The Unified Port of San Diego, one of San Diego’s largest water users, is taking steps to cut its consumption.

The port announced this week that it had finished a $36,000 project to replace thirsty Bermuda grass at Spanish Landing Park near the airport with drought tolerant plants. Estimated water reduction: 80 percent, once the plants are established.

It’s also spent $11,000 to install low-flow toilets and other water-saving fixtures at its headquarters, spokesman John Gilmore said.

The port, which irrigates 16 bayside parks, had seen its water use increase about 1 percent in 2008, despite the region-wide call to conserve 10 percent. The port district bought 245 million gallons of water from the city, about enough to supply 1,500 homes for a year.

The port urges anyone who sees broken sprinklers or irrigation running on non-designated days (it’s allowed to water in the city on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) to call its office at 619.686.6200.

ROB DAVIS

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