La Junta 1996 WCPlan

• Project Type: Water Conservation Plan
• Project Name: City of La Junta Water Conservation Plan
• Title: Board of Utility Commissioners Water Conservation Plan
• Date: 10/17/1996
• County: Otero
• Water Conservation - Doc Type: Complete Plan

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Between 1989 and 1995 a total of 128 service leaks were repaired in the area between
1 st Street and 5th Street. This year we contracted for leak detection in this area. One
service line leak of about 15,000 gallons per day was discovered and repaired.

Dissemination of Information Regardina Water Conservation

The Water Department has developed a slide show presentation on xeriscape and use
of alternative lawn grasses. This has been presented locally to civic groups and service
clubs.

Presentations and discussion have been held in the elementary and high schools
concerning water conservation. Brochures and stickers extolling wise use of water
have been handed out at school talks.

Water Rate Structuring

The City meters all water customers. Meters are read monthly.

La Junta uses a declining block rate structure with a cut-rate for summer irrigation. The
blocks are as follows: first 1,000 gallons - $4.50; next 2,000 gallons - $2.00/each 1,000;
next 5,000 gallons - $1.00/each 1,000; over 8,000 gallons $0.55/each 1,000.
Residential rates for usage over 15,000 gallons are reduced to $0.30/1,000 gallons
during the months April through September.

Regulatory Measures

Chapter 13.04.180 of the Municipal Code of La Junta states "No person shall use or
permit to be used leaking water connections, lines or other facilities nor irrigate without a
spinkling device or through and by an open hose nor use water for irrigation in such a
manner as to cause water to flow down streets and gutters, nor use or permit to be used
water for irrigation at times forbidden by resolution of the Board of Public Utilities
Commissioners of the City, nor otherwise waste water from the water supply and system
of the City."

I The Code goes on to state "Every person who violates the provisions of this Chapter
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I more than three hundred dollars ($300.00).

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Incentives to Implement Water Use Efficiency

The City provides lower tap fees and lower monthly rates for those new projects that
reduce consumption and are able to reduce tap size.

Other water management activities

Water lost and unaccounted for is tracked carefully each month. Pumped water is
metered in the wellfields and compared with water metered as it is sold to customers.
Attempts are made to include estimates of quantities lost through leaks or used for line
flushing, as well as other unusual demands.

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