HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 02/24/2009 - WATER CONSERVATION PLAN DATE: February 24, 2009
STAFF: Brian Janonis WORK SESSION ITEM
Patty Bigner FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
Laurie D'Audney
Dennis Bode
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Water Conservation Plan.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Utilities staff,together with the City of Fort Collins Water Board, has drafted a Water Conservation
Plan for Council consideration. This Plan provides specific measures, metrics and costs to the
general demand management criteria outlined in the 2003 Water Supply and Demand Management
Policy. As part of developing this plan, a demand goal is proposed of 140 gallons per person per
day. The recommended program continues existing programs and adds about 20 new or expanded
measures targeting all customer classes, and indoor and outdoor water use.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. The Water Conservation Plan recommends implementing additional measures. Are there
revisions that need to be made to the recommended program?
2. Does Council need any additional information in order to consider adoption of the Water
Conservation Plan?
BACKGROUND
The. City's first water conservation policy, the 1992 Water Demand Management Policy, was
updated and combined with the 1988 Water Supply Policy to create the 2003 Water Supply and
Demand Management Policy adopted by Council(Attachment 3). The 2003 Policy provides general
criteria for decisions regarding the development and reliability of the City's water supplies,demand
management measures and other aspects of managing the City's supplies. In addition, it revised the
per capita annual water use goal to 185 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) by 2010.
The State of Colorado's Water Conservation Act of 2004 requires an approved water conservation
plan from entities that provide 2,000 acre-feet or more of water annually. This requirement
prompted an update of the City's water conservation plan. Beginning in 2006, the Water Board
Conservation and Public Education Committee met with Utilities staff to draft a plan. A consultant,
Aquacraft, Inc., was retained in 2007 to perform the modeling necessary to forecast savings from
various water conservation measures. In addition,the consultant provided a comparison with plans
being developed by other Front Range cities.
February 24, 2009 Page 2
Benefits of Water Conservation
Water conservation is of vital importance to the City for many reasons, including to:
• Foster a conservation ethic and eliminate waste.
• Demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
• Provide water for multiple beneficial purposes.
• Reduce costs for the Utility and for customers.
• Prepare for forecasted climate change.
Water Use Demand Goal
Although the Water Supply and Demand Management Policy set a goal of 185 gpcd by 2010, Fort
Collins reached that goal in 2003. In developing this Plan, a demand goal of 140 gpcd by 2020 was
established. This number is calculated based on the total annual treated water produced for use by
all City water customers,including for homes,businesses,schools and industries(adjusted for large
contractual customers)divided by the estimated population of the City's water service area and 365
days. The annual calculation is adjusted for weather to fairly compare water use year to year
because precipitation levels and daily temperatures vary considerably. With the goal of 140 gpcd,
the water use for a typical single family home would be about 100 gpcd.
The goal of 140 gpcd represents a 30.5% reduction from the 1998-2001 average of 200 gpcd and
a 10.3% reduction from the 2003-2007 average of 155 gpcd. Tiered and seasonal water rates, and
drought awareness have contributed to the trend of decreasing water use. It is difficult to analyze
how much of the lower usage can be attributed to the City's water conservation measures. Over the
last 15 years,low-flow plumbing standards and metered water taps have also contributed to reducing
the per capita water use.
Of the total annual water use,approximately 65 percent is used indoors and 35 percent is for outdoor
watering. Although indoor water use remains fairly consistent, outdoor use fluctuates considerably
from year to year.
Key Conservation Measures
The recommended program includes current measures, plus 20 new or expanded measures.
Measures target all customer classes, and indoor and outdoor water use.
Some of the key new measures include:
• High-efficiency toilet rebates for residential and commercial customers
• Low income retrofit program
• Xeriscape design clinics
• Water-conserving sprinkler equipment rebates
Water-conserving pre-rinse spray nozzles distribution to food service operators
• Updated landscape and irrigation standards for water conservation
• Enhancement to water loss program
• Water conservation upgrades at City facilities
February 24, 2009 Page 3
Budget and Funding
A three-year implementation period is planned to ramp up new and existing programs. The current
budget of$244,500 would increase to $414,000 for the first year, to $758,000 for the second year
and $885,000 for the third year. Some costs will decrease after the implementation phase and an
annual budget is estimated at$700,000. Note that$500,000 in new funds would be about 2 percent
of the Water operating revenue.
Increasing program costs and declining water and wastewater use will likely result in a need for
higher rates. Rate revisions and funding for the water conservation plan will be determined through
the Budgeting for Outcomes process.
Public Process
The draft Plan was available for a 60-day public comment period beginning October 8, 2007. An
open house was held in November with 100 people attending. By the end of the comment period,
34 comments had been submitted. Following the public comment period,staff conducted additional
study of potential impacts to the City's water and wastewater systems, rates and other issues related
to water supply. The Plan was revised to reflect comments received from the Water Board and the
public. Utilities staff met with the Water Board Conservation and Public Education Committee and
the Water Board in December 2008 and January 2009 to discuss the draft Plan. As a result, the
Water Board approved a letter to City Council recommending adoption of the plan (Attachment 5).
BACKGROUND
I. Water Conservation Plan.
2. Proposed Plan Implementation Budget.
3. 2003 Water Supply and Demand Management Policy.
4. Water Board Plan Discussion.
5. Water Board Memo to Council.
6. Power Point Presentation.
r
'd r • rt
Attachment I
' t
Water Conservation ,
DRAFT - February 12� 2009
Prepared •
Peter Mayer, Aquacraft,
Laurie D'Audney & Dennis Bode, Fort Collins Utilities
City of
Fort Collins
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...............................................................................................1
KEY UTILITY INFORMATION........................................................................................3
WATER SYSTEM PROFILE ...........................................................................................3
Phcdcal Charaeteristic.s of the Existing Water Supple Se.stem............................................................................3
.1'oura('.a )/'Wartel...................................................................................................................................................6
SYSTEM LIMITATIONS....................................................................................................10
WaterCasts and Pricing....................................................................................................................................11
Current Policies and Planning Initiatives..........................................................................................................12
HisnrricWater Demand.....................................................................................................................................l3
Current Water Conservation Prograrn...............................................................................................................l9
POPULATION AND WATER DEMAND PLANNING PROJECTIONS...........................24
piverustingMethod...........................................................................................................................................24
Previous Treated Water Demand Projections....................................................................................................25
PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS ..................................................................27
PotentialFacility Needs.....................................................................................................................................28
WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AND MEASURES..........................................28
Conservation Goals and ldetwfled Programs and Meemo cs............................................................................28
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AND DEMAND FORECASTS .....................................31
Baseline: Demand Fwmist Without conservation Program............................................................................31
Level1: Current Program..................................................................................................................................32
Level2: Recommended New Program...............................................................................................................32
DemandForecasts........................................................................._..................................................................38
Sunutnn of Forecast Demands.........................................................................................................................39
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR RECOMMENDED CONSERVATION PROGRAM......40
OngoingMonitoring...........................................................................................................................................43
PlanRe/utement.................................................................................................................................................43
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS........................................43
l4a1Collins Conrpliaaa e....................................................................................................................................43
C
C EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The city of Fort Collins is located 65 miles north of Denver in Larimer County, nestled against
the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The Poudre River winds its way through north Fort Collins
before reaching the South Platte River to the east. Fort Collins is home to over 131,000 residents
and 25,0W students enrolled at Colorado State University.
The City of Fort Collins Utilities provides water, wastewater, stormwater and electric services to
the Fort Collins community. In 2007. the Utilities served 8.8 billion gallons of water to
approximately 128,000 people. Because the service area boundary does not coincide with the
city limits, the Utilities serves water to some customers outside the city limits, and not all those
within the city.
Water sources are solely surface supply from a wide variety of water rights. The City's water
comes from the Poudre River Basin and the Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) Project (which
includes Horsetooth Reservoir).
The City views the water conservation program as an important proactive response to supply
variability and climate change. Reducing indoor demand through improved technology, leak
reduction and behavior change (all elements of the City's conservation program) will improve
system reliability and resilience to supply variability year round. Reducing outdoor demand
through improved irrigation efficiency and landscape transformation (key elements of the City's
conservation program) improves reliability during summer months when demand peaks,
providing additional water availability for storage and environmental flows.
CFaced with a drought in 1977, the Utilities created a part-time position dedicated to water
conservation. Following the position expanding to full-time in 1990, the 1992 Water Demand
Management Policy set out 12 measures and two water use goals. Plans to develop a new
document for the conservation program began with the adoption of the 2003 Water Supply cnnd
Demand Management Policy.
The State of Colorado Water Conservation Act of 2004 (HB 1365) requires entities that supply
2,000 acre-feet or more annually to submit a water conservation plan to the Colorado Water
Conservation Board (CWCB) before receiving financial assistance from the CWCB or the
Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority. Although Fort Collins isn't
seeking funds from either State agency, this plan was developed based on the CWCB's guidance
documents.
Goals and Recommendations
Fort Collins Utilities has established a goal for the conservation program of reducing water use
to 140 gallons per capita per day (gped) by 2020 (normalized to account for weather conditions).
This goal represents realistic and achievable demand reductions in all customer sectors in Fort
Collins. Achieving this goal within the planning period will provide an additional measure of
reliability to the water supply system to ensure high quality service to customers in case of future
drought, climate change and unforeseen shortages.
The conservation program recommended in this plan includes all measures from Fort Collins
Utilities' current program. The recommended program represents a significant expansion of the
C current program and targets residential and commercial customers, and indoor and outdoor water
use. The program also includes an effort to reduce water loss from 6 percent down to 5 percent.
Water Conservation Plan I Fort Collins Utilities
Under current climate conditions, this program will save an estimated 2,300 acre-feet if
continued at the same level through the planning period to 2020. Table ES.1 presents a summary
of the forecast demands and water savings developed for this conservation plan.
Table ES.I: Summaryof forecast demand and savings
2020 Forecast Savings vs. Savings vs.
Average Use Demand Pre-2002 Use Baseline Use
Forecast (Ac-ft/ ear) (Ac-ft/ ear) (Ac-ft/ earl (Ac-ft/ •ear)
Pre-2002 34,000 39,700 N/A N/A
(1998-2001)
Baseline 27,500 31,800 7,900 N/A
(2003-2(x)7)
Current Program 30,800 8,900 1,000
Recommended 29,500 10,200 2,300
Program
Benefits of Water Conservation
The City of Fort Collins is committed to expanding its conservation efforts. The City believes
water conservation is of vital importance for many reasons, including to:
• Foster a conservation ethic and eliminate waste.
• Demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. -\
• Provide water for multiple beneficial purposes. Jl
• Reduce costs for the Utility and for customers.
• Prepare for forecasted climate change.
Implementation and Monitoring
The new measures introduced in this plan will be implemented over a three year period. Fort
Collins Utilities will monitor implementation and impacts of the conservation plan on a regular
basis. Regular demand monitoring will provide information on water use and progress toward the
stated conservation goals. Adjustments to the program will be made as warranted due to new
technology or programs becoming outdated, changes in climate and any other unforeseen
circumstances. A complete formal review and revision of the conservation plan will be
completed within five years.
Public Review and Adoption
A 60-day public review period of the conservation plan took place from October 8 to December
7, 2007. During the review period. 34 comments were received and the plan was updated in
response. The plan will be presented to the Fort Collins City Council for adoption.
Water Conservation Plan 2 Fort Collins Utilities
KEY UTILITY INFORMATION
The city of Fort Collins is located 65 miles north of Denver in Larimer County, nestled against
the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The Poudre River winds its way through north Fort Collins
before reaching the South Platte River to the east. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per
year and low humidity, Fort Collins averages 15 inches of precipitation annually.
Fort Collins is home to over 131,000 residents and 25,000 students enrolled at Colorado State
University. The city began as a hub for agricultural production, but has shifted its focus to a
high-tech economy. Between 1995 and 2005, the population grew an average of three percent
annually. As expected, the growth rate has become much slower; it was 1.6 percent for 2006.
WATER SYSTEM PROFILE
This section providcn :i .rinunary of the physical characteristics of the existing water system,
including water sourrr,, system limitations, costs and pricing, policies and planning initiatives
and conservation actin dies.
Physical Characteristics of the Existing Water Supply System
In 2007, Fort Collins Utilities served 8.8 billion gallons of water to approximately 128,000
people. One water treatment facility and 530 miles of water main deliver treated water to
customers. Two water reclamation facilities treat wastewater before it's returned to the river.
The Utilities service area boundary does not coincide with the city limits. Some customers
outside the city limits are served, but not all those within the city. Fort Collins-Loveland Water
District (FCLWD) and East Latimer County Water District (ELCO) provide water to some areas
within the city limits and will most likely serve additional city residents in the future.
Fort Collins Utilities serves some areas outside the city limits, primarily to the northwest of Fort
Collins, including water provided to West Fort Collins Water District (WFCWD). Figure 1
shows the different service areas with respect to the Fort Collins Urban Growth Area (UGA).
Table 1 summarizes service area characteristics, water production and water demand by
customer sector.
Water Conservation Plan 3 Fort Collins Utilities
1 1 1
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Table 1: Waters stem profile. 2007
C- Service Characteristics Number
Estimated service population 129,400
Estimated service area(sq. miles) 35
Miles of mains 530
Number of treatment plants I
Number of separate water systems 0
Interconnection with other systems 6
Annual volume Number of intakes or
Annual Water Supply Percent metered
(MG) source points
Groundwater 0 0 N/A
Surface water(treated & raw) 23.900 9 10017,
Purchases: raw 0 0 N/A
Purchases: treated 0 0 N/A
Total annual water supply 23,900 9 100%
Service Connections Connections Water sales(MG) Percent metered
Residential, single-family 27,720 3,081 100%
Residential, multi-family 2,104 987 100%r
Commercial &Industrial 2,103 3.557 100%
City government 199 137 I00%r
Wholesale 1 164 1O0%
C Outside City customers 1,394 294 100%
Total 33.521 8,220 100%
Treated Water Demand Annual volume Percent of total Per connection
(MG) (MG)
Residential 4,232 37 0.14
Nonresidential 3,694 33 1.60
Wholesale 164 1 164
Outside City 294 3 0.21
City Raw water(Parks,etc.) 1.190 10 N/A
Raw water obligations 1.140 10 N/A
Nonacc011nt water:system losses 640 6 N/A
Total system demand(total use) 11,354 100 N/A
Treated Water Volume(MG) Total supply capacity Percent of total
Average& Peak Demand capacity
Average-day demand 24.2 87 28%r
Maximum-day demand 47.5 87 55%
Maximum-hour demand N/A N/A N/A
Planning Prepared a plan Date Filed with state
Capital, facility or supply plan Yes 2003 No
Drought or emergency plan Yes 2003 No
Water conservation plan Yes 2008 Not yet
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Water Conservation Plan 5 Fort Collins Utilities
Sources of Water
Water sources are solely surface supply from a wide variety of water rights. The City's water _J
comes from the Poudre Ricer Basin and the Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) Project (which
includes Horsetooth Reservoir). Figure 2 shows the location of some of the City's key facilities
related to delivering water from these sources. These facilities include the diversion structure and
pipeline off the Poudre River. Joe Wright Reservoir, Michigan Ditch and the water treatment
facility. Also shown are Horsetooth Reservoir and Halligan Reservoir operated by the Northern
Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) and North Poudre Irrigation Company (NPIC).
respectively.
Poudre River
The following sources are generally available for diversion from the Poudre River. The City
diverts its Poudre River flows to the water treatment plant through two pipelines located on the
main stem of the river.
Senior Direct Flow Decrees: The City has five very senior direct flow decrees on the
Poudre River that are available to the City most of the time.Only in very severe dry
periods are the diversions limited.
