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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2023-11-28 November 28, 2023 5:00 p.m. — 6:45 p.m. Board Room EPTOWN BOARD 4:45 p.m. Dinner STUDY SESSION AGENDA ACCESSING MEETING TRANSLATIONS (Accediendo a las Traducciones de la Reunion) To access written translation during the meeting, please scan the QR Code or click �.• this link for up to 48 other languages (Para acceder a la traduccion durante la flu reunion, par favor escanee el codigo QR o haga clic en el enlace para hasta 48 11.05 • idiomas mas): Cot 1. rr,r https://attend.wordly.ai/join/FLUL-1105 . '` Choose Language and Click Attend(Seleccione su lenguaje y haga clic en asistir) Use a headset on your phone for audio or read the transcript can assist those having difficulty hearing (Use un auricular en su telefono para audio o lea la transcripcion puede ayudar a aquellos que tienen dificultades para escuchar). No public comment will be heard This study session will be streamed live and available on the Town YouTube page at www.estes.org/videos 5:00 p.m. Growing Water Smart Overview. (Deputy Town Administrator Damweber& Director Bergsten) 5:20 p.m. Water Division 101 and Water Master Plan. (Director Bergsten) 6:05 p.m. 2023 Paid Parking Program Year-End Report. (Supervisor Klein) 6:35 p.m. Trustee & Administrator Comments & Questions. 6:40 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items. (Board Discussion) 6:45 p.m. Adjourn for Town Board Meeting. Informal discussion among Trustees concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this meeting at approximately 4:30 p.m. Page 1 Page 2 A fP TOWN OF ESTES PARI Report TOWN ADMINISTRATION To: Honorable Mayor Koenig Board of Trustees Through: Town Administrator Machalek From: Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator/Acting Community Development Director Reuben Bergsten, Utilities Director Date: November 28, 2023 RE: Growing Water Smart Overview Purpose of Study Session Item: Provide an overview of the Colorado Growing Water Smart program and the steps the Town is taking to become more "water smart." Town Board Direction Requested: No direction needed at this time. Present Situation: The Growing Water Smart program is designed to introduce Colorado communities to a range of communications, public engagement, planning, and policy implementation tools to better understand their watershed health and work towards achieving community resiliency goals. The focus of the program is to help communities develop a plan to integrate water and land use planning to better ensure sustainability and resilience. Earlier this year, several Town representatives attended a Growing Water Smart workshop to learn more about the program and begin developing preliminary goals for the Town. The goals the group focused on were 1) establishing a Water Master Plan that includes conducting regular audits of our water system to identify where there is waste and how to address it, 2) developing a plan for integrated stormwater management, and 3) updating the Development Code where appropriate to encourage or require more efficient use of water. An overarching goal is public outreach and education, which is necessary to garner buy-in and to provide information to residents on actions they can take or refrain from in the name of being "water smart." 1. Water Master Plan o We are in the process of updating our 2015 Water Master Plan. The 2024 Water Master Plan Update includes analysis of our treatment and distribution systems and defines prioritized capital projects for necessary system improvements. Two goals in prioritizing capital projects are to increase water system looping and to Page 3 replace aged pipes that are most likely subject to leaks and breaks. Water system looping reduces water age and the need to flush lines due to water quality. The systematic replacement of aged and poor-quality water pipes reduces risk of water loss from slow leaks as well as from catastrophic failures like the one we experienced on Elkhorn Avenue in late 2022. o The Town is participating in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Manual 36 (M36) water loss audit program which includes a detailed comparison of the volume of water treated and entering the distribution system to the amount of water accounted for by the Town. The goal of the M36 program is to identify the volume of unaccounted for water then develop a strategy to address water loss by implementing best practices for operations, billing and metering. The M36 audit program involves multiple Town departments and is part of a "continuous process improvement" philosophy. 2. Integrated Stormwater Management o Integrated stormwater management is inherently about collaboration and broad strategies for flood mitigation and runoff quality controls. This approach goes beyond pipe-based drainage to multi-functional systems that meet objectives related to resilience and watershed health (which affects water supply quality characteristics). o The Estes Valley Stormwater Management Project, finalized in 2018, consists of a Stormwater Master Plan (Volume I) and a Stormwater Feasibility Study (Volume II). Since the finalization of the plan, Town Staff has continually worked to establish funding for stormwater capital improvement projects (CIPs), small local projects, and maintenance of the Town's drainage system. CIPs, local projects, and maintenance are specifically addressed in the Stormwater Master Plan. In accordance with interests expressed by the Town Board to date and in coordination with Larimer County, the current approach is to try obtain funding through the successful renewal of the 1% sales tax in April 2024. If the Town Board approves the ballot language and proposed breakdown of revenues, and the voters subsequently vote to renew the 1% sales tax, the plan is for 28% of the tax collected to be used to fund stormwater infrastructure and begin supporting the activities in the Stormwater Master Plan. Acting on the Stormwater Master Plan would also serve the objectives associated with integrated Stormwater Management, especially with respect to watershed health due to the broad reach of CIPs. o Progress implementing the Stormwater Master Plan was realized in 2022 with the addition of employees in the Street Division. Crews have been available to react effectively to stormwater drainage system maintenance needs. In May 2022, a draft Public Works policy for Stormwater Drainage System Maintenance was finalized. Currently, this policy awaits review and approval. Proactive drainage system maintenance advances the objectives of Integrated Stormwater Management by supporting a more resilient drainage system in the Town. Page 4 3. Development Code Rewrite o When we engage in the process to rewrite the Town's Development Code, we will consider making certain new requirements of applicants related to design standards that incorporate water efficient construction. o We will review the landscaping and associated maintenance requirements to identify opportunities to reduce water consumption while incorporating recent Town Board direction for water-wise development and water conservation. o We will evaluate and integrate recommendations for an updated plant list that focuses on drought-resistant, native, and "firewise," or wildfire-resistant, species. Proposal: That the Town Board receive information about the steps the Town is taking toward becoming a more Water Smart community, ask questions, and provide feedback as appropriate. Advantages: An integrated water resource and land use management approach can help with the community's sustainability and resilience goals and protect watersheds and the quality of water. Disadvantages: None noted. Finance/Resource Impact: To be determined Level of Public Interest Low Attachments: 1. Link to "Growing Water Smart: The Water-Land Use Guidebook for Colorado" Page 5 2023 GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER - LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO Ensuring a Prosperous Future and Healthy Watersheds Through the Integration of Water Resources and Land Use Planning ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CONTRIBUTORS MARJO CURGUS, DEL CORAZON CONSULTING WAVERLY KLAW,SONORAN INSTITUTE MERYL CORBIN,SONORAN INSTITUTE CARREE MICHEL, DESIGN THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS Our work is made possible by the generous support of partners,sponsors, public institutions, private funders, and in-kind contributors who envision a more resilient future within the Colorado River Basin. wCOLORADO olorado Water Conservation Board GATES FAMILY FOUNDATION '%T MIGHTY ARROW Department of Natural Resources S FAMILY FOUNDATION ABOUT GROWING WATER SMART Growing Water Smart, a program of the Sonoran Institute and the Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, a Center of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, introduces communities to the full range of communications, public engagement, planning, and policy implementation tools to realize their watershed health and community resiliency goals.The Growing Water Smart workshop empowers local government leaders to adopt land use plans and policies that support water resilience. Interested individuals can learn more at www.growingwatersmart.org. )11L- ABOUT SONORAN INSTITUTE The Sonoran Institute's mission is to connect people and communities with the natural resources that nourish and sustain them.We envision a Colorado River Basin where rivers flow, landscapes are healthy, and all communities thrive. SONORAN INSTITUTE ABOUT THE BABBITT CENTER FOR LAND AND WATER POLICY The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, a center of the Lincoln Institute of Land BABBITT CENTER Policy, seeks to advance the integration of land and water management to meet the FOR LAND AND WATER POLICY A Center of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy current and future water needs of Colorado River Basin communities, economies, and the environment.The Babbitt Center develops tools and best practices to guide decisions through research, training, and partnerships for sustainable management of land and water resources in the Basin and beyond. This Guidebook is for general information purposes only,and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion regarding any particular facts or circumstances. Please consult with your counsel directly for advice and information concerning fact-specific situations and any specific legal questions you may have. The information in the Guidebook is believed to be current as of the date of publication,but may be out of date,and Sonoran Institute and contributors both make no commitment to update the information in this Guidebook once published. Sonoran Institute growingwatersmart@sonoraninstitute.org ©May 2023 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Section 1:Water-Smart Planning 8 Section 2: Adequate Water Supply for Development 22 Section 3: Water-Smart Land Use Policies & Processes 42 Section 4: Healthy & Resilient Watersheds 54 Section 5: Efficient Water Demand Programs 62 Additional Online Resources 72 GrowingWaterSmart.org The Growing Water Smart Peer-to-Peer Network Growing Water Smart Metrics:Tracking the Integration of Water and Land Use Planning TABLES Table 1.Opportunities for integrated water and land use 5 Table 2.Colorado Revised Statutes 24 Table 3.State of Colorado Requirement for Applying Water Adequacy Review 25 Table 4.Summary of Groundwater Rules for Colorado 27 Table 5.C.R.S.§29-20-304 Adequate Water Supply Requirements 29 Table 6.State Agency Responsibilities 31 Table 7.Colorado WaterSense Rule Standards for Fixtures and Appliances Sold in 51 the State Table 8.Common Low-Impact Development and Green Infrastructure Techniques 59 Cover Photo Credit:Cassie Gallegos INTRODUCTION This guidebook serves as a compendium to the Growing Water Smart training and assistance program. It provides resources related to collaborative and holistic water resource management and land use planning so that communities can shift their focus from supply- to demand-side management, from growth to an emphasis on holistic watershed health, and from siloed governance to an integrated water and land use planning paradigm. THE LIMITATIONS OF SUPPLY-SIDE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT By 2050,Colorado's population is predicted to A growing population combined with water supply almost double in size, putting additional pressure on constraints escalates the costs of operating local our State's already limited water resources. Nearly utilities and the cost of acquiring new sources. It 90%of the current population lives in Front Range may also necessitate enhanced and expanded communities,while 80%of the State's water falls on infrastructure.Water resource managers and the western slope'This disparity will be exacerbated water providers have often looked to supply-side by projected population growth.Groundwater use management to meet their growing demand by in some areas already exceeds what is replenished, investing in water acquisition,treatment,storage and resulting in declining water levels,drying wells, distribution projects. However, increasing water supply, conflicts between neighbors, land subsidence,and particularly for groundwater-dependent communities impacts on springs and streams. Even in communities with few available alternative sources,comes at a with access to renewable resources,water users are significant cost in terms of money,time, and resources. experiencing increased variability in water supply In addition, cities nearing build-out may not have land each year. available to accommodate the necessary infrastructure. [1]Colorado Water Plan,2023,pg.28 INTRODUCTION I 1 SHIFTING OUR FOCUS FROM importance of this approach by establishing the goal that"by 2025,75%of Coloradans will live in SUPPLY- TO DEMAND-SIDE communities that have integrated water saving MANAGEMENT measures into land use planning." In the 2023 Instead of making costly investments to increase Colorado Water Plan update,the Colorado Water water supply,communities increasingly are reducing Conservation Board established Vibrant Communities demand for water by using supplies more efficiently. as one of four action areas through which to achieve a water-resilient state. Demand-side management generally includes: • Water Conservation: reducing water Communities throughout the West have found that by consumption by encouraging water users to increasing development density, utilizing technological modify their behaviors. efficiencies, and enacting aggressive conservation • Water Efficiency: using building and site programs,they have been able to continue to grow design or technology that uses less water. without acquiring new water supplies.Water-smart