Santa Barbara City Employee Newsletter
Waterbrooming in the Waterfront:
Thanks to Alison Jordan, Water Conservation Coordinator with Public Works, who alerted the
Department to the availability of the Waterbroom, the Santa Barbara Department has a brighter
and cleaner future when it comes to water conservation. Why? The Waterfront Department bought
two Waterbrooms. This easy-to-use, water-saving device replaces the hose-and-nozzle approach
to washing down large surfaces. The Waterbroom consumes 60 percent less water than traditional
wash-down methods.
The Waterbroom uses only four gallons of water per minute cleaning walkways, instead of the
18 to 28 gallons per minute normally used. In addition to great water conservation, the Department
expects labor costs for routine surface-wash to be reduced 50% due to the units larger surface
coverage and drying capabilities. The products unique combination of air and water pressure helps
clean surfaces and speed up the drying process, removing stains without the need for mopping up
large water puddles saving hundreds of hours in labor. In the process, it also minimizes risk of
discharge into storm drains.
For example, on Stearns Wharf, staff would spend approximately 20 hours per week week cleaning
500 square feet of concrete walkways. In the past, this procedure was repeated daily and/or in
conjunction with special events, such as the Parade of Lights. Recently, staff completed the task
in 10 hours per week utilizing the new water conservation device with little or no mess.
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The Waterbroom comes in various sizes and generally costs less than $200. The new technology is
free of detergents and other chemicals. This device supports our commitment to the Departments
Clean Marina Program, the goal of which is to achieve and maintain, via feasible means and
alternatives, a clean harbor environment for people, aquatic life and seabirds. With a large body
of water in our backyard, Waterfront Department is reminded daily to look for new ways to conserve
water, protect our marine environment and save money. Surely, the Waterbroom will help make the
Harbor a cleaner place to live, work at and visit, while reducing our day-to-day expenses.
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