HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/18/2024 - Water Commission - AGENDA - Regular Meeting
WATER COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
April 18, 2024 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom or in person at 222 Laporte Ave, Colorado River Community Room
04/18/2024 Agenda Page 1
The Water Commission advises City Council regarding water, wastewater, and stormwater
policy issues such as water rights, planning, acquisition and management, conservation and
public education, floodplain regulations, storm drainage, and development criteria. Read more
at https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/boards/water.
This hybrid Water Commission meeting is available online via Zoom, phone, or in person in
the Colorado River Community Room of 222 LaPorte Ave. You may join the meeting beginning
at 5 p.m. Participants should join at least 15 minutes prior to 5:30 p.m. start time.
ONLINE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
You will need an internet connection on a laptop, computer, or smartphone, and may join the
meeting through Zoom at https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/98568801045 Webinar ID: 985 6880 1045
(Using earphones with microphone will improve the audio). Keep yourself on muted status.
For public comments, the Chairperson will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to
indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all
participants have an opportunity to comment.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BY PHONE:
Please dial +1 346 248 7799 and enter Webinar ID 985 6880 1045. Keep yourself on muted
status. For public comments, when the Chair asks participants to click the “Raise Hand” button
if they wish to speak, phone participants will need to press *9 to do this. Staff will be
moderating the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the
Water Commission. When you are called, press *6 to unmute yourself.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PERSON:
To participate in person, individuals should come to the Colorado River Community Room of
222 LaPorte Ave and be prepared to follow strict social distancing guidelines. There may be
needs to limit the number of individuals in the meeting room, and thus staging for individuals to
speak may need to occur in the lobby or outside (weather permitting).
Individuals who wish to speak will line up along the northern wall, maintaining physical
distancing. The chairperson will call upon each participant to speak.
(Continued on next page)
WATER COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
April 18, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom or in person at 222 Laporte Ave, Colorado River Community Room
04/18/2024 Agenda Page 2
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. AGENDA REVIEW
4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION (3 minutes per individual)
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 21, 2024
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
7. OTHER BUSINESS
(Commissioner concerns, Announcements)
a. Welcome new Commissioners Nicole Ng and Nick Martin
b. New Officer Voting for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
8. NEW BUSINESS
a. Staff Reports
i. Financial Monthly Report (meeting packet only/no presentation)
ii. Water Resources Quarterly Report (meeting packet only/no presentation,
staff available for questions)
Documents to Share: Any document or presentation a member of the public wishes to
provide to the Water Commission for its consideration must be emailed to jsong@fcgov.com
at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Provide Comments via Email: Individuals who are uncomfortable or unable to access the
Zoom platform or participate by phone are encouraged to participate by emailing comments
to the above email address at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
If your comments are specific to any of the discussion items on the agenda, please indicate
that in the subject line of your email. Staff will ensure your comments are provided to the
Water Commission.
WATER COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
April 18, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom or in person at 222 Laporte Ave, Colorado River Community Room
04/18/2024 Agenda Page 3
iii. Memo: Proposed Soil & Xeriscape Landscape Standard Updates
Postponed (No presentation, staff available for questions)
iv. 2023 Annual Water Conservation Report (No presentation, staff available
for questions)
v. Boards and Commissions Office Updates (No presentation, staff available
for questions)
Davina Lau, Public Engagement Specialist
Boards and Commissions Office staff will provide an update to the
Commission regarding Super Issue Meetings, 2024 recruitment, and answer
any questions from Commissioners.
9. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
(Committees, Event attendance, etc.)
10. ADJOURNMENT
DRAFT UNAPPROVED MINUTES WATER COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
March 21, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Hybrid in person at 222 Laporte Ave and online via Zoom
03/21/2024 – DRAFT Unapproved MINUTES Page 1
The Water Commission advises City Council regarding water, wastewater, and stormwater
policy issues such as water rights, planning, acquisition and management, conservation and
public education, floodplain regulations, storm drainage, and development criteria. Read
more at https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/boards/water.
1. CALL TO ORDER
5:31 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present In Person: Jordan Radin (Chairperson), Paul Herman (Vice
Chairperson), James Bishop, Kent Bruxvoort, Tyler Eldridge, Rick Kahn, Greg Steed,
Jason Tarry
o Commissioner Eldridge entered the meeting at 5:42PM
Commissioners Present via Zoom: None
Commissioners Absent - Excused: John Primsky
Staff Members Present In Person: Jeremy Woolf, John Song, Basil Hamdan, Kathryne
Marko, Erik Monahan, Jared Heath, Richard Thorp, Leslie Hill, Gregg Stonecipher
Staff Members Present via Zoom: Jill Oropeza
Members of the Public: None
3. AGENDA REVIEW
Chairperson Jordan Radin briefly summarized items on the agenda
4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
None
5. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Recognition of Outgoing Commissioners Kent Bruxvoort and Jason Tarry
b. City Council appoints new members Nick Martin and Nicole Ng
c. Looking ahead: Water Commission officer elections in April
d. Natural Areas Master Plan Update
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
DRAFT UNAPPROVED MINUTES WATER COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
03/21/2024 – DRAFT Unapproved MINUTES Page 2
Chairperson Radin asked for comments and revisions on the draft minutes.
Commissioner Herman moved to approve the February 15 minutes.
Commissioner Bishop seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: it passed unanimously, 7-0
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Staff Reports
i. Financial Monthly Report
(meeting packet only)
ii. Low Impact Development (LID) Update
Basil Hamdan, Stormwater Quality Engineer
Staff will update Commissioners on evolving stormwater regulations, namely
the policy regarding Low Impact Development and its implementation plans.
Discussion Highlights
Commissioners commented on or inquired about various related topics
including criteria for deciding LID methods for different sites, to which Mr.
Hamdan responded that they have an implementation plan that considers
multiple factors, including type of development, economics, available space,
and appropriate technologies. Commissioners asked about updates since the
2016 policy update; while policy updates must go through the Water
Commission and Council, technical amendments can be approved by the
Utilities Executive Director. Commissioners commented on examples of
maintenance failures and the lessons learned from these projects.
iii. Drinking Water Quality Policy Report
Erik Monahan, Senior Supervisor, Water Production
This report is designed to fulfill the requirements designated by the City of
Fort Collins Water Quality Policy Resolution 93-144. Staff would like to
receive feedback from the Commission on how to make the annual report
more efficient.