land use planning can reduce the negative financial • Water Reuse: recycling stormwater,graywater, and wastewater to replace or augment the impacts of increased water demand through efficiency water su pp y I and conservation measures implemented prior to, during,and after construction. One impactful strategy in municipal water demand management is integrating water conservation, The demand management approach to water efficiency, and reuse into land use planning. In resources is good for the triple bottom line of financial, 2015,Colorado's first Water Plan emphasized the social, and environmental outcomes. It increases the cost-benefit ratio of capital investments by using the same amount of water and infrastructure to serve more people per dollar spent, benefits the environment by Holistic water management is essential for creating balancing ecosystem and human needs, and ensures a vibrant communities that balance water supply more sustainable future for our communities through a and demand needs to create a sustainable urban more resilient and long-lasting water supply. landscape. Colorado communities need resilient water supplies, water conscious and attractive urban SHIFTING OUR FOCUS TO landscapes, planning that integrates land use and WATERSHED HEALTH water solutions, and residents who understand the Every community lives within a watershed—a land area importance of water to their lives and economy.An that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks,streams, integrated One Water ethic is necessary to create the rivers,and underground aquifers.3 transformative change needed to meet the moment and the future.2 Many of Colorado's communities were founded along rivers or rely on them for recreational and economic activities.The amount and quality of water in rivers, [2]Colorado Water Plan,2023,pg.9 [3]USGS,Watersheds and Drainage Basins 2 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO streams, and groundwater aquifers all depend on as interconnected. Integrated Water Resource activities in the land area above and upstream from Management, also known as One Water, is such an those sources.Watersheds are delicate ecosystems, approach. By coordinating the development and and a tension exists between preserving the natural management of water, land, and related resources, environment and developing land for residential, Integrated Water Resource Management maximizes commercial,or industrial uses.While degradation economic and social benefits while minimizing of land within a watershed comes with societal and impacts on the environment.A key step in this process environmental costs, careful management yields is to change institutional structures to strengthen the significant benefits. Holistically managed watersheds coordination and collaboration between water supply can capture and store water supplies; reduce erosion and wastewater managers, flood control districts, land and channel incision; increase infiltration into regional use planners, economic development managers, and aquifers; reduce water treatment costs; and support other key officials. habitat, biodiversity, recreation, and aesthetic values. Healthy watersheds and resilient natural systems can WATER AND LAND USE also help communities cope with increasingly extreme INTEGRATION OPPORTUNITIES weather events such as droughts, high temperatures, wildfires, and floods. Colorado communities are charged with accommodating growing populations and supporting Fortunately, many measures can be taken to maintain economic development and quality of life while and improve watershed health through land use plans managing increasingly variable and scarce water and policies. Development patterns,erosion control supplies,aging infrastructure,and the impacts of land measures,vegetation management, habitat protection, and habitat degradation. floodplain regulations, and stormwater management all influence the health of the watershed and impact Regionally shared risks of extreme weather and water quality and stream flows. wildfires make the interconnectedness of land and water particularly apparent.Across Colorado, SHIFTING OUR FOCUS communities have experienced record heat, TO INTEGRATED WATER devastating wildfires, dry soils,ongoing drought, and damaging floods, alongside the health and economic RESOURCE MANAGEMENT impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, The Earth's water cycle is a closed loop that circulates which in some places were exacerbated by limited water between the oceans,the atmosphere,and the access to safe and reliable water.These conditions land via precipitation,drainage,and evaporation.`' have highlighted the urgency to act now to build community, economic, and environmental resilience Just as the natural environment treats water as a across regions and watersheds. cycle, it is important that communities view their water supply, including wastewater and stormwater, [4]USGS,the Water Cycle INTRODUCTION 13 At the community level,each planning and regulatory mechanism guiding how and where a community develops provides an opportunity to strengthen the nexus between water and land use. Intervention . _ - points are described in Table 1. Determining where to intervene will depend on the community's political motivation and capacity,the water demand management initiatives that have been implemented V .A to date, and the water-saving goals. •J I M 11 al. e M � w f r ,...,..1 * T ... y L' n. r r s "" .F . ` 1- er A. M� ti 3 .r . =.. • likO f , • 4 • • ,46 `' ,fit 1. M.. +r Photo by Zach Lucero TABLE 1: OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTEGRATED WATER AND LAND USE POINT OF INTERVENTION TOOL PURPOSE • Visioning Evaluates local water supplies, WATER-SMART PLANNING current and future demands, • Information Sharing &Alignment and related community and • Public Engagement&Education economic values. Establishes goals • Regional Partnerships and objectives for managing the • Comprehensive&Master Plans intersection of natural resources and the built environment.Aligns and • Water Efficiency Plans implements goals across multiple • Local &Regional Water Quality Plans community and regional plans. • Capital Improvement Plans • Hazard Mitigation, Response, &Recovery Plans • One Water Plans • Adequate Water Supply Rules Links new development to water ADEQUATE WATER • Water Budgeting supply planning. Determines SUPPLY STANDARDS FOR the requirements applied to DEVELOPMENT • Water Allocation Policies new development for water • Water Demand Offset Programs resource management,conservation, • Annexation Policies and efficiency. • Compact Development Directs how land is developed WATER-SMART LAND USE and the amount of water the POLICIES & PROCESSES • Water Efficient Landscapes development will require. • Water Smart Buildings Incentivizes or requires water • Development Review conservation,efficiency,and reuse. • Watershed Protection Protects regional water quality, HEALTHY& RESILIENT ecosystem services,and other • Green Infrastructure& WATERSHEDS Low Impact Development natural processes. Reduces flooding and the need for traditional stormwater infrastructure. • Conservation Rate Structuring Empowers and incentivizes occupants EFFICIENT WATER to reduce water consumption. Links • Conservation Rebate Programs DEMAND PROG RAMS community-wide programs to water • Consumer Education Messaging supply planning. INTRODUCTION 15 THE LAND USE-WATER NEXUS RESOURCE GUIDE This resource guide is intended to help your SECTION 4: community identify the most appropriate intervention HEALTHY& RESILIENT WATERSHEDS points related directly to land use that will help Describes approaches for protecting water quality and you achieve your community's water resource ecosystem services while also reducing flooding and management goals. It is divided into five sections. the need for traditional stormwater infrastructure. Each Section Includes: SECTION 5: A Case Statement justifying each approach. EFFICIENT WATER DEMAND PROGRAMS - Toolboxes and Tools describing the specific Summarizes additional programs and options for policy or management actions for achieving managing existing community water demands. water conservation and efficiency outcomes. • Approaches for implementing the tools. • Case Studies demonstrating how other communities have implemented one or more of the tools to integrate their water and land The following additional resources are available use planning efforts. at resilientwest.org/2023/co-appendices • An electronic version of this Guidebook SECTION 1: with hyperlinks to websites that WATER-SMART PLANNING correspond to green text throughout this document. Summarizes the opportunities provided by integrating •water and land use during planning processes. A resource list of additional reports,tools, and policy examples. SECTION 2: • A summary of relevant funding and ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT assistance from our partners,the state, and federal agencies. Provides a review of the State of Colorado's requirement for new developments to have an adequate and sustainable water supply. SECTION 3: WATER-SMART LAND USE POLICIES & PROCESSES Introduces regulatory principles, policies, and procedures that can make a community's lots, structures, and development patterns water-smart. 6 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO SECTION 1 WATER - SMART PLANNING For a sustainable future, communities must create guiding plans that integrate land use planning with water availability forecasting and water resiliency goals. 8 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO CASE Traditionally,water planning and land use planning processes have been conducted in separate departments or agencies. Land use planners have STATEMENTfocused on the amount and types of growth that may take place in their communities,while water resource managers have focused on ensuring adequate water availability. Comprehensive planning,water planning, capital improvement planning, and climate resilience planning are all interrelated, however,and integrating them requires holistic thinking and cross-departmental collaboration. Done successfully, an integrated water resource and land use management approach can ensure the following: A community's vision for The community's vision and Development occurs in a way the future considers the goals for sustainability and that protects the watershed, interrelated impacts of water resilience are expressed including ecological functions and growth. and aligned across and the quality and quantity plans for water resource of water resources. management,community health,capital improvement, and economic development. WATER-SMART PLANNING 19 TOOLBOX: SETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR STRONG PLANS Planning provides the roadmap for a community's Visioning & Exploratory Planning policies, programs,and regulations. Processes such A visioning process identifies what a community as visioning, information sharing and data alignment, desires for its future and what approaches the public education and engagement,and regional community intends to take to realize its vision. partnerships serve as the foundation for creating Scenario planning can help a community clarify its scientifically sound, publicly understood,and values and create a clear vision for its future, most supported community plans. frequently through using visualization tools that illustrate alternative future scenarios. In this normative approach to long-range planning, models assist in decision-making by assessing the impact of different ... l y� development patterns on indicators such as water demand, air quality, and vehicle trips. Exploratory scenario planning applies a slightly different approach and is most effective when used ' - ie ;__ — = to consider and develop responses to uncertainties. Rather than selecting a preferred scenario and ,l developing a plan to achieve that specific vision, an ':a exploratory approach envisions how a community may \rare need to adapt and manage different outcomes for a variety of scenarios that are driven by forces which are r- -- often out of a community's control.Across the West, J a 1`�-4x\' r1\. 'iso water and planning departments are using exploratory -"• ' '' ;� ., scenarios to think strategically about how to plan for water,growth, and climate change. " a The Colorado Water Plan identifies nine high-impact � ': drivers that influence Colorado's water future: - Photo by Colin Lloyd 1) social/environmental values,2) population/economic growth,3) urban land use/urban growth patterns, 4) availability of water efficient technologies, 5) climate change/water supply availability, 6) level of regulatory oversight/constraint,7) agricultural economics/water demand, 8) energy economics/water demand, and 9) municipal and industrial water demands.5 [5]Colorado Water Plan,2023,pg.19-21. 10 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO These drivers were incorporated into five planning Regional Partnerships scenarios (business as usual,weak economy, Some goals are attainable within a single jurisdiction cooperative growth, adaptive innovation, and hot while others may require scaling collaboration outside growth) that represent how Colorado's water future your jurisdiction.Adding partners and coordinating might look in 2050. across jurisdictions can expand resources and result in a larger impact. Regional committees and Information Sharing &Alignment partnerships can provide an opportunity for cross- Land use and water departments often use different jurisdictional planning around shared water resources. data sets and analysis methods in their decision- They offer a way for county, municipal,water district making processes,such as growth rates to inform future staff,and stakeholders to collaboratively study local land use or water demand projections. Identifying the and regional issues, define desired future conditions, discrepancies and understanding the implications of evaluate potential paths forward, and partner on different projection methods can help estimate the implementation. extent of uncertainty and error in results.Coordinating around these issues,sharing information, and looking Measuring &Tracking Progress for ways to align data sets and methods will promote Measuring and tracking the results of water and land consistency and mutual understanding across use integration is vital to determining whether a departments and lead to better decision-making. community's vision and goals are being met. Growing Water Smart Metrics:Tracking the Integration Public Engagement & Education of Water and Land Use Planning offers a set of Community members can support integrated water indicators that can be assessed as a "scorecard"of and land use.When invited to learn and participate progress or year-over-year to calculate trends that in visioning and goal setting,the public can provide demonstrate achievement of water savings through feedback and information on how climate change is land use planning.Ten "progress" metrics track impacting groundwater,water bodies, and agricultural considerations as to whether the community's land outputs. Meanwhile, education or training programs use plan integrates water efficiency and its water plan for staff, elected officials, and public stakeholders integrates land use strategies;conservation-oriented strengthen understanding and support for strategies system development charges and pricing structures that incorporate water-saving measures into land use. are being used; indoor and outdoor water efficiency measures are being utilized;and collaboration around development proposals is occurring. Fourteen "impact" metrics measure increasing or decreasing trends in water demand and use and trends in development patterns and land use. WATER-SMART PLANNING 111 Best Practices for Setting the Foundation for Strong Plans: • Engage stakeholders early and often to ensure • Partner with regional,state, and federal concerns are prioritized and addressed.This entities to develop and fund related regional increases confidence in the final documents plans and studies. and buy-in during plan implementation. • Use visioning processes and scenario • Employ Exploratory Scenario Planning planning to assess future vulnerabilities and techniques to thoroughly prepare for a variety uncertainties affecting water resources. of potential future conditions. • Train elected officials on vision documents and how land use planning decisions align with the community's strategic vision. : � - ' •iitto,..