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Evaluate and Select Conservation Measures and Programs <br />As mentioned earlier, there are two primary ways to reduce water use — increased efficiency and <br />demand management. Some of the tools available for water conservation address one or the <br />other of the efficiency /demand issues, some address both. <br />There are also two general classifications of use — domestic (indoor) use and irrigation. In <br />Alamosa, just over 50% of our total water production is for irrigation purposes and has some of <br />the greatest potential for savings. We will be looking at each of these use classifications <br />separately although some of the proposed conservation can be used for both. <br />Domestic Use <br />Domestic use is generally considered to be that use commonly found in homes and small <br />businesses, though not necessarily in industrial applications. This accounts for just under 50% of <br />the water used in the City of Alamosa. <br />As stated earlier, many of Alamosa's citizens have limited incomes. This is both a challenge and <br />an opportunity. <br />It can limit the effectiveness of rebates on some of the more expensive fixtures and appliances <br />such as washing machines or dish washers. Even with the rebate it may not be affordable for our <br />customers to replace the fixtures or appliances unless they no longer function. <br />On the other hand it means that we have many of the older, high -use water fixtures still in use <br />throughout the City which can be replaced at a reasonable cost while generating substantial water <br />savings. It may also make water conservation rates more effective than they might otherwise be <br />the case. <br />In order to reduce water used for domestic purposes we will have to change perceptions and <br />habits in the community. Doing so will require a significant and on -going investment in <br />education of our customers. Until our customers understand and "buy into" the need for water <br />conservation any other program elements will be of very limited effectiveness. <br />We need to further educate our customers first about the limited water supplies available to us. <br />Then we can begin informing them about how domestic water is used and which activities use <br />the most of it. Finally we can then engage them in a discussion about the resources available to <br />reduce the water use by specific activities and how to more efficiently use water for those <br />activities that remain. <br />Any conservation program will have to be adaptable, reinforcing successes while not spending <br />too many resources on the less effective measures. The rankings on the following table range <br />from one to three, with the lower numbers reflecting more desirable outcomes. As we gain <br />experience in these areas we may find that the ratings are not accurate and adjust the programs <br />City of Alamosa I Water Conservation Plan I May 2007 1 Page 13 of 29 <br />