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Section 9 Options for Meeting Future Water Needs '.IlL ground once it is applied to the field. Much of this infiltrated water makes its way back to a surface water stream and is then diverted by downstream water users. Figure 9-1 is a schematic of the return flows from agricultural water use. Under water law, appropriators have a legal right to rely on the continuation of stream conditions in effect when they made the appropriation, including return flows to the stream from diversions made by other appropriators. The result of this pattern of water use is that water in Colorado can be diverted and used and then subsequently rediverted and used many times, as return flows from one irrigator's use of water form the supply for a downstream user's water right Other benefits of these return flows include the recharge of aquifers. Many domestic and irrigation wells would dry up if groundwater recharge from historical irrigation practices were not maintained. Return flows can also result in improved riparian habitat and more even stream flows, which help maintain year-round fisheries that would otherwise not exist Thus, for example, many of the small urban creeks that flow through urban areas support riparian habitat and aquatic species as a result of return flows from lawn irrigation and other urban water uses. Conservation Municipal and Industrial Water Conservation M&I water conservation programs result in improved water use efficiency. M&I water savings occur through the modification of water-using fixtures (e.g., showers, landscapes, cooling towers) and behaviors (e.g., showering time, irrigation schedules, maintenance schedules, etc.). The effects of conservation on M&I water demand are the result of both passive and active water conservation efforts. These conservation efforts, though somewhat unpredictable in their rate of success since they require changes in consumer behavior, can be effective means of reducing water supply needs, with little cost to the community. 9.2.1 9.2.1.1 Table 9-1 summarizes five levels of water conservation developed during SWSI. Each level shows examples of CONI 9-2 Domestic & Irrigation Wells Crop Consumption and Evaporation Figure 9-1 Return Flows from Agricultural Use of Surface Water water conservation programs that a utility or water provider might implement at the given level of conservation effort In addition, the table indicates an estimated percent reduction in total M&I demand that might result from each level of conservation; and a generalized cost of the water savings at each level. Such generalized savings and costs may vary with the program implementation conditions of each water provider. . Level 1 Water Conservation Savings: This level is defined as water savings that result from the impacts of plumbing codes, ordinances, and standards that improve the efficiency of water use. These conservation savings are sometimes termed "passive" savings because water utilities do not actively fund and implement the programs that produce these savings. These savings occur as new construction and remodeled buildings become more water efficient over time. In addition, landscaping ordinances contribute to these passive savings. Level 1 conservation is included in the SWSI baseline water demand forecast In contrast, water conservation savings resulting from utility-sponsored water conservation programs are referred to as "active" savings. The options included as potential future options for SWSI in terms of M&I conservation, correspond to the different levels of active conservation (Level 2 through 5) are described below. S:\1177\Basin Reports\North Platte\S9_North Platte.doc