Junior Direct Flow Decrees: These junior rights are only in priority during the peak
runoff period when most of the other rights on the Poudre River have been satisfied. In
dry years, the City may not be able to divert anything under these rights.
Pleasant Valley and Lake Canal Shares: The City of Fort Collins owns about 70% of the
shares in this mutual irrigation company. The amount of water the City is entitled to
divert to meet treated water demands depends on the number of shares the City �
designates for such use and which priorities owned by the irrigation company are in
priority during the season.
Southside Ditches: The City owns shares of stock in the Arthur, Larimer No. 2, New
Mercer and Warren Lake irrigation companies, referred to as the Southside Ditches. With
13 separate priorities, yields vary considerably from year to year. Much of the yield
comes from a couple of large junior rights and normally occurs during June.
Michigan Ditch and Joe Wright Reservoir System: This system consists of a ditch that
diverts water from the Michigan River drainage across the divide into the Poudre River
Basin, Joe Wright Reservoir and storage capacity in Meadow Creek Reservoir. Joe
Wright Reservoir includes about 6.500 acre-feet of active storage and is the only storage
facility owned by the City. There are usually periods during the peak runoff season in
which the reservoir is full and Michigan Ditch water is available if it can be taken directly
to meet demands. Joe Wright Reservoir is used primarily to regulate the annual Michigan
Ditch flows and has limited carryover capacity to provide drought protection for the City.
The City also has storage capacity in Meadow Creek Reservoir, which is used to release
water to downstream senior rights on the Michigan River.
Water Supply and Storage Company Shares: The City owns about 26 shares in this
irrigation company. Since the City-owned shares are not presently decreed for municipal
use, this water is usually rented back for agricultural use. During the last 40 years, the
City has obtained shares of several local irrigation company stocks by developers
satisfying the City's raw water requirements.
Water Conservation Plan 6 Fort Collins Utilities
C Horsetooth Reservoir
Water from Horsetooth Reservoir, a part of the C-BT Project, can be delivered to the City's
water treatment facility or to the Poudre River. Although the C-BT project includes a large
amount of storage, including Horsetooth Reservoir, the City currently has a limited ability to
carry over water in C-BT reservoirs for drought protection. Currently, the NCWCD allows a 20
percent carryover allowance, which can only be C-BT project water (as opposed to the excess
Poudre River water). The following sources are available for use from Horsetooth Reservoir.
Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) Water: The City presently owns about 18,850 units of
C-BT water. Deliveries depend on the annual "quota" set by NCWCD each year. For the
most part, this water is the most flexible source that the City owns and can be used to fill
gaps from other sources.
Windy Gap Water: The City receives Windy Gap water from Platte River Power
Authority (PRPA) as payment for 4,200 acre-feet of reusable effluent made available to
PRPA by the City. The reusable effluent is the result of the Reuse Plan that involves the
City, PRPA, and the Water Supply and Storage Company (WSSC). The 4,200 acre-feet
of Windy Gap water is dedicated for large contractual use that requires reusable water.
As part of the Reuse Plan, the City is required to deliver 1,890 acre-feet of single use
water to the WSSC.
North Poudre Irrigation Company (NPIC) Shares: The City currently owns about 3,550
shares of NPIC. Each share consists of native water supply (which is primarily decreed
for agricultural use) and 4 units of C-BT water. Until the agricultural portion of each
G share is changed for municipal purposes, the City can only use the C-BT portion of the
shares to meet treated water demands.
West Fort Collins Water District (WFCWD) Water: Through an agreement with the
WFCWD, the City provides treated water to their customers and in return, gets
reimbursed with an equivalent amount of C-BT water. In recent years, the amount
transferred to the City has been about 600 acre-feet each year.
C
Water Conservation Plan 7 Fort Collins Utilities
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CITY OF FORT COLLINS
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
Mdicetee City of Fort Collins Facility
$ 0 6 10
AO armrimalo Stale m Mlles
Figure 2: Watcr supply System
Water Conservation Plan R Fort Collins Utilities
The C-BT water and part of the NPIC water provide the most flexible water supplies since they
are available in Horsetooth Reservoir where they can be stored until needed to meet demands. If
the water from these sources is in excess of the current year City demands, they can usually be
leased for agricultural use in the area. Because of this, in most years it is desirable to use other
sources to meet City demands prior to using the C-BT and NPIC supplies.
An important part of the City's water supplies are sources that are reusable. Typically, this is
water that is imported from another basin or comes from specific in-basin sources that may be
totally consumed through succession of identified uses. For Fort Collins, this includes much of
the Michigan Ditch and Joe Wright Reservoir water, Windy Gap water and Southside Ditches
water that has been converted from agricultural use to municipal use. Approximately 20 percent
of the City's supplies are reusable. Much of this is used as part of a Reuse Plan which involves
the City, a local irrigation company and Platte River Power Authority (PRPA). Reusable sources
owned by the City and the irrigation company are used through the City and the reusable effluent
is used by PRPA. In turn, PRPA provides Windy Gap water to the City where much of it is used
by a customer that requires a source of reusable water. The plan results in the efficient use of a
good part of the City's reusable supplies.
The City of Fort Collins has a policy of acquiring and maintaining a water supply that is
sufficient to meet or exceed the demands during a severe drought that has been defined as a 1-in-
50 year drought. The City owns water rights that average over 70,000 acre-feet per year if they
were fully usable; however, because of various legal and capacity constraints the present firm
yield available for municipal use is about 31,000 acre-feet.
Firm Yield Concept
C The yield from the City's supply sources varies considerably from year to year. Because of this,
demands cannot easily be compared to the average annual supply yields. Instead, it is necessary
to make an analysis of how the supplies and demands compare during a series of critically dry
(or drought) years. A concept often referred to as "fine yield" is used by many entities to
measure the ability of their water supply system to meet water demands through a series of
drought years.
Firm yield is commonly determined by calculating the maximum constant base demand that can
be met with the available supply during a representative hydrologic period. For this detennina-
tion, it is assumed that both the demand contributors (population, irrigated acres, etc.) and the
supply owned (storage capacity, water rights, shares of stock, etc.) are held constant during each
trial run of the hydrologic study period. This procedure results in a firm yield or safe average
annual demand (SAAD) that can be met with the current supply system. Once this is determined,
one can compare the present average annual demand with the firm yield to determine the margin
of safety or reserve supply.
The issue that often comes up in discussions about firm yield is whether the representative
hydrologic study period contains the type of drought for which protection is desired. Many
entities simply take a recent 20 or 30 year historic period and assume that if they can make it
through any droughts contained in that period, their supply is adequate. Without knowing
something about the severity of the drought in a historical period, the use of such a period may
not be adequate. The Fart Collins Drought Study,completed in 1985, was done primarily to
C study the effects of prolonged droughts and to define them in terns of the probability of their
occurrence. In this study,synthetic hydrologic traces were produced based on statistical
Water Conservation Plan 9 Fort Collins Utilities
parameters of the historic data available. This allowed analysis of numerous artificial drought
periods and a determination of representative droughts with calculated return frequencies. Once )
this was determined, a computer model was used to determine the SAAD that could be met for -/
each drought type.
Raw Water Requirements
When new development occurs within the current Utility service area, developers are assessed a
raw water requirement (RWR). This practice originally began in the 1960s when two acre-feet
per acre of land developed was required. In the early 1970s this was changed to three acre-feet
per acre. Because water use varied considerably depending on the type of use for any given area,
a study was done in 1983-84 to develop another method of assessing the raw water requirements.
The resulting system, still in use, attempts to more closely assess the requirements based on
actual use.
For residential development, a formula was adopted that considers the density of residential
development. Water use is estimated by considering both indoor and outdoor use. The RWR is
calculated by multiplying the water use estimate by a "water supply factor" that is used to reflect
the variability in supply and demand from year to year as well as other unaccounted for water
use. The equation presently used to determine the residential RWR is as follows:
RWR =1.92 x ((.18 x Number of Dwelling Units)+(1.1 x Net Acres))
The water supply factor was originally set at 1.6;however, following the adoption of the 1988
Water Supphv PulicY, the water supply factor was increased by 20% to 1.92.
Non-residential requirements are based on tap size. Water use was analyzed for all non-
residential customers for a given tap size and the requirements were based on those results. Since
there is a lot of variability within each tap size, a raw water surcharge is assessed for any annual
use exceeding an annual allotment. Requirements vary from .90 acre-feet for a 3/4 inch meter to
14.40 acre-feet for a 3 inch meter. If the water tap is above the 3 inch size, the RWR is based on
an estimate of water use.
Developers and Builders may satisfy the raw water requirements by turning over water rights
acceptable to the City or paying cash in-lieu-of the water rights. Cash in-lieu-of payments can be
used to purchase additional water rights when appropriate or acquire other means of increasing
the City's water supply, such as developing storage capacity. The cash fee has been periodically
adjusted over the years to reflect the price of water rights on the market.
System Limitations
The full use of the City's water rights in a given year can be reduced by several physical and
legal constraints. A primary physical constraint is the Zack of storage capacity to manage and
regulate the water rights owned by the City. Additional water storage capacity is needed to
increase the yield and reliability of its water supply system. Short-term storage is needed for
operational flexibility and to meet return flow obligations inherent with converted irrigation
shares.
Long-term carryover storage is needed to capture water during wetter years for use during drier
years. Both types of storage are needed to increase the reliability and redundancy desired to meet
the water needs of our customers. In November 2003, City Council approved a resolution to
exercise an option to acquire Halligan Reservoir and its enlargement potential. In 2004, the City
Water Conservation Plan 10 Fort Collins Utilities
C signed a cooperative agreement with partners and submitted a letter of intent to pursue the
project to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). If the project is approved by the COE after
an extensive environmental review and preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, it is
expected that the City will have an additional storage capacity of up to 12,000 acre-feet to help
make more efficient use of its water supplies and provide a more reliable level of drought
protection.
The amount of additional reservoir capacity needed is somewhat dependent on the ultimate
demand level that results from water conservation efforts. In general, as demand goes down, the
amount of storage capacity needed also decreases. The relationship between water demand level
and storage capacity needed will be further developed and refined as part of the evaluation of the
proposed storage project. Variability in both water demands and water availability, particularly
in light of the uncertainty of climate changes, provides a challenge in projecting needed storage
capacity to help meet reliability criteria.
Table 2: Summary of system conditions
Planning Questions Yes No Comment
Is the system in a designated critical water supply X
area?
Does the system experience frequency shortages X
or supply emergencies'?
Does the system have substantial unaccounted- X
for and lost water?
�- Is the system experiencing a high rate of X
population and/or demand growth?
Is the system planning substantial improvements See discussion of water
or additions'? X storage and Halligan Reservoir
project.
Are Are increases to wastewater system capacity X
anticipated within the planning horizon?
Water Costs and Pricing
All Fort Collins Utilities water customers are metered. Historically, residential customers paid a
set rate per 1,000 gallons regardless of water use. Since January 2003, single-family and duplex
water rates are tiered. For many years, commercial customers have had a two-tier water rate.
Beginning in 2003, commercial and multi-family customers are billed seasonal rates—with higher
rates from May through September. Commercial rates still have a second tier for higher water
use. Table 3 presents the 2008 residential water rates and rate structure utilized by Fort Collins.
Water Conservation Plan 11 Fort Collins Utilities
Table 3: Residential water rates, 2008
Single-Family Duplex
Base Charge $12.72 $15.51
Tier Tier Size $/1,000 gal. $/1,000 gal.
1
0-7,000 gal $1.97
0-9,000 gal $1.97
2 7,001-13,000 gal $2.26
9,001-13,000 gal $2.26
3 Over 13,000 gal $2.60 $2.60
Current Policies and Planning Initiatives
Water Supply and Demand Management Policy
The City's 1988 Water Supply Policy and 1992 Water Demand Management Policy were
combined and updated when City Council adopted the 2003 Water Supph and Demand
Management Polic.v. The 2003 Policy provides general criteria for decisions regarding water
supply projects, acquisition of water rights and demand management measures. One key
provision of the Policy is a goal of reducing water use from the previous target of 195 gallons per
capita per day (gpcd) to 185 gpcd (normalized to account for weather variations). The Policy
includes tools to meet this goal through educational programs, rate structures, incentive
programs, and regulatory and operational measures. Another key provision in the Policy provides
that the City will pursue the acquisition or development of additional storage capacity. Other
provisions include maintaining a water supply shortage response plan, use of surplus raw water,
fostering regional cooperation, protecting raw water quality and encouraging stream flow and
ecosystem protection and recreational/aesthetic flows.
Water Supply Shortage Response Plan
In response to the severe drought year 2002 and in anticipation of continuing drought conditions,
the City developed the Water Supph Shortage Response Plan, adopted by the City Council in
April 2003. The plan dictates the steps to be taken when there are water supply shortages and
contains four different response levels based on the severity of the shortage. Although the
Utility's main objective is to provide customers with an adequate and reliable water supply, there
will be times when the City's water supply is projected to be less than anticipated demands. A
response plan enables the City to quickly make the necessary adjustments in order to reduce
water demands to a level that matches supply. It is anticipated that this plan will be reviewed
periodically and may be changed in the future to match the City's changing water supplies,
facilities and operations.
Improving System Reliability in Response to Climate Change and Supply Variability
The City acknowledges the best available scientific information on global climate change
predicts changes that could impact the Fort Collins water supply system. These changes could
include reduced snow pack, earlier runoff, hotter and drier summers, and an increased recurrence
of drought. The City views the water conservation program as an important proactive response to
these potential changes. Reducing indoor demand through improved technology, leak reduction,
Water Conservation Plan 12 Fort Collins Utilities
and behavior change (all elements of the City's conservation program) will improve system
reliability and resilience to supply variability year round. Reducing outdoor demand through
improved irrigation efficiency and landscape transformation (key elements of the City's
conservation program) improves reliability during summer months when demand peaks,
providing additional water availability for storage and environmental flows.
A key element to improving system reliability and resiliency in Fort Collins is storage. If
conserved water is to be used to help improve reliability, some portion of the conserved water
must be stored for use at a later date. Reducing demand by itself may offer some reliability
benefits, but during a water shortage such as a drought having water in storage is critical for
maintaining essential services. Future water supply planning efforts should carefully examine the
beneficial uses of conserved water for Fort Collins.
Historic Water Demand
Water use can vary for many reasons, including changes in weather, population, drought
awareness, rates and conservation efforts. Over the last 15 years, low-flow plumbing standards
have lowered water use through natural attrition and new construction.
Table 4 shows the history of water demand for the past 20 years. Figure 3 shows the population
and annual demand in a graphical format. Annual water use in 2004 was lower than the second
lowest use for this period in 1995. Per capita use has been below 185 gpcd since the 2002
drought when only 9.3 inches of precipitation fell and restrictions were in place. Table 5 shows
the number of accounts in each customer category from 2002-2007. Fewer than 1,000 new
accounts were added during this time indicating the relatively modest rate of growth in the
system. Table 6 provides the water use in each customer category from 2002-2007. Overall
demand in these recent years has been less than in the previous period even though the number
of accounts has increased. Table 7 presents the average per account water use by customer
category from 2002-2007.
C
Water Conservation Plan 13 Fort Collins Utilities
Table 4: Historic water demand
Annual Peak %
Service Annual Water Average Day
Area Precipitation Use Day Use Use
Year Population (inches) (MG) (MGD) (MGD)
1989 93,600 12.9 9,548 26.2 60.6
1990 95,900 17.3 9.289 25.5 58.6
1991 97,200 14.1 9,020 24.7 55.9
1992 99,000 20.7 8,604 23.5 45.6
1993 101,400 17.3 8.384 23.0 52.5
1994 103,5M 13.4 9,119 25.0 54.4
1995 106,200 20.2 8,069 22.1 55.5
1996 107,800 14.7 9,099 24.9 51.5
1997 111,500 24.8 8.768 24 59.9
1998 113,900 16.5 9.350 25.6 59.3
1999 115,900 20.7 9.000 24.7 53.7
2000 118,300 11.3 10,295 28.2 55.9
2001 121,300 12.3 9,978 27.3 55.8
2002 123,700 9.3 9,599 26.2 51.4
2003 125,500 18.2 8,280 22.6 46.9
2004 125,8M 18.1 7,984 21.8 42.3
2005 126,900 16.2 8,497 23.3 50.1
2006 127,800 11.2 9,268 25.4 48.9
2007 128,400 13.7 8,860 24.2 47.5
Water Conservation Plan 14 Fort Collins Utilities
140.000 12,000
120.000
10,000
100.000
8,000 �..
