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The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) recently announced it reduced water consumption by 1.54 million gallons during 2008's first four months through a new sustainability program.

The agency conducted comprehensive water conservation assessments at 17 facilities through the Santa Clara Valley Water District's Water Use Survey and Irrigation Technical Assistance programs, then replaced older toilets, faucets and shower heads with more efficient models. VTA also corrected irrigation problems at transit-related facilities, park and ride lots, and light-rail stations where major leaks were found.

Now, the agency plans to replace outdated irrigation controllers with more efficient, weather-based controllers, which will enable staff to monitor changes remotely through a web-based interface. The new system is expected to reduce the water consumed to irrigate transit facilities by 12.2 million gallons, or 40 percent, annually.

VTA is reviewing other recommended water conservations options, as well, such as using recycled water for irrigation and improving efficiency at train and bus washing facilities.