Discussion Highlights
Commissioners commented on or inquired about various related topics
including what the requirements are from the City, EPA, and other regulations
DRAFT UNAPPROVED MINUTES WATER COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
03/21/2024 – DRAFT Unapproved MINUTES Page 3
that must be included in the report, but Gregg Stonecipher, Director of Plant
Operations, shared that the policy only states that a report must be produced,
but it does not list specific requirements, so it is ultimately up to the Water
Commission and the Council who are the intended audience. Commissioners
commented on the attraction of the infographics but would like to see less
burden on staff members in putting together a report that many who read it
may not have the technical expertise to understand its contents.
Commissioners acknowledge that there are many levels of value, and Mr.
Stonecipher added that a lot of the contents are duplicative to the information
that can also be found in the Utilities annual report as well. Staff may return
with a revised version to compare to the previous report structure.
b. Regular Items
i. Agreement Regarding the Poudre Water Supply Infrastructure Wildfire
Ready Action Plan
Jared Heath, Senior Specialist, Water Quality Services
The Cities of Fort Collins and Greeley and Water Supply and Storage
Company are seeking grant funding through the Colorado Water
Conservation Board’s Wildfire Ready Watersheds Program to develop a
Wildfire Ready Action Plan (WRAP).
Discussion Highlights
Commissioners commented on or inquired about various related topics
including the City’s relationships, opportunities, and shared resources with
key stakeholders such as the United States Forest Service (USFS), on
whose land these actions will take place, as well as funding sources and
long-term monetary benefits. Commissioners inquired and discussed the
plans for program’s implementations with the grant, such as changing
meadow landscape that would benefit the watershed without making direct
changes to the ditch. Commissioners commented on establishing a
relationship with USFS with expediency to leverage resources.
Commissioner Bruxvoort moved that the Water Commission recommend
City Council formally approve of Utilities’ Watershed Program entering into
the Agreement Regarding the Poudre Water Supply Infrastructure Wildfire
Ready Action Plan.
The Commission proposed to amend the motion to include:
Additionally, the Commission acknowledges that the subject lands are owned
DRAFT UNAPPROVED MINUTES WATER COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
03/21/2024 – DRAFT Unapproved MINUTES Page 4
by US Forest Service and that the USFS is already engaged in wildfire
planning and funding activities. It is the Commissions’ opinion that the City
should engage USFS as soon as practical.
Commissioner Tarry seconded the amended motion.
Vote on the Motion: it passed unanimously, 8-0
8. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
a. None
9. ADJOURNMENT
7:35 p.m.
These minutes will be approved by the Water Commission on April 18, 2024.
Water
Wastewater
Stormwater
$5,688,000
$5,841,690
Budget
Actual
Operating Revenues
$6,570,114
$6,343,910
Budget
Actual
Operating Expenses
$5,960,000
$6,134,256
Budget
Actual
Operating Revenues
$4,036,649
$3,583,336
Budget
Actual
Operating Expenses
$4,732,584
$5,597,380
Budget
Actual
Operating Revenues
$2,876,032
$2,025,634
Budget
Actual
Operating Expenses
2
Water Fund Revenue
in thousands Percent of Year 25.0%
March Year to Date
Actual
Over/
(Under)Budget Actual
Over/
(Under) Inc/(Dec)
% Bud
Recvd % Act Recvd
2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 2023
Residential Water Sales $ 1,143 * $ 36 $ 3,362 $ 3,486 $ 124
(A)$ 122 19%21%
Com/Indl Water Sales 560 * 17 1,639 1,667 28 (B)7 17%18%
Excess Water Use Surcharge 4 * 3 5 6 1 (6) 1%1%
District Water Sales 99 * (14)310 344 34 (9) 17%14%
Other Water Sales 2 * (50)53 8 (45)(C)13 1%2%
PILOTs 108 2 319 330 11 (3) 18%19%
Operating Revenue 1,917 (5) 5,688 5,842 154 124 17%19%
Interest Revenue 186 94 276 534 258 75 48%27%
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributions 14 (121)404 1,758 1,354
(D)1,678 109%134%
Financing Sources 66 0 6 6 6 4%
Other Misc 181 163 57 235 178 (E)177 78%70%
Total Lapsing Revenue**2,303 136 6,425 8,374 1,949 2,060 23%24%
Non-lapsing Revenue 0 0 0
TOTAL**$ 2,303 $ 8,374 $ 2,060
Variance Analysis:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
*
**
Commercial/Industrial Water sales are 1.7% overer budget and 0.4% more than YTD 2023.
March billed revenue is for February and early March.
Excludes transfers and unrealized gain/loss on value.
Plant Investment Fees $236 (recognized $449 from unearned revenue related to 2019 FCLWD loan prepayment), Water Rights ($90).
Plant Investment Fees $389 (recognized $496 from unearned revenue related to 2019 FCLWD loan prepayment), and Water Rights $492 (large senior living complex in February).
Repair Charges $175 (received settlement for AB Transmission Main that was struck).
Due to a lack of water rentals.
Residential Water Sales are 3.7% over budget and 3.6% mores than YTD 2023.
Note: Water rate increase of 4.0% for 2024, as budgeted.
3
Water Fund 2024 Department Expense
In thousands `Percent of Year 25.0%
Excludes depreciation and transfers
March Year to Date
Actual
(Over)/
Under YTD Bdgt Actual
(Over)/
Under (Inc)/Dec
Actual +
PO's
Spent &
Committed
2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 by PO's
Water Treatment $ 478 $ 32 $ 1,367 $ 1,234 $ 133
(A)$ (143) $ 1,801 27%
Water Resources 1,064 (111)1,208 1,217 (8)(B)(171) $ 1,328 38%
Water Quality Lab 115 (24)279 279 (0)(59) $ 434 34%
Subtotal WR&T $ 1,657 $ (103)$ 2,855 $ 2,730 $ 125 $ (373) $ 3,563 31%
Transmission & Distribution 298 (31)747 936 (189)
(C)(174) $ 961 25%
Water Meters O&M 65 49 277 194 83 67 $ 216 16%
Engineering 31 19 133 85 48 69 $ 141 15%
Subtotal WEFS 394 36 1,157 1,215 (58)(38) $ 1,318 21%
Water Conservation 67 28 309 197 112 (D)22 $ 380 27%
PILOTs 108 (2)319 330 (11)3 $ 330 18%
Admin Services - CS&A 439 0 1,318 1,318 0 (53) $ 1,318 25%
Other Payments & Transfers 157 (0)613 555 58 (E)80 $ 619 24%
Subtotal Operating Expenses $ 2,823 $ (40)$ 6,570 $ 6,344 0 $ 226 $ (359) $ 7,527 26%
Debt Service 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0
Minor Capital 0 38 115 21 94 (F)410 $ 572 32%
Total Lapsing $ 2,823 $ (2)$ 6,685 $ 6,365 $ 320 $ 51 $ 8,099 27%
Non-lapsing Expenses 821 1,352 (1,712)
TOTAL $ 3,644 $ 7,717 $ (1,660)
Variance Analysis:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)Water Treatment: Consulting $55 (solar field analysis and front parking lot landscape redesign pending, might still underspend by YE), Other Capital Outlay $21 (needs being identified, might spend on
renewable energy expansion, depending on analysis), and Other Equipment $14 (outstanding quote, expecting to be around $7).