C -p
O 80,000 C
r M
M
6.000 E
a O 60,000
a m
4,000
C
40,000 c
a
20,000 2.000,
0 0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
♦-Population tAnnual Water Use (MG)
Figure 3: Population and annual water use
Table 5: Number of accounts by customer category
Account Category 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Single-Family 26.160 26,091 26,168 26272 26,413 26,555
Duplex 1,187 1,189 1,178 1.171 1.171 1,165
Multi-Family 1,962 2,013 2,049 2.072 2,094 1104
Commercial 1,890 1,933 1.978 2,027 2,069 2.103
City Government 178 176 188 1 186 194 199
West Fort Collins WD I I I I I 1
Outside City Customers 1,408 1,323 1.327 1.351 1,370 1.394
Total 32,786 32.726 32,889 33.081 33,312 33.521
C
Water Conservation Plan 15 Fort Collins Utilities
Table 6: Water use by customer category
2002 200
3 2004 2W5 20" 2007
Water Water Water Water Water Water
Use Use Use Use Use Use
Customer Category (MG) (MG) (MG) MG (MG) MG
Single-Family 3.433 1886 2,555 2.802 3.204 2.938.
Duplex 167 144 131 137 151 143
Multi-Family 1,027 934 922 937 996 987
Commercial* 3,697 3,229 3,376 3,399 3,648 3.557
City Government 125 122 108 135 165 137
West Fort Collins WD 181 152 145 164 167 164
Outside Citv Customers 367 286 265 269 303 294
System Losses' 613 527 491 663 635 640
Total 9.599 8.280 7.984 9,497 9.268 8.860
Table 7: Average annual per account water use by customer category
2002 Avg. 2003 Avg. 2004 Avg. 2005 Avg. 2006 Avg. 2007 Avg.
per sect. per acet. per acet. per acct. per aect. per acet.
use(gal.) use(gal.) use(gal.) use(gal.) use(gat_) use(gal.)
Customer Category
Single-Family 131.221 110,626 97.630 106,660 121 285 110,644
Duplex 141.025 121.182 110.965 116,958 129.908 122,499
Multi-Family 523,265 463.779 449,999 451,987 475,682 469229
Commercial 1,950NY) 1,670.694 1,706.679 1.671.721 1,762.374 1.691,314
City Government 698,833 694.648 577,093 726,493 851,554 686,922
Outside City Customers 260.401 216,004 199.958 199,470 221;041 211.186
Indoor vs. Outdoor Water Use
Precipitation levels and daily temperatures during the watering season cause water use to vary
considerably from year to year. For Fort Collins, the chart below shows the percentage of water
used indoors versus outdoors per year. Indoor water use remains fairly consistent while outdoor
water use fluctuates. Close to 40 percent of the annual water use is for outdoor watering between
April and October.
_i
Water Conservation Plan 16 Fort Collins Utilities
CEstimated Indoor and Outdoor Water Use
�ua9 I
1�maool us9
GOM
5 000
41%
S n.0003 39°„ 39% W% 30% <Daa
Gelnrar.J .. ai s.
e 36% 35% 35%
34•e
3= 32% 3Y
31'e
2.000
IM
1091 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2907
Figure 4: Estimated indoor and outdoor demand, Fort Collins Utilities
Per Capita Water Use
Table 8 shows per capita water use for 1994-2007. Fort Collins has seen a significant decrease in
C water use over the past 15 years. Per capita use has decreased from around 200 gped in the 1990s
to below 160 gpcd during the last 5 years, a decrease of about 20 percent. Analyzing how much
of that reduction can be attributed to the City's water conservation measures is difficult. Tiered
and seasonal water rates, continuing drought awareness, low-flow plumbing standards and
metered water taps have also contributed. Water use can vary for many reasons, including
changes in weather, seasons, household size and income.
Per capita water use estimates can misrepresent water use trends over time. Population is not the
sole determinant of water use. Precipitation levels and daily temperatures during the watering
season cause water use to vary considerably from year to year.
C
Water Conservation Plan 17 Fort Collins Utilities
Table 8: Per capitaa water use
Actual Per Normalized Per
Capita Use Capita Use* Actual Peak Day 1 in 50 Normalized Peak
Year d d) Demand(gped) Day Demand** (gpcd)
1994 211 20X 491 511
1995 181 205 492 526
1996 203 206 443 527
1997 188 196 496 509
1998 196 201 487 501
1999 185 198 435 473
2000 211 204 440 477
2001 198 198 428 503
2002 183 189 379 411
2003 154 157 346 383
2004 146 150 307 327
2005 155 155 365 363
2006 172 156 353 350
2007 162 156 342 356
Notes:
* Normalized values are adjusted to estimate average expected use based on "normalized" 1930-1995
weather conditions.
** I in 50 peak use is expected to occur once in 50 years.Log-Pearson type I11 distribution applied.
Values include all water demands except large contractual use. Since the severe drought year 2002,
actual and normalized use values have been significantly lower due to changes in water conservation
programs and practices.
Comparison with Other Colorado Utilities
Comparing water use patterns between utilities is a challenging exercise as it is often impossible
to compare demands in an "apples to apples" manner. By examining the annualized average per
household winter consumption for single-family customers (a reasonable estimate of annual
indoor use) it is possible to make a fair comparison. Table 9 presents a comparison of single-
family residential per household indoor demands in five Front Range utilities.
Table 9: Comparison of single-family per household indoor demands, 2005-2006
Avg. SF Indoor Demand Annual Indoor
City (gal/day) (gal)
Boulder 151.5 55,300
Northglenn 153.4 56,000
Fort Collins 157.5 57.500
Denver 174.0 63,500
Aurora 174.5 63,700
During this time period, water use in Fort Collins was toward the lower end of this group.
Northglenn and Boulder were approximately 4 gallons per day (gpd) lower and Denver and
Aurora approximately 17 gpd higher than Fort Collins. Assuming 2.7 people per household in
Fort Collins, this suggests that residents in Fort Collins use approximately 58 gpcd for indoor
purposes. The national average (measured in 1999 as part of the AWWA Residential End Uses of
Water study) was 69.3 gpcd. Subsequent water use studies conducted by Aquacraft have shown
Water Conservation Plan 18 Fort Collins Utilities
C that homes equipped with high efficiency toilets and water conserving clothes washers can
reduce their demand to 40 gpcd (EPA Combined Retrofit Studies, 2004). This suggests that
while Fort Collins is below the national average for single-family indoor water use, significant
indoor conservation potential may exist (approximately 30%).
Current Water Conservation Program
Faced with a drought in 1977, the Utilities created a part-time position dedicated to water
conservation. In 1990, the position expanded to full-time and conservation projects and
educational efforts increased. The Fort Collins City Council adopted the Water Demand
Management Police in 1992, setting two goals for lowering demand and 12 measures for
achieving those goals.
The effects of a more recent drought in 2002-2003 greatly impacted water use and the City's
water conservation program. As awareness of the drought grew, the City's outreach efforts
expanded, restrictions were put in place and regional media coverage affected how customers
used water. Water use began declining in 2002 and has remained at a lower level since then.
New programs introduced in 2003 included clothes washer rebates, a new water conservation
curriculum for youth, a Water Shortage Response Plan and various regulatory measures.
During 2003, the 1992 Water Demand Management Policy was updated and combined with the
7988 Water Supply Policy. Resolution 2003-104, a Water Supply and Demand Management
Policy, was adopted by City Council in September 2003. The resolution provides general criteria
for decisions regarding water supply projects, acquisition of water rights and demand
C management measures. Demand management tools include educational programs, rate structures,
incentive programs, and regulatory and operational measures.
In 2007, Fort Collins became a partner in the U.S, EPA's WaterSense program, a new national
water efficiency effort. WaterSense is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the EPA
with the mission of protecting the future of our nation's water supply by promoting and
enhancing the market for water-efficient products and services. As the water counterpart to the
EnergyStar program, WaterSense has begun labeling products that offer a 20 percent efficiency
improvement to help consumers conserve water when they install new plumbing fixtures and
appliances.
Current Goals
As part of this plan, Fort Collins Utilities has established a goal for the conservation program of
reducing water use to 140 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) by 2020 (normalized to account for
weather conditions). This goal represents realistic and achievable demand reductions in all
customer sectors in Fort Collins under existing climate conditions. Achieving this goal within the
planning period will provide an additional measure of reliability to the water supply system to
ensure high quality service to customers in case of future drought, climate change and
unforeseen shortages.
Current Conservation Program
Fort Collins Utilities' water conservation program offers a diverse range of activities targeted at
all water demand sectors in the service area. Fort Collins has implemented a conservation
oriented increasing tiered water rate structure designed to encourage efficient use. Following
C descriptions of the current programs, Table 10 summarizes those conservation program
activities.
Water Conservation Plan 19 Fort Collins Utilities
Education and Public Information
Conservation public information campaign - Staff respond to residential and commercial )
customers with water use or billing questions- and requests for water conservation information.
Water conservation information is disseminated via a wide ran_e of media; including bill inserts,
bus benches and brochures. Displays are set up at various community events; including the
Sustainable Living Fair, Thursday Night Music and More, and others. Topics include water-
saving tips, technology and techniques. Xeriscape and lawn watering.
Adult education programs - The Utilities provides programs about Xeriscape landscaping,
watering techniques and practices and general water conservation. A daily Lawn Watering Guide
is published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan during the watering season.
Business environmental programs - A series of programs is offered to commercial customers
on a variety of environmental topics, including water conservation. Staff provides newsletters,
mailings, meetings and seminars on topics of interest to specific businesses, such as restaurants,
hotels, car washes, landscapers and large accounts.
School education programs -Presentations and hands-on activities are provided to school
classes on water topics, including the history of water in Fort Collins, water use and
conservation, water chemistry and watersheds. Dr. WaterWise is a water conservation
curriculum introduced in 2003 to classrooms during the drought. Fort Collins Utilities is a co-
sponsor of the annual Children's Water Festival.
Conservation giveaways - Water conservation kits with indoor or outdoor water-saving devices
are offered periodically free of charge through coupons in utility bills.
Water Rates and Usage Information
Increasing block rate structure—Tiered rates for single-family residential customers are
designed to charge an incrementally higher amount for higher water use.
Seasonal rate structure - Commercial and multi-family customers are billed with a seasonal
block rate structure with higher rates from May through September. Commercial rates have a
second tier for higher water use.
Indoor Fixtures and Appliances - Residential
Residential clothes washer rebates -The Utilities offers a$50 rebate for customers who
purchase high-efficiency clothes washers. Rebate costs are split between water and electric
utility funds. Some commercial rebates may also be given. Approximately 900 rebates are given
each year.
Dishwasher rebates— New in 2007, this program offers a$25 rebate when a qualifying
dishwasher is purchased. The cost of the rebates is shared with the electric utility fund.
Zero-interest Loan Program (ZILCH) - Loans are provided at no interest to residential
customers for water conservation improvements. Loans are available for water service line
replacements and high efficiency clothes washers.
Water Conservation Plan 70 Fort Collins Utilities
Outdoor Efficiency — Landscape and Irrigation
C Sprinkler system audits— Available to homeowners and homeowner associations, Utilities
auditors perform a sprinkler system assessment and show sprinkler operators how to water more
efficiently. Approximately 250 audits are completed each year.
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden- Staff oversees maintenance of the City's Xeriscape
Demonstration Garden and provides tours at organized events and upon request.
Raw water for City irrigation- Raw water is used to irrigate 80% of the City's parks,
cemeteries and golf courses.
Indoor Fixtures and Appliances — Commercial, Industrial, Institutional (CII)
CII facility audits - Staff performs facility water audits to assess water use and make
recommendations for improved efficiency. Many of these audits are done in conjunction with the
Climate Wise program.
Hotel and restaurant conservation material distribution —A three-card set is available for
hotels and other lodging establishments to inform guests about importance of water conservation
to our area, and encourage the reuse of towels and linens. Tent cards are available for restaurants
telling customers that "water is served upon request."
Water Reuse Systems
Large customer reuse -Treated wastewater from the Drake Water Reclamation Facility is
pumped to Rawhide Power Plant for landscaping and cooling water.
CBackwash water recycling - Backwash water recycling equipment at the water treatment
facility treats backwash water and recycles it to the beginning of the treatment process.
Regulatory Measures
Wasting water ordinance - Staff enforces the section of the City Code that prohibits wasting
water. Wasting water complaints are investigated. Complaints are used as an education tool, but
enforcement by ticketing is also an option.
Restrictive covenants ordinance - City Council adopted Ordinance No. 083, 2003 that prohibits
homeowner association's covenants from banning the use of Xeriscape or requiring a percentage
of landscape area to be planted with turf.
Soil amendment ordinance - City Council adopted Ordinance No. 084, 2003 that requires
builders to amend the soil for new properties.
Water Supply Shortage Response Plan—This plan has a series of measures to be enacted,
including water restrictions, for four levels of water shortage.
Landscape and irrigation standards - New development landscape and irrigation plans are
reviewed for compliance with the Land Use Code's water conservation standards. As part of
these standards, a rain shut-off device is required for commercial sprinkler systems.
Operational Measures
C Utility water loss program— All utilities "lose" water to leaks in the distribution system, meter
inaccuracy, billing errors, and other normal conditions associated with the standard operation of
Water Conservation Plan 21 Fort Collins Utilities
a treated water delivery system. System water loss programs generally involve finding and
repairing Teaks in the water distribution system—often the most easily addressed and
economically sensible manner to tackle system loss. The Fort Collins program entails listening
for leaks and pinpointing their locations using sonar equipment. It takes crews two years to
survey the 500 miles of water mains. The goal is to reduce water wasted from water main leaks.
Catching leaks before they have surfaced saves water and costs of excavation and repairs.
Water conservation upgrades at City LEED buildings - The City is committed to building
new City buildings to the LEED Gold standard (Silver standard in some cases). Water
conservation upgrades are part of this commitment.
J
Water Conservation Plan Fort Collins Utilities
Table 10: Current water conservation program measures
C Date of
ProgramlMeasure Implementation
Education and Public Information
Conservation public information campaign 1977
Adult education programs 1977
Business environmental programs 2004
School education programs 1977
Conservation giveaways 1990
Water Rates and Usage Information
Increasing block rate structure - Res. 2003
Seasonal rate structure-Comm. & MF 2003
Indoor Fixtures and Appliances-Residential
Residential clothes washer rebates 2003
Dishwasher rebates 2007
Zero-interest loan program 1994
Outdoor Efficiency-Landscapes and Irrigation
Sprinkler system audits 1999
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden 1986
Raw water for City irrigation 1900
Indoor Fixtures and Appliances-CH
CII facility audits 2004
Hotel and restaurant conservation materials 2003
Water Reuse Systems
Large customer reuse 1980
Backwash recycling at water treatment facility 2003
Regulatory Measures
Wasting water ordinance 1964
Restrictive covenants ordinance 2003
Soil amendment ordinance 2003
Water Shortage Response Plan 2003
Landscape& irrigation standards 1994
Operational Measures
Utility water loss program 1993
Water conservation upgrades at City LEED buildings 2006
C.
