Background

Utilities is updating the Water Efficiency Plan (WEP) to guide water use within the City organization and set future water use goals for Utilities’ water service area. It is also a requirement by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). Staff will work on the WEP update from 2023 through the second half of 2024. Once adopted by City Council, Utilities will submit it to the CWCB for approval.

Climate change is predicted to impact our water supplies and we may need more water to keep our community’s public and private landscapes healthy. Population growth and regional issues (e.g., Colorado River Basin drought) also impact our supply. City and community efforts have been successful at lowering water use – an average per person reduction of 34% since 2000. Still, the community is not on track to meet the 2015 WEP goal of 130 gallons per capita, per day by 2030. By updating the WEP and our efficiency goals, strategies and programs, we aim to continue reducing water use to increase resiliency for our whole community.

The WEP update process embraces the One Water view that all water has value and should be managed in a sustainable, inclusive, and integrated way. This requires collaboration across City departments involved in water planning, protection, and distribution; land use planning and development review; and recreational uses such as parks, golf, municipal buildings, and other public spaces. The process also requires engagement with marginalized community members, as well as broad outreach to residential and commercial water customers.

WEP will align with Our Climate Future (OCF) Big Moves and overall philosophy to align with community goals and values. OCF Big Moves 3 and 6 directly address water. Utilities' Water Conservation team will collaborate with the OCF team to build those into the work the City is planning for the next few years. The Water Conservation team is also responsible for putting strategies prioritized through the WEP update into practice.