Legal Services $58 (Accounting accrued reversed invoices to 2023; notified them and will correct in April).
High Efficiency Rebate $44, Urinal & Toilet Rebates $19, and Water Efficiency Landscape Rebates $32 (spending depends on projects and is highly variable, historically underspent), Consulting $14
(CIS project paying for MyWater/Watersmart, will be underspent by YE), Conservation Incentives $10 (Natural Areas paying for Garden in a Box, will be underspent by YE), offset by Personnel ($11) (no
vacancies - Assumed Vacancy Factor ($8) and staff increases, will be $60 under in hourlies for the year; will be under by YE).
Chemicals $86 (lower than anticipated Spring water demands), Dues & Subscriptions $23 (2024 Water Research Foundation subscription is outstanding due to fund split discussions), Testing Services
$22 ($13 spent or encumbered, should be flat by YE (year-end)), offset by Software Maintenance & Support ($14) (prepaid ICE expense booked all in Q1, should be flat by June),Contractual Labor ($13)
(Hauled sludge earlier in the year than calendarized; flat or under by YE), Natural Gas ($13) (late winter and spring heating costs higher than planned, YE spend TBD depending on fall and winter
temperatures). Computer Hardware $30 (BFO Enh. 4.33 appropriation frozen, will lapse),
Street & Bridge Maint. ($165) and Traffic Control ($5) (more water main breaks than usual in Q1 (40% of annual average) and increased costs for asphalt patching (up 30%) and concrete repairs from
Streets (Streets labor up 8-10%, equipment costs up, etc.)), Vehicle Repairs ($39) (two unexpected vehicle repairs early in the year), and Clothing Supplies ($15) (clothing allowance doubled this year,
will be over budget by YE and offset in Solid Waste Services).
Water Assessments ($113) (digging into this - incorrect calendarization suspected, TBD), Personnel ($17) (no vacancies - Assumed Vacancy Factor ($8) and allocation out error: net impact ~-$23; if
persist, will be $61 over budget by YE), offset by Consulting $114 ($60 due to Poudre Instream Flows Revision offer 1.56 unspent, terminated WSR contractor $15 under - will spend when get new
vendor, and haven't needed consultant for Montava water court case, but likely gearing up in a few months).
4
Wastewater Fund Revenue
in thousands Percent of Year 25.0%
March Year to Date
Actual
Over/
(Under)Budget Actual
Over/
(Under) Inc/(Dec)
% Bud
Recvd % Act Recvd
2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 2023
Residential WW Sales $ 1,433 * $ 25 $ 4,221 $ 4,287 $ 66
(A)$ 174 25%26%
Com/Indl WW Sales 448 * 23 1,264 1,324 60 (B)30 23%23%
District WW Sales 37 * 2 105 112 7 5 27%26%
Other WW Sales 22 * 13 33 69 36 (C)19 33%17%
PILOTs 115 3 337 343 6 12 25%25%
Operating Revenue 2,055 66 5,960 6,134 174 241 25%25%
Interest Revenue 108 60 145 311 166 66 53%27%
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributions 46 (32)234 365 131 (D)10 39%56%
Financing Sources 00 0 0 0 0
Other Misc 2 1 3 7 4 (2) 6%5%
Total Lapsing Revenue**2,211 94 6,342 6,817 475 314 26%26%
Non-lapsing Revenue 0 0 0
TOTAL**$ 2,211 $ 6,817 $ 314
Variance Analysis:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)Bad Debt Recovery $23, Lab Services $16, and House Rental $12, offset by Ranch Income ($35).
*
**
Plant Investment Fees $45.
March billed revenue is for February and early March.
Note: Wastewater rate increase of 4.0% for 2024, as budgeted.
Residential sales were 1.6% over budget and 4.2% more than YTD 2023.
Septage Treatment Charge $22.
Commercial/Industrial sales were 4.7% over budget and 2.3% more than YTD 2023.
Excludes transfers and unrealized gain/loss on value.
5
Wastewater Fund 2024 Department Expense
In thousands Percent of Year 25.0%
Excludes depreciation and transfers
March Year to Date
Actual
(Over)/
Under YTD Bdgt Actual
(Over)/
Under YTD (Inc)/Dec
Actual +
PO's
% Bud Spent &
Committed
2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 by PO's
Water Reclamation & Biosolids $ 450 $ 84 $ 1,511 $ 1,241 $ 270
(A)$ (6) $ 2,030 29%
Pollution Control Lab 92 13 315 229 86 (B)36 373 27%
Subtotal WR&T 542 98 1,826 1,470 356 30 2,402 28%
Trunk & Collection 152 6 443 419 24 (22)425 21%
Engineering 34 17 136 85 51 (4)161 24%
Subtotal WEFS 186 23 579 504 75 (26)586 21%
PILOTs 115 (3)336 343 (7)(12)343 25%
Admin Services - CS&A 257 (0)771 771 (0)(30)771 25%
Other Payments & Transfers 129 (0)524 494 29 33 526 23%
Subtotal Operating Expenses $ 1,229 $ 118 $ 4,037 $ 3,583 $ 453 $ (5) $ 4,629 26%
Debt Service 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 0 0%
Minor Capital 31 354 498 62 436 (C)$ 72 548 57%
Total Lapsing $ 1,260 $ 472 $ 4,534 $ 3,645 $ 889 $ 67 $ 5,177 16%
Non-lapsing Expenses 392 606 (174)
TOTAL $ 1,652 $ 4,251 $ (108)
Variance Analysis:
(A)
(B)
(C)
Chemical Supplies $77 (Primarily from Polymer. Overspent in Magnesium Hydroxide and Magnesium Chloride. Changing chemical needs in response to process demands.), Personnel $63 (Vacancies),
Consulting Services $32 (Several open POs for work. Expecting to spend), Electricity $19 (Lower demand currently), Dues & Subscription Services $17 (No invoices currently), Legal Services $16.