- i .t ,��.rr- , -t, -""--`01 --' lethAilimuu-o ` „ ` - ' -- ''''-'-,- ,11,1" .-!., Ji.e 7gg 44.. •:- ;—"0 R F-, i. '', ,f,''.. 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'''I,4. / a , �r b .� :� / ; '= P .+ `$ ?'X a Photo by Nathan Anderson 12 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO lir- ,,,:- i ..er % 0: tlf.f-'1 rig �si "� ;; ''6 � � Utilities, Fort Collins-Loveland Water District, East Larimer p 1 0 County Water District,the NFRMPO,and an observer i F p; from the City of Greeley came together to identify the 1 �4 greatest opportunities for cooperation on water resource r'> + management across agencies and service areas. }° ;' At the time,the City was in the process of updating its , `y ;\as. 4, comprehensive plan using scenario planning to assess µ �%_ ,rt >, `f different development pattern options.Water demand ' was one of the sustainability indicators assessed under three different scenarios that explored different futures l yp / /,. ; and their associated water reduction percentages based r rt Ixl , I , i S 4,' K on the proposed development pattern. For example,the ti ,�' ° , � no" change/as is"scenario was predicted to result in a � ., gin! , y Photo by Frankie Lopez reduction in household water use of 2%overall by 2040, CASE STUDY while a denser development pattern was predicted to result in a 14%water demand reduction overall. Each water WATER SMART COLLABORATION provider was asked to assess how each future land use scenario would impact their organization,and a collective - FORT COLLINS, CO assessment followed.This exercise helped align growth areas with planned and existing infrastructure.Scenario planning informed the development and update of City The City of Fort Collins has made successive steps Plan,the City's comprehensive plan that guides how the toward integrating water into the City's planning, community will grow and travel from 2020-2040. policymaking,and development review processes. Fort Collins Utilities and City Planning staff desired to With a current population of approximately 170,000,the continue the integration of water conservation and northern Front Range city is expected to grow by 70,000 efficiency goals into new development,and in 2021 applied residents by 2040.The City manages its own utility with to participate in the Water and Land Use Metrics pilot three additional water suppliers providing service within project.This project was led by the Sonoran Institute with the Growth Management Area, resulting in inconsistent funding support from CWCB and the Babbitt Center for fees, policies,and conservation programs. Land and Water Policy and technical assistance provided by A key challenge for Fort Collins,and the region, is Brendle Group.The project intended to communicate and aligning practices,scaling efficiency,and acting together elevate water use as a project consideration before project to ensure an affordable,sustainable water supply to design to allow developers an opportunity to adjust their meet future demand. plans in ways that reduce the development's overall water use and associated costs.Three metrics from the Growing The City of Fort Collins and the North Front Range Water Smart Metrics Guidebook were harnessed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) both project team: Progress Metrics#9:Community planners participated in the Growing Water Smart program and providers have regular coordination meetings and#10: in 2017 and carried out a joint Growing Water Smart Community routes development proposal to providers technical assistance project.Over two full-day for review and comment;and Impact Metric#20:Water workshops a group of stakeholders including the City demand by land use type. of Fort Collins' Planning Deptepartment, Fort Collins WATER-SMART PLANNING 113 CASE STUDY, CONT. To advance Metrics#9 and 10,technical assistance focused that promotes development water conservation before on identifying when water-related comments are provided development approval. in the development review process,and to what degree, In addition to supporting these metrics,the work also and providing tools and resources to introduce water supports Fort Collins Utilities'ongoing Water Efficiency Plan conservation and water supply considerations earlier to applicants.The assistance also explored common water (WEP) update by implementing some of the best practices outlined by the State of Colorado requirement to integrate supply and conservation-related questions that Planners land use and water planning into WEPs. receive from applicants and the public,and helped to align common responses. To support Impact Metric#20,technical assistance developed a tool to estimate how much water a proposed development might use.The tool builds on Fort Collins Utilities'water supply requirement calculations and costs and can be used by the utility and planning department to support project design choices and decision-making 14 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TOOLBOX: PLANNING DOCUMENTS Most community plans share some nexus with water. Comprehensive &General Plans The following plans offer the greatest opportunity to Comprehensive or general plans guide how a acknowledge and address water-related concerns in community will manage future land use and its relation to community development and growth. implications for a wide variety of functions including transportation networks, parks and open space, natural resources, housing, economic development, and future infrastructure needs. One of the greatest values of a comprehensive planning process is that it provides a rare opportunity for a community-wide dialogue about the future. By state statute,every municipality or county in Colorado is required to create a comprehensive or master plan. In Colorado,the State's comprehensive planning requirements for municipalities (C.R.S. §31- 23-206) and counties (C.R.S.§30-28-106) allow for, but do not require a water element, or chapter, in the plan.6 However, House Bill 20-1095 now requires that if a comprehensive or master plan addresses water p ..`� - . - supply,then it must also address water conservation.' - , -7, 4. '� e - - Implementation of the House Bill 20-1095 creates a - powerful new tool for local governments in achieving water savings. Local governments can require - adherence to the master goals as a condition of approval directly, particularly in situations where the land use code is inconsistent with the plan, or the code lacks specific direction for achieving plan Photo by Casey Schackow intent. It should be noted that this complements the state's adequate water supply rules which grant local governments the ability to negotiate the inclusion of water demand management when approving a development's water supply. [6]California,Arizona,and New Mexico provide more guidance on integrating water into land use. [7] House Bill 1095,passed and signed in 2020. WATER-SMART PLANNING 1 15 How this new rule might be applied will depend upon • Health conditions of the watershed. a community's master plans and existing regulations. • Current programs and projects. In general,the options available for conditions are • The tradeoffs required to best achieve the similar to what might be included in a water efficient community's goals. land use code.A local government could require an applicant to meet a requirement such as: Water-related goals and policies may also be relevant • A Water Allowance.A development could be in other plan elements,depending on the planning required to adhere to a specified water budget and development concerns and priorities of the local for indoor and/or outdoor water use for each government.Water resource considerations may household or a commercial development.This influence policies developed for parks and recreation, requirement would be included in the HOA environmental sustainability, or community livability. covenants or demonstrated when acquiring a Comprehensive plans can help identify opportunities building permit. to integrate water into land use policies to address: Design Standards.Subdivision design • Water supply and demand. guidelines can include best practices for water efficient construction such as indoor/ • Wastewater treatment and reuse. outdoor metering,water budgets,xeric • Watershed and stream health. standards,efficient irrigation standards, • Floodplain and stormwater management. watering restrictions. • Interagency coordination and collaboration. • Water Sources.Subdivision approval can be tied to water sources such as requiring use of Water Supply, Efficiency, & Drought nonpotable or recycled water sources. Preparedness Planning Integrating all water related goals into one plan or A water supply plan inventories supply and plan element ensures the complex interrelationships infrastructure in an evaluation of a system's ability to between water systems, human systems, and meet its customers' needs. CO guidelines recommend ecological processes are considered together. that the plan should consider probable and worst- case scenarios for surface water and groundwater Comprehensive plans help the community understand: supplies.Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.§29-20- • Projections for future population and drivers 304-3) does not require an applicant to provide a letter of growth. or report identifying adequate water supply for the • The type and location of development occurring proposed development if the water is provided by a in the community. water supply entity that has a water supply plan.There • The source,capacity, and conditions of a are numerous requirements that the water supplier community's water supply,distribution systems, must satisfy, but integrating water supply plans in the and water-related infrastructure. comprehensive or master planning effort encourages • Adequacy,sustainability,and vulnerability of development within regional water limitations. the water supply. 16 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO A water efficiency plan is designed to increase water treatment plan.The process must contain (among efficiency in the system and encourage consumer other things) "the identification of nonpoint sources conservation efforts.The Colorado Water Conservation of pollution, and the proposed control, using best Act of 1991 requires water utilities with a water demand management practices (BMPs), to attain or maintain of greater than 2,000-acre feet annually to develop a an approved water use."8 water conservation/efficiency plan (C.R.S. §37-60-126). Tying regional 208 Plans to local stormwater These plans require a summary of the water provider's management plans and comprehensive/general water supply and demand budget and a plan for plans (and vice versa), provides an opportunity to water conservation and efficiency. In 2015,the State integrate goals, policies, and programs for stormwater of Colorado added a requirement to this statute to infrastructure (including green infrastructure and evaluate best practices in water demand management low-impact development stormwater management that can be implemented through land use. options),sewer construction, and wastewater A drought preparedness plan is an evaluation of treatment facilities across local and regional planning strategies to reduce water demand in response to efforts. It could also provide significant justifications drought conditions and should include specific for local decisions made on creating, updating, and demand-reduction measures to be implemented implementing capital plans. during specified stages of drought. Drought preparedness planning can occur at the local or Capital Improvement Plans regional level. Capital improvement plans (CIPs) forecast and match a community's projected revenues and its capital Local & Regional Water Quality Plans needs over a multi-year period. Planning departments, Local and regional entities have several existing parks, public works, and water and wastewater water planning authorities related to water quality utilities often rely on grants and bonds to invest in control planning. Local plans and regulations around green and gray infrastructure improvements or new water quality are driven by federal Clean Water Act construction. By creating a long-term investment requirements related to reducing pollutant discharge. strategy for the infrastructure improvements identified Stormwater Management Plans provide another in a comprehensive plan or water system plan, a CIP opportunity for local entities to link water-related goals ensures that resources match community priorities and policies across planning efforts and departments. and further water infrastructure that is resilient to climate change and other future scenarios. Local water quality control plans are connected through regional-level planning.Clean Water Act Hazard Mitigation, Response, & Recovery Plans section 208 (33 U.S. Code§1228(a)) requires states to Hazard mitigation plans identify specific hazards likely do area-wide waste treatment management plans to impact a community, including acute shocks such (208 Plans). For