Water Conservation Plan 2)3 Fort Collins Utilities
POPULATION AND WATER DEMAND PLANNING PROJECTIONS j
Forecasting Method
During the development of the 2003 Water.tioppl� and Demand Management Palir�.
considerable effort was made to forecast future population and water demand. This data was
updated in 2006 when additional planning information became available. It is this updated data
that is reflected in this section of the conservation plan.
Estimating the future population to be served water by Fort Collins Utilities was quite
challenging since its service area boundary does not coincide with the city limits. This is further
complicated because the boundaries vary for other utility services (electric, wastewater and
stormwater). The Fort Collins-Loveland Water District (FCLWD) and the East Larimer County
Water District (ELCO) provide water to some areas within the city limits and will most likely
serve additional city residents in the future. The Utilities also serves some areas outside the city
limits, primarily to the northwest of Fort Collins, including water provided to the West Fort
Collins Water District(WFCWD). All of these factors were considered in estimating the
Population for the Utilities water service area. Figure I shows the different service areas with
respect to the Fort Collins Urban Growth Area (UGA).
The projected population estimates for the Utilities water service area were based on the Traffic
Analysis Zone (TAZ) information developed for the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County.
The TAZ information is based on selected zones in and around the city that con-elate with the
City and County zoning designations, which dictate the type of development and their densities.
The population within the Utilities water service area was obtained by cross-referencing the
service area with the TAZs. Future population projections were based on projected in-fill for
each of the TAZs and it was assumed that the rate of growth will be similar to past patterns.
Projections were made through the year 2035 to provide a long-term look at the effects of
growth. Fort Collins anticipates that more of its growth toward build out will occur in the next 15
years(2008-2023) compared with the following years (2024-2035).
Fort Collins planning boundaries are clearly defined and unlikely to change significantly. As
time goes on there will be less and Tess land available for development. The anticipated slowing
population growth over time (i.e. decay in the growth rate) is expected to translate into slowing
water demand growth at the end of the planning period as well. Demand projections developed
for this study reflect this anticipated change in growth rate over time. Although the projections
will be updated from time to time and will not match the actual growth precisely, it is believed
that these projections provide a reasonable basis for the planning needed to project future water
supplies and demands.
Although the Utilities water service area is limited by the surrounding water districts,the City
currently has some water sale and exchange agreements to supply water to these water districts.
With these agreements in place, and the potential for more in the future, additional population
was added for growth within the City but which is outside the current water service area. It is
estimated that by 2035 an additional I0,(H)0 people will be served by the Utilities that is within
the service area of the water districts. Currently, it is estimated that the Utilities will serve water
to a total population of about 157,700 people by the year 2035. 1
J
Water Conservation Plan 24 Fort Collins Utilities
Population was used as the primary factor in determining projected water use. It is expected that
most growth in the community will be made up of a similar proportion of residential, commercial
and other uses as presently exists. Because of this, treated water demands were forecast based on
two main components. The first is what has been referred to as population-based demand, per
capita water use multiplied by the population. The second component is an estimated use for
large contractual users that the Utilities has an obligation to serve.
Since significant large contractual use can skew the per capita demand rates calculated for the
City's water use, it was not used in the gpcd method of calculating future water needs. Instead,
large contractual demands were estimated on an individual basis and added to the population
related demand. During the treatment process, a small percentage of the water is lost. This is
added to the demands to reflect the amount of raw water supply that needs to be delivered to the
treatment facility. Based on these assumptions and criteria, treated water demands were
calculated as shown in the following section.
Previous Treated Water Demand Projections
Table 11 shows a summary of the Utilities water service area historic use from 1960 and the
projected demand through 2035 for the utility projected service area. Two different water
demand projections are shown. The first scenario, shown under the heading of 185 gpcd, reflects
the projections that were used in the development of the 2003 Water Supphv and Demand
Management Police. The second scenario, shown under the heading of 161 gpcd, reflects the
current number that is being considered for purposes of water supply planning. Because of the
significant reductions in use for the last several years, it seems prudent to adjust the numbers that
Care used for planning purposes. Even though the water conservation goal of 140 gpcd is believed
to be obtainable, there are many uncertainties regarding the future reliability of the City's water
supply. Future issues, such as climate change, make it important to continue to plan for a slightly
higher water demand for purposes of developing the City's supply system. Figure 5 presents the
same data in graphical format.
Raw Water Demand Projections
In addition to treated water demands, the Utilities has various raw water demands that are met
with available supplies. These demands include raw water for irrigation of parks, golf courses, a
cemetery, school grounds and various other greenbelt areas. The current raw water demands
range from about 3,000 to 4,000 acre-feet per year and are in addition to the supplies needed to
meet treated water demands. There are also several raw water obligations totaling approximately
4,000 acre-feet per year that need to be met because of various exchanges and agreements.
Although it is anticipated that the demand for raw water will increase in the future, these
demands will probably be met with water rights provided to the City (in addition to the projected
water rights acquisitions through the raw water requirements that will meet treated water
demands).
C.
Water Conservation Plan 25 Fort Collins Utilities
Table 11: Historic and projected population and treated water demand (1960-2035)
Historic Service Areal Projected Service Area' /
Demand"'
Population Denu u lx" Population
(11000) (Ac-ft) (11000) 185 GPCD 161 GPCD
(Ac-ft) (Ac-ft)
1960 27.5 7.277
1965 38.2 10.109
1970 48.4 12,808
1975 60.4 15.984
1980 73.7 19,504
1985 85.0 22.494
1990 95.9 29.316
1995 106.2 30.168
2000 118.0 31,690
2005 130-3 1 32.694
2010 137.4 34,219 30,416
2015 144.4 36.497 1 .498
2020 149.5 38.144 34.032
2025 152.4 39,749 35.529
2030 155.1 41,098 36.803
2035 157.7 42.425 39.059
Notes: _
I. The Historic Service Area includes the City's current utility service area plus the area served by
the West Fort Collins Water District. The 2005-2035 %"alLJ"also include water delivered to the
Fort Collins-Loveland Water District special agreement area.
2. Based on 225 gped for 1960-1990,210 gpcd for 1995, 198 gpcd for 2000,and 161 gpcd for 2005:
plus large contractual demands ranging from 3,750 ac-ft in 1990 to 4.010 ac-ft in 2005.
3. Based on the stated amount of gpcd for the 2010-2035 planning period;plus large contractual
demands increasing from 4.760 ac-It in 20I0 to 8,510 ac-ft in 2035 during the projected period.
4. An additional 5°/< for 1960-2000 and 311, for 2(H)5-2035 of treated water use is included to process
the water. The drop in amounts is due to backwash recycling implemented in 2003.
1)
Water Conservation Plan 26 Fort Collins Utilities
C180 40,000
160 35,000
140
30,000
LL
120 Q
25,000
g 100
75 m 20,000
0- 80 p
0
(L 15,000 m
60
40 10,000
Historic population Projected population
20 and demand and demand 5,000
0 0
0 h 1 91h Z0 90h oO 5 O �5 NO N5 0 �566090 9 09OOOOOOOo
-W Population (1,OOOs) +Water Demand (AF)
Figure 5: Historic and projected population and treated water demand (from previous studies)
PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS
Integrated Resources Planning in Fort Collins- Water Supply and Demand Management
In planning for a safe, secure, and sustainable water future, the City of Fort Collins employs an
integrated resources planning strategy that carefully considers a range of supply and demand
management options. In confronting the future water supply uncertainties posed by climate
change and the potential for increased and extended droughts, the City has opted for a diversified
approach that increases storage capacity (and hence Flexibility in system operations) and an
expanded water conservation program to reduce demand and improve system reliability and
resilience to drought.
The combination of increased storage and reduced demand through conservation offers the best
water management option for meeting future supply challenges. The proposed Halligan
Reservoir enlargement will provide increased water storage which is the primary physical
constraint the City faces in managing and regulating its water rights portfolio. When combined
with the anticipated demand reductions from the City's expanded water conservation program,
this integrated strategy will help improve Fort Collins' ability to weather the expected impacts of
climate changes during the next few decades and beyond. Emerging global climate models
suggest temperatures will rise causing higher water demands and more frequent and intense
drought periods. Either water conservation or storage by itself, while beneficial, would not
provide the same level of flexibility and drought resilience.
C
Water Conservation Plan 27 Fort Collins Utilities
Expanded water conservation offers cost-effective water supply that can be stored for drought,
leased for agriculture, or potentially used for beneficial environmental enhancement efforts such
as in-stream flow programs. However, water conservation savings must be quantified and proven —
sustainable if they are to be relied upon for various beneficial uses. Increased storage provides a
physical location for conserved water and enables Fort Collins to take full advantage of savings
achieved by customers.
Potential Facility Needs
The City of Fort Collins is fortunate in that most of the infrastructure is in place to support the
projected level of water use as defined in the 2003 Water Suppiv and Demand Management
Policy. The peak day capacity of the Water Treatment Facility is 87 million gallons per day,
which is higher than the projected peak demand level for build-out in the Utility service area. In
addition, there is adequate capacity in the major transmission lines to support projected peak day
demands.
The primary water facility needs are related to additional water storage capacity that is required
to meet the policy drought criteria. Fort Collins requires both short-tern and long-term carryover
storage to maximize operational flexibility and system reliability and to take advantage of
anticipated conservation savings. Short-term storage is needed for operational flexibility and to
meet return flow obligations inherent with converted irrigation company shares. Loner term
carryover storage is needed to capture excess water in wetter years and water conserved by Fort
Collins citizens. This provides a source of water in drought years to provide the desired level of
water system reliability.
i
WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AND MEASURES
Conservation Goals and Identified Programs and Measures
Water Conservation Goal
In 2007, Fort Collins Utilities set a goal of reducing water use to 140 gallons per capita per day
(gpcd) by 2020. This goal represents realistic and achievable demand reductions in all customer
sectors in Fort Collins, based on current water demand factors. Achieving this goal in the 12 year
planning period will provide an additional measure of reliability to the water supply system to
ensure high quality service to customers in case of future drought, climate change and
unforeseen shortages. It will be necessary, in particular, to monitor the effects of expected
climate change impacts on water use. This is particularly true for the outdoor component of use
and may require that some adjustments be made to the goal in the future. Adapting to changes in
the supply and demand conditions is a normal element of water conservation planning.
The City will implement the necessary water conservation practices and programs to reduce its
water use to reach the 140 gpcd goal by 2020. The gallons per capita calculation is made by
dividing total treated water produced for use by City customers (adjusted for large contractual
customers and other sales or exchange arrangements) by the estimated population of the City's
water service area. It is also "normalized" by adjusting it for weather conditions so it is
representative of a year with average precipitation and temperatures.
Water Conservation Plan 28 Fort Collins Utilities
C Benefits of Water Conservation
Water conservation is of vital importance to the City of Fort Collins. Although there are many
reasons to implement and expand water conservation efforts, a few key ones include:
To foster a conservation ethic and eliminate waste. The success of the City's water conservation
program depends on the cooperation of its customers. Instilling a conservation ethic is an
important first step to changing habits and attitudes toward water use. The objective of the 140
gpcd level of use is to provide adequate water to customers, while reducing unnecessary use and
waste. Much of indoor water use is for fundamental and public health purposes, such as drinking,
flushing and cleaning, not only in homes but also in businesses, schools and industry. Adequate
quantities of water are necessary to meet these important functions. Outdoor water use is
primarily watering landscapes. Adequate supplies are needed to maintain trees, bushes and other
vegetation at a level desired by the community and which provides desirable benefits to the
urban environment. Even at 140 gpcd, outdoor water use will continue to constitute about one-
third of the total use by Fort Collins' customers.
To demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. The City has an approved Action Plan for
Sustuinabilit'v that states, "Being sustainable means considering the environmental, financial and
human impacts of all of our decisions. It means recognizing new challenges that result from
finite resources. It means considering the long term impacts of our actions." In addition, the
Utilities is launching the 21" Century Utilities project with the purpose of"inspiring community
leadership by reducing environmental impact while benefiting customers, the economy and
society."
C, The City believes it's important to conserve water because it's good stewardship; it's the
responsible way to manage a vital resource. Sustainability means not only conserving water,but
also efficiently managing our water supply portfolio in a manner that is environmentally
responsible and will best serve our community's residents.
To provide water for multiple beneficial purposes. The City owns a portfolio of water rights that
produces a plentiful supply of water in most years. The yield of these water rights varies
considerably and in times of severe drought the supply system may be stressed resulting in the
need for extra conservation measures. In most years, however, the City has supplies that are
surplus to its normal municipal demands. One reason for an aggressive water conservation
program is to be able to provide more water for beneficial uses beyond normal municipal
purposes. For example, the area around Fort Collins continues to be a productive agricultural
area that produces many crops that provide a local food source and provides additional economic
activity to the area. These remaining agricultural areas also provide significant open space
outside of Fort Collins that is desired by many residents. Making some of the City's surplus
water available for these purposes also provides supplemental revenue for the Utility and its
customers. The potential environmental benefits of conserved water are also important.
Providing additional flow for the local stream systems, in-stream flow programs, improvements
in water quality, improvements in aquatic and riparian ecosystems, enhanced recreational
opportunities, and aesthetics are all potential benefits of water conservation in Fort Collins.
To reduce costs. There are costs associated with varying levels of water use in Fort Collins.
These include costs for the Utility as a whole and for individual customers. Utility costs, which
C are also passed on to customers, include any water system infrastructure costs dependent on the
level of water use or water flow. These costs may include water rights acquisition, enhanced or
Water Conservation Plan 29 Fort Collins Utilities
expanded treatment, distribution and storage facilities, environmental and agricultural impacts, _
and legal issues. Ongoing variable charges related to the level of use are typically for items such
as energy for pumping and chemicals for treatment. These costs extend beyond the direct
financial impact to the Utility and include the anticipated costs and impacts associated with long-
term climate change and the hazards associated with the use of certain chemicals. From the
customer perspective, lowering Utility water bills through conservation can reduce other costs
indirectly. These savings may come from reductions in the energy required for heating water,
reduced use of fertilizer and landscape chemicals, and reduced landscape maintenance costs. Fort
Collins seeks to minimize both direct and indirect costs to citizens while providing all of the
benefits of the efficient use of water.
To prepare for forecasted climate change. Climate change may have significant impacts on both
water demands and water supplies in the time frame of this plan. Numerous studies on climate
change and the general impacts that are expected in the field of water supply and demand have
been produced by reputable scientific organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change, National Center for Atmospheric Research, American Water Works
Association Research Foundation, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies and the
American Society of Civil Engineers.
Although additional research is still needed to determine the extent of local impacts, there is
general consensus that climate change in the Mountain West will likely include the following
changes:
• Increased evapotranspiration rates, increasing the water required to maintain landscaping.
• More frequent dry spells and a longer growing season.
• Changes in seasonal snow pack.
• Earlier spring snowmelt and runoff.
• Changes in the distribution of precipitation over the year.
These changes are expected to accelerate over the decades ahead and impacts may depend
largely on factors such as population growth, economic growth and technological changes.
Utilities will likely face significant challenges in the years ahead managing both water demands
and water supplies.
In the area along the Front Range of northern Colorado, it is particularly difficult to project
future temperature and precipitation trends. One such attempt, averaging the results of several
Global Climate Models (GCM), results in some potential scenarios for this area. These models
suggest that temperatures could increase an average of about 2 degrees Celsius by 2040 and 3
degrees by 2070. The change in precipitation shows an average annual increase of about I% by
2040 and 2% by 2070. The distribution over the year changes and it is expected to be wetter
during the winter months and drier during the spring and summer months.