Offset by Solid Waste Services ($11) (Additional roll-offs need due to significant tree and root wads in influent), Laboratory Supplies ($13) (Ordered supplies earlier than originally anticipated), Software
Maintenance & Support Services ($14) (Prepaid expense).
Personnel $39 Salaries (Fully staffed, need to research), Consulting Services $26 (POs for different monitoring programs that have not been invoiced).
Trunk & Collection: $350 Mechanical & Heavy Equipment (Working with fleet for purchase vehicles and equipment. Not expecting any commitments until June at the earliest), Pollution Control Lab: $10
Other Equipment (Used for unexpected repairs. No need so far).
6
Stormwater Fund Revenue
in thousands Percent of Year 25.0%
March Year to Date
Actual
Over/
(Under)Budget Actual
Over/
(Under) Inc/(Dec)
% Bud
Recvd % Act Recvd
2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 2023
Single Family Residential SW Services $ 734 * $ 24 $ 2,131 $ 2,201 $ 70
(A)$ 86 26%26%
Non-single Family SW Services 928 * 59 2,602 2,658 56 (B)90 26%25%
Operating Revenue 1,662 83 4,733 4,859 126 176 26%26%
Interest Revenue 177 146 94 509 415 329 136%41%
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributions 77 2 225 197 (28)(C)(138) 22%20%
Financing Sources 00 0 0 0 0
Other Misc 21 33229(D)26 214%35%
Total Lapsing Revenue**1,919 233 5,054 5,597 543 394 28%26%
Non-lapsing Revenue 0 0 0
TOTAL**$ 1,919 $ 5,597 $ 394
Variance Analysis:
Note: Stormwater rate increase of 3.0% for 2024, as budgeted.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
*
**
March billed revenue is for February and early March.
Canal Maintenance revenue $26
Development Review ($9) and Stormwater Development Fees ($15).
Non-Single Family fees are 3.5% greater than 2023.
Single Family Residential fees are 4.1% greater than 2023.
Excludes transfers and unrealized gain/loss on value.
7
Stormwater Fund 2024 Department Expense
In thousands Percent of Year 25.0%
Excludes depreciation and transfers
March Year to Date
Actual
(Over)/
Under Budget Actual (Over)/ Under (Inc)/Dec Actual + PO's
% Bud Spent &
Committed
2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 by PO's
Drainage and Detention $ 161 $ 28 $ 497 $ 439 $ 58
(A)$ (70)$ 657 24%
Engineering 124 30 458 325 133
(B)9 387 20%
Stormwater Quality Programs 28 10 102 83 19 (23)221 31%
Admin Services - CS&A 307 0 920 920 0 (33)920 25%
Other Payments & Transfers 82 (0) 900 259 641 (C)39 291 16%
Subtotal Operating Expenses $ 702 $ 68 $ 2,876 $ 2,026 $ 850 $ (77)$ 2,476 23%
Debt Service 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 #DIV/0!
Minor Capital 0 294 459 0 459 (D)0 919 56%
Total Lapsing $ 702 $ 362 $ 3,335 $ 2,026 $ 1,309 $ (77)$ 3,396 27%
Non-lapsing Expenses 153 575 261
TOTAL $ 855 $ 2,601 $ 184
Variance Analysis:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Personnel $35 (a vacancy is being releveled to be filled later in 2024) and Street & Bridge Maintenance $29 (delay in invoice processing and asphalt plants not processing until 4/1, expect
to be fully expended by YE), offset by Vehicle Repair (($7) reactionary, expect to be fully expended by YE) and Health Supplies (($5) safety guardrail needed).
Personnel $43 (2 vacancies - 1 will be filled 4/15) and Consulting $60 (used as needed).
Vehicles $94 (awaiting payment of CNG vehicle recently delivered) and Heavy Equipment $365 (expect delivery Q3 2024).
BBRSA budgeted in January but won't be paid until YE.
8
Utilities
electric · stormwater · wastewater · water
700 Wood Street
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.212.2900
V/TDD: 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 10, 2024
TO: Water Commission
FROM: Michael Neale, Water Resources Engineer
& Water Resources Division Staff
RE: April 2024, Quarterly Water Resources Division Staff Report
Purpose
This memorandum is intended to update the Water Commission on water resource conditions for
the City of Fort Collins Water Utility (Water Utility) over the last quarter and provide updated
supply and demand outlook information. For additional information, please refer to the City’s
website: https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/water-status
Supply and Demand
• Since January 1, water supply has consisted of 36% from the Cache La Poudre River, and
64% from Horsetooth Reservoir. Generally, throughout the year, slightly more than half of
our supplies come from Horsetooth. This year, the pipeline replacement project and water
quality conditions have reduced full intake from the Poudre.
• Running total treated water demand since January 1st is currently 103% of projected.
Cache la Poudre Basin and Upper Colorado Basin Snowpack:
• Natural Resources Conservation Service SNOTEL:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/wcc/home/quicklinks/states/colorado/products/basing
raphs
• Snowpack or snow-water equivalent (SWE) in the Cache la Poudre Basin is currently 97%
of median. See SWE chart attached.
• Snow water equivalent totals as of 5/12/2023:
o Upper Colorado River Basin: 107% of median.
o Poudre Basin: 97% of median.
Cache la Poudre River flow: Graphical data for the Poudre River is available on-line at:
• Cache La Poudre River at the Canyon Mouth
https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/CLAFTCCO?params=DISCHRG
Reservoir Storage:
• Presented in the Northern Water District Storage and Delivery Report, as of May 1:
• C-BT project reservoirs (Granby, Carter, and Horsetooth): 83% full.
• Horsetooth Reservoir: 77% full.
• Joe Wright Reservoir: 64% full (112% of average based on 14 years of data).
Water Supply Considerations:
• Northern Water Board will set the Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) quota during their board
meeting on April 11, 2024. As of now, supplies are adequate to meet projected demands for
the remainder of the 2024 water year.
• Water Shortage Action Committee will meet on April 18 to assess water supply and demand
outlook and determine any potential for water shortage. If drought management action is
deemed necessary, the Water Shortage Action Plan (WSAP) is in place to guide our
decisions and actions (fcgov.com/WSAP).
• Water Resources Division maintains close communication with Northern Water regarding
any drought response or policy action affecting the CBT system. As of now, there is no
indication of drought management action needed from Northern Water.