each area,a designated representative as wildfire or flooding, as well as long-term stressors organization develops and updates an area-wide waste [8]Joel M.Gross and Kern L Stelcen,Basic Practice Series:Clean Water Act.117-118(2nd ed.2012). WATER-SMART PLANNING 117 such as drought.These plans identify pre-disaster risk • Meaningfully address water throughout the reduction as well as post-disaster response activities. community comprehensive or master plan Planning should include determination of how hazards elements, as well as thoroughly in the water can impact water infrastructure and plans for reducing resources element. vulnerability and risks. • Link water supply and demand, conservation, and recharge priorities and policies across "One Water" Plans related plans—including stormwater Integrated Water Resource Management, or"One management plans and water quality plans—to Water" plans promote the holistic management of address common resource concerns through a water in all its forms—drinking water,stormwater, variety of approaches and authorities. wastewater, and source water.These plans • Set aside land for water-related infrastructure, offer innovative, cross-departmental solutions such as recharge basins, in your future land to traditional water management practices to use maps. maximize the strategic use of all forms of water. One • Use capital improvement plans to ensure Water approaches can be integrated into planned investments are made in the physical development or sub-area plans to promote a water infrastructure needed for water management, cycle approach to site and building plans. such as treatment facilities and water reuse infrastructure, or in projects that manage stormwater through green infrastructure, Best Practices for Planning Documents: infill development, hazard risk reduction, and • Link water supply and demand to projected watershed restoration. land use patterns in both comprehensive • Increase strength of your plans with consistency plans as well as water supply and wastewater requirements,which require that future plans management plans for a more granular and zoning codes be consistent with the understanding of water use by land use type. comprehensive plan. • Reference comprehensive and master plan • Look for confusing or conflicting language, goals and strategies in the establishment or goals, policies, processes, or regulations and update of associated land use policies. take steps to clarify and align them. 18 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO • A revised tap fee structure to reflect water usage that incentivizes low water using plumbing fixtures and drought tolerant landscape palettes. • Revised landscape requirements that require water-wise vegetation and irrigation and limits the amount of turfgrass. • Partnership between Community Development k,� Department and Public Works to establish a landscape reviewer and an inspection position to ensure compliance with landscape requirements post-construction. • Establishing a forecasting system,recently enhanced,for projecting the water demand of Photo by Julie Blake CASE STUDY proposed new development by use type,rather than by a water-per-capita measurement that is adjustable based on differing water conservation MOVING FORWARD ON LINKING assumptions. WATER & DEVELOPMENT • Increased reporting to City Council on water supply -WESTMINSTER, CO and demand projections. In 2013,Westminster adopted a new comprehensive Stemming from acute water supply infrastructure plan that changed the trajectory of future growth by challenges that resulted in a Mother's March on City Hall emphasizing redevelopment and designating growth focus in 1962,the City of Westminster has become progressively areas within the City.The City participated in the inaugural more sophisticated in linking water and land use plans, Growing Water Smart workshop in 2017 and received policies,and programs. technical assistance funding to conduct a gap analysis to For example,the City operated a Growth Management review existing ordinances,codes,and guidelines and make Program starting in 1978 with an annual competition for recommendations for design standards and landscape service commitments of residential developments.The code updates to increase sustainability.The City updated competition used a series of minimum standards and a its development review process to include Public Works menu of incentive points to rank projects,with a limited and Utilities,updated their landscape code,and retired number of service commitments awarded annually for the growth management program after ensuring the new dwelling units to be built.This resulted in growth achievement of desired infrastructure and water supply/ that maintained the balance between water supply and demand goals through other means. demand and established park and open space amenities From 2018-2020,the City launched a major community across the City. engagement process that sought to further the integration Over the past 20 years,the City has implemented several and alignment of the city's major plans:Comprehensive, key strategies to ensure that water supply and demand Transportation &Mobility,Sustainability,Water Supply,and was appropriately addressed in new development.These a Unified Development Code update.Combined,these included: elements will cover water quality,quantity,supply and demand,and resilience. WATER-SMART PLANNING 119 CASE STUDY, CONT. Adopted in March 2023,the City's 2040 Comprehensive 6. Enforce and adapt low water use, native, pollinator- Plan puts the link between water supply and growth front friendly landscaping regulations and center.The second paragraph of the plan states that 7. Encourage high-efficiency indoor technology "Westminster's water supply is finite and all decisions related to the physical development of the city are 8. Utilize reclaimed water to reduce potable water grounded in water supply....To be truly sustainable,the city demand must live within available resources,which may be further 9. Align conservation program with equity and constrained by drought and the extent of conservation sustainability goals activities." 10.Evaluate developer responsibility for water and With a robust set of 14 initiatives around water conservation wastewater infrastructure and sustainable resource management,the 2040 Plan sets 11. Adopt water-efficient tap fees that recover impacts the City up to achieve the following: of development 1. Coordinate development review for water-land use 12. Adopt fair and equitable water rates that fund CIP integration and utility services 2. Monitor development trends that impact water 13. Maintain income-qualified water bill assistance 3. Educate decision-makers on water and program development 14. Implement stormwater fee that supports floodplain, 4. Implement Water Efficiency Plan recommendations stormwater,and infrastructure needs 5. City facilities and properties lead by example 20 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO • The water element of the now-adopted 2022 community master plan is entitled "Water Conservation," highlighting the focus of the goals contained in the section.The plan's • five principles,each accompanied by implementation - 4, strategies, include: • 41116r,...,` 1. Promoting the wise use of water in the residential • , . �! 1• . - K and commercial sector i ''` . . - 2. Aligning codes,zoning, policies,and development �� - dN,# „'. ,'t '�' cR' with the directionprovided in the water efficiency �. 0, \¢ 4 :per 4 ! Y '. P • plan ,� ,/ Sr 4 1f� d ,.•ui °,' f ^�� ,�`; l ?,�IF,A 3. sustainably managing its water resources to , , ( "' f ,1,67 „ �_*`' ' 1'F enhance community resilience ' - -4�. Photo byJord n Hopkins 4. Protecting the watershed and promoting watershed CASE STUDY health 5. Using easements,acquisitions,and other creative INCORPORATING WATER strategies to protect watersheds and promote new EFFICIENCY GOALS INTO THE housing opportunities. MASTER PLAN - EVANS, CO In order to track progress toward their water goals„the City applied to participate in the Water and Land Use Metrics Pilot Program.The project explored how land use strategies The City of Evans has taken a proactive and cross- in their Water Efficiency Plan, Master Plan,and outdoor disciplinary approach to ensure that future development land use code impact potable and non-potable water. and redevelopment in the City aligns with their water This was done by developing a tool that allowed for metric conservation goals.After participating in the Growing calculation over time to evaluate impacts. Water Smart workshop alongside neighboring City of Greeley,Evans identified the need to more thoroughly The project team,supported by Brendle Group,developed integrate the goals in their newly updated Water a tool to evaluate the City's progress toward their potable Efficiency Plan into the update of their long-range and non-potable water efficiency goals. Progress is Community Master Plan. being made toward the goal of reducing water use by10% by 2029,even with increasing population.To Evans received a Growing Water Smart Technical accelerate savings,the water tool illuminated additional Assistance grant to work with Del Corazon Consulting on a opportunities.Areas identified include outdoor water policy scan and recommendations project that highlighted conservation programs, new development,and the opportunities for strengthening the water element in their promotion of non-potable use. master plan. WATER-SMART PLANNING 121 SECTION 2 ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT Water supply should be demonstrated as adequate and sustainable before any development is approved. 22 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO CASE Water adequacy rules link supply-side management to demand- side management. Local governments are often able to set their own STATEMENTstandards that: (1) establish procedures to comply with statutory water supply requirements prior to development approval; (2) require longer time horizons for demonstrating sustainable water supply;or(3) connect zoning and community goals to water supply adequacy and development approvals. States across the West have adopted statutes intended to ensure that communities have sufficient water supplies for new development, recognizing that: New development creates Government has a role to new water demand. play in ensuring sufficient and sustainable water supplies for new and existing property owners. Growth pressures on water Collaboration between supplies require stronger local governments and connection between land water providers is essential use approval and water to ensuring water supply planning at the state, reliability as well as promoting regional, and local levels. water conservation and efficiency. ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 123 TOOLBOX: ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY REGULATIONS The State of Colorado Revised Statutes(C.R.S.) require The Water Adequacy Rule is contained within Part 3 local governments to determine whether a proposed of the Local Government Land Use Control Enabling development will have an adequate and sustainable Act(C.R.S.§29-20-301),which applies to all local water supply prior to approval. Known as the water governments. Counties and local governments reliant adequacy rule,the state defines water adequacy as on groundwater designated by the State of Colorado "a water supply that will be sufficient for build-out must also comply with additional parts of the Colorado of the proposed development in terms of quality. Revised Statutes. Relevant statutes are identified in quantity, dependability. and availability to provide a the table below and explained further in the following supply of water for the type of development proposed sections of this chapter. and may include reasonable conservation measures and water demand management measures to account for hydrologic variability." TABLE 2: COLORADO REVISED STATUTES' COUNTIES MUNICIPALITIES TITLE 29 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Article 20- Local Government Regulation of Land Use and the Local Government Land Use Control Enabling Act §29-20-103 Part 1:Definition of Development Permit • • §29-20-301 Part 3: Water Adequacy • • TITLE 30 COUNTY GOVERNMENT Article 28-County Government Planning and Building Codes §30-28-101 Part 1:Definitions • §30-28-133(3)c-d Part 1:Subdivision Regulation Submission Requirements • §30-28-133(6)Part 7:Subdivision Approval Requirements for Water Supply • §30-28-136 Referral And Review Requirements • TITLE 37 WATER AND IRRIGATION Article 90 - Underground Water §37-90-106 Small Capacity Wells • • §37-90-137(4)(b)(1)Statewide Non-tributary Ground Water Rules • • and the 700 Year Depletion Rule Article 91 -Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Contractors §37-91-101—37-91-113 2 CCR 402-2 Division of Water Resources Rules And • • Regulations For Water Well Construction, Pump Installation,etc. Article 92-Water Right Determination and Administration §37-92-602 Exempt Wells • • [9]Current Colorado Revised Statutes can be found on the Colorado General Assembly Office of Legislative Services webpage. 24 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO Local Government Compliance for Adequate parcel of land that is divided into two or more parcels, Water Supply must submit, as part of the development application These interrelated layers of state statutes create additional materials, proof of adequate water supply. differences in the compliance requirements Additionally,the County Government Planning and with adequate water supply for counties and Building Codes adds a requirement for information towns/municipalities. for water and sewer systems within counties.The first two of these requirements are in addition to the water Towns and Municipalities adequacy rule and the third is repetitive.These include: For statutory towns and municipalities, the Local Government Land Use Control Enabling Act is the • Estimated total number of gallons per day of guiding statute for water adequacy compliance.The water system requirements where a distribution minimum threshold for compliance is established system is proposed. in the definition of a development permit as"an • Estimated total number of gallons per day of application regarding a specific project that includes sewage to be treated where a central sewage new water use in an amount more than that used treatment facility is proposed, or sewage by 50 single-family equivalents (SFEs) or fewer as disposal means and suitability where no central determined by the local government" (C.R.S.§29-20 sewage treatment facility is proposed. 