HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 6/11/2018 - Memorandum From Liesel Hans Re: 2017 Xeriscape Incentive Program Results & Xeriscape Demonstration GardenUtilities
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222 Laporte Ave
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.2900
V/TDD: 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: June 6, 2018
TO: Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers
FROM: Liesel Hans, Water Conservation Manager
THROUGH: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Jeff Mihelich, Deputy City Manager
Lisa Rosintoski, Acting Utilities Executive Director
RE: 2017 Xeriscape Incentive Program Results & Xeriscape Demonstration Garden
Bottom Line:
The Water Efficiency Plan (WEP) adopted by City Council manages the 2030 goal of reducing
the Utilities service area water use to 130 gallons per capita per day (GCPD) by 2030. A critical
strategy is to cultivate landscapes that are appropriate for our semi-arid region. The new and
growing Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP) transformed 39 residential landscapes in 2017,
resulting in about 20,000 gallons saved per project per year. An update on the City Hall
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden is included in this memo, too.
Highlights:
Outdoor use is the largest source of excess water use on residential properties; high-water
landscapes and inefficient irrigation systems use as much as 80 percent more water than water-
wise landscapes. XIP provides education, support, resources, and ultimately a $0.75 per-square-
foot incentive for transforming high water use landscapes into low- or no-water use landscapes.
XIP participation more than doubled in 2017:
o In 2016, 15 properties transformed a total of 15,693 square feet.
o In 2017, 39 properties transformed a total of 50,397 square feet.
100% of survey respondents said, “City Staff had the knowledge to help [participants]
through the program.” All said they would recommend XIP to a friend.
Post-participation survey results show the number one reason people participate in the
program is to reduce water use, and the least popular reason for participating is to reduce
water bill. This shows that the current participants are more interested in environmental
stewardship than bill savings.
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Next Steps & Related Efforts:
The 2018 XIP season is already on track to exceed our goal of at least 50 completed
projects.
The Water Conservation Team has identified that larger landscapes like commercial,
multi-family and HOA properties need support to successfully implement a water-wise
landscape transformation. Staff is exploring how to best support regionally appropriate
landscapes at these larger customer sites.
o The new Landscape Water Budget program provides consultations and reports
that show recommended vs. actual watering based on water use, local weather,
and landscape area. Visit fcgov.com/commercial-irrigation to learn more.
o Developing these types of programs and services is especially valuable to the
community given the recent water rates and billing changes.
Fort Collins Utilities is a partner utility in the Alliance for Water Efficiency Outdoor
Water Savings Research Initiative. The project “Reducing the Requirement – Landscape
Transformation Reasons, Rationale, and Water Savings” will identify barriers and
motivators for customers, what factors affect water savings, and ways to maximize water
savings.
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden:
Staff renovated two areas of the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden located in front of City
Hall to showcase water-wise shrubs and perennials.
o Watch this time-lapse video filmed during the renovation, and edited by Kevin
Kirchner from FCTV: https://youtu.be/cQeNoeVpNYc.
o The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden is one of the oldest in the state and is open
to the public year-round.
Mark your calendars for the 17th Annual Xeriscape Garden Party on Saturday June
16th from 11 a.m.– 2p.m. in the City Hall south parking lot and the Xeriscape
Demonstration garden. (fcgov.com/garden-party).
Attachments:
2017 Xeriscape Inventive Program report. This annual report was shared with the City of Fort
Collins Water Board at their March 15, 2018 meeting.
For more information, please contact Liesel Hans, Water Conservation Program Manager, at
lhans@fcgov.com or Katie Collins, Xeriscape Program Manager at xeriscape@fcgov.com.
CC: Kevin R. Gertig, Utilities Executive Director
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2017 Annual Report
BACKGROUND
The Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP) helps reduce outdoor water use and cultivate landscapes
appropriate for our semi-arid region. Outdoor use is the largest source of excess water use on
residential properties; about 40% of all treated water is used on landscapes, increasing up to 60-70% in
summer months. High-water landscapes and inefficient irrigation systems use as much as 80% more
water than water-wise landscapes.
XIP is a comprehensive education-based rebate program that offers Fort Collins Utilities residential
water customers a monetary incentive to transform a high-water use area to a water-wise landscape. In
2017, the education components included an online video program orientation, and a two-hour, in-
house “Irrigation 101” class. Participants also had the option of attending a do-it-yourself (DIY) class and
a 1-on-1 irrigation consultation. Participants submitted landscape and irrigation plans, which is reviewed
to ensure that it adheres to the principles of xeriscape, will be a successful water-saving design, and
meets other program requirements. Once approved, participants install their new landscape, and
receive a final inspection visit. Participants receive a $0.75/square foot rebate up to 1000 square feet, or
$750, per year, per address. Many participants transform more than 1,000 square feet.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The benefits of educating our community and encouraging landscape conversions include:
• Support of the Fort Collins Utilities Water Efficiency Plan objectives and goals.
• Reduction in peak usage, which drives overall water utilities’ system capacity needs.
