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<br />unsustainable rate. The economic condition of many Alamosa residents is also an important <br />factor noted in the plan. Many people cannot afford new plumbing fixtures and appliances. This <br />makes achieving conservation savings more challenging. A state grant for conservation program <br />implementation in Alamosa might mak:e sense. <br /> <br />The conservation savings goal outlined in the plan (30% decrease in water use by 2018) is <br />substantial and achievable, but only under an aggressive implementation program (or a mandated <br />reduction program such as drought restrictions). However the plan submitted does not describe <br />an aggressive conservation program capable of achieving the 30% goal. The implementation <br />plan outlined will achieve modest savings, but is not likely to come close to the 30% goal. It is <br />unclear to what extent (if any) the use of non-potable well water for irrigation is figured into <br />future demand reductions. If aquifer depletion is of primary concern, then the use of well water <br />for irrigation should not be considered a demand reduction. <br /> <br />A conservation-oriented water rate structure will be an essential element in achieving the <br />proposed demand reductions in Alamosa. In March of 2007 Alamosa adopted an inclining block <br />rate structure of $1.10/1,000 gallons for the first 8,000 gallons of use, $1.30/1,000 gallons for all <br />use between 8,001 gallons and 50,000 gallons, and $1.50/1,000 gallons for all use in excess of <br />50,000 gallons. This is a step in the right direction. If the 30% target is to be achieved the <br />second blocl< will need to be reduced in size and the price in blocks 2 and 3 increased <br />substantially. If the cost of water for low income customers remains a concern, there are a <br />number of options available that offer "lifeline" rates for essential domestic use (cooking, <br />bathing, toilets) and increased rates for non-essential uses such as irrigation. Some form of a <br />water budget-based rate structure might be an equitable way to implement an increasing blocl< <br />rate in Alamosa while keeping the cost of essential water low. <br /> <br />The Alamosa Water Conservation Plan submitted in March 2007 and amended in July 2007 <br />meets the Colorado statutory requirements and approval is recommended. <br /> <br />This plan review was completed by Peter Mayer, P.E. of Aquacraft, Inc. Water Engineering and <br />Management (mayer@aquacraft.com). Thefinal review was completed and approved by Veva <br />McCaig. Questions about the review itself and the comments provided can be directed to Peter. <br />Questions about the plan review process and the statutory requirements can be directed to Veva. <br />