Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Although theHB 05-1177 Basin Roundtable discussions are just starting up, the role and relative importance <br />of water conservation in future water supply and delnand plamling in Colorado is a topic that is integral to <br />many} if not all, of the upcoming inter-basin negotiations. <br /> <br />Through these various discussions and dialogues) as well as through the education and outreach prograrns that <br />the Office has initiated, it is becoming increasingly dear that these discussions lack consistent definitions and <br />nomenclature regarding: <br /> <br />. What is "vater conservation? <br />. What is not water conservation? <br />· Ho"v can water conservation reliably contribute to future ,"vater needs? <br />. What types of "vater conservation efforts \\ri11 \vork in any particular setting? <br />. What types of resources are available to help organizations to deve.loprneaningful water conservation <br />Ineasures and programs? <br /> <br />We \vill develop a consistent set of ans\vers to these and other questions ill close collaboration with the <br />Office, the CWCB, and the Executive Director's Office of the Department of Natural <br />Resources (EDD). l'lris "vill facilitate greater water conservation (including water use efficiency, wise <br />"vater use) infrastructure managelnent and alternative "vater supplies) consistently across a y;..,ide geography <br />and demography) especially benefiting small and mediu'm water users and providers planning \vith resow.ce <br />limitations. <br /> <br />This project's key goals are to provide an arena for \'Vater utilities, spec.;al districts) other water <br />providers and those\vith an interest in Colorado' s\vater to: <br /> <br />. Develop a consistent set of definitions and nOlnenclature regarding water conservation, water use <br />efficiency and vvise ,vater use; <br />. Learn about what constitutes meaningful water conservation plan,ning and implementation Froln a <br />practical ~ economic, political, and legal perspective; <br />. Highlight and educate \vater planners on the state and other resources available to provide technical, <br />financial, and other assistance to those looking to develop and ilnplement more meaningful ",rater <br />conservation programs in the state; and <br />. Share data and stories regarding past successes and failures regarding water conservation ,,,vater use <br />efficiency, and wise ,vater use that have occurred on a local level across the state. <br /> <br />In addition, \ve seck to markedly increase the number of "vater managers \vho: (1) use the Office's Water <br />Conservation Plan Development Guidance DOCUlnent; (2) seek individualized assistance from the Office, tIle <br />Colorado WaterWise Council and other groups; and (3) include rnore conservation and efliciency in their <br />water planning efforts. While we vvill be able to provide a rough gauge as to the above elements during the <br />project, it is equally critical that our effort facilitate follow-up activities that\vill occur after project <br />cOlnpletion. l"he foUow-up will involve the CWCB and the Office, first and fOrClTIOst. Ho\vever, based on <br />the grounds\vell of support that has occurred across the state for this project, numerous other organizations <br />and entities also wish to share in helping to keep water conservation efforts moving for\vard and to be fruitful. <br /> <br />4 <br />