103).While this threshold of 50 SFE is quite high, local • Adequate evidence that a water supply that governments have the authority to establish a lower is sufficient in terms of quality,quantity, and threshold and a more rigorous review process. dependability will be available to ensure an adequate supply of water for the type of Counties subdivision proposed.Such evidence may Counties are held to a higher standard of adequate include, but shall not be limited to: water supply review by the statute for County 0 Evidence of ownership or right of Government Planning and Building Codes.This acquisition of or use of existing and statute requires that any subdivision,defined as any proposed water rights; TABLE 3: STATE OF COLORADO REQUIREMENT FOR APPLYING WATER ADEQUACY REVIEW COUNTIES TOWNS/MUNICIPALITIES 2 or more lots 50 single family equivalents (SFEs), Threshold for (exemption:statutory cluster or fewer if required Adequacy Determination developments) State Engineer Review Required Not Required, Optional Determination Timing Either Preliminary or Final Plat By Final Plat ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 125 0 Historic use and estimated yield of claimed a well permit) and is determined through a process water rights; (either a decree and/or well permit).The total quantity 0 Amenability of existing rights to a change of water to be withdrawn is limited by the 100-year in use; water supply rule.This rule, defined in the state * Evidence that public or private water statutes in the definition of non-tributary and not non- owners can and will supply water to the tributary water,states the withdrawal "will not,within proposed subdivision stating the amount one hundred years of continuous withdrawal, deplete of water available for use within the the flow of a natural stream at an annual rate greater subdivision and the feasibility of extending than one-tenth of one percent of the annual rate of service to that area; withdrawal." Development applications in managed 0 Evidence concerning the potability of the groundwater basins must meet the requirements proposed water supply for the subdivision. of both the adequate water supply rule and the 100- year rule. Finally, counties are also required, as part of the Referral and Review Requirements in Title 30 (C.R.S.§ The caveat for the 100-year supply rule is that the 30-28-136),to submit a subdivision application's proof Groundwater Management Act notably excludes of adequate water supply to the Division of Water oversight of small capacity wells (defined for the Resources (the State Engineer's Office) for review of designated groundwater basins as wells producing both the approval of a well permit and a review of 50 gallons per minute or less).Small capacity wells water quantity. are often the primary water source for most domestic household and commercial use in rural areas of Designated Groundwater and the 100 Year Colorado. For counties in designated groundwater Depletion Rule for Water Supply basins,the water supply adequacy rule provides For counties and municipalities reliant on water supply important authority to address this exemption of from the state's designated groundwater basins,there small capacity wells and to integrate a review are additional layers of review as part of Colorado's requirement for small capacity wells into the Groundwater Management Act and rules established development review process. by the Colorado Ground Water Commission.Where Exemption for Statutory Cluster Subdivisions surface and tributary groundwater regulations in Colorado are based on prior appropriation (first in The water adequacy rule exempts any statutory cluster subdivision defined in the County Government time, first in right), groundwater is managed to prevent Planning and Building Codes as"any division of land groundwater mining by placing a limit on the total that creates parcels containing less than thirty-five amount of water that can be withdrawn from a high capacity well (a well of more than 50 gallons per acres each, for single-family residential purposes only, where one or more tracts are being divided pursuant minute).The quantity of the withdrawal is determined to a rural land use process and where at least two- on the estimated amount of groundwater below a thirds of the total area of the tract or tracts is reserved parcel and establishes a maximum total amount of withdrawal (either annually or for the valid period of for the preservation of open space." (CRS§30-28-401) 26 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TABLE 4: SUMMARY OF GROUNDWATER RULES FOR COLORADO w NON-TRIBUTARY NON-TRIBUTARY NOT NON-TRIBUTARY o GROUNDWATER GROUNDWATER GROUNDWATER Location Outside of any designated Designated basin Specified Denver Basin aquifers groundwater basin Influence on No No Yes Surface Water Return Flows or No Yes. In some basins that Yes.At least 4%of the water Augmentation have been designated as pumped to be returned Plan Requirement over-appropriated. to the surface streams, and in some cases,actual replacement of depletions. Oversight DWR/Office of Colorado Ground DWR/Office of Responsibility State Engineer Water Commission, State Engineer OSE,and Groundwater Management Districts Well Permit Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Requirement Water Court Optional Optional Mandatory Decree Requirement Water Depletion Rule Withdrawal will not,within 100 years,deplete the flow of a natural stream at an annual rate greater than 1/10 of 1%of the annual rate of withdrawal. Water Allocation Rule Overlying land ownership based on an assumed 100-year aquifer life where withdrawal does not exceed 1%of the total amount of water recoverable beneath the underlying land. Exemptions Small capacity wells(50 gpm or less)domestic purpose wells consisting of household use, livestock watering,commercial, monitoring and observation,and firefighting.They are permitted by the OSE and exempt from state statutes regulating groundwater unless a groundwater district has adopted rules regulating small capacity wells. ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 127 Proof of Adequate Water Supply 3. Whether the applicant has paid a water Application Submission Requirements supply entity a fee or charge for the purpose of For development application materials,the water acquiring water for or expanding or constructing supply adequacy rule specifies the minimum the infrastructure to serve the proposed information a local government should require, development. depending on the water source,to comply with 4. Any other information deemed relevant by the rule. It should be noted that an applicant is not the local government to determine, in its sole required to own or have acquired the proposed water discretion,whether the water supply for the supply or to have constructed the related infrastructure proposed development is adequate, including, at the time of the application, only to satisfactorily without limitation, any information required demonstrate the adequacy of the supply. to be submitted by the applicant pursuant to applicable local government land use For municipalities and counties,when the service regulations or state statutes. provider is not a government utility and there are numerous water providers, it can complicate having a It should be noted that while the state statute outlines clear picture of the region's water supply. Enhanced what evidence serves as proof of adequate supply and cooperation between water providers and the local the criteria the local government should use,the rule government becomes critical to ensure the water gives local governments considerable authority to supply standards are applied consistently and achieve require information above and beyond the minimum intentions for sustainable water resource management. proof of adequacy outlined in the statute. Evaluation Criteria for Water Adequacy Determination To make a determination of water supply adequacy, the state statute provides local government with criteria including: 1. The application submits materials in the development application consistent with the requirements of C.R.S.§29-20-304 Adequate Water Supply. 2. For counties, a letter from the Division of Water Resources (state engineer) commenting on the sufficiency of the required documentation (on both water rights/permits AND water quantity). 28 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TABLE 5: C.R.S. § 29-20-304 ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS IF THE WATER THE APPLICANT THE LETTER OR REPORT SHALL LETTER OR REPORT SOURCE IS: SHALL PROVIDE: INCLUDE AT A MINIMUM: PREPARED BY: Not a water entity A Water • Estimate of water supply requirements Registered professional Supply Report through build out conditions. engineer or water supply • Description of the physical source of water expert acceptable to the supply to serve development. local government • Estimate of the amount of water yield projected from water source under various hydrologic conditions. • Water conservation measures that may be implemented within the development. • Water demand management measures that may be implemented within the development to account for hydrologic variability. A water entity No Requirement Nothing needs to be submitted IF the following with a water conditions are met: supply plan • The water supply plan is adopted by the water entity's board. • It has been prepared within the past 10 years. • It has a 20-year planning horizon. • Lists the conservation measures within the service area (if any). • Lists water demand management measures that may be implemented within the development. • Includes a general description of the water supply entity's water obligations. • Includes a general description of the water supply entity's water supplies. • The report is on file with the local government. A water entity A Will Serve Letter • Estimate of water supply requirements Registered professional without a water (in lieu of a water through build out conditions. engineer or water supply supply plan Description of the physical source of water expert from the water entity supply report only P P Y IF approved as supply to serve development. an alternative by • Estimate of the amount of water yield local government) projected from water source under various hydrologic conditions. Additional Information: • Water conservation measures that may be The statute gives a local government implemented within the development. the authority to require additional • Water demand management measures that information to make a determination may be implemented within the development of adequacy. to account for hydrologic variability. ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 129 Best Practices for Adopting an Adequate Water DWR or the local government entity. If a water Supply Policy: provider,they are regulated by CDPHE. 7While the statutes require local governments to prove Water Efficiency,Conservation or Demand water supply, there is wide variation across Colorado Management Practices:While not widely used across Colorado, the state statute gives in how this requirement is integrated into local authority to the local government to include government regulations and policies. Best practices water efficiency and conservation practices as linking water supply to new development include: conditions of approval that would reduce the 1. Define Water Adequacy:The statute projected water demand. defines water adequacy as quality,quantity, 8. Uniform or Specific Area Application:A policy dependability,and availability. Policies that applies to all new development, includes should specifically define each of these thresholds that trigger higher level of review indicators and the information required to or additional information, or define specific demonstrate proof. overlay zones where water resources are 2. Articulation of Approved Water Source(s): particularly scarce or there are variations that Definition of and clearly identified allowable trigger specific requirements (e.g. recharge water sources,whether from a water provider, zones, different water provider service areas, individual wells,shared wells, cisterns, specific hydrological zones,etc.) renewable or nonrenewable. 9. Maps: Maps of geographic locations or zones 3. Water Rights Inventory: Legal demonstration where different adequacy requirements or of future water source(s) by either the review processes apply. acquisition or dedication of surface water 10.Clearly Defined Review Processes:Specificity rights or state approval for future wells. on what information is required for each 4. Methodology for Water Demand Projections: phase of the development review process and A specific methodology for how to calculate who conducts the review at each phase. the amount of water that the development 11. Engineering Standards for Water Distribution will require at full build-out for indoor and System: Except for individual wells, the outdoor and for different uses. engineering requirements for a water system 5. Demonstration of Water Availability: For each connection or distribution system clearly source(s) as defined by requirements for water articulated in development regulations or a quantity (e.g.water supply plan,well test, reference to specific policy guidelines. conditional will serve letter), the expected 12.Clear requirement,where necessary,for availability of the water supply (e.g. availability augmentation:Augmentation requirements under drought and normal conditions), the differ across the state, but generally the water supply plan timeframe (e.g. minimum requirement is for an alternative water supply of 20 years),etc. plan, an augmentation plan, or purchase of 6. Proof of Water Potability:When wells are augmentation certificates. drilled, a requirement for a potable water test to be conducted and submitted to either 30 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO State Agengy Roles and Responsibilities During Development Review The State of Colorado Department of Public Health & review process. Development code regulations should Environment as well as the Division of Water Resources mention them as a review agency to be in compliance each play an important role in the water supply with the state regulations. TABLE 6: STATE AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC DIVISION OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT WATER RESOURCES Permitting of potable water systems. Design standards for construction of wells by contractors. Facility design standards for construction Permitting of wells for public, of water supply treatment and distribution community,and individual system through the Engineering Section. residential and commercial wells. Water quality compliance of public and community water systems at the Water Quality Control Division. Review and approval of At this time,individual wells are not required augmentation plans. to be tested by the State.CDPHE does encourage property owners to conduct testing.Some counties have begun to require a water quality test for new wells as part of the submittal requirement. ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 131 TOOLBOX: WATER BUDGETS Water providers and local governments use water • As part of a strategy to reduce or limit indoor or budgets,also known as water allowances,as a tool outdoor water demand. to manage water supplies.The term water budget • A conservation rate structuring strategy is applied to multiple practices and they are often to incentivize water savings in individual confused. In general,water budgets can be thought households or businesses. of in the context of: These different purposes are summarized below. • During development review to assess water adequacy. As a development review tool.When used in the development approval process, it helps assess • As part of a development or service water availability and adequacy.A water budget agreement assigning a specific quantity of summarizes the total water demand estimated for water to a development application. new development. It should include all uses of water (indoor,outdoor), reuse and/or recharge, and land use type (residential/commercial/industrial/agriculture). Local governments and water providers use a wide variety of methodologies to determine a development's water budget.These different methodologies vary in accuracy.The most common methodologies include: .;; � �,• • Per capita per unit. • Per standardized unit for a household or !, \.• business (like equivalency units). • No • Per historical use. • Per individual indoor and outdoor calculations. 1 % • Per acre/square foot — The water demand calculation is evaluated against ' "• 211r\l' / ' 11 existing supplies to determine if sufficient water is available to serve the development.While the water budget may be used solely for the development N "N. � � \ review process and extension of service, it can also / Photo by Nathan Dumlao be used to establish the"water allowance" for a development where the water provider then monitors the development for compliance with the approved water allowance. 32 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO As an outdoor water conservation tool.An outdoor Best Practices for Developing a Water Budget: water budget is a water management tool used • Develop a consistent water demand calculation to estimate and/or allocate the amount of water a methodology for assessing water adequacy. It is landscape will require.A good landscape water budget more accurate if it accounts for indoor, outdoor, takes into account evapotranspiration data, plant use type typologies,and density. type(s), purpose and functionality of the landscape, • Align methodologies and data sources across irrigated landscape area, irrigation efficiency,and partners.Communities that compare and climate data. Most frequently, it is integrated into a coordinate data and information build a mutual development application as part of the regulatory understanding, improve communication,and requirements for a landscape plan. reduce uncertainty about water availability. As an indoor water conservation tool.An indoor water • Connect water billing and actual land use budget establishes how much water a new building data using GIS.Granularity and accuracy may require.An indoor water budget is calculated of estimations inform rate structuring and based on the flow rates of the fixtures and the advance efficiency programs. It helps with understanding the water use patterns and appliances that will be provided by the builder(e.g. trends of land uses and densities.While this toilets, faucets,shower heads, dishwashers).There are approach requires significant capacity, it helps more and more off-the-shelf calculators available to not only with water adequacy review, but other estimate individual project or household indoor and types of development applications such as outdoor water budgets. what impact rezoning proposal could have. As a conservation water rate structure tool. For • For commercial and industrial,shift units of utilities,a water budget is the amount of water a demand measurement for greater accuracy. customer is allotted annually and per billing cycle Instead of water demand "per-acre,"scale to a based on the size and use of the structure, quantity "per-unit"or"per-square-foot-of-building-area" of outdoor landscaping, and historical water demand. calculation. Water budgets help promote water conservation by • For residential uses, align water allowances with incentivizing water customers to stay within their building permit applications and water budget budget as they pay more for exceeding their budget. worksheets that account for fixtures, appliances, Water budgets are often in tiered blocks with customer and irrigation. rates increasing for each tier they exceed. • Utilize water allowances to establish a maximum amount of water for indoor and outdoor use. While there are many methodologies,some communities have moved to a water allowance,then enabling the developer/builder to have flexibility in selecting fixtures, appliances, and landscaping within that budget. ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 133 An individual and/or non-district water source must CAS E STU DY submit a water plan that includes: • The source(s)of water. ZONING BY HYDROLOGY IN THE • The water supply delivery system,including the DENVER BASIN - DOUGLAS structures to be used for the diversion or extraction COUNTY, CO of the water,the conveyance system,and the required storage facilities. • Demonstration of the reliability of the water Douglas County is reliant on the Denver aquifer,a supply,both from a physical and legal supply non-renewable water source with great variability in perspective,and including all losses associated hydrology across the county.Additionally,there are many with the delivery and storage system to be used. water providers serving different areas of the county. In order to better manage water resources,Douglas • Proof that the water supply is owned and can be used by the applicants for the purposes intended County developed a water-supply zoning overlay with in the application. four districts that align with and address the variations between different hydrological zones.Each zone requires ' Proof that all necessary decrees, permits,and any a different combination of water sources intended to other legal requirements are in place that allow the legal use of the water supply. protect groundwater by diversifying the water supply and the County's reliance on non-renewable sources. • The timing of the development demands through the build out of the project. The overlay requirements apply to rezoning permits • Estimated demand of the development. and planned developments that either increase density or propose a change in land use as well as site and A water provider water source must submit a water supply subdivision applications.The requirements define report that includes: appropriate water supply sources,standards for well • A summary or report of the water rights owned or tests or a renewable water right,a land dedication for controlled. open space to protect groundwater,and documentation • A description of fully-executed contracts and/or standards to demonstrate compliance with the water IGAs with other water providers in which all of the adequacy rule. The policy documentation standard terms and conditions of the contract and/or IGA requires a report with the content determined upon have been satisfied,as demonstrated by a signed whether the water source is a water provider or a well. will-serve letter from the provider. While the state's 100-year rule applies,the policy identifies • The anticipated yield of these rights in both an two zones where the aquifer characteristics are less average year and a dry year. reliable and unlikely to produce the full quantity of water. • The present demand and the anticipated demand Water supply verification requires both static and dynamic on the supplier due to commitments for service water supply analysis.The code explain that the"static entered into that are not yet supplied. analysis would include evaluation of the volume of water • The amount of uncommitted firm supply available that is appropriable for the proposed development" for future commitment and development. while"the dynamic analysis would evaluate whether the • A summary of what water rights the applicant will appropriable water supply is sustainable for 100 years, convey to a District and what water credits the giving consideration to the location within the Basin, applicant must purchase from a District,if any,to as well as impacts caused by both current and future serve the development. pumping by others in the Basin." • A map of the service area. 34 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO • The water supply report for wells or surface . diversions. • Standards for well tests to determine both well yields as well as water-bearing capacity of the _ — aquifer. • Standards for water supply infrastructure. • Water quality tests or CDPHE compliance reports for potability. • Articulation of required information for each phase of the development review process. • Criteria establishing a clear basis for review and L determination of sufficient water supply. Photo by O'Neal Turner The standards apply to all developments,although CASE STU DY subdivisions with four or fewer lots may submit a simpler water-resource summary in lieu of a full water supply REQUIRING A 300-YEAR SUPPLY report.This policy is an example of how to provide detail VERSUS THE STATE 100-YEAR and clarity in a code requirement and how to be explicit RATE OF WITHDRAWAL - EL PASO about the information required at what stage in the decision-making processes. COUNTY, CO The state's 100 year rule determines the quantity of water permitted to be withdrawn from under a parcel El Paso County,one of Colorado's fastest growing regions, and the rate of withdrawal based on a 100 year supply. established one of the state's clearest water adequacy It does not determine how much water that allowance rules in the mid-1980's.It was developed over three can serve.The density of the project and type of project years to address concerns of unprecedented growth and is the responsibility of the local government's zoning challenging surface and groundwater resources.The El regulations. El Paso County's 300 year requirement Paso County water adequacy standards are clear and establishes that a project's water supply for a project extremely comprehensive,offering extensive detail in (surface and/or groundwater) needs to be sufficient for a defining terminology and processes for verifying water period of 300 years. This requirement does not change adequacy for each water source,including: the total amount of water allocated by the state,but rather • Articulation of approved water sources. the total quantity of water an applicant needs to have • Demand calculation methodologies for surface- available to serve a new development. If the water supply is water and groundwater sources. inadequate to meet this standard,a developer must either acquire additional supplies or reduce the density of the • For urban density projects,a 300-year supply development to comply with the 300-year requirement. requirement,regardless of surface or groundwater. • Specific information requirements for water provider's will serve letters. ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 135 • An aquifer test with specific requirements outlined for cases where water requirements are greater than identified standards per acre. • A final water availability analysis,conducted by the planning and zoning department, is used to review sub-basin hydrology,climate and existing land development. The two-page Water Supply Information Summary form, It �. which must be completed and submitted for development •r proposals using well-water systems, is based on a similar f V.t s 're format developed by the Division of Water Resources.This 4 application form includes a checklist of the water-quality • bacteriological and chemical analysis results,well test Photo by Holly Mandarkn data,water-demand estimates,water right verification, CASE STU DY and when required,aquifer test results.The form is used by both the County hydrologist and the Division of Water ZONING FOR UNRELIABLE GEOLOGY Resources to review development applications. WITH RENEWABLE GROUNDWATER Additionally,Jefferson County developed the Mountain -JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO Groundwater Overlay District(Section 42)to respond to increasing development occurring on wells in mountainous areas of the county where the hydrogeology was unreliable. Jefferson County,a participating team in the 2018 The water supply in this zone draws from a complicated Growing Water Smart workshop,has identified and fractured rock aquifer which is common in Colorado's honed approaches for confirming that new development high country. In this type of aquifer, recharge from septic possesses adequate and sustainable water supply even in or natural replenishment does not necessarily occur in the its mountainous areas. same place where water is withdrawn.The overlay adds requirements to the water supply standards for a higher The Jefferson County Section 21:Water Supply policy level of review for developments that exceed an estimated requires applicants to submit information on: water demand including a 4-hour pump yield test to • Proof of legal water based on documentation that demonstrate well yield adequacy and aquifer recharge includes Water Court decrees and/or well permits. sustainability. • A water-supply report proving quality,quantity, dependability,and quality prepared by a professional geologist or registered engineer qualified in water resource engineering. • Requirements for report content are specified. • A water supply information summary. 36 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TOOLBOX: WATER DEMAND OFFSET PROGRAMS Water demand offset programs(WDOs) help Best Practices for Managing a Water Demand manage water supplies by requiring new Offset Program: development to offset their projected water • Establish a water bank or authority to monitor demand either through retrofitting existing and administer the program. development or a dedication of new water rights. • Determine the offset ratio.A ratio of 1:1 The goal is that all new development,including the will maintain the current water supply- expansion of existing homes or businesses,can be demand balance, and a 2:1 mitigation ratio "water neutral" in the water supply system.Some will reduce the ratio of demand relative to communities provide an in-lieu fee alternative supply.Wastewater reclamation projects that is then used by the water provider to acquire are more reliable and are given a 1:1 offset new water rights.WDOs are not a common tool value, and supplies created through demand in Colorado, but have been used successfully in management are considered temporary and California and New Mexico. are given a 2:1 ratio. • If fee-based,ensure the charge reflects the costs of implementing the offset as well as administrative costs.Costs of developing new supplies are borne by the entity needing to offset demand. Fee schedules can be a flat rate or based on percentage. • Require verification of sufficient water supplies and water budgets.Work completed by IMP developers must include documentation and verification by local program administrators. • Consider when the offset fee is to be paid to _ allow enough time to procure supplies with • Ff1those fees by the time the new demand is ,—__.