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<br />City of Northglenn 2007 Water Conservation Plan <br /> <br />· Water Conservation Communications: During periods of drought, the City increases <br />water conservation information and education using the following media: utility billing <br />message blocks, special monthly citizen update mailings, the City's website, City <br />employee newsletter, the regular monthly citizen newsletter and community access <br />television. During drought, City staff will work with other Front Range water <br />providers to consolidate efforts and present a unified message. <br /> <br />· Tiered Rates: A three-tiered increasing block rate structure is always in effect. A <br />surcharge is implemented according to water supply and the percentage savings <br />goal. <br /> <br />· Well Permits: The City requires that residents obtain well permits for the use of state <br />registered ground water wells. During water restrictions, permits must be posted <br />where they can be seen. <br /> <br />· Outdoor Water Fountains and Displays: The operation of outdoor water fountains <br />and displays is generally for aesthetics. During times of water shortage the City <br />ceases operation of the water fountain at the Webster Lake recreation area. <br /> <br />· Public and Private Swimming Pools: The operation and filling of public and private <br />pools may be limited during water shortages. <br /> <br />· Vehicle and Power Washing: During periods of drought, the City recommends that <br />the washing of vehicles at a residential property be performed efficiently by the use <br />of a bucket and hose with a shutoff nozzle. Power washing may be restricted, with <br />exemptions to preparing surfaces for painting or finishing, for health and safety <br />reasons and for graffiti removal. <br /> <br />· Fire Hydrants: Fire hydrants are typically flushed as part of the City's routine annual <br />maintenance program. Fire hydrant flushing may be postponed during water <br />shortages. Fire hydrant permit costs may also be increased significantly during <br />drought periods. <br /> <br />As a result of the City's water conservation activities, water use per capita has declined <br />over the 2000 (pre-drought and pre-water conservation activities) to 2006 period even <br />though the population increased by 16.70/0. The greatest decrease in use was seen in <br />2004 as a result of weather patterns, water conservation and drought response <br />measures. Total treated water use by all customer accounts in the City in 2006 was <br />almost 40 million gallons3, or 122 acre-feet, less than total treated water used by <br />customers in 2000. 2006 was drier than 2000, so using the differences between these <br />two years appears to provide a conservative estimate of water savings resulting from <br />conservation activities. Assuming a current cost of $12,500 per acre-foot to purchase an <br />equivalent volume of FRICO water, this water use savings is equivalent to a capital cost <br />savings of $1,525,000. In comparison, the City spends approximately $123,000 <br />annually on conservation activities including a full time Water Conservationist. These <br />numbers illustrate the extraordinary cost-effectiveness of water conservation. <br />Table 4 lists conservation measures and programs that have been implemented by the <br />City, estimated water savings, implementation dates, and whether the activity is <br />anticipated to continue. It is important to note that estimates of water conservation <br />savings must be based upon assumptions regarding variables such as rates of <br /> <br />3 This value does not include water categorized as "Real and Apparent Losses". <br /> <br />16 <br />