From a water demand perspective, hotter and drier conditions during the growing season will
result in more evapotranspiration and water use for many trees, lawns and other vegetation. In
Fort Collins, outdoor water use is about one-third of total use on an annual basis. Based on
current use patterns and conditions, a 10% increase in outdoor water use could result in an
increase of about 7 gpcd. A 20% increase in outdoor water use translates to an increase of 14
gpcd. Without conservation and/or significant changes in landscaping choices, outdoor water use
will likely increase over the coming decades as customers strive to maintain their landscapes in a -
hotter and longer growing season.
Water Conservation Plan 30 Fort Collins Utilities
C It is currently difficult to predict how climate change will alter the quantity and timing of runoff.
Many models suggest that there will be less runoff in the spring and early summer from
snowmelt. Models also suggest that the variability and duration of wet periods and droughts will
be more severe. The yield of the City's current water rights portfolio could vary more from year
to year, resulting in an increase of water"short" years. This in turn would make meeting
demands more challenging. There may also be some years that are wetter than what has been
experienced in the past.
With many uncertainties regarding both water supply and demand, it is prudent to prepare for a
wide range of conditions in the future. Additional reductions in water use through thoughtful
conservation measures are a prudent and sensible approach to begin confronting this uncertainty.
Planning for adequate reservoir capacity to help balance the swing in supplies available between
wet and dry periods is also a prudent and sensible approach. Fort Collins seeks to combine these
efforts to provide for a sustainable water future in the face of great challenges and uncertainty.
Document the Goal Development Process
In September 2003, the Fort Collins City Council adopted the Water Supply and Demand
Management Policy. The objective of the Policy was, "to provide a sustainable and integrated
approach to (1) providing an adequate and reliable supply of water for the beneficial use by
customers and the community and (2) managing the level of demand and the efficient use of a
scarce and valuable resource." The Policy set a goal of 185 gpcd by 2010. This goal made sense
at the time; however per capita water use has been significantly lower since 2002. A new water
use goal of 140 gped by 2020 was established as part of the process of developing this plan
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AND DEMAND FORECASTS
Demand forecasts were prepared for each of the scenarios described below including the
Baseline (no conservation) scenario. The forecasting methodology uses current per capita
demand as the basis and then forecasts future demand using Fort Collins population planning
projections. The impact of different conservation program measures reduces the per capita
demand incrementally by year depending upon the proposed implementation schedule. Care has
been taken to properly assign program impacts and to avoid double counting reductions.
Baseline: Demand Forecast Without Conservation Program
The baseline forecast represents a projection without any �N:tier conservation program. This
forecast provides a way to examine the impacts of the current conservation program and the
recommended expanded program against a hypothetical baseline without conservation. The
forecast includes anticipated changes in growth rates based on current planning projections.
Growth rates are expected to gradually decline over the next couple of decades as the City
approaches build-out. The baseline forecast includes the following assumptions (many of which
are included in the Level 1 and Level 2 forecasts as well):
• The Projected Service Area includes the City's current utility service area plus some of
the new growth in the UGA that is not already served by the surrounding water districts
that the City plans to serve.
• The demand forecast is based on 153 gpcd at the beginning of the 13 year planning
Cperiod (2008-2020); plus large contractual demands increasing from 4,010 ac-ft in 2005
to 6,476 ac-ft in 2020 during the projected period.
Water Conservation Plan 31 Fort Collins Utilities
• The demand forecast includes the assumption of 6% losses in the treated water system.
• This forecast does not include the impacts of an ongoing water conservation program.
This baseline provides a way to show the impact and potential savings of the current
program.
Level 1 : Current Program
Fort Collins Utilities' current water conservation program is broad-based and designed to reduce
demand in most customer sectors. Key elements of the current program include: public education
and information, an increasing block rate billing structure and seasonal rates for commercial
customers, rebates for efficient residential clothes washers, an innovative zero-interest loan
program, irrigation audits, several ordinances, and a utility water loss detection program. A
detailed description of the current programs is provided earlier in this report.
The Level 1 current conservation program will save an estimated 1,000 acre-feet if continued at
the same level through the planning period to 2020.1
Level 2: Recommended New Program
The Level 2 program includes all elements from the current program and the following
additional program measures. The Level 2 conservation program will save an estimated 2,3(H)
acre-feet if continued at the same level through the planning period to 2020. See Table 16 for an
overview of the recommended program, including current and new measures.
The following new conservation measures are included in the Level 2 program. Program costs
and savings estimates are presented in Table 12. These measures are planned to be phased in
over three years.
Education and Public Information
Public information campaign expansion -This measure would increase the amount of
outreach to customers through print and radio advertising, more bus benches and other venues
for increased visibility of water conservation messages. Efforts may include partnerships with
home builders, local nurseries. Colorado State University,regional water suppliers and/or others.
Water conservation recognition awards -Residential and commercial customers would be
recognized for their water conservation efforts.
Water Rates and Usage Information
Online access to water use historN - Customers who have online access to their water bills can
tack and compare their monthly and seasonal water use. This program will be implemented
along with online bill payments.
Online water use calculator-A water use calculator can provide feedback to customers about
how efficiently they are using water. Customers will be able to customize the calculator with
their household parameters and historic water consumption.
These savings estimates du not include the impact of the Fort Collins increasing block and seasonal water rate
structure. Rate structure impacts were not evaluated in the preparation of this plan. -/
Water Conservation Plan 32 Fort Collins Utilities
Fixtures and Appliances — Residential
C High efficiency toilet rebates—High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) are typically dual flush or
pressure assisted models that use an average of 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less. Some HETs
use only 1 gallon per flush and have passed tests for effective waste removal. Performance tests
for these products are now available and there are many HET models that perform as well or
better than standard 1.6 gpf fixtures. This program would offer a $50 rebate for the purchase and
installation of an HET toilet.
Low income retrofit program —This program will provide low income single- and multi-
family households with toilet, showerhead and faucet aerator retrofits. It is envisioned that all
equipment will be provided and installed free of charge to the customer. This program may be
administered as part of the City's REACH and LEAP weatherization programs.
Zero-interest loan program expansion— Fort Collins currently offers zero interest loans to
customers for replacing aging water service lines and purchasing high-efficiency clothes
washers. This would expand the loan program to possibly include high efficiency toilets, smart
irrigation controls, Xeriscape and/or other technologies as appropriate.
Research: Water end use study for homes—This measure would include a survey of the City
to determine how water is being used in homes, including gallons per flush of toilets. It would
also track water usage for irrigating landscapes. This information would help to target programs
appropriately to have a greater impact on water use.
Outdoor Efficiency — Landscapes and Irrigation
C Xeriscape design clinics— Thi. program would offer homeowners an educational program and
one-on-one landscape design assistance from a professional. Customers would pay a fee to
participate.
Irrigation technology rebates— One of the most promising new technologies for water
conservation with automatic irrigation systems is "smart control". These controllers use
prevailing weather conditions or soil moisture measurements to automatically adjust irrigation
applications to meet the real-time water needs of the plants. This equipment is more expensive
than conventional irrigation control and this program would offer rebates to customers ranging
from $50-150 (depending upon the product and number of irrigation zones impacted). The
average rebate amount is estimated to be $85.
Large HOA irrigation efficiency grants—This program would offer HOAs with large
landscapes a grant averaging $1,300 per customer for the purpose of improving irrigation
efficiency through improved distribution uniformity, leak repair, and weather-based scheduling.
This program would be tied directly to Fort Collins Utilities' current irrigation audit program.
Five large HOA customers per year would be targeted.
Research: Determine irrigated area for lots—This measure would use GIS and other
technologies to determine the square feet of irrigated area for each City lot. This information
would help in providing water budgets and efficiency reports to customers.
Fixtures and Appliances — Commercial, Industrial, & Institutional
C CII facility audit program expansion—This measure would hire contract labor to perform
more complex assessments than our current program at industrial facilities.
Water Conservation Plan 33 Fort Collins Utilities
Commercial clothes washer rebates —This program will offer rebates for the purchase of water
(and energy) efficient clothes washers for the commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII)
sector. Although commercial customers can currently apply for rebates for residential washers,
this program would include coin-operated and other commercial washers.
Commercial high-efficiency toilet and urinal rebates— Similar to the residential HET
incentive described earlier, this program expands the rebate offer to commercial customers and
also includes efficient urinals. Savings are estimated to be comparable to residential installations.
Financial incentives for commercial water-saving upgrades —This program aims to overcome
barriers to implementing water efficiency upgrades in the CIl sector (e.g. cooling tower
conductivity control, leak detection and repair, fixture replacement, etc.). Customers would
submit a proposal for improvements and estimated water savings. Incentives would be based on
the amount of documented saved water.
Restaurant pre-rinse spray valve distribution—Restaurants and commercial food service
operators use pre-rinse spray valves to rinse trays of dishes prior to washing them in a large
commercial dishwasher. Historically these valves have flowed at anywhere from 3 to 10 gallons
per minute (gpm). New high-efficiency spray valves use 1.6 gpm or less and utilize venturi valve
technology to ensure a high-pressure spray with less water. Distribution programs of pre-rinse
spray valves have been a success in numerous water districts in California, Washington, and
Colorado. New spray valves cost less than $40 each. Most utilities have simply given these
devices away and many have installed them as well to ensure they are utilized. Satisfaction
surveys have shown that customers prefer the new valves.
Regulatory Measures )
Landscape and irrigation standards update— In 1994. City Council adopted landscape and
irrigation standards for water conservation. With revisions to these standards, water efficiency
can be improved. An interdepartmental team, along with outside professionals, would review the
current documents and consider appropriate revisions. The new standards may include a
provision for dedicated irrigation taps for large landscapes, irrigation system efficiency
requirements and/or limiting turf in narrow strips, among other measures. These new standards
may result in the need to hire an additional FTE for compliance and outreach.
Operational Measures
Utility water loss program enhancement—This measure would change the methodology of the
City's current water loss program by implementing the new industry standard, the IWA/AWWA
water loss methodology. This new methodology offers a new set of tools for quantifying water
loss in a utility. The IWA/AWWA Water Audit Method is effective because it features sound,
consistent definitions for the major forms of water consumption and water loss encountered in
drinking water utilities. It also has a set of rational performance indicators that evaluate utilities
on system-specific features such as the average pressure in the distribution system and miles of
water main. Once implemented, this method can be used to track and assess water loss over time
and to develop effective tools for reducing real and apparent losses. The goal of this effort will
be to reduce what is currently described as unaccounted for water from 6 percent per year to 5
percent per year by 2026. However it should be understood that the results of changing
methodologies are uncertain. The impacts for Fort Collins could be larger or smaller than —
estimated here. Furthermore it is uncertain what budget is required to implement the new
Water Conservation Plan 34 Fort Collins Utilities
methodology. Fort Collins currently budgets $70,000 per year for leak detection and water loss
C control. For the purposes of this plan, a one time cost of$200,000 has been allotted for
implementing the new IWA/AWWA methodology in the first year. It is anticipated that these
costs could go back down to $70.000 after the initial audit is complete, but initial outlay
requirements are not fully known.
Water conservation upgrades at City facilities —One of the goals of the City's conservation
program is to demonstrate a water conservation effort. This measure would provide upgrades of
water-efficient indoor fixtures and sprinkler system equipment at City facilities.
C.
Water Conservation Plan 35 Fort Collins Utilities
Table 12: Level 2 new measures - estimated costs and water savings
Note: Some staff labor will be almorbr d within existing progranis. All measures do not have quantifled water savings.
6/ #of Annual Total annual Anticipated Cost of Implementation
Annual
New Labor Customer Customers program/ cost(labor& annual water Saved Difficulty
Program/Measure FTE Cost (i.e. Impacted measure program savin s in Savings Water
p• p � g' IAF) (l =easy.
rebate) (or rebates) cost costs) gallons ($/AB) 5=difficult)
Education and Public Information
Public information campaign expansion 0.1 $10,000 N/A N/A $10,(X)0 $20.000 750.000 2.3 $8,689 1 2
Water conservation recognition awards 0.05 $5.000 N/A N/A $1,000 $6.000 Unknown 2
Water Rates and Usage Information
Online access to water history 0 0 N/A NIA N/A N/A Unknown 2
Online water use calculator 0 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A Unknown 1
Indoor Fixtures and Appliances-
Residential
High clTiciency toilet rebates 0.1 $10,000 $50 1,000 $50,M)0 $60.000 9.000,000 27.6 $1.991 2
Low income retrofit program 0.05 $5.000 $400 25 $10.000 $15.000 1.250.0(X) 3.8 $3.910 3
Zero-interest loan program expansion 0 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A 500.(XX) 1.5 $0 2
Research: Water end use study for homes 0.05 $5.000 N/A N/A $50.000 $55.000 0 0 0 3
Outdoor Efficiency-Landscapes&
Irrigation
Xeriscape design clinics 0.05 $5.000 $50 75 $3.750 $8.750 750.000 2.3 $3.801 2
Irrigation technology rebates 0.1 $10,000 $85 175 $14.875 $24.875 3.500.000 10.7 $2.316 3
Large HOA irrigation efficiency grants 0.05 $5,000 $1.3M 5 $6.500 $11.500 1,250.000 3.8 $2.998 2
Research: Determine irrigated area for lots 0.05 $5,000 $50,000 $55.000 0 0 3
Indoor Fixtures&Appliances-CII
Cll facility audit progr ni expansion 0.4 $40.000MN/A 40 $10,000 $50.000 L0(X),OM 3.1 $4.897 3
Connucreial clothes washer rebates 0 0 M $L000 $L0(X) 90.000 0.3 $3,620 3
Commercial toilet and urinal rebates 0.1 $10.000 1.000 $50,000 $60,000 L800.000 5.5 $2,715 2
Financial incentives for commercial water-
saving upgrades($ based on savings) 0.I5 $15,000 25 $25.(X)0 $40.000 2,500.00O 7.7 $5.213 3
Water Conservation Plan 16 Fort Collins Utilities
n n n
$/ #or Annual Total annual Anticipated Coal or Implementation
New Labor Customer Customers program/ cost(labor 8c annual water Annual Saved Difficulty
Prv�gram/Measure FTE Cost (Le. Impacted measure program saw sin Savings Water
P P og °g (AF) (l=easy,
rebate) (or rebates) cost costs) gallons ($/AF) 5=difficult)
Restaurant pre-rinse spray valve distribution 0.1 $10,000 $100 50 $5,000 $15.(N)0 650.(H)0 2.0 $7,500 2
Regulatory Measures
Landscape and irrigation standards update 1 $100,000 N/A N/A $10,000 $110.000 5.000.000 153 $7,168 1 3
Operational Measures
Utility water loss program enhancement 0 0 N/A N/A $70.000 $70.000 4.890.000 15 $4.666 4
Water conservation upgrades at City
facilities(indoor&outdoor) 0.05 $5.000 N/A N/A $40,000 $45.000 1.500.000 4.6 $9,782 2
Water Conservation Plan 37 Fort Collins Utilities
Demand Forecasts
Demand forecasts were prepared for each of the scenarios described above including the
Baseline (no conservation) scenario. Results are shown in Figure 6. Three demand forecasts are
included in Figure 6 and the forecasting methodology is discussed below.
35,000
Historic Demand Forecast Future Demand
LL
a 30.000
c
to
E
d
0
25,000
c
Q
20,000
m m m rn 8 8 8 E `'oV 8 8 8 ..i N $ R N N .., . $ $ R
—Historic —Baseline —Level t Current —Level 2 Recommended
Figure 6: Demand forecasts under different conservation scenarios
Baseline— Without Conservation (blue line)
2020 demand= 31,800 Ac-ft
2020 per capita use = 153 gpcd (not including contractual demands)
Estimated change from 2003-2007 average per capita 0 55 gpcd) = 1.3% reduction
This forecast represents a baseline projection without any water conservation program. This
forecast provides a way to examine the impacts of the current conservation program. The
forecast includes anticipated changes in growth rates based on current planning projections.