• Water Resources Division is closely monitoring the hydrology of the Colorado River basin,
the statewide and regional discussions around the Colorado River Compact, and any demand
management action by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in response to drought in the
Colorado River basin.
City of Fort Collins Utilities
Treated Water Monthly Summary
2024
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year to
Date
WTF Water Supply (MG)
From Poudre 180.3 190.0 179.7 550.0
From Horsetooth 343.4 293.3 320.9 957.5
Total Raw Water 523.7 483.3 500.5 1,507.5
Demands (MG)
WTF Production 500.7 459.0 478.6 1,438.2
Change in Storage -0.7 4.8 -3.6 0.5
Demand on WTF 501.4 454.2 482.1 1,437.7
From Soldier Canyon 19.1 21.0 9.1 49.2
To Soldier Canyon 0.0 0.0 -0.1 -0.1
To FC-Lov/NWCWD -55.6 -44.4 -45.3 -145.3
For City 464.9 430.8 445.8 1,341.5
Daily Deliveries to City (MG)
Max During Month 19.2 15.5 15.1 19.2
Min During Month 11.9 14.4 13.0 11.9
Avg During Month 15.0 14.9 14.4 14.7
Monthly Deliveries (Ac-Ft)
Projected 1,345 1,270 1,358 1,472 1,861 2,734 3,230 3,147 2,715 1,682 1,322 1,322 23,458
Actual 1,427 1,322 1,368 4,117
Ratio 106%104%101%18%
Year to Date Deliveries (Ac-Ft)
Projected 1,345 2,615 3,973 5,445 7,306 10,040 13,270 16,416 19,132 20,813 22,136 23,458 23,458
Actual 1,427 2,749 4,117 4,117
Ratio 106%105%104%18%
Cache la Poudre Basin Snow Water Equivalent (SWE)
Colorado River Headwaters Snow Water Equivalent
C-BT Project Storage
Lake Granby Storage in Lake Granby decreased 16,834 acre-feet last month
Horsetooth Reservoir Storage in Horsetooth Reservoir increased 13,866 acre-feet last month
Carter Lake Storage in Carter Lake increased 616 acre-feet last month
Note: Storage in pie charts represents total storage (active and dead storage).
April 1, 2024
470,658
77,238
120,979
136,223
Total Storage
Granby Carter Horsetooth Empty
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
Ac
r
e
‐Fe
e
t
April 1 Total Storage
470,658
65,475
Acre‐Feet
8240
8250
8260
8270
8280
8290
El
e
v
a
t
i
o
n
(f
t
)
120,979
35,756
Acre‐Feet
5360
5380
5400
5420
5440
El
e
v
a
t
i
o
n
(f
t
)
77,238
34,992
Acre‐Feet
5660
5680
5700
5720
5740
5760
5780
El
e
v
a
t
i
o
n
(f
t
)
C-BT Project Allocated Water
C-BT Active Storage
C-BT Delivery Obligations
Notes:
April 1, 2024
1) Initial Quota set at 50%
2) Carryover - Carryover will not be certified until April 30. Until that date, the Maximum Potential Carryover is reported
for Carryover so that adequate supplies are set aside to fulfill all potential obligations.
3) Regional Pool - Additional water will accrue to the Regional Pool until April 30. The current volume reflects water supplies
not eligible for the Carryover Program.
4) Pie chart reflects the active storage in Granby, Carter, Horsetooth and Boulder Reservoir.
112%, Project Reserves
0%, Regional Pool
(Allocated)
14%, Regional Pool
(Unallocated)
43%, Certified Quota
1%, Collateral
17%, Carryover
4%, Replacement and
Contracts
0%, Windy Gap
47%,
Empty
Project Reserves
Regional Pool (Allocated)
Regional Pool (Unallocated)
Certified Quota
Collateral
Carryover
Replacement and Contracts
Windy Gap
Empty
% number represents
equivalent quota
0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000
Acre-Feet
Quota
Delivered Remaining
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000
Acre-Feet
Carryover
Delivered Remaining Max Potential
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Acre-Feet
Replacement
Delivered Remaining
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000
Acre-Feet
Regional Pool
Delivered Remaining Unallocated
C-BT Project Deliveries
April 1, 2024
Deliveries by Area Deliveries by Use
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
20
1
6
20
1
7
20
1
8
20
1
9
20
2
0
20
2
1
20
2
2
20
2
3
20
2
4
Ac
r
e
-
F
e
e
t
Adams Tunnel
Total YTD
0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Acre-Feet
C-BT Project Deliveries
Includes Quota, Carryover, Regional Pool and Noncharge
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
53%46%
1%
March
Carter
Horsetooth
Other 55%
44%
1%
Water Year
Carter
Horsetooth
Other
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Ac
r
e
-
F
e
e
t
Horsetooth Carter Other
0%
100%
March
Agriculture
M&I
0%
100%
Water Year
Agriculture
M&I
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Ac
r
e
-
F
e
e
t
Agriculture M&I
Utilities
electric · stormwater · wastewater · water
222 Laporte Ave
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.2900
V/TDD: 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 8, 2024
TO: Chair Radin and Members of the Water Commission
FROM: Katie Collins, Water Conservation Specialist
Kathryne Marko, Environmental Regulatory Affairs Manager
RE: Proposed Soil & Xeriscape Landscape Standard Updates Postponed
Bottom Line
The purpose of this memo is to provide an explanation for the postponement of the item titled
“Proposed Soil & Xeriscape Landscape Standard Updates,” previously scheduled for the April
18, 2024 Water Commission meeting and May 7, 2024 Regular Council Meeting. This item has
been postponed in response to the passage of Colorado Senate Bill 24-005 on March 15, 2024.
Staff predicts rescheduling this item later this year.
Background
City staff had planned to move forward with changes to current Land Use Code section 3.2.1 that
would:
1. Limit the new installation of high-water use turf-grass to 30% of a total landscape
2. Restrict the installation of artificial turf
3. Require applicants meet or exceed a minimum percentage of living landscape coverage
4. Specify timing of tree planting
5. Adjust tree species requirement
6. Include additional irrigation plan and system requirements
In addition to changes proposed for Land Use Code 3.2.1, staff is also planning updates to
Municipal Code Chapter 12 related to Soil Amendment and Soil Loosening. Staff presented this
package of proposals to the Water Commission at their August 17, 2023 meeting.
