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<br />environmental conditions, evapotranspiration rates, leaks and line breaks at each individual site and <br />control the amount and frequency of irrigation water. Water savings of20-25% can be expected <br />when using computerized irrigation systems. Although they are quite expensive, other cities have <br />justified the cost because of the water savings and the public image established by using positive <br />control over irrigation public lands. <br /> <br />4. Water reuse systems, both potable and non-potable. <br /> <br />This measure would consist of advanced wastewater treatment to allow treated wastewater to be used <br />for potable and/or non-potable uses. <br /> <br />Due to high treatment costs, wastewater reuse for potable uses is probably not feasible at the present <br />time in Durango. Wastewater reuse for non-potable demands would be less costly than for potable <br />demands. However, it may be difficult to gain public acceptance of wastewater reuse and because the <br />City owns an adequate quantity of water. Raw water for irrigation is available adjacent to the <br />wastewater treatment plant through raw water pumping plant. Wastewater reuse as a conservation <br />measure is probably not desired at this time. <br /> <br />5. Distribution system leak repair. <br /> <br />The City has an active program of identifYing and repairing leaks in its main distribution system. For <br />the years 1993 through 1997, the City's water which was unaccounted for averaged 28.5%. The <br />American Water Works Association (A WW A) recommends that the maximum acceptable percentage <br />of unaccounted water due to leaks in the distribution system should be between 10 and 15% or less. <br /> <br />It is recommended that the City expand its current program to reduce the percentage of unaccounted <br />water to 15%. These additional measures would include examining smaller distribution lines and <br />meter connections to identifY leaks as well as calibrating, repairing and replacing malfunctioning <br />meters. Eventually, the City should attempt to reduce the percentage of unaccounted water to 10%. <br /> <br />The City Water Department currently makes monthly lists of meters needing repair. The larger users <br />receive repair priority. Meters are reconditioned to A WW A specifications and tested in the City's <br />meter repair lab before they are returned to service. Since reducing the unaccounted water percentage <br />by a meter repair and/or replacement program does not save water, this measure is not a true <br />conservation action. However, the meter repair, replacement and recalibration program should <br />continue to be an important part of the Water Departments daily work. The Gronning report <br />recommended that all meters be additionally checked for accuracy once every seven years. A <br />schedule should be developed so that the same number of meters are checked every year. <br /> <br />Homeowners can save also by repairing leaking fixtures. Water consumption for a toilet leak is <br />estimated at 750 gallons per month and a dripping faucet wastes about 300 gallons per month. <br />Information on fixing leaks at home should be included in the public education program described <br />below. <br /> <br />6. Dissemination of information regarding water use efficiency measures, including by public <br />education. customer water use audits. and water saving demonstrations. <br /> <br />The City does not have an on-going public education program to promote water use efficiency. <br />However, for the past three summers, the Public Works office has furnished the local newspaper with <br />daily water conservation tips. The City has also promoted water conservation for the last two years at <br />the Children's Water Festival. <br /> <br />Since public participation is one of the key elements in a successful conservation program, the City <br />should develop and implement a program which educates the public about water conserving measures <br />on a regular basis. Distributing flyers detailing water conservation measures, issuing additional <br />information to the press, and increasing personal contact through public meetings to assist residents <br />in implementing conservation techniques are measures that could be pursued by the City. The City <br />should also work closer with the Water Information Program and the local schools to develop an <br />educational program for water issues, with conservation as a key component. Additional funding will <br />be required to implement a comprehensive public education program. <br /> <br />11 <br />