More accelerated growth occurs in the next 10 years and it then slows approaching build out.
This approach assumes that all new customers will essentially have demands that are identical to
the existing customer base and it further assumes that no efficiency improvements will be made
by the current customer base. This methodology likely over-estimates future demand. The
Energy Polic.v Act q/'1992 requires all toilets sold in the U.S. be 1.6 gallons per flush or less and
also sets maximum flow rate standards for showerheads and faucets. New U.S. Department of
Energy standards for clothes washers will provide for market transformation to more water
efficient machines over the next 10-20 years. These policies essentially assure that new
Water Conservation Plan 38 Fort Collins Utilities
C customers will use less water indoors than existing customers and that existing customers will
likely become more water efficient over time through the natural replacement of old fixtures and
appliances. Barring the widespread adoption of a new water consuming technology that could
increase per capita demand or an unexpected population surge, the assumptions of this
forecasting methodology could slightly overestimate future demand in Fort Collins given the
current conservation program.
Given the recent changes in per capita demand in Fort Collins resulting from the drought of
2002, the assumptions used in this forecast are reasonable. Consequently, the estimated impacts
of the conservation programs will be more modest than they would have been had per capita use
not changed so dramatically already. It is assumed that sizeable portions of the easy conservation
savings have already been achieved. Historic demand is also shown in Figure 6 to illustrate this
point.
Level 1 - Current Conservation Program (green line)
Forecast 2020 demand = 30,800 Ac-ft
Forecast water savings in 2020 = 1,000 Ac-ft
Estimated 2020 per capita use= 147 gpcd (not including contractual demands)
Estimated reduction from 2003-2007 average per capita (I55 gpcd) = 5.2%
This forecast projects demand in Fort Collins assuming the current conservation program
(described earlier in this document) continues at a similar funding level (adjusted for inflation).
C Level 2—Recommended New Program (red line)
Forecast 2020 demand = 29,500 Ac-ft
Forecast water savings in 2,300 = Ac-ft
2020 per capita use = 139 gpcd (not including contractual demands)
Estimated reduction from 2003-2007 average per capita (155 gpcd) = 10.3%
This forecast projects demand in Fort Collins assuming the Level 2 conservation program
(described earlier in this document) is fully implemented starting in 2008.
Summary of Forecast Demands
Summaries of the demand forecasts presented above are presented in Table 13 and Table 14.
Demand and savings in acre-feet are shown in Table 13. Forecast per capita demands and
savings percentages are shown in Table 14. The recommended program will save an estimated
2,300 Ac-ft/year by 2020. Under this scenario, per capita demand will be reduced to 139 gpcd.
Table 15 provides the percent of the estimated 2020 attributable to indoor measures, outdoor
measures, and utility water loss control.
C
Water Conservation Plan 39 Fort Collins Utilities
Table 13: Summary of forecast demand and savings (acre-Feet per ear)
2020 Forecast Savings vs. Savings vs. j
Average Use Demand Pre-2002 Use Baseline Use
Forecast (Ac-ft/ ear) (Ac-ft/ ear) (Ae-ft/ ear) (Ac-ft/ ear)
Pre-2002
(1998-2001) 34,000 39,700 N/A N/A
Baseline
(2003-2007) 27,500 31,800 7,900 N/A
Current Program 30,800 8,900 1,000
Recommended
Program 29,500 1 10,200 2,300
Table 14: Summary of forecast demand and savings (gallons per capita per da )
2020 Forecast Savings vs. Savings vs.
Average Use Demand Pre-2002 Use Baseline Use
Forecast ( ed) ( cd)
Pre-2002
(1998-2001) 200 200 0% N/A
Baseline
(2003-2007) 155 153 -23.5% -1.3%
Current Program 147 -26.5% 5.2%
Recommended
Program 139 -30.5%v 10.3°Ic
Table 15: Breakdown of 2020 water savin s by category
Water Loss
Indoor Outdoor Control Total
Current Program 55.6% 35.4% 9.0%n 100.0%
Recommended Program 50.5% 32.8%r 16.7`£ 100.017(
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR RECOMMENDED CONSERVATION
PROGRAM
The recommended conservation program will be implemented over a three year period. Table 16
shows the recommended program, including current and new measures. The table also shows
which customer classes will be impacted, whether a measure affects indoor or outdoor use, the
type of measure, and if it's an existing or new measure.
Water Conservation Plan 40 Fort Collins Utilities
Table 16: Conservation measures for recommended pro am
Customers Water Use Type of Existing or
Measure Measure New
RSF RMF CII City Indoor Outdoor Comm DSM Exist New
Education and Public Information
Conservation public information campaign X X X X X X X X
Public information campaign expansion X X X X X X X X
Adult education programs X X X X X X
Business environmental programs X X X X X X
School education programs X X X X X X
Conservation giveaways X X X X X X
Water conservation awards X X X X X X X X
Water Rates and Usage Information
Increasing block rate—Res. X X X X
Seasonal rates—Comm. & MF X X X X X X
Online access to water history X X X X X X X
Online water use calculator X X X X X
Indoor Fixtures and Appliances-
Residential
Residential clothes washer rebates X X X X X
High efficiency toilet rebates X X X X X
Dishwasher rebates X X X X X
Low income retrofit program X X X X
Zcro-interest loans for conservation X X X X
Zero-interest loan program expansion X X X X X
Research: Water end use study X X X X X
Outdoor Efficiency-Landscapes and
Irrigation
Sprinkler system audits X X X X
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden X X X X X X X
Xeriscape design clinics X X X X X
Irrigation technology rebates X X X X X X
Large HOA irrigation efficiency grants X X X X
Raw water for irrigation at parks.cemeteries X X X
and golf courses
Research: Determine irrigated area for lots X X X X X X X
Indoor Fixtures and Appliances-Comm.,.
Indust.,Institutional (CH)
CII facility audits X X X X X
Facility audit program expansion X X X X X
Commercial clothes washer rebates X X X X
Commercial toilet and urinal rebates X X X X
Water Conservation Plan 41 Fort Collins Utilities
Customers Water Use Type of Existing or
Measure Measure New
RSF RMF CIA City Indoor Outdoor Comm DSM Exist New
Financial incentives for commercial water- X X X X X
saving upgrades
Hotel and restaurant conservation materials X X X X
Restaurant pre-rinse spray valve distribution X X X X
Water Reuse Systems
Large customer reuse X X X X X
Backwash recycling at water treatment facility X X X
Regulatory Measures
Wastine water ordinance X X X X X X X
Restrictive covenants ordinance X X X X
Soil amendment ordinance X X X X X X
Water Shortage Response Plan X X X X X X X
Landscape& irrigation standards for new X X X X X X
development
Landscape & irrigation standards update X X X X X X X
Operational Measures
Utility water loss program X X X
Water loss program enhancement X X X
Water conservation upgrades at City LEED X X X X X
buildings
Water conservation upgrades at City facilities X X X X X
Key:
RSF— Residential Single Family
RMF— Residential Multi-family
CII—Commercial, Industrial, Institutional
City—City government
Indoor—effects indoor water use
Outdoor—effects outdoor water use
Comm—Community water conservation program
DSM—demand-side management measure
Exist—existing measure
New—new measure
Water Conservation Plan 42 Fort Collins Utilities
C Ongoing Monitoring
Fort Collins Utilities will monitor implementation and impacts of the conservation plan on a
regular basis. Regular demand monitoring will provide information on water use and progress
toward to the stated conservation goals. Utilities staff will continue to produce an annual report
on the conservation program that includes a detailed description of plan implementation as well
as the measured impacts on usage.
Plan Refinement
Fort Collins Utilities understands that the conservation plan and program will need regular
review and refinement to ensure that the goals are met. As has been done since the program's
inception in 1977. adjustments to the program will be made as warranted due to new technology
or programs becoming outdated. A complete formal review and revision of the conservation plan
will be completed five years after adoption.
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS
Colorado Statutes Title 37 Water and Irrigation —Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB)
and Compacts 37-60-126 requires a state approved water conservation plan for covered entities
as a condition of seeking financial assistance from the CWCB. Key planning requirements of the
statute include the following items:
I. Consideration of specific conservation measures and programs including— (I) fixtures
and appliances; (II) water-wise landscapes; (III) CII measures; (IV) water reuse systems;
(V) water loss and system leakage; (VI) information and education; (VIP conservation
oriented rate structure, (VIII) technical assistance; (IX) regulatory measures; (X)
incentives and rebates.
2. Role of conservation in the entity's supply planning.
3. Plan implementation, monitoring, review and revision.
4. Future review of plan within 7 years.
5. Estimated savings from previous conservation efforts as well as estimates from
implementation of current plan.
6. A 60-day minimum public comment period.
This section of the plan details Fort Collins' compliance with this statute.
Fort Collins Compliance
Fort Collins Utilities developed this conservation plan to achieve full compliance with the
Colorado statute. Each element of compliance is documented below.
1. Consideration of specific conservation measures-
• Fixture and appliances— Current program includes residential clothes washer rebates;
faucet aerator, and showerhead distribution. Level 2 program includes residential HET
toilet incentives, commercial toilet and urinal incentives, restaurant pre-rinse spray valve
distribution.
• Water wise landscape— Current program includes sprinkler system audits.
CRecommended program includes expanded audits, Xeriscape design clinics, irrigation
Water Conservation Plan 43 Fort Collins Utilities
technology rebates. HOA irrigation efficiency grants, and research to measure irrigated
areas.
(III) CH measures—Current program includes a business program series and facility
water audits. Level 2 program includes distribution of pre-rinse rinse spray valves in
restaurants, incentives for CII efficiency upgrades, and commercial toilet and urinal
rebates.
(IV) Water reuse systems —Current program includes reuse water for cooling and
irrigation at the local power plant; backwash recycling at the water treatment facility.
Additional small scale reuse systems were found either not cost effective for Fort Collins
or were not compliant with the Utilities' water rights holdings.
(V) Water lass and system leakage redaction — Current program includes a utility water
loss reduction program. Fort Collins has included implementation of the IWA/AWWA
water loss methodology in Level 2.
(VI) hi/in-nation and public education —Current program includes a local conservation
public information campaign; school education program; business environmental series;
adult education programs. Level 2 program includes an expanded public information
campaign with new partnership efforts.
(VII) Water rate structure —Current program includes a three-tier increasing block rate
structure for residential; seasonal rates for commercial customers. Level 2 program
includes online access to water use history and an online water use calculator.
(Vlll) Regulatory measures•— Current program includes requirement for rain shutoff \,
devices for new commercial development; water waste ordinance; landscape and
irrigation standards for new development; restrictive covenants ordinance; soil
amendment ordinance for new development. Level 2 program includes required
dedication irrigation tap for new large landscapes and an update of the City's landscape
and irrigation standards.
(IX) lnc•entives —A broad range of incentive and rebate programs are included in the
measures described above.
2. Role of conservation in Fort Collins supply planning. Fort Collins takes water conservation
seriously and has had a staff position for dedicated to water conservation since 1977.
Resolution 2003-104, a Water Supph and Demand Management Polies•, was adopted by City
Council in September 2003. The resolution provides general criteria for decisions regarding
water supply projects, acquisition of water rights and demand management measures.
3. Plan implementation, monitoring, review and revision. Fort Collins has developed a
specific plan implementation program along with monitoring mechanisms and scheduled
review and revisions. Details of this effort are described in the preceding section of this
document.
4. Future review of plan within seven years. Fort Collins Utilities intends to review and update
the water conservation every five years. The next review is scheduled to occur in 2012.
5. Estimated savings from previous conservation efforts and current plan. The Fort Collins
water conservation program has been active since 1977. Since 1994 weather normalized per
capita demand has been reduced by 25 percent. Not all of this reduction can be fairly
Water Conservation Plan 44 Fort Collins Utilities
attributed to the conservation program (the 2002 drought had a measurable impact), but the
data show a distinct water savings trend. Savings from the conservation program
recommended in this plan are estimated to be an additional 10.3 percent by 2020.
6. Public comment period. A public review of the conservation plan took place from October 8
to December 7, 2007. Thirty-four comments were received and revisions were made to the
plan in response to the comments.
Water Conservation Plan 45 Fort Collins Utilities
Attachment 2
Proposed Plan Implementation Budget
Year Ye Year
Measure
FTE Cost FTE Cost FTE Cost
f-} ' `4-
Education and Pubhc Informahoat s MEN � '; 4�
U '.> r.. .e' £ i, � N n Ti•. h
Conservation public information 2 $12,000 0 0 0 0
campaign
Public information campaign expansion 0 0 .3 $22,000 .3 $22,000
Adult education programs .15 $3,000 .25 $4,000 .25 $4,000
Business environmental programs .05 $1,000 .1 $2,000 .1 $2,000
School education programs .2 $4,000 .2 $4,000 .2 $4,000
Conservation giveaways .05 $12,000 .05 $12,000 .05 $12,000
Water conservation awards 0 0 0 0 .05 $1,000
WaterKRatesiand Usage Inlormahon * ,,, 5 V,
Increasing block rate-Res. 0 0 0 0 0 0
Seasonal rates-Comm. &MF 0 0 0 0 0 0
Online access to water history 0 0 0 0 0 0
Online water use calculator 0 0 0 0 0 0
'slRnedSoldon Ftlixalt,ur"e san:�d° .tApwp�hcan.�ces �x + ry a ,�.�='?s �t'ry7�
r 3 All
Residential clothes washer rebates .05 $24,500 .05 $24,500 .05 $24,500
High efficiency toilet rebates .05 $25,000 .1 $50,000 .1 $50,000
Dishwasher rebates .05 $10,000 .05 $10,000 .05 $10,000
Low income retrofit program 0 0 .05 $10,000 .05 $10,000
Zero-interest loans for conservation .05 0 .0 0 .0 0
Zero-interest loan program expansion 0 0 1 .05 0 .05 0
Research:Water end use study-Res. 0 0 .05 $50,000 0 0
OutdoorlEffictency, Landscapes and , � St � t � �
�Irrigahon. .�.�- -..,� N
W,+! �" .am.
Sprinkler system audits .25 $8,000 .25 $9,000 .3 $10,000
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden .t $5,000 .1 $5,000 .1 $5,000
Xeriscape design clinics .05 $3,750 .05 $3,750 .05 $3,750
Irrigation technology rebates .1 $14,875 .1 $14,875 .1 $14,875
Large HOA irrigation efficiency grants 0 0 .05 $6,500 .05 $6,500
Raw water for irrigation at parks, 0 0 0 0 0 0
cemeteries and golf courses
Research: Determine irrigated area for 0 0 .05 $50,000 0 0
lots
• v+ =-TutC.t+.�::^' 1 "T�3'Gie'w. j :J� `t ;,�i}F. *a.n3'C� �%"T' '+= ":fir,a*?''.iG�, re
i Indoor Fixtures and Appliances k y,t - ;
rCom_mInd_u_st,dnsht (CIn to O � �. i t ;SWa'q�3iaY`'-.