Senate Bill 24-005, signed into law on March 15, 2024, imposes landscape restrictions on
streetscapes, HOA common property, commercial, industrial, and institutional new and
redevelopment after January 1, 2026. The law will:
1. Restrict the installation of “nonfunctional turf”
2. Restrict the installation of artificial turf
3. Restrict the installation of invasive plant species
While the intent behind the State law and the City’s proposal is the same, the scope and the
language presented in the State law are different enough that revisions to the City’s proposal are
required. These revisions will not be completed in time for the April 18th Water Commission
meeting. Rather than updating the same section of code twice, potentially in the same year, staff
decided to postpone the City’s proposal. Staff will revise the City’s Proposal to ensure
alignment with State law and predicts rescheduling with Water Commission and City Council
later this year.
The Fort Collins Streetscape Standards will need to be amended to reflect the new law. That
amendment will not be included with this package of updates and will come later but before
January 1, 2026.
CC: Gretchen Stanford, Deputy Director, Utilities
Jason Graham, Director of Water Utilities
Jill Oropeza, Senior Director, Water Planning and Sciences
Mariel Miller, Water Conservation Manager
Kendra Boot, City Forester
Heather Jarvis, Assistant City Attorney
TOTAL3.8
million gallons
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL TOTAL
40
TOTAL2.6
million gallons
Shift Your Water: 2.7 MG
Landscape Conversions: 1.1 MG
Outdoor Water Use
Home Water Reports: 24 MG
Eciency Rebates: 2.2 MG
Continuous Consumption
(Leak) Notifications: 7.2 MG
Combined Water Use
Ecient Product Installations
(Larimer County): 2.6 MG
Indoor Water Use
TOTAL33.4
million gallons
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL TOTAL
90
Outdoor Water Use
TOTAL7.4
million gallons
Indoor Water Use
Eciency Rebates: 0.5 MG
Ecient Product
Installations: 0.1 MG
TOTAL0.6
million gallons
Combined Water Use
Continuous Consumption
(Leak) Notifications: 81.8 MG
TOTAL81.8
million gallons
Allotment Management
Program: 1.6 MG
Landscape Conversions: 1.8 MG
Midstream
Irrigation Rebates: 4 MG
TOTAL ANNUALSAVINGS:130
million gallons
WATER CONSERVATION ANNUAL REPORT
Fort Collins Utilities has a strong commitment to ensuring the
efficient and responsible use of our natural resources. Our Water
Conservation Program started in 1977 and we continue to innovate
how we help the community use water wisely.
Gallons per capita per day (GPCD) is the total treated
water used by commercial and residential customers,
divided by the service area population (about 80%
of Fort Collins), divided by 365 days. GPCD helps
determine if conservation and efficiency efforts
and practices are impacting community water use,
irrespective of population growth. GPCD fluctuates
greatly with weather – hotter and drier months
during the irrigation season create higher water
demands for our community.
2023
Utilities
140,000
135,000
130,000
125,000
120,000
115,000
110,000
250
200
150
100
50
0
Community Gallons per Capita per Day (GPCD) & Population
20
0
1
20
0
2
20
0
3
20
0
4
20
0
5
20
0
6
20
0
7
20
0
8
20
0
9
20
1
0
20
1
1
20
1
2
20
1
3
20
1
4
20
1
5
20
1
6
20
1
7
20
1
8
20
1
9
20
2
0
20
2
1
20
2
2
20
2
3
122TOTAL
137,400
20
0
0
211TOTAL
118,300
page 1
WATER
CONSERVATION
AND EFFICIENCY
AT A GLANCE
GPCD is down 42%
since 2000.
Based on total water treated.
Total Community GPCD
Population
PROGRAMS AND SERVICESWATER
SAVINGS
Actions in 2023
resulted in
approximately
130 million
gallons (MG)
saved or 2%
of 2023 total
treated water.
LEARN MORE
Residential Programs and Rebates: fcgov.com/save-water
Commercial Programs and Rebates: fcgov.com/water-efficiency
1,684 homes’
average annual
water use was saved
in 2023 based on
volume of single-
family home water
use (3-year average)
page 2
2023WATER CONSERVATION
ANNUAL REPORT
Another way to evaluate our
impact on water use within our
service area is estimated water
savings.
Estimated water savings only
include results from programs
and services that have
measurable water savings, a
large portion of which persist
for years to come. Many of the
services we provide can’t be
easily measured.
Compared to 3-year historical average (2020-2022),
residential water use was down 20% and commercial water
use was down 8%. This is largely due to a 123% increase in
precipitation during the irrigation season in 2023 compared
to prior years’ average.
Overall, Utilities treated 6.1 billion gallons of water
(including unmetered use and other water losses), which
33 27
50 65
86
133
185
131
160 173
130
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
50
150
250
350
450
550
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Residential Commercial
3 Ye
a
r
A
v
g
.
3 Y
e
a
r
A
v
g
.
Estimated Water Savings (MG)
Total Monthly Water Use (MG)
equals 122 gallons per person per day (GPCD). This is a
42% reduction in GPCD since 2000 and meets our goal
of reaching 130 GPCD by 2030. However, 2023’s record
rainfall and wet, cool irrigation season played a large role
and reduced total treated water use by about 13%. If we
receive less rain in summer of 2024, it is likely that GPCD
will increase.
Total accounts: 32,204
• 28,872 single family & duplex accounts
• 2,332 multi-family building accounts
Total water use: 2,910,000,000 gallons
Average use per customer class:
• SF/Duplex: 64,384 gal/yr
• MF: 423,305 gal/yr
(includes multiple units)
Total accounts: 2,818
• Includes commercial, irrigation, and
HOA customers
Total water use: 2,193,000,000 gallons
Average use per customer account:
778,380 gal/yr
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERICAL
Water use is constantly fluctuating – both our individual uses
and our community use. There are many factors that impact
how much water we use, but year-to-year fluctuations are
mostly attributed to weather. Long-term water reduction
trends generally result from efficient actions by water users.
When we have cooler and wetter weather, our water use
decreases, as seen in 2023. 2023’s record precipitation
during irrigation season is not likely to start a trend. Our
region is expected to continue warming and may receive less
precipitation over time due to climate change. Hotter and
drier weather makes water efficiency an even more critical
strategy to managing a reliable water supply.
• The Colorado Climate Center’s 2024 Climate Change in
Colorado reports a 2.3 degree F increase statewide since
1980 and estimates another 1-4 degree F increase by 2050.
