Laserfiche WebLink
<br />F. Dissemination of information regarding water use efficiency measures, <br />by distribution of public education material, customer water audits, and <br />water saving demonstrations: (Continued) <br /> <br />The ultimate success of any education program is dependent on improving those <br />methods that seem to work the best. "Short term water savings can be expected to <br />be significant and the level of savings can be maintained if the program is gradually <br />changed with time to feature a variety of water use efficiency methods. An <br />estimated 5 percent water savings due to education programs can be expected." (See <br />Colorado Water Research Institute Completion Report No. 80 entitled "Achieving <br />urban water conservation- A handbook", page 116.) Any water usage reduction <br />attributed to water use efficiency programs is at least partly due to the education of <br />the consumers. The customer's understanding of Pueblo's water system is essential <br />to insure the success of the water use efficiency measures. <br /> <br />G. Water rate structures designed to encourage water use efficiency in a <br />fiscally responsible manner: <br /> <br />The Board changed its rate structure in the 1980's. In the 1960's and 1970's the <br />Board's water rate structure was designed around the "decreasing block rate" giving <br />large water users a discount for using large amounts of water. In 1980 the Board <br />took a closer look at their rate structure and decided to change the structure of the <br />rates to the uniform rate structure it uses today. This rate structure encourages <br />and promotes the efficient use of water and eliminates the previous incentives to <br />large water users. <br /> <br />Implementation of rate structures designed to lower water usage is an effective <br />means to insure efficient water use. One of the primary affects of this type of rate <br />structures is the leveling of peak demands. It is not, however, without costs to the <br />water utility. Postponement offacility and distribution expansion can be a result of <br />major rate structure changes. Because of the variables involved in rate structure <br />changes, the true amount of water savings through rate structure changes is <br />difficult to quantify. <br /> <br />The Board will continue to study the various water rate structures and will <br />institute the rate structure most appropriate to present system needs. <br /> <br />H. Regulatory measures, including standards for the use of water efficient <br />fixtures, and ordinances, codes or other law designed to encourage water <br />use efficiency <br /> <br />See section A, page 13 & 14 of this plan, for water saving explanation. <br /> <br />-17- <br />