Gilcrest WC Project Progress Report

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" . PROGRESS REPORT TOWN OF GILCREST WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT BACKGROUND The Town of Gilcrest is undergoing several major water service activities that will affect water use by its residents. The Town is changing its source of supply from groundwater, polluted with nitrates, to surface water from the Big Thompson project. Because the new water is much more expensive, the Town is also simultaneously changing over from flat rate user charges to metered rates. To assist residents in reducing water use, Gilcrest is conducting a water conservation project funded by the Colorado Office of Water Conservation. TASK 1: IRRIGATION WELL PURPOSE The Town currently has rights to use three wells to supply domestic water. Historically, Gilcrest has used two of the wells for water and kept the third well for backup. With connection to the Central Weld Water District, the Town is now using only one well to blend groundwater with surface water. The second well's pumps have been turned off and the third well is now available to irrigate the Town's baseball park. To accomplish this the Town has rehabilitated the pump on the third well, replaced leaking water lines and connected the well to the irrigation system at the park. Additionally, a rain sensor device was installed on the irrigation timer so that lawn watering will not occur when it is raining. By using the well for irrigation, the Town will reduce the costs associated with purchase of Big Thompson water. Additionally, the amount of water lost during treatment and transmission from Carter Lake to Gilcrest will be conserved. And finally, the rain sensor will reduce water use at the ballpark to only those days when it is needed. STATUS The irrigation well has been rehabilitated, and the sensor installed. Use of the system for irrigation began during the week of May 17th. Water used during the summer of 1992 will be compared to summer 1993 water use and a report completed in the fall of 1993.