Summer and fall are projected to warm slightly more than
winter and spring, extending the irrigation season into
the fall. The future of Colorado’s precipitation is much less
clear. Additional warming will drive greater evaporative
demand, which influences the amount of water needed by
plants to stay healthy. Therefore, warmer temperatures will
likely contribute to more frequent and severe droughts,
regardless of changes in precipitation.
• The 2019 Water Supply
Vulnerability Study
estimates climate impacts
will decrease water supplies
and increase water demands,
squeezing water resources
from both ends. This will
likely increase the need for
outdoor watering restrictions.
Community Gallons per Capita per Day (GPCD) & Precipitation (in)
WATER USE AND CLIMATE IMPACTS WATER CONSERVATION
ANNUAL REPORT
OTHER FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE WATER USE INCLUDE:
page 3
• Conservation: Actions such as taking shorter showers,
monitoring your outdoor water use, turning off the faucet
while brushing your teeth and other behaviors add up and
can make a collective difference.
• Efficient Fixtures/Appliance/Landscapes: Homes and
businesses that have water efficient appliances, fixtures,
irrigation, and technologies use less water every time
someone flushes, washes, showers, or waters their landscape.
• Leaks: The average household in the US wastes 10,000
gallons of water due to leaks every year, which is about 12% of
total average annual household water use. 10% of homes have
leaks that waste 90 gallons or
more per day.
• Population: More people means more water use. Total
residential and commercial water use all increase with a
growing population.
• Land Development Patterns and Urban Design: Less dense
developments with more landscaped areas require more
outdoor water use to maintain. Landscape types that are not
regionally adapted or native to our area, such as turf grasses
and others, require more water than nature provides.
2023WATER CONSERVATION
ANNUAL REPORT
OUTDOOR WATER
USE (COMMERCIAL
+ RESIDENTIAL) IS
35% OR 1.78 BG.
BG = Billion Gallons
SINGLE FAMILY &
DUPLEX OUTDOOR
0.74 BG
MULTI FAMILY INDOOR
0.84 BG
MULTI FAMILY OUTDOOR
0.15 BG
SINGLE FAMILY &
DUPLEX INDOOR
1.19 BG
COMMERCIAL
OUTDOOR
0.9 BG
COMMERCIAL
INDOOR
1.29 BG
RESIDENTIAL
INDOOR
2.03 BG
RESIDENTIAL
OUTDOOR
0.89 BG
211
199
183
154 146 155
171 161 153
135
146 141
166
142 139 141
157
141 143
131 138 139 139
122
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
25
75
125
175
225
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Community GPCD Precipitation
LEARN MORE
Residential Programs and Rebates: fcgov.com/save-water
Commercial Programs and Rebates: fcgov.com/water-efficiency
WATER CONSERVATION
ANNUAL REPORT2023 WATER CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS
23-25044
2023WATER CONSERVATION
ANNUAL REPORT
page 4
• Assisted Mobile Home Park Residents: Supported
Neighborhood Services’ Mobile Home Park DIY series to
educate residents on water and energy efficiency. Water
Conservation attended four sessions to support about 90
residents with indoor and outdoor water conservation via
free, efficient fixtures and promoting our programs and
resources.
• Provided free Certified Landscape and Irrigation Audit
training: Hosted a two-day Irrigation Association class,
taught by Water Conservation staff, where 23 participants
learned to analyze landscape water use and increase
irrigation efficiency.
• Sprinkler Checkup Program: Conducted 412 checkups
across Utilities, Fort Collins-Loveland, and East Larimer
County water districts. Four trained technicians assessed
over 2 million square feet of irrigated landscapes, inspected
over 11,000 sprinkler heads, and piloted our first Spanish-
language checkups and informational
materials. In 2024, Utilities will provide checkups through a
partnership with Resource Central, ensuring the program’s
continuity and allowing time for staff to explore future
improvements. fcgov.com/sprinklers
• Distributed Water-Wise Pre-Designed Plant Pallets:
Partnered with Nature in the City and Resource Central to
distribute $25 discounts on mostly native Garden in a Box
kits to 170 residential water customers and $100 discounts
on Garden in a Box kits to 25 Income-Qualified Assistance
Program customers and mobile home park residents.
fcgov.com/GIAB.
• Supported Affordable Housing: Partnered with an
affordable housing provider to install 144 high-efficiency
toilets. Provided a rebate to support the project which
otherwise would not have been financially feasible. This
upgrade is estimated to save about 250,000 gallons
annually. fcgov.com/water-efficiency.
2024 FOCUS AREAS
• Water Efficiency Plan: Updating the 2015 Water Efficiency
Plan, which guides how Utilities customers use water and
recommends strategies to help use less. The updated WEP
will set new water conservation goals, incorporate extensive
public engagement, integrate land use planning, and employ
numeric modeling and an equity analysis to help prioritize
future water conservation programs, policies, and incentives.
Learn more about the WEP update and provide feedback at
fcgov.com/2024WEP.
• Colorado River Impacts and Water Shortage: Utilities
staff monitors the Colorado River’s status and ongoing
discussions about water shortages impacting the seven
states under the Colorado River Compact. Utilities sources
about 60% of water distributed to customers from the
Colorado River-Big Thompson project, which is stored in
Horsetooth Reservoir and managed by Northern Water.
If there are reductions in water use required in Colorado,
Northern Water would determine if, when and how much
our Utilities supplies would be reduced. If needed, we will
respond to shortages using the Water Shortage Action
Plan. As of now, there is no indication from Northern Water
of the need for drought management action.
fcgov.com/WSAP
• Landscape and Irrigation Training and Education: Hosting
free monthly garden tours by foot and bike, partnering
with Natural Areas for a sustainable landscape series, and
offering a class on efficient home irrigation. Emphasizing
native plant landscaping education remains a priority due
to its drought resilience and support for biodiversity and
pollinators citywide. Utilities collaborates with numerous
community organizations (One Canopy, Front Range Wild
Ones, the CO Native Plant Society, People and Pollinators
Action Network, the League of Women Voters, Nature in
the City, USDA NRCS, Wildland Restoration Volunteers
and Larimer Conservation District) for seed and plant
swaps, while offering discounted education for landscape
professionals. Additionally, we’re teaming up with Northern
Water to provide irrigation trainings and a native grass
workshop. fcgov.com/xip-events
• Xeriscape Codes: Proposing new landscape standards
in Land Use Code for City Council’s consideration and
adoption. New standards would apply to new development
and significant redevelopment of commercial and multi-
family properties. The following standards are proposed:
• Limitations on the installation of high water use turf,
with some exceptions.
• Restriction of artificial turf.