• Reduction of summer water bills for customers.
• Helping the community adapt to a changing climate and achieve individual water saving goals.
• Increasing amount of drought-tolerant landscapes.
• Support of habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
PROGRAM RESULTS
• 39 customers received rebates.
• 50,397 square feet converted.
• $25,054 paid in rebates.
Total class sessions offered (includes Irrigation 101 and DIY) 11
Individual households who attended classes 71
Total Irrigation 1-on-1 consultations 22
Total project plans approved 48
Average project size 1,292 ft2
Average customer cost of DIY project $1,640
Average customer cost of contractor-involved project $10,484
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PROGRAM RESULTS (CONTINUED)
39 residents completed a XIP project in 2017, up from 15 projects completed in 2016, the pilot year of
the program. Of the 39 completed projects, 25 participants designed and installed their own landscapes.
XIP offered training to local landscapes experts interested in being program partners. By attending a
training session, and acting as XIP ambassadors in the community, participating partners were listed on
our website as recommended professionals. 14 XIP participants hired a landscape professional to
complete some portion, if not all, of their project.
WATER SAVINGS OF XERIC LANDSCAPES
Studies in the western United States performed over the last 20 years show an average savings of 30% in
total residential water use for those who convert from turf to xeriscape.1 The main goal of our program
is water savings and we require XIP participants to show that the area being converted currently uses a
significant amount of water. XIP participants prove this by providing “before” pictures that clearly show
well-watered landscape (e.g. lush green grass, no bare dirt). Staff also reviews prior water use and
confirms the potential for water savings. XIP is designed to emphasize that a different landscape
requires a different irrigation method and equipment. Participants are required to submit an irrigation
plan demonstrating how they will adapt their watering practices for their new landscape.
Newly planted landscapes, whether xeric or not, typically require two years of elevated watering to
establish healthy root systems. After year two, plants can be managed at the prescribed low-water
requirement per plant. In order to properly evaluate water savings from XIP, additional years of data will
be necessary. To further encourage water savings of these landscape conversions, 2017 participants will
be reminded via email to continue tapering off water schedules on new landscapes over the following
years.
Fort Collins Utilities is a partner utility in the Alliance for Water Efficiency 2017-18 Outdoor Water
Savings Research Initiative. The project “Reducing the Requirement – Landscape Transformation
Reasons, Rationale, and Water Savings” will help us and other professionals better understand barriers
and motivators for customers, what factors affect water savings, and ways to maximize water savings.
OUTREACH TACTICS
Being a new program, we continue to use a variety of tactics to spread the word about the Xeriscape
Incentive Program to our customers. Water Conservation works closely with the Utilities Marketing and
Community Engagement teams to reach potential participants in a variety of ways. The majority of
enrollees find the program through the Utilities’ Website (40% of total enrollees), and by word of mouth
(28% of total enrollees). Events and publications where XIP has been promoted include Utilities rebate
pamphlets, bill inserts, NoCo Bloom, XIP Open House, Annual Xeriscape Garden Party and Garden In A
Box outreach.
1 Sovocool, Kent A. 2005. Xeriscape Conversion Study. Southern Nevada Water Authority.
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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
About two-thirds of participant returned surveys after completing a XIP project. Participating customers
are very satisfied with their XIP experience.
• 100% of respondents said “City Staff had the knowledge to help
[participants] through the program.”
• 100% of respondents said they would “recommend XIP to a friend.”
“Excellent experience overall. Could not have afforded to hire a contractor and wouldn't have had the
confidence to do it ourselves without all the help.”--Jen C.
“The classes were very informative and practical and provided a lot of good ideas.”--Brett L.
Post-participation survey results show the number one reason people participate in the program is to
reduce water use, and the least popular reason for participating is to reduce water bill. This shows that
the people interested in this type of program are more interested in environmental stewardship than
bill savings.
PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS
2017 was the second year of XIP and staff continually reviews processes, documents, resources, and
customer feedback in order to improve the program. For 2018, we are implementing a few changes:
Based on survey results from 2017, the greatest challenges participants face are (1) cost and (2)
irrigation design. In 2018, we are requiring all participants to attend the DIY class. Class content will
focus on skills and information pertinent to DIY design, demolition, install, and maintenance. By
requiring participants to attend the DIY class, we hope to better equip them with the best management
practices for projects that include low-cost, highly-effective installation techniques. In 2018, we will
offer more sessions for 1-on-1 consultations for irrigation, as well as landscape design.
Other improvements to the 2018 program include a more detailed and user-friendly plant list, quicker
staff response turnaround, and a wider variety of times and days available for required classes.
To better serve our customers, Water Conservation transitioned from part-time staffing resources to a
full-time xeriscape-focused employee, Katie Collins, to take on the management and implementation of
the program. Katie also oversees the maintenance and design of the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at
City Hall, and contributes to various landscape-focused education activities throughout the year.
Interested in learning more about the program? Visit fcgov.com/xip
or contact us directly. E-mail: xeriscape@fcgov.com Phone: 970-416-4378
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