CII facility audits I 0 .2 1 0 .1 0
CII facility audit program expansion 0 0 0 0 .5 $10,000
1
Year 1. Year 2, 1 1Year 3
Measure
FTE Cost FTE Cost FTE Cost
Commercial clothes washer rebates 0 $1,000 0 $1,000 0 $1,000
Commercial toilet and urinal rebates .05 $25,000 .1 $50,000 .1 $50,000
Financial incentives for commercial 0 0. .15 $25,000 .15 $25,000
water-saving upgrades
Hotel and restaurant conservation .05 0 .05 0 .05 $5,000
material distribution
Restaurant pre-rinse spray valve 0 0 .1 $5,000 .1 $5,000
distribution
% !'A'3rtx ': 'Y 'a°
Y -
s
c_Wat_ rReus Systems,# _ :'.ems kti �� s a �. `. �:0_ -_.._
Large customer scale reuse 0 0 0 0 0 0
Backwash recycling at water treatment 1* $23,000* .1 $23,000* .1 $23,000*
facility �y
{sue: " -m ,gxo .e y,w + *.r+v' # 'fi t x�a+RegulatoryrMeasures s�' b ', � , °n
Wasting water ordinance 0 0 0 0 0 0
Restrictive covenants ordinance 0 0 0 0 0 0
Soil amendment ordinance 0 0 0 0 -0 0
Water Shortage Response Plan 0 0 0 0 0 0
Landscape&irrigation standards for 0 0 0 0 0 0
new development
Landscape&irrigation standards 1 $10,000 1.0 $10,000 1.0 $10,000
update
t �3iY^ Y-Mda t4Y -rl ri 7" sz Ss S + A V
al eyNZ A hOperatin Measu I 1
Utility water loss program .25* $70,000* .25* $70,000* 0 0
Water loss program enhancement 0 0 0 0 .25* $200,000
Water conservation upgrades at City 0 0 0 0 0 0
LEED buildings
Water conservation upgrades at City 0 0 .05 $40,000 .05 $20,000
facilities
Program Costs $159,125 $408,625 $.505,625
Labor Costs 2.55 FTE $255,000 3.5 FTE $350,000 3.8 FTE $380,000
* Not included in the Water Conservation Program budget
2
Attachment 3
RESOLUTION 2003-104
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ADOPTING A WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND
MANAGEMENT POLICY
WHEREAS, a Water Supply Policy was adopted by the City Council in December 1988 to help
direct the acquisition, development, and management of the City's water supplies since that time; and
WHEREAS, a Water Demand Management Policy was adopted by the City Council in April
1992, which set water use goals and provided for measures to help meet those goals; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to update the water supply and demand management policies to
provide guidance regarding the future development and use of the City's water supplies; and
WHEREAS, the Council has requested that staff develop an integrated water supply and
demand management policy; and
WHEREAS, the Fort Collins Water Supply and Demand Management Policy attached hereto
as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by this reference has been developed over the last several years
through discussions with interested citizens, groups, the Water Board and City Council.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the City Council hereby adopts the Fort Collins Water Supply and Demand Management
Policy attached hereto, to provide general criteria for City decision making regarding water supply
projects, acquisition of water rights, and demand management measures.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins held this 16th
day of September, A.D. 2003.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
1
EXHIBIT"A"
Fort Collins Water Supply and Demand Management Policy
September 16, 2003
Policy Objective: To provide a sustainable and integrated approach to (1) providing
an adequate and reliable supply of water for the beneficial use by customers and the
community and (2) managing the level of demand and the efficient use of a scarce
and valuable resource.
1. Demand Management
a. Water Use Goals. The City will implement the necessary water
conservation practices and programs to reduce its water use to an average
of 185 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) by the year 2010. In addition, the
per capita peak daily demand will be reduced to 475 gpcd by the year
2010. These calculations are based on the total treated water produced for
use by City customers (adjusted for large contractual customers and other
sales or exchange arrangements) divided by the estimated population of
the City's water service area.
b. Educational Programs. The City will have a continuous, comprehensive
and visible public education program that helps citizens and businesses
use water appropriately and efficiently. Examples of such programs
include (1) working with the schools to provide water conservation
education, (2) promoting the use of xeriscape landscaping for public
facilities, businesses, homeowners, and others, (3) helping the public to
understand and utilize evapo-transpiration information in determining
their irrigation applications, and (4) educating water users on the operation
of sprinkler system controllers.
C. Rate Structures. The City will have water rate structures for all classes of
customers that provide an economic incentive to use water efficiently.
Examples of structures that may be utilized include (1) tiered structures
with increasing prices as water use increases, (2) seasonal blocks with
higher rates during the irrigation season, (3) water budget approaches
based on appropriate targets for individual customers, and (4) flat rate
structures.
d. Incentive Programs. When determined to be cost effective, the City will
implement incentive programs that will assist customers in replacing
outdated plumbing fixtures or landscape features that use excessive
amounts of water. Examples for reducing indoor use are rebates for
replacing showerheads, toilets and clothes washers with water conserving
models. Examples for reducing outdoor use include rebates for expenses
2
related to irrigation scheduling equipment and converting landscape to
xeriscape.
e. Regulatory Measures. The City will maintain and/or adopt regulations
that promote water efficiency and reduction of water waste while
recognizing the benefits of adequate water to maintain an attractive and
pleasant environment in the City. Examples include regulations that
require the amendment of soils with organic materials and prohibition of
homeowner associations banning the use of xeriscape. The City will also
review its Land Use Code for potential revisions which would limit
bluegrass turf on new landscapes and prohibit landscaping that requires
irrigation in certain areas such as medians, thin strips, and other small
areas.
f. Operational Measures. The City will establish practices and procedures to
deliver and use water in its facilities without excessive losses. Examples
of such practices are the leak detection program to reduce losses through
the Utility's water distribution system and the recycling of backwash water
at the Water Treatment Facility.
2. Water Supply for Municipal Use
a. Drought Criteria. The reliability of the Fort Collins water supply should
be maintained to meet at least the 1-in-50 year drought event in the Cache
la Poudre River Basin. Water rights and storage capacity should be
acquired ahead of the time it is needed to meet at least the 1-in-50 year
drought criteria, so as to provide enough time to seek and obtain water
court decrees and diversion or storage facilities, if needed, to use such
water.
b. Raw Water Requirements (RWR). The City shall require developers to
turn over water rights, or cash in-lieu-of water rights, such that the total
water supply available for municipal purposes is adequate to meet or
exceed a 1-in-50 year drought over the long term. Cash collected shall be
used to purchase additional water rights, acquire or develop additional
storage capacity, or enter into other arrangements that will increase the
long-term reliability of the City's supply system.
C. Storage Capacity. The City will pursue the acquisition or development of
storage capacity which is needed to manage the City's water rights in an
efficient and effective manner and which will enhance the City's ability to
get through at least a 1-in-50 year drought. New storage capacity in the
range of 12,500 to 14,000 acre-feet shall be pursued to (1) help meet
return flow obligations incurred from transfers of water rights from
agricultural use to municipal use, (2) provide carryover water from wet
years to dry years, and (3) provide operational flexibility, some
3
redundancy and reliability. Storage options include the enlargement of
Halligan Reservoir, the development of local gravel pits into storage
ponds, the acquisition of storage capacity in new or existing reservoirs, or
some combination of the above.
d. Use of Existing Supplies. The City will use its existing supplies to meet
municipal obligations with the following priorities: (1) to meet water
demands by the City's treated water customers, and (2) to meet raw water
needs in the City and to meet other obligations of the City. Raw water
needs include use for such purposes as irrigation of City parks, golf
courses, cemeteries, and other greenbelt areas. Other raw water
obligations include primarily water transfers to other entities because of
agreements or exchanges made to manage the water supply system more
effectively. Water not needed for the above purposes is referred to as
surplus water and may be made available to others in accordance with
decrees and other policies that may apply.
3. Water Supply Shortage Response Plan
The City will maintain a plan for responding to situations where there are
projected water supply shortages, either because of severe drought conditions or
because of disruptions in the raw water delivery system. This plan may include
measures to temporarily reduce water use through media campaigns, various
regulations, restrictions, rate adjustments and others. The plan may also include
provisions to temporarily supplement the supply through interruptible water
supply contracts, leases, exchanges and operational measures.
4. Use of Surplus Raw Water
To the extent the City has surplus raw water available after meeting the needs of
its treated water customers and meeting other raw water obligations, it will make
water available to entities or individuals at a fair rental market price that helps
offset the City's cost of owning such supplies. Other objectives or uses of the
surplus water include, in no particular order, providing irrigation water to farmers
to provide for the continued production of agricultural crops in the Cache la
Poudre River Basin and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District,
helping maintain open space and natural areas supported by Fort Collins, and
providing for other uses as opportunities arise.
5. Regional Cooperation
a. Working with Other Municipal Providers. The City will continue to work
with the water suppliers throughout the Northern Colorado Front Range to
assure that adequate supplies are maintained in the region. When benefits
are identified, the City will cooperate with area entities in studying,
building, and sharing capacity of water transmission lines, distribution
4
systems, and storage reservoirs. Entities in this area that have many
common interests with the City and which the City has the potential to
cooperate with include the Soldier Canyon Filter Plant and the associated
water districts, the City of Greeley and the Northern Colorado Water
Conservancy District. In particular, the City should work closely with
water districts that serve Fort Collins residents to encourage similar
policies regarding drought protection and to provide mutual assistance
during emergency situations.
b. Working with Local Irrigation Companies. The City will continue to
cooperate with local irrigation companies regarding the transfer, exchange
and use of water in the Cache la Poudre River Basin. As a major
shareholder in many of the local irrigation companies, it is necessary and
desirable that the City work closely with these companies.
C. Transferring Water Rights from Agricultural to Municipal Use. The City
will periodically transfer its water rights from agricultural use to municipal
use on those shares that come from areas upon which the City is growing,
or from shares where the irrigation of such lands has ceased. For water
rights that were derived from irrigated agricultural lands that remain in
viable agricultural areas, the City may transfer these water rights to
municipal use when a need is identified or other factors make it prudent to
do so. To the extent that this water remains surplus to the City's need, the
City will continue to support the local agricultural economy by renting this
surplus agricultural water back to irrigators under the respective irrigation
companies.
6. Raw Water Quality
The City will take a proactive role in protecting the quality of water in the various
watersheds from which the City's raw water is derived. The acquisition,
development, and management of the City's raw water will be consistent with the
City's Drinking Water Quality Policy and other applicable policies related to
watershed protection.
7. Stream Flow and Ecosystem Protection
To the extent the City's use of its water rights and water resources are not
adversely affected, the City will cooperate with other local groups or agencies to
encourage flows in local streams to protect the ecosystem, in accordance with
Colorado water law and the administration of water rights in Colorado.
8. Recreational/Aesthetic Flows
To the extent the City's use of its water rights and water resources are not
adversely affected, the City will cooperate with other local groups or agencies to
5
explore projects or measures that would provide flows in streams and water in
reservoirs for recreational and aesthetic purposes, in accordance with Colorado
water law and the administration of water rights in Colorado.
6
Attachment 4
Excerpt of Fort Collins Utilities Water Board Minutes
Water Conservation Plan Discussion
Monday, December 08, 2008
Board Present: Chairperson Doug Yadon, Vice Chairperson Gina Janett, Board Members Steve
Balderson, Johannes Gessler, Gary Wockner, Phil Phelan, David Pillard, Reagan Waskom, Mike
Connor, John Barthalow and Eileen Domfest
Staff Present: Kevin Gertig, Brian Janonis, Dennis Bode, Robin Pierce, Jenny Lopez-Filkins, Jim
Hibbard, Carrie Daggett, Cliff Hoelscher, Laurie D'Audney, Lisa Voytko, Susan Strong and
Meagan Peil
Guests: Peter Mayer, Mark Lorie, John Monson, Harold Evans, Laura Kinney, Kelly Roush,
Elma Avila-Portillo and Adam Groth
Water Conservation Plan
Water Conservation Specialist Laurie D'Audney, Water Resources Manager Dennis Bode and
consultant Peter Mayer of Aquacraft, Inc. presented the Water Conservation Plan with the
objective to have the Water Board give a recommendation to Council to adopt the Plan.
Staff worked from the concept that the current conservation program would be continued.
However, based on recommendations from the Water Board, the program plan was expanded.
This plan is a strong step forward to encourage efficiency in Fort Collins and is one of largest
increases proposed for conservation.
In reviewing the history of the Water Conservation Plan, staff was asked in 2006 to draft a new
plan. In 2007, Peter Mayer from Aquacraft, Inc. was hired as a consultant for this plan and
helped model the savings from the various water conservation measures. The draft plan was open
for public comment in late 2007. This version of the Plan was revised to reflect the comments
received from the Water Board and public. The Plan follows the guidelines from the Colorado
Water Conservation Board.
There are many uses for water, most importantly health and safety including good drinking
water, and water for cleaning, washing, firefighting and irrigation. We provide water to homes,
schools and industries, and water is important for landscaping, trees, shrubs and vegetable
gardens. Conservation is very important to this also. One of the goals in conservation is having
an ethic about conserving and eliminating waste. Citizens have been aware of the conservation
issues since the drought and have embraced conservation. Also, another goal of the Plan is to
demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and working with Utilities to conform to the 2151
Century Sustainability Plan.
With this Water Conservation Plan, we will see reduced costs for the water utility and for
customers with using less water. The demand is not as high and rates will be lower as a result.
We also prepare for climate change in the area with a hotter, drier climate. Water supply with the
run-off times possibly changing and possibly not having the same water supply available as
before.
We have already seen the decline in water use in Fort Collins. Between 1998 and 2001, before
the drought water usage averaged 200 gallons per day and during the drought restrictions in late
2002, the annual usage was 155 gallons per day (gpd). In the last five years, the annual water
usage has been consistent to 155 gpd and with a 22 �/z percent reduction in water usage.
Do you have any corresponding graphs that show the rates during that time?
1
Yes, we do, but not in this presentation.
Is it fair to say in a generalization that the rates had gone up during that period of time?
With an effort to look at the rate structure during that time, the unit costs overall went up quite
dramatically and so the tiered rate system was implemented.
Is there a cause and effect between the rate structure and the water usage?
Yes.
Board Member Wockner commented about climate change meaning "a hotter and drier" climate
and more water usage. However, everyone needs to keep is mind that water usage does not
necessarily go up with hotter and drier years. Looking at the Southwestern region, where it is
hotter and drier, the water usage drops off, and there is not a higher demand.
Looking at single family and duplex water use, we are seeing a 20 percent reduction for indoor
use and a 38 percent reduction in outdoor use from the pre-drought years to the post-drought
years with a total 29 percent reduction overall. In commercial use, during the same time frame,
we are seeing a 25 percent reduction indoor use and 18 percent outdoor reduction with a total of
22 percent reduction.
When looking at outdoor usage, a total of one-third of water usage is on landscape. There are
different landscapes like yards full of blue grass, xeriscapes, and no water landscapes. Also, in
the Climate Action Plan, there is a vision of planting more trees, and there are things to weigh
when it comes to measuring outdoor water use. We are looking at the standards for landscaping
yards and how it should be handled. The State model landscape ordinance uses a model with
different kinds of hydro-zones; high use water zones would take about 29 inches of water to
maintain, the moderate use zone approximately 16 inches, low water use zone about 5 inches and
the very low to no water use zone has no water usage.
Is that above the normal precipitation level?
Yes, and that is the average irrigation requirement and the average application depth for the
vegetation.
How can you justify the 28.4 required and 13.8 used?
In Fort Collins, there are different landscapes in use. There are people who have let their
vegetation die off, and some that continue to irrigate their yards. We have taken the average of
both of those cases into consideration and the average application of water.
Shouldn't the requirement then go down?
No, this will stay the same due to the climate we live in.
Are you assuming what kind of landscaping people have?
There is a reference requirement that blue grass in full sun would require 28.4 inches of water
and then we have the actual usage during that time. Right now, there is a mix between blue grass
and xeriscaping. After drought restrictions were lifted, consumers were not using as much water
as before, because their lawns were doing better with less water instead of watering four days a
week. Also, during this time, the rates had gone up.
How did you come up with the 28.4 and 26.1?Is this assuming all blue grass?
This is the irrigation requirement for blue grass, and it takes into consideration the precipitation
during that time and comes from the weather stations. This is a way to compare the vegetation
requirements to usage.
How did you come up with 13.8?
2
We have taken random samples of homes by using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and
looked at the areas that could have landscaping on them like gardens, landscaping, lot sizes and
whether they were single family homes or duplexes. Then we looked at average area and the
water usage based on average water use.