• 50% living plant coverage on the surface of
landscaped areas.
• Dedicated irrigation to trees to support tree health in
times of water restrictions.
fcgov.com/xsa
Page 1 of 3
Utilities
electric · stormwater · wastewater · water
222 Laporte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
970.212.2900
V/TDD: 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 8, 2024
TO: Fort Collins Water Commission
FROM: Mariel Miller, Water Conservation Manager
RE: 2023 Water Conservation Annual Report
Bottom Line: In 2023, water use was 122 gallons per capita per day (GPCD), 6% below the
Fort Collins Utilities Water Efficiency Plan (WEP) goal of 130 GPCD by 2030. This memo
provides an update on the progress toward the WEP goal and includes a copy of the 2023 Water
Conservation Annual Report. In 2023, the community and Water Conservation programs saved
an estimated 130 million gallons of water. This is about 2% of the total treated water demand for
2023 and equates to about 1,684 homes’ use (based on the previous 3 years’ average annual
single-family residential use).
Water Efficiency Plan (WEP)
The current WEP, approved by City Council in early 2016, sets a conservation goal and guides
the Water Conservation Team regarding services, programs, incentives, public education and
regulations. Water consumption is often characterized by daily per-person use, measured in
gallons per capita per day (GPCD), and is commonly used as an industry standard for
benchmarking; although water use and population calculation methods vary from community to
community. GPCD is calculated by taking the total annual treated water demand (commercial
and residential) and dividing it by the service area population and number of days in a year.
The current WEP goal is to reduce Utilities’ water service area use to 130 gallons per capita per
day (GPCD) by 2030 and outlines the five key areas of opportunity:
Leverage Advanced Meter Fort Collins data and capabilities.
Promote and support greater outdoor water efficiency.
Encourage greater integration of water efficiency into land use planning and building codes.
Expand commercial and industrial sector strategies.
Increase community water literacy.
The GPCD for 2023 is 122. This means per capita water use was 12% less compared to 2022
(139 GPCD). The significant drop of GPCD in 2023 is due in large part to a 123% increase in
precipitation during the irrigation season compared to prior 3 years’ average. It is unlikely that
the 2024 GPCD will remain at or below the 2030 goal of 130 GPCD, without continued wet and
cool weather during the summer months.
4/10/2024
Page 2 of 3
It is important to note that while GPCD can be used as an industry standard, it can be misleading
because it does not account for numerous data variability:
Commercial customers’ water use - the number and types of commercial, industrial and
institutional customers (certain industries or businesses, like restaurants, use more water).
Population due to commuters/visitors.
Weather, which can greatly affect outdoor water use.
The way water use is measured – Fort Collins Utilities includes water losses in the
distribution system since it’s measured from the point of distribution after the treatment
plant.
Whether large contractual water users are included in the measurement, which Fort Collins
Utilities does not.
Whether a community uses raw or untreated water and whether the amount is included in the
water use measurement, which the city does use, but Fort Collins Utilities does not include it
in the measurement.
Staff is currently updating the WEP, which will provide an opportunity to assess whether GPCD
is the best metric to use and consider other possible metrics for measuring success, and
influences from variables like population growth and climate change on water conservation
strategies.
2023 Water Savings Results
Water Conservation implements over 15 programs and services for commercial and residential
customers, both indoors and outdoors, with measurable water savings. It can be challenging to
measure the impact of other efforts and educational opportunities, but they are still beneficial. Of
the programs that have measurable savings, much of the savings continue to persist year-after-
year for the lifetime of the efficiency installation, whether it be a new landscape or toilet.
Water Conservation programs helped customers save an estimated 130 million gallons in 2023,
which is a 17% decrease in savings compared to the five-year historical average (2018-2022).
However, total treated water was 13% less in 2023, compared to a 3-year historical average
(2020-2022) and outdoor use specifically was 8% less than in 2023 than in 2022. This indicates
that water conservation programs were likely not contributing to 2023’s decrease in GPCD, but
weather or other factors were.
In addition to being responsible stewards of our water resources, Water Conservation is one of
the most cost-effective strategies to increase reliability and reduce the need to acquire additional
costly water supplies. As the cost to acquire and develop water supplies continues to rise across
the state, investing in Water Conservation programs is one of our best tools for water resource
planning and management.
2024 Efforts
In addition to numerous events, educational opportunities, and program improvements, there are
two large projects that are expected to be completed by the end of 2024:
Page 3 of 3
1. Xeriscape Code Amendments (fcgov.com/xsa) are an ongoing effort that started as a
council priority to minimize grass and high-water use turf in landscapes.
Q2-Q3 2024: Align code changes to reflect newly adopted state legislation and
present to Boards and Commissions for a recommendation, then Council for 1st
reading. (A separate process will be developed prior to 2026 to amend codes to
comply with state legislation that prohibits newly installed turf grass in streetscapes
and rights-of-way.)
Q1 2025: Proposed effective date for the following changes:
Limitations on the installation of high-water use turf, with some exceptions.
Restrictions of artificial turf.
50% living plan coverage on the surface of landscaped areas.
Dedicated irrigation to trees to support tree health in times of water
restrictions.
2. The Water Efficiency Plan (WEP) (ourcity.fcgov.com/wep) is a Colorado State
mandated requirement that must be updated every seven years. A cross-departmental
group of staff are currently working on the update with a draft expected for Boards and
Commissions to review and recommend to Council in Q4 2024.
Q2-Q3 2024: Complete the water demand model to evaluate a multitude of factors
that will help the City and Utilities be more strategic when it comes to using water
and influencing the community’s use of water. Some of those modeling factors being
evaluated to create planning scenarios include:
Climate impacts.
Population projections.
Land development patterns, specifically density.
Various water efficiency and conservation strategies (programs, policies,
development standards, and other demand management efforts), which
influence water demand.
Supply projections reflective of climate impacts, which inform the need for
various degrees of demand management efforts or implementation strategies.
o Q1-Q3 2024: Integrated and equitable engagement and outreach
Advance equity, diversity and inclusion in the engagement and outreach
related to the plan and in the identified demand management strategies, so
there are equitable outcomes community wide.
Integrate demand management strategies throughout the organization,
including water efficiency and land use planning.
Identify ways the City’s organization and operations can serve as a model.
CC: Gretchen Stanford, Utilities Deputy Director, Customer Connections
Jason Graham, Utilities Water Director
Jill Oropeza, Utilities Senior Director, Integrated Sciences and Planning
Jen Dial, Water Resources Manager