$ i ' "4 3` created by the development. 4_� if. . ..i. °, , �. %R N' ,—... `(.\ ki,iiii, it4 • • f s. % i } Photo by Adrien Gonin Unsplash ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 137 • For new development requiring greater than this demand,water rights would be required to offset #° new demand. To help developers offset demand,the City developed a toilet retrofits program in the 1990s.The program �,. . . _ connected willing homeowners who desired a retrofit to r ,`rultE� ''; I developers who could either buy credits from a qualified ! broker or do it themselves. ,Y\ —I This program was so successful that the City nearly I maximized its conservation potential. In response,the City �"' �' updated its water demand offset program.The revised 1 A Id, program includes the creation of a water bank to hold E y,,d,_ Photo by Nina Henry conservation credits for future development and a Water CASE STU DY Conservation Credit Program.This program includes: • The addition of rebates for more types of water use WATER DEMAND OFFSET PROGRAM efficient appliances or retrofits of older ones and - CITY OF SANTA FE, NM for outdoor watering equipment; • A water budget program where a water user enters into an agreement to use less water and the City The City of Santa Fe,New Mexico began a Water monitors the usage and pays the customer for the Conservation Program in 1997 that has contributed to a reduction in use;and per capita water use reduction of more than 50%since 1995 bringing demand down to 56 gallons per capita per • A"free stuff' program including low-flow faucet day(GPCD). and shower heads. A 2002 drought caused the City's demand to exceed The water demand offset program applies to commercial supply.The City took aggressive action initiating a projects that require 5 acre-feet per year(AFY)or more, rate structure increase,a rebate program,and a water residential projects that require 10 AFY or more,and mixed demand offset program.Their water demand offset use projects that require 7.5 AFY or more. program gained national recognition demonstrating its effectiveness as a way to meet future demand.The program set requirements for all new development to offset water demand either through conservation in existing development or transfer of water rights to the City The requirements are: • For residential development requiring under 10 acre feet/yr and commercial development requiring under 5 acre feet/yr,the water demand offset could be met through conservation; 38 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TOOLBOX: WATER ALLOCATION POLICIES Water supply for new development typically occurs Best Practices for Developing a Water on a "first come,first serve" basis.With infinite Allocation Policy: supplies,the allocation of water is not an issue, but as • Evaluate your water supply in terms of communities across the West find themselves with achieving your community plans, priorities, water supply and demand gaps,communities are and build out. wanting to be more deliberate with how they allocate • Establish a base water allowance per their remaining supplies to grow their community. development based on an assessment of A water allocation policy offers water providers and your water data to determine water demand averages for different development types local governments a decision-making structure to and uses. dedicate their water resources in accordance with their community's needs and vision.An allocation policy is • Determine what type of water allocation policy tailored to suit the strategic goals and priorities of a will best suit your water resource management needs.There are many ways to structure a community by allocating its water supply to categories water allocation policy.Some communities of development such as specific land use types, chose a tiered-allocation approach where economic development, affordable housing,water they only evaluate a development application efficiency, and community infill or revitalization. that crosses a higher water demand threshold while most other development projects remain illias unaffected by the policy.Other communities opt for a points-based system with points awarded for achieving community goals with 41 .� a minimum score required to receive a water •- '�r---,:i r of, allocation. Others chose to distribute the community's remaining water supply in acre • •-igia 1° feet available for certain types of development / " ' consistent with the community's goals. ilit • Communicate the allocation policy as a tool I 1 r, for protecting the rights of your current water ii\ I 1 users and stewarding your community's F natural resources for the greatest benefit to I 1 - Ire r .r r the community. Photo by Josh Olalde ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 139 TOOLBOX: ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLIES Alternative water supplies can also help diversify a 1. At single-family households or multi-family water portfolio,allowing existing water supplies to households with four or fewer units.A be stretched farther.They can be particularly useful maximum of two (2) rain barrels can be used to ease the demand pressure placed on water and per household and the combined storage of the wastewater systems during warmer months when 2 rain barrels cannot exceed 110 gallons. irrigation demand increases.Alternative water 2. Single-family households on an exempt well supplies include: may apply for a Rooftop Precipitation Collection • Raw surface water System Permit from the Division of Water • Building rainwater harvesting Resources.These collection system permits do • Recycled water not limit the size of the rain barrel, but water • Graywater use collected may only be used for the uses allowed • Stormwater harvesting (see Section 4) under the resident's exempt well permit. 3. Developers are eligible to participate in pilot Raw Surface Water projects that harvest rainwater and put it to Communities may require outdoor irrigation,with beneficial use in the subdivision.These projects appropriate water rights,to be supplied by untreated, must be approved by the Division of Water or"raw"surface water from ponds, lakes, ditches,and Resources. Sterling Ranch used this option as rivers.While this water source takes pressure off the part of its water supply plan. treated water system, it should not be considered an unlimited water supply nor incentivized as a lower- For developments with Colorado adapted landscapes, cost option. Rather it should be considered a valuable rainwater harvesting is a significantly lower cost resource and used as efficiently as other water sources. investment compared to the cost of installing irrigation Where the infrastructure exists, raw water can be systems,turf, and outdoor water tap and meter fees. required.To stretch raw water supplies, apply water Recycled Water conservation and efficiency practices as you would Water recycling is the collection of wastewater for with treated water. treatment and reapplication for beneficial uses. Building Rainwater Harvesting Recycled water is a reliable supply that is"drought- Rainwater harvesting is runoff that is collected from proof"and locally controlled. Most often recycled roofs into storage systems, reducing demand for water is treated to non-potable,or non- drinkable, treated water supplies. Rainwater can be harvested in standards and used for irrigation and some industrial rain barrels or cistern systems that funnel rooftop runoff uses. However,there are limits to non potable reuse to water collection tanks to be used with minimal to applications, and costs must be considered,such as the no treatment for landscape irrigation. In Colorado, costs of treatment,for planning and operating a dual rainwater harvesting is limited compared to other infrastructure system.As treatment technology has western states.Authorized under C.R.S§37-96-103, improved, some communities have opted to recycle rainwater capture for outdoor irrigation purposes only water through an advanced purification process to are allowed under the following three circumstances: treat to potable water standards. 40 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO Potable water reuse systems can be direct or indirect. Best Practices for Using Alternative Water Direct reuse systems integrate the ultrapure treated Supplies: water directly into the drinking water system or into • Require non-potable water for irrigation but the raw water supplying the system.A growing handful use it efficiently.Water used outdoors does not of communities in the United States practice direct re-enter the treatment system and thus should reuse. Far more common are indirect reuse systems, not be considered an unlimited supply. in which recycled water is treated to similarly high • Set the culture that all water is valuable, and standards and is then released into another body of non-potable water should not be incentivized water,called an "environmental buffer," for storage. as a lower-cost option, particularly if your Environmental buffers can be groundwater—reached community struggles to fund treatment or through either natural infiltration or injection wells—or delivery infrastructure. surface water such as reservoirs,wetlands, or riverbeds. • Use and promote reclaimed or recycled water The blended water is eventually retrieved,treated on commercial and industrial landscapes. again, and ultimately distributed into the drinking • Establish "purple pipe" recycled water delivery water system. systems throughout all new development. Graywater Use Strategically place"purple pipes" in Unlike recycled water, graywater is collected from redevelopment projects to promote access to parks and other areas with large non-potable non-sewage water(bathtubs,sinks, laundry) and water demand. used on-site,with little treatment,for irrigation. By • law,graywater is defined in Colorado in Regulation Incorporate on site water recycling 86 Graywater Control Regulation as"that portion of technologies at high-water-use industries such as car washes and laundromats in a water wastewater that, before being treated or combined conservation ordinance. with other wastewater, is collected from fixtures within residential, commercial, or industrial buildings • Direct industrial or institution scale air or institutional facilities for the purpose of being put conditioning condensate into a water to beneficial uses.Sources of graywater are limited to harvesting feature in the landscape design. discharges from bathroom and laundry room sinks, • Adopt a graywater ordinance or incentive for bathtubs, showers, and laundry machines." residential use. Enable inexpensive"laundry to landscapes" home installations in your code. Graywater does not include wastewater from toilets, • Promote residential rain barrels. Develop rebate urinals, kitchen sinks, dishwashers, or non-laundry incentive programs for cisterns at discounted utility sinks. Graywater use is only allowed under a local rates or as a negotiation with developers for graywater control program and must meet the local an increased water allowance as a condition requirements adopted pursuant to these regulations. of approval.Target residential development to Unauthorized graywater use and discharges are require rain barrels in your landscape code or prohibited (for exclusions see Reg 86). water conservation ordinance. ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FOR DEVELOPMENT 41 SECTION 3 WATER - SMART LAND USE POLICIES PROCESSES Policies, programs, and processes that govern where and how development occurs can greatly impact the management of water resources. 42 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO CAS E Water demand is both a function of household size, income, and lifestyle habits as well as how we plan,design,and maintain our communities. STATEMENTResearch indicates that when it comes to saving water,where and how we build really matters.To use less water,the best policy is to make water- ' smart development—using the development patterns,standards, and practices listed below—the most common type of development. Efficiencies can be found in compact development patterns and in the design of the building, site, and systems, especially landscaping. We know that: Medium density development Smaller lots consume less High-performing,water- consumes less water per water than larger lots. efficient plumbing and capita than low density building standards reduce development patterns. water consumption. Newer appliances and Xeric and climate- Households that conserve water plumbing fixtures are more appropriate plantings and save money for themselves efficient than old ones. maintenance practices and the water provider,while consume less water. preserving water for other people and nature. WATER-SMART LAND USE POLICIES&PROCESSES 143 TOOLBOX: COMPACT DEVELOPMENT While most water conservation and efficiency parking requirements, minimum lot sizes, lot efforts related to land use have primarily focused setbacks. on outdoor watering and indoor plumbing fixtures, • Consider the density and height thresholds that encouraging compact development patterns can trigger the need for cooling towers and mitigate bring considerably more benefits.Water usage their associated water demand. Craft your code studies have consistently demonstrated that in urban for your climate and context. areas,increasing density may decrease the total water • Change zoning code to permit multiple types demand of new growth by 2-19 percent 1° Research of residential development (e.g., multiplex, from Colorado and Arizona has demonstrated that townhomes, apartments, accessory dwelling even small adjustments can yield large water savings units) by right in designated growth areas to for cities. provide a diversity of housing options. Promoting water efficient land use patterns provides • Change zoning code to permit compact many additional benefits than simply saving water. mixed-use development by right in designated growth areas. It can also support the more efficient use of existing • infrastructure, protect natural resources, promote In exurban and rural areas,change zoning code walkability, control flooding,and enhance community to permit and incentivize cluster and conservation vibrancy. development by right. • Manage commercial uses by making water Best Practices That Promote intensive uses,such as car washes, nurseries,etc. Compact Development: conditional instead of by right. Permit based • Make rezoning, annexations, and Planned on standards to meet water conservation and Unit Development (PUD) applications efficiency standards such as water recycling. conditional on meeting water conservation • Provide incentives for increased densities using and efficiency standards. development or utility fee reductions/waivers and • Develop future land use plans that density bonuses. establish designated future growth areas • Use citizen/stakeholder committees, public where adequate infrastructure exists for education,and outreach to help elevate options, accommodating growth at higher and/or more assess feasibility and public opinion, and urban densities. prioritize actions. • Change the zoning code to permit smaller lot sizes and higher densities by right in designated districts. • Reduce or remove development standard barriers to compact development such as [10]Colorado Water and Growth Dialogue Final Report,2018 44 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO . ..