Colo Springs 1998 WCPlan

• Project Type: Water Conservation Plan
• Project Name: Colorado Springs Utilities Water Conservation Plan
• Title: Water Conservation Plan
• Date: 1/31/1997
• County: El Paso
• Water Conservation - Doc Type: Complete Plan

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APPENDIX A

The following discussion of the individual stipulations for consideration under HB91-
1154 will provide both detail and historical perspective.

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A. Water efficient fixtures and appliances, including toilets, urinals, showerheads
and faucets.

Prior to the enactment of EP Act of 1992, the Colorado Springs Water Resources
Department in conjunction with the Southwest Water Project construction initiated
several demonstration projects. An already existing home energy audit program was
expanded, and heavily advertised. The program offered free showerheads, faucet
aerators, and conservation information in addition to the audit. This program is still in
effect, its effectiveness is being monitored.

The Utilities Customer Service Center was retrofitted with water saving devices in 1995.
This project is being monitored for effectiveness.

B. Low water-use landscapes and efficient irrigation

The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden illustrates water-saving landscaping methods for
residential and commercial customers. A program of research and evaluation for plants
under differing water schemes has been underway at the Garden since 1992. Various
reporting schemes are used to make the information available to residents throughout the
state.

The Utilities Customer Service Center was re-Iandscaped for low water use in 1995. This
project is being monitored for effectiveness.

The Water Resources Department developed guidelines for water conserving landscaping
based on Xeriscape principles in 1994. The guidelines are followed for all WRD
projects, and are currently being adopted by the Gas and Electric Departments of the
Colorado Springs Utilities.

The Water Resources Department, in concert with the City Planning Department is
currently conducting a public review and development of the existing Landscape Code, If
adopted, the new policy will require water efficient landscaping for all newly developed
commercial and multi-family sites,

Bluegrass watering guidelines (ET program) have been published in news media since
1991. The guidelines are developed from data gathered by computerized weather stations
located throughout the city (funded by the Water Resources Department), and transmitted
to the Operations Control Center for dissemination. Plans in 1998 include adding two
more weather stations in outer -laying areas.