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. . HE 1154: WATER CONSERVATION ACT OF 1991 KEY ELEMENTS OF HE 1154 House Bill 1154 provides authorization for the following four major activities: * The bill establishes the Office of Water Conservation within the Colorado Water Conservation Board. * State agencies are required to develop water conservation plans for state projects and facilities constructed or renovated after 1993. * Water providers that deliver more than 2,000 acre feet of water to customers annually are required to develop water conservation plans by 1996. * Grants for water efficiency demonstration projects will be made available using $500,000 from the Colorado Water Conservation Board construction fund. DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFICE OF WATER CONSERVATION As described in the legislation, "...the board has the power and it is its duty: To foster the conservation of the water of the State of Colorado by the promotion and implementation of sound measures to enhance water use efficiency in order to serve all the water needs of the state, to assure the a~ ailability of adequate supplies for future uses, and to assure that necessary water services are provided at a reasonable cost." (CRS 37-60-106 (r)) The primary methods for the Office of Water Conservation to carry out its goals are to: 1) provide a central clearinghouse and repository for water use efficiency information; 2) provide technical assistance to water providers toward adoption of water efficiency plans; 3) coordinate the planning and assist state agencies in developing water efficiency plans; and, 4) administer the water use efficiency financial incentive program. Assistance from the Office of Water Conservation and information on water conservation measures will provide water suppliers and state agencies throughout Colorado with opportunities to manage water supplies more efficiently. The potential to reduce peak day demands, reduce treated water needs, extend the life of water treatment facilities, and stretch existing water supplies will become more attractive to all water suppliers.