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<br />B. Low water-use landscapes and efficient irrigation: (Continued) <br /> <br />requires the use of water efficient landscaping in all newly developed commercial, <br />industrial and multi-family sites. <br /> <br />The Board of Water Works of Pueblo implemented management policies and <br />programs aimed at monitoring and correcting inappropriate irrigation practices in <br />the City of Pueblo parks and open space areas. The water for most of these parks <br />and open space areas is contributed by the Board or furnished at a discounted rate. <br /> <br />In 1978, the Board developed a computerized park reporting system designed to <br />compile irrigation/usage data for parks and open space. This system monitors the <br />amount of discounted or donated water per square foot of irrigated acreage. <br /> <br />During the period of 1981-83, the Board completed the metering of all unmetered <br />parks and open space. Upon completion of this metering, the Board immediately <br />addressed the City of Pueblo Parks Department's historic irrigation practices. A <br />standard of 30 to 36 inches of water usage per square foot per irrigation year was <br />set. (Average Water usage figures were determined in a 1972 Pueblo Regional <br />Planning Commission Study). <br /> <br />In 1984, in response to the Board's setting of irrigation standards, the City of <br />Pueblo Parks Department began funding a computer controlled park irrigation <br />system. This system, known as the "RAINBIRD MAXICOM," takes into account <br />the evapotransporation (E.T.) rate and then automatically schedules the duration <br />and amount of irrigation water needed on a daily basis. Originally a pilot program, <br />the MAXICOM system immediately showed improved irrigation results in its . <br />designated pilot project areas. These results were dramatic enough that the Board <br />praised City Officials and their new' system. The Board asked the City to continue <br />their funding of the MAXICOM system and to fully implement its use in all parks. <br />City of Pueblo officials complied with the Board's request and it is now a <br />requirement of the Board that the use of the MAXICOM system is a condition <br />requesting any waiver of water connection fees or any discounted or donated water <br />for new parks or open space areas. <br /> <br />Today the Board still monitors the water usage on parks and open space. Periodic <br />meetings with City of Pueblo officials are held to discuss irrigation areas needing <br />improvement and irrigation areas identified as improved. Most improved areas can <br />be attributed to the use ofthe MAXICOM system. It has been an excellent aid in <br />the establishment of efficient irrigation practices. <br /> <br />The Board is working assiduously with the Colorado Highway Department to help <br />them manage their irrigation of the open grassed areas along the state and <br />interstate highway rights-of-way within the City Limits. These areas receive <br /> <br />-6- <br />