Board Member Wockner commented about using the word "requirement" which can be
confusing to the public about actual required usage. They might think that they are not watering
enough, so when presenting this information, you should use another term other than
"requirement", like using the word "preference" instead of"requirement'.
The goal of the Water Conservation Plan is to reduce the water usage to 140 gpd by 2020. The
background on the water usage has gone from 220 gallons per person (gpp) in 1988 to 155 gpp in
2007, which is a 30 percent reduction and to take this to 140 gpd would then be a 10 percent
reduction in usage. This will be a challenge due to unwilling participants and the people already
participating in water conservation.
Achieving the most from water conservation, we would need to continue with education and
conservation programs, recommending programs for indoor and outdoor water usage while
reviewing the plan every five years.
The budget would be over three years and would include programs, incentives and adding
additional labor and programs. The budget would be between$650,000 and $700,000 for the
entire plan. There is a possibility of an increase in the program cost; a decline in water revenues
and rate increases are likely but is unknown at this point.
Staff will continue with our annual report, tracking our goals and reviewing every five years with
the thought of being aggressive.
We are asking the Board for a memo in support of the Plan, and we will be meeting with Council
at a work session in February to discuss the Plan and budget.
Discussion:
Is it better to conserve water through outdoor usage or indoor usage?
The new Plan is focusing on outdoor conservation rather than indoor use, and the focus for
commercial savings will be on indoor usage.
Portions of the city get their water from other places like ELCO (East Larimer County Water
District) and the Fort Collins-Loveland Water District(FCLWD). Does the City consider water
conservation in their role?
Most of the water districts have adopted our conservation programs, because they are in place,
and the City of Fort Collins residential water will only serve half of the City based on the
development in certain areas.
Could there be land use codes or a new ordinance in the new developments?
We will continue with the same regulations as far as soil amendments and landscaping standards
affecting water use, and the residents must follow these in order for permits to be signed off on
for occupancy.
Are the rebates only City of Fort Collins Utility?
There are customers that are influenced by the rebates.
Do ELCO and FCLWD have tiered rates?
ELCO does use the tiered rate system.
What were the themes and feedback from the public when this was available for comment in
2007?
3
Some of the public comments were about the concern over rates, and some were confused about
the idea of conservation to the 140 gpd goal. Suggestions from the public were the higher rebates
for toilets and urinals in the commercial sector. Some of the comments were irrelevant to the
plan.
In Las Vegas, the city pays to remove blue grass. Could we see that here?
The idea would not work here because of our climate and customers being able to grow grass
and have irrigation for landscaping.
Why should we spend money on the water conservation?
Conservation is one small part in this, because we all have to work together for the same goal
and that is the effort.
Board Member Connor believes this is a lot of money to spend on just a small portion of
conservation. There is a lot of detail that is not clear and would be getting little to nothing in
return. Board Member Wockner has really put his cards on the table, and if there are concerns
about the Plan, there should be a recommendation for improvements and to be changed. Address
in an improvement way then saying yes or no.
There is the idea of an ethic that should be encouraging citizens to be proactive toward
conservation in general, and we will have to pay though and we need to challenge.that. This is
leaning towards giving it back to Council by asking what is needed to do to conserve, and
making it clear and aggressive with tying the goals with conservation to something tangible.
Some of us would like to see the plan move faster and be more aggressive and linked to
offsetting the costs of the treatment plant and possibly a smaller Halligan, because using less and
needing less, this in turn would lead to less storage.
We will be reviewing the plan every five years and the plan can be adjusted to goals and to the
future.
What was the objective?
The main purpose of the Plan is to encourage the use of less water.
The motion from the Water Board directs the Conservation and Public Education Committee and
requests Utilities staff to prepare a draft statement of endorsement to City Council of the current
draft of the Conservation Plan including the minor amendments as noted in discussion of this
motion for consideration by the full Water Board at its January 2009 meeting. The endorsement
may include such qualifications or clarifications as the committee and staff may find appropriate.
Comments for the record:
Board Member Connor will be voting no and will not recommend this Plan. The goal is not
aggressive enough; it is too expensive and misses the most effective conservation tool of raising
rates. The Plan needs to look at increasing water conservation in the agricultural consumption
area and should concentrate on external usage after internal use is recovered.
Board Member Balderson believes this Plan matches best management practices.
Vice Chairperson Janett is supporting this motion because this is better than what we had and can
be changed if needed.
Vote: 9 for, 2 against. Motion passed.
4
Attachment 5
Utilities-Water Board
City Of 700 Wood St.
Fort Collins 97 Box 580
Fort Collins,CO 80522
0.221.6702
9gov.com
970.416.2208-fax
Icgov.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Doug Hutchinson and City Council members
FROM: Water Board
DATE: 1/23/09
CC: Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director
SUBJECT: Draft Water Conservation Plan
First, the Fort Collins Water Board wishes to recognize and support the hard work,effort and
time the City staff, and particularly Laurie D'Audney as well as Dennis Bode, have put into the
updated 2008 draft Water Conservation Plan.
Process
The Water Board delegated the monitoring and review of the development of the draft plan to the
Water Conservation and Education Committee which received the first early draft in February
2006. The Committee met with staff, consultants, and irrigation and turf professionals for
discussion of plan elements. The plan went out for public review in the fall of 2007, and many
comments were received. After public review, the draft plan was routed to City departments for
internal review from various departments that would possibly be affected (e.g., parks, water and
wastewater treatment, etc.). The plan was revised as a result of the reviews and has the broad
support of citizens,businesses, and CSU staff.
Recommendation
The Water Board recommends to the Council that Utilities staff continue to produce an annual
report on the conservation program that includes a detailed description of plan implementation as
well as the measured impacts on usage. A complete formal review and revision of the
conservation plan will be completed five years after adoption. This will allow the City to
determine if its programs are cost effective and reducing water use as.projected. It will also
allow for the City to consider research currently underway by scientists working on estimating
the impacts of climate change on water demands and supplies in our state.
The Water Board also recommends that the City look for opportunities to collaborate with CSU
and the private sector in plan implementation. CSU is working to be a"green university" by
researching and developing sustainable technologies and implementing conservation practices.
For example,CSU wants to change out its outdated high flow toilets with low flow ones. Fort
Collins' nurseries, landscaping and irrigation companies and retailers of appliances and fixtures
Page I of 3
can all play a role in conserving water. Such collaboration can foster economic development
opportunities for local businesses.
Given today's economic and environmental concerns, the Water Board encourages the Council
to monitor and provide oversight of the fiscal success of individual conservation programs. The
proposed budget and goals may need adjustments as conservation programs and water projects
affect water availability and demand. Water conservation can produce both economic savings
and a viable surplus which benefits both the city and its citizens. The Water Board underscores
the need to analyze the best use of water surpluses produced by conservation and weigh not only
the real costs but opportunity costs in real dollars,environmental impacts, and cultural benefits.
Goals
This plan will further build upon recent water conservation achievements. Citywide per capita
water use has gone down over the last 10 years. It averaged about 200 gallons per capita per day
(gaped) in 1998 and 155 gped by 2008. The goal set forth in this plan is to achieve a level of 140
gped by 2020. The plan is balanced in its approach by curbing water indoors as well as outdoors.
It is important to note that the 140 gped goal is for citywide water use for all residential,
commercial, industrial and institutional uses. With this goal, it is expected that for the average
single family residential lot of approximately 8500 square feet, water use would be about 100
gped.
Purposes of Conservation
The Water Board has had lively discussions on why the city should be conserving water. As a
result, the plan has broadened and better defined the purposes of water conservation.These
include:
• Fostering a conservation ethic and the elimination of waste;
• Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability;
• Providing water for multiple beneficial uses that are beyond normal utility purposes;
• Reducing the costs to the utility and water users (e.g., postponement of waste water
treatment facility expansion, reduced water acquisition costs, and need for less storage
capacity); and
• Preparing for forecasted climate change and its possible impacts.
The plan identifies the possible multiple beneficial uses of conserved water to include:
• Improving water quality;
• Providing water for instream Flow programs to supplement local streams; `
• Improving aquatic and riparian ecosystems;
• Providing water for local agricultural and horticultural producers and open space; and
• Enhancing recreational opportunities and aesthetics.
Implementation
Implementation of this plan will be phased in over a three-year period with proposed budget
allocations that contain incentives for both residential and commercial customers. Incentives for
conservation also benefit the utility department in that water treatment and delivery costs will be
reduced with less demand.
Page 2 of 3
On behalf of tlw Fort Collins Water Board,
Douglas . Yadon
Chairperson
Page 3 of 3
City Council Work Session c,�yor
Feb. 24, 2009 F�rt�S
i
A Water Conservation Plan
• A roadmap for implementing water
ATTACHMENT 6
conservation programs
• Opportunity to review water savings
goals, conservation measures and
implementation options
,F�`ortyt�li�s
State Requirement
• Water Conservation Act of 2004
requires an approved water
conservation plan
• Must have an approved plan to be
eligible to receive State water loans
�%ins
3
Developing a Plan
• 2006-2008: Water Board Committee
• 2007: 60-day public comment period
• 2008: Study of impacts on Utilities
operations
• Dec. 2008 & Jan. 2009: Water Board
,�rt�l`
a
Water Conservation
Program
• 1977: First water
conservation staff
• 1992: Water Demand
_ Management Policy
• 2003: Water Supply &
r; .M Demand Management
-« Policy acyer
offins
Water Supply & Demand
Management Policy
• Adopted by City Council in
September 2003
• Framework for water resources and
water demand planning
• Guidance for long term planning
6
A Balancing Act
Managing supply & encouraging wise water use
L A
SUPPLY DEMAND
�F, rtrins
Key Planning Elements
of WS&DM Policy
• Water Demand Management
• Water Supply for Municipal Use
• Water Supply Shortage Response
Plan
,F`or"t_r ns
a
Other Elements of
WS&DM Policy
• Use of Surplus Raw Water
• Regional Cooperation
• Raw Water Quality
• Streamflow & Ecosystem Protection
u
• Recreation/Aesthetic Flows
�trins
9
Water Use Goal in
WS&DM Policy
• Policy goal: reduce water use to 185
gallons per capita per day (gpcd) by
2010. Goal met in 2003
• Avg. use last five years: -155 gpcd
• Proposed conservation plan goal:
140 gpcd by 2020
,.F`or"t�oll1s
10
Effects of Lower Use on
Water Supply Planning
• Decreased projected demands
• Increased supply surpluses
• Reduced per capita use for water
supply planning to 161 gpcd
• Reduced size of storage capacity
needed
ForyffCollins
Why Can't We Eliminate
Need for New Storage with
Conservation?
• Current storage capacity is limited
• Need more capacity to handle supply
variability and other uncertainties
• Runoff fluctuates: 30%-250% of avg.
• About 60% of Poudre River runoff
comes in two months
,�t�11
12
Key Benefits of Additional
Storage Capacity
• Supply system dependability
• Ability to use existing water rights
• Provides safety factor & redundancy
• More operational flexibility
• Place to store conserved water
• Meet return flow obligations
,:�tJ ns
13
Storage Useful for Future
Supply Uncertainties
• Evolving climate change concerns
— Warmer temperatures with increased
evapotranspiration
— Earlier snowpack runoff
• Effects of pine beetle on water yield
• Water quality changes
�tr_
14
Important Uses of Water
• Health & public safety:
drinking, flushing,
washing, fire fighting
• Homes, schools,
businesses, industry
• Landscaping: trees, shrubs, flowers,
grass, veggie gardens
rortf
15
Benefits of Water
Conservation
• Foster a conservation ethic &
eliminate waste
• Show commitment to sustainability
• Provide water for multiple beneficial
uses
• Reduce costs
• Prepare for climate change
,.��`or�t Collins
16
Declining Per Capita
Water Use
• 1998-2001 average
—200 gpcd
• 2003-2007 average
— 155 gpcd
• 22.5% reduction
n
Annual Water Use in GPCD
20
M
M
Normalized I
Fo,.,4rt�l�5
is
Customer Class Comparison
.S.;4,000
;;
,,
1,ODO 53% t 48%
D Single Family&Duplex LIMuiti-Family I I Commercial&Cdy Gov
�FLr
10
is
Single-Family & Duplex
Water use per account
1998-2001 2003-2007 Percent
Avg. Gal. Avg. Gal. Reduction
Indoor
Use 75,000 60,000 20%
Outdoor
Use 80,000 50,000 38%
Total
Use 155,000 110,000 29%
20
Commercial
Water use per account
1998-2001 2003-2007 Percent
Avg. Gal. Avg. Gal. Reduction
Indoor
Use 777,000 580,000 25%
Outdoor
Use 593,000 488,000 18%
Total
Use 1 ,370,000 1,068,000 22%
City of
Fort CoRins
21
Outdoor Water Use
• Approx. a third of total water use
• Landscape styles vary from high
water use to moderate & low water
use
-Nzof
t Collins
22
Plant Water Needs
• Inches of supplemental water per
year
— High water use: 30"
(bluegrass, annuals)
— Moderate water use: 16"
(turf-type tall fescue, potentilla)
— Low water use: 5"
(buffalograss, rabbitbrush) ���
23
Depth of Water Applliiedl four
Residential Landscaping
25
20
ceyor
12
F�rt
2a
What's our Vision for
Fort Collins?
rr�
at
,�rt�ns
i
25
Conservation Goal:
140 gpcd by 2020
• 1998-2001 average - 200 gpcd
• 2003-2007 average — 155 gpcd
• 2020 goal — 140 gpcd
— 30% reduction from 1998-2001 avg.
— 10% reduction from 2003-2007 avg.
':,�rtfl nb5
26
GPCD Comparisons
209
185
ISO 155
250
50
City of
14
27
Key Existing Measures
• Public information campaign
• Adult & school programs
• Xeriscape Demonstration Garden
• Conservation-oriented rates
• Washer & dishwasher rebates
• Sprinkler system audits
2a
Key Existing Measures
(con't)
• Commercial facility audits
• Hotel material distribution
• Wasting water ordinance
• Soil amendment requirement
• Landscape & irrigation standards
• Water loss program
Fo
tCollins
29
Key New Measures
• High efficiency toilet rebates
• Irrigation technology rebates
• Xeriscape design clinics
• Low income retrofit program
• City facility upgrades
• Water end use study for home�,Tyof
,J ns 10
30
Key New Measures
(con't)
• Commercial financial incentives
• Restaurant pre-rinse nozzles
• Landscape & irrigation standards
update
• Water loss program enhancement
For Collins
3�
Recommended Program
• Targets all customer
sectors, including City w-=
facilities _ 1
• Indoor and outdoor use
reductions
• Education, incentives,
regulations �t1t-
32
Implementation Budget
1 st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year
Current $244,500 $244,500 $244,500
Funds
New $169,625 $514,125 $641,125
Funds
Total $414,125 $758,625 $885,625
Budget
Note: $500,000 in new funds would be about 2% of
the Water operating revenues. Fort
33
Impact on Rates
• Increasing program costs and
declining water & wastewater use will
likely result in a need for higher rates.
• Rate revisions and funding for the
water conservation plan will be
determined through the Budgeting for
Outcomes process.
Fort
34
Ongoing Monitoring
• Prepare an annual report
— Monitor water demand regularly
— Determine progress towards water use goal
• Review the plan annually and revise as
necessary
• Update the plan with a formal review in 5
years
Fofof
t�s
35
Next Steps for City Council
• Adopt water conservation plan
• Appropriate 2010-2011 funding
through Budgeting for Outcomes
• Update Landscaping & Irrigation
Standards for Water Conservation
• Discuss the WS&DM Policy at a
Work Session
,:,`rt Collins
36
Questions to be Answered
• Are there revisions that need to be
made to the recommended program?
• Does Council need additional
information in order to consider
adoption of the Plan?
,: rt Collins
37