NWCOG Tourism Project Final Report

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PROJECT SUMMARY The Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG) was awarded a grant by the Colorado Water Conservation Board to develop a Water Conservation Planning Model (a spreadsheet computer program) which would be useful to water providers in resort areas which have highly seasonal population fluctuations. A demonstration indoor water conservation device retrofit of a condominium was done in Steamboat Springs and actual water consumption data was obtained for the short tenn rental sector. Water meters were installed on two similar buildings, one which was retrofitted with low volume toilets, low flow showerheads, and faucet aerators. Occupancy in each of the buildings was tracked to establish per capita water consumption in each building. In addition, in a subset of rooms, shower flows, toilet flushes and gallons per flush measurements were obtained using small digital water meters ("Water Trackers") and flush counters which were developed specifically for this project. It was found that indoor per capita water use decreased by 40% with the water conserving devices. A survey was developed to obtain information on the users' perception of the water fixtures. Response on the surveys was low, but indicated that the water conserving fixtures were positively received. . The data collected in the Steamboat Springs study was used to develop water savings for various conservation measures and used in the development of the W'!ter Conservation Model. The model focuses on water savings in the indoor short term rental sector: hotels; motels; and condominiums, which generally make up 1/4 to 1/2 of the water consumption in resort communities. Five types of water conserving measures can be examined: ultra-low flow toilet replacement; toilet flapper adjustment device (early closing); toilet leak detection and repair; low flow shower head replacement; and high efficiency faucet replacement (faucet aerators). The model allows users to examine alternative scenarios for implementation of a Water Conservation Progtam, such as partial rebates, full rebates, or complete installation of different devices. Water providers can then examine the cost of various programs versus the savings (based on deferment of plant expansion). A training workshop was held in July of 1994 in Frisco, Colorado for water and sanitation districts interested in the use of the model. As a part of the project, a brochure was developed which encourages homeowners to replace old water fixtures with water conserving devices. The brochure allows homeowners to calculate the payback period for toilet and showerhead replacements, based on their water and sewer bills. This brochure was distributed to all water and sanitation districts and local governments i1i the region (approximately 110 brochures). 1