Gilcrest WC Project Applic

• Project Type: Ag/Muni Grant
• Contract/PO #: C153
• Applicant: Town of Gilcrest
• Project Name: Water Conservation Project
• Title: Grant Application
• Date: 1/27/1992
• County: Weld
• Water Conservation - Doc Type: Application

2

TOWN OF GILCREST
COMPREHENSIVE WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT

PART 2 - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

I. PROGRAM NEED AND APPROACH

INTRODUCTION The Town of Gilcrest has approximately 1,100 residents and 12
businesses whose current water supply comes from wells. The water supply
contains high concentrations of nitrates that are over twice the federal
standard of 10 mg/I. The Colorado Department of Health has issued a compliance
order for the Town to clean up'or replace its water supply.

After several years of study, Gilcrest has decided to contract with a water
district to purchase treated surface waters. To receive this water, the Town
must: pay $137,000 in plant expansion fees; construct new water storage and
other infrastructure for a cost of $361,000; and purchase water rights for up
to $400,000. The total cost of the project will be up to $900,000 will cause
residential water bills to more than double from $18.50/month to over $46.00
per month.

The cost of Gilcrest's water supply, excluding administration, operations and
maintenance costs, will increase from approximately 15 cents/1,000 gal. to 84
cents/1,OOO gallons. It is expected this increase in water costs will cause
financial hardship for many Gilcrest residents who have chosen to live here
because of the low cost of housing and utilities. Consequently, the Town is
highly motivated to initiate water conservation strategies to help reduce the
costs to our citizens. The residents will also be highly motivated to reduce
demand when their rates go up.

II. COMPONENTS OF THE WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Gilcrest is planning a multi-targeted water conservation program to reach its
water and cost conservation goals. Gilcrest has targeted three, high,
primarily, residential water uses for conservation:

- lawn irrigation (estimated at 50% of all water use);
- toilets (about 17% of all water use)
- bath and shower water use (about 14% of water use).

Gilcrest will implement a comprehensive water conservation program with four
separate, but complementary, projects to help reduce water demand by residents
and the town government. The following describes the Scope of Services for
which we are making this application.