Laserfiche WebLink
Executive Summary <br />The dry San Luis Valley receives about half as much precipitation as Colorado's average. The <br />underground water aquifers — where we get much of the water serving the area — are <br />overdeveloped and we are consuming water faster than the aquifer can replenish it. <br />This scenario is complicated by the area's 7,500 -foot elevation, high winds and agriculturally <br />dominant economy. All of this contributes to the Valley using more water for irrigation than the <br />rest of the state. Recent drought conditions have brought increased pain and attention to this <br />situation. <br />Steps must be taken to ensure that Alamosa <br />have reliable, sustainable, safe supply of water <br />for generations to come. The City is in the <br />middle of taking numerous steps to strengthen <br />our water supply. That's only half the equation. <br />As our water supply becomes more precious, we <br />must become more responsible stewards of it. <br />This conservation plan outlines efforts that will <br />reduce water consumption by 30-percent over <br />the next 10 years. <br />Conservation has become less of an option and <br />more of a necessity in Alamosa for two main <br />reasons: <br />• It has been determined through a recent judicial finding that the aquifer from which we <br />get our water is being used at an unsustainable rate; and <br />• We will soon begin treating our water for both domestic and irrigation use. <br />When it comes to water conservation, we must start with a hard look in the mirror. Before the <br />City can expect Alamos to adopt new water behaviors, we and other larger institutions must lead <br />by example. <br />Roughly half of the City's current water is currently consumed by the City of Alamosa Parks & <br />Recreation Department, the Municipal Golf Course, Adams State College and the Alamosa <br />School District. These four institutions have an opportunity to create a tremendously positive <br />impact. <br />As this plan summarizes, the City will work with larger irrigators like these to audit their <br />irrigation systems and help them access grants to fund the replacement of outdated, wasteful <br />systems. Rebates are another option discussed in the plan to help stimulate conservation actions <br />among larger irrigators like these. <br />City of Alamosa I Water Conservation Plan I May 2007 1 Page 3 of 29 <br />