options; stormwater rate reduction credits available for: RiverSafe Home partnership, rain barrels, rain garden, cistern, or drywell; correction for the 2009 Water Quality Report; why your tap water may appear briefly reddish; ways to avoid the spread of West Nile virus; single-stream recycling starts July 5th; prevent backflow problems; Urban Forest Management Plan underway; groundwater well inventory.
Spring 2010: New online consumer's guide to tap water; footing drain disconnection free program and benefits; no phosphorus needed for healthy lawns and river; stormwater rate-reduction credits available; online Parks & Recreation registration; 10th annual Mayor's Green Fair on Main Street; new single-stream recycling coming July-August 2010.
Winter 2009/10: Highlights on innovative stormwater projects at Pioneer High School, W. Stadium, DDA parking lot; street snow plow tracking available at www.a2gov.org/snow; winter travel safety tips; sidewalk snow removal requirements; solid waste winter set-out tips; Barrier Busters update; online billing an option of choice; road salt application considerations.
Fall 2009: Online water payment option serves 20% of our customer base; use online water usage tracking tools to save water and money; protect water meters and pipes from freezing; fall street leaf pickup schedule is posted at www.a2gov.org/leaves; fall parks class catalog available at www.a2gov.org/parks; donate to Barrier Busters Unmet Needs Fund through your water bill; safety tips at www.a2gov.org/walkbikedrive; sign up for new, monthly resident online newsletter at www.a2gov.org.
Summer 2009: Free online water bill payment now available; stormwater rate reduction credits available for: RiverSafe Home partnership, rain barrels, rain garden, cistern, or drywell; tape household batteries before recycling; remove mosquito breeding areas; subscribe to city's e-mail updating service; a reminder to drivers and bicyclists to share the road.
Spring 2009: New processes in place at the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant; renovations to begin at the Wastewater Treatment Plant; no phosphorus needed for healthy lawns and river; prevent water backflow; Mayor's Green Fair on Main Street June 12; parks classes posted at www.a2gov.org/parks
Winter 2008/09: Thanks for helping to reduce phosphorus in the Huron River; online services win national award; environmental impacts of snow, salt, and sand; protect water pipes from freezing; you can donate to Barrier Busters
Fall 2008: Online Citizen Request System (CRS) available; protect water pipes from freezing; discount compost available; fall street leaves collection schedule; bike commuting on rise; online registration for park offerings; Barrier Busters Unment Needs Fund; pedestrian and vehicle crosswalk rules
Summer 2008: Mary Beth Doyle Park and Wetland Preserve protects water quality; pharmaceuticals in water test results; stormwater rate reduction credits available for: RiverSafe Home partnership, rain barrels, rain garden, cistern, or drywell; remove mosquito breeding areas; checking your online water usage can help save money
Spring 2008: Thanks for not using phosphorus (if you fertilize your lawn); prevent water backflow, stormwater rate reduction credits available; parks classes posted at www.a2gov.org/parks, Mayor's Green Fair on Main Street is mid-June; May 5-9 is Water Quality Awareness Week; city's Assistance Fund donations through the water bill help those in need
Selected WaterMatters back issues for key topics
Winter 2007/08: Footing Drain Disconnect (FDD) grants available, more information at www.a2fdd.com
Summer 2007: New! Track your water usage online; changes in stormwater rates coming
Winter 2006/07: How much does your water cost? Typical daily uses and ways to reduce water expenses; phosphorus lawn fertilizer ordinance begins; garbage disposal use in A2 helps feed healthy microbes in the Wastewater Treatment Plant; automatic water bill payment option available
Fall 2006: Don't rush to flush old medications--securely wrap and trash instead! details at www.dontflushdrugs.com; Huron River Film Festival; Protect our waterways at leaf collection time