Alamosa 1997 WCPlan

• Project Type: Water Conservation Plan
• Project Name: Alamosa Water Conservation Plan
• Title: Water Conservation Plan
• Date: 4/21/1997
• County: Alamosa
• Water Conservation - Doc Type: Complete Plan

CurrcntBSof: April 21. 1997

Good design saves time, money, water and adds value to a home or other
property. Landscape design factors include climate, life style and personal choice.
Plants with similar water requirements should be planted together. By limiting turf
area and using soil amendments and mulching, water use can be greatly reduced.

4.1 3 e Leak detection. There is no known significant problems with leaks in the
Alamosa distribution system. Once the proper well monitoring system is in place,
we will have a better tool to measure the volume of water pumped versus the
volume delivered to the users. Should this reflect major losses in the distribution
system, a formal leak detection and repair program will be implemented.

4.1 3 J. Incentives. Incentives are most effective in reducing 'in house' use. This
is not currently the major problem in Alamosa. No incentives are planned at this
time, but may be addressed in the future if the need should arise.

4.1.4 Develop Tools To Encourage And/Or Require Water Conservation
4.1 4 a. Modify rate structure. The City currently has a declining block rate
structure. Changing the rates to either a uniform block or increasing block
structure will encourage conservation.

4.1.4.b. Ordinance changes Enact ordinances which address sprinkler over spray,
permitted hours of irrigation, and types of grasses and landscaping allowed.

4.1.5, Develop Alternative (non-potable) Water Sources, Pursue reuse of treated
wastewater or diversion of these water rights to public irrigation uses through
construction of irrigation wells. These wells and distribution lines would be independent
of existing wells and distribution systems.

4,1.6 Alamosa's "In-house" Plan. It is believed that the City of Alamosa, by setting a
'good example will be able to influence individuals to voluntarily reduce water
consumption. Focuses of the plan can include:
- A. -XeriscapeDemonstration. A flower garden,will djsplay Jh.e pL/!Il.!s_ ""hicQ 1!re_ _
typical ofthe Xeriscape type, Property near the Southem Peaks Library could be
devoted to the garden allowing easy access to Xeriscape information.
B. Education. Southern Peaks Library will have books and handouts covering the
subjects ofXeriscape and other water conservation topics.
C, Information releases in the Valley Courier and radio stations weather reports
giving the ET rate and the availability of free compost and mulching materials.
D. Public meetings

4,1.7 Residential Plan, Many of the techniques used by large irrigation users can also be
adopted by residential users in their lawn care, Careful selection and use of appliances

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