•� development code was updated to include a requirement for new developments to conduct an analysis of land - suitability,available infrastructure,and water resources. Developers could increase density if they completed a geo- - — hydrological study or entered into an agreement to use less than the allowed one-acre foot of water articulated in a ~^ conservation plan. A 1999 update to the comprehensive plan continued to link • new development to locations with suitable water,services, and infrastructure. In 2001,the County's Sustainable Development Growth Plan changed direction.After thirty •;(c years of trying to protect natural resources by linking lot size and hydrological zones,the County adopted new Photo byMaddyBaker zoning districts and development standards intended to CASE STU DY better protect sensitive land, preserve open space,and ensure high quality infrastructure and services. LAND USE REQUIREMENTS FOR The new approach identified three growth tiers: WATER AVAILABILITY & RESILIENCE • A priority growth area to accommodate new - SANTA FE COUNTY, NM compact development served by surface water or community system and adequate public facilities and services. • A future development area for infill Santa Fe County,New Mexico has been working for nearly development likely to occur within the forty years to integrate water and land use planning by limits of groundwater availability. applying a development suitability lens to reduce natural • And low-density agricultural land,environmentally resource degradation. sensitive land and conservation areas. The County's efforts began in 1980 with the Santa Fe The code includes a Water Supply,Wastewater and County General Plan.The growth management approach Water Conservation requirement(Chapter 7 Section was to locate new growth in locations with adequate 7.13.)that defines how developers can satisfy the need services and infrastructure while trying to limit growth for an adequate water supply.The location and scale of in areas constrained by limited or low-quality water and the development,the lot size,and proximity to water natural hazards. In areas dependent upon groundwater, infrastructure determine whether a development uses a the County was divided into four hydrologic zones where community water system or individual wells.The standards a minimum lot size(base zoning)was set to reduce depend on the water source. groundwater depletions.Within these zones,a 100-year water supply was required with demand calculated based • County Utility: If applicants are connecting to the on an estimate of 1-acre foot per lot,the same as permitted County utility,the only requirement is a written by the State.The minimum lot sizes for the four zones agreement to provide services. included:160 acres,80 acres,40 acres and 10 acres.The WATER-SMART LAND USE POLICIES&PROCESSES 145 CASE STUDY, CONT. • Well: If the applicant is not connecting to Developments must also meet water conservation the County utility,then a more stringent set requirements and file signed water restrictions and of requirements must be met. For a minor covenants with the plat or site development plan subdivision over 5 lots that is zoned to permit an committing to not using more than 0.25 acre foot per individual or shared well,the County requires a year per lot.Water conservation requirements include: valid Office of the State Engineer's well permit and • Low water landscaping/xeriscapes a hydrological study.Standards for the hydrological • Drip irrigation and mulching study include proof of an adequate water supply for 99-years and well test requirements for pump • Kentucky bluegrass is prohibited, non-native grass rates and recovery days linked to the different is limited to 800 sq feet,and must be watered by hydrological formations. water harvested or gray water • Water is permitted for new landscaping for up to As part of development review,a Water Service Availability Report(WSAR)summarizes how a development meets two years, but thereafter only for viability the requirements for an adequate water supply.The • Between May and November,outdoor watering is WSAR includes: prohibited between 11am and 7pm • an analysis of:existing system capacity of the • Rain sensors public water or wastewater supply proposed • Fugitive water prohibition for use; • Rainwater catchment for all new construction • well field capacity or stream,spring,or other to capture a minimum of 85%of the roof source of raw water supply; area drainage • historical average and peak use of potable water; • A domestic well metering program and sub- • the number of hook-ups and the estimated metering of landscape water use potable water demand per hook-up; • WaterSense certified or equivalent plumbing • and the number of hook-ups for which contractual toilets,urinals, lavatory faucets,and shower heads commitments have been made or previous • EnergyStar certified or equivalent dishwasher, development orders have been approved. washing machines Additionally,an application for a letter to serve to the water • Water and energy efficiency hot water systems utility must for service requires a submit a Ready,Willing, • For food service,water available only upon request and Able applicant form which is used to determine the • For lodging services,daily linen services only applicant's water allowance.The application includes upon request not only estimated total demand, but indication of peak periods of demand and a calculation for the maximum • Conservation signage and literature distribution water allowance based on type of use. 46 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TOOLBOX: WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPES According to Colorado State University,"as a • Code enforcement and fines for violations percentage of total water use in the urban Front of standards. Range,outdoor water use accounts for about 40 • A water budget for outdoor water use, ideally percent of all urban water use."Some communities tied to tiered rate structuring that sends a price can see their peak demand triple in the summer, signal to the rate payer. requiring storage and infrastructure to provide a • Training for landscape professionals on water reliable supply.Communities working to make saving landscaping like the Qualified Water landscaping water smart from the start can integrate Efficient Landscaper(QWEL) training program. tools to reduce water demand from new construction. • Maintenance standards and agreements for There are numerous tools available to local multifamily and commercial properties to use governments that integrate best practices for water in contracting landscape services. conservation and efficiency into their codes and standards. Since mandatory requirements significantly increase water savings,the goal of a community These include requirements for: committed to water conversation should be to • A total amount of landscaping permitted based make all new developments and retrofits meet on lot size percentage or square footage. water efficiency standards. • The types of plants that are best suited for the climate and irrigated by hyrdozones. Best Practices for Promoting • The type and amount of turf allowable based Water-Saving Landscapes: on square footage or total landscaped area. • Assess potential water savings by comparing • Soil enhancements and mulching. annual water demands on a new property • Scheduled timing of irrigation to against an older property or properties with comparable area, plantings, and limit evapotranspiration. irrigation methods. • Low-flow and efficient irrigation system technology like drip, bubblers, or • Develop a landscaping design manual that provides specific guidance to individuals and low-flow sprinklers. developers on water-saving tree and plant types • Rain sensors with a shutoff device to reduce and sizes, planting seasons,soil enhancement, watering during natural rainfall events. mulching,and watering times appropriate for • Evapotranspiration (ET) sensors to local climate" adapt irrigation to changing weather • Promote and/or incentivize the use of and soil conditions. individual household rainwater harvesting for outdoor irrigation. [ll]Water-Smart Landscaping Principles are widely promoted in education programs as well as adopted into landscape and water conservation plans. WATER-SMART LAND USE POLICIES&PROCESSES 147 • Develop an incentive for the removal of water- • Change property owner behavior through intensive landscaping by offering landscaping non-regulated options, such as education conversion rebates. and rebate programs managed by the • Provide incentives for developers to use water water provider: efficient or xeric landscapes through reduction 0 Offer rebate programs for water-efficient of tap fees. plumbing fixtures such as low-flow toilets • Maximize the use of graywater and recycled and shower heads, and front loading water for appropriate applications including washing machines. outdoor irrigation, toilet flushing, and 0 Develop rebate programs for turf commercial and industrial processes. removal and replacement with low- • Establish residential, commercial, and public water use landscaping. water efficient landscape code that reduce use 0 Educate about xeriscaping and water- of water for irrigation by regulating: efficient irrigation systems. 0 Irrigated lot coverage 0 Conduct water audits that evaluate 0 Plant types systems and educate property managers on opportunities to increase efficiency. 0 Irrigation system efficiency 0 Empower staff, HOAs, and maintenance 0 Rain sensors and/or evapotranspiration (ET) companies with a command of sensors that adjust watering to changing desert plants,soil health, and watering site conditions best practices. 0 Watering schedules (e.g., before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.,scheduled by zones and day of the week) 0 Soil amendments a 1• 16 • 111.1‘. f 4117111141b • a � r • � Photo by Paul Hanaoka 48 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO CASE STU DY include indoor and outdoor water efficiency,resident education,third-party verification,and monitoring and WATER FEES AND WATER WISE enforcement.Specifically,the requirements are that: LANDSCAPING - CASTLE ROCK, CO • The developer is responsible for seeing the landscape plan through to completion.All front and rear yards must be designed and installed by the builder. • Non-functional turf in non-residential areas The Town of Castle Rock,Colorado is a fast-growing region like apartments,condominiums,townhomes, with the population of 78,000 in 2022,and is anticipated homeowners associations common areas,and to double by 2055.The town relies heavily on groundwater commercial businesses is prohibited. and aquifer levels have been steadily declining.It was clear No turf is allowed in new front yards and is limited a sustainable solution was required to support the water to no more than 500 square feet of irrigated turf needs of a growing population. in backyards. Kentucky bluegrass is prohibited. In response,Castle Rock developed a voluntary,incentive- Turf species that require more than 19 inches of z supplemental irrigation per growing season are based fee program in 2015,which was updated in 2021, not allowed. to encourage new development to be water-efficient. Developers are responsible for the engineering and • 100 percent xeric landscapes are allowed but must construction of all water and sewer mains up to and provide a minimum coverage of 75%by plant including 12" in diameter.The system development fees materials at 5-year maturity in front yards and side pay for the infrastructure of the water system in both yards when adjacent to streets. Rear yards must residential or commercial developments,and for actual have a minimum of 40% plant coverage at 5-year water obtained and developed by the utility for future maturity.The remainder of yard coverage can be water supply. Development with lower gallon per minute composed of mulches,aggregate surfacing,artificial (GPM)water use is rewarded with a reduced system turfs,and hardscapes. development fee. • Residential irrigation design must follow the Town of Castle Rock's Landscape and Irrigation Performance In March 2023,the Town Council approved updates to the Standards and Criteria Manual.Automatic irrigation Water Efficiency Master Plan.The updates include a goal to controllers that are weather-based or soil-moisture achieve a per capita demand of 100 gallons per person per based are required and must be hydrozoned. day by 205013. Key elements to achieve the water reduction goal include reducing the amount of irrigated turf, The Town is taking active steps to reduce its dependence installing advanced metering,and promoting graywater on groundwater,diversify its water portfolio,and systems. For developments with a water efficiency plan encourage innovative water conservation measures in that meets a set of minimum standards,the Town offers new development.You can learn about how Castle Rock is steep reductions in utility system fees.The standards managing water on the Town's website. [12]Town of Castle Rock Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual 2022 [13]Town of Castle Rock Water Resources Strategic Master Plan 2021 WATER-SMART LAND USE POLICIES&PROCESSES 149 y .7* affordable system utilizes gravity-fed water from laundry rooms to water outdoor plants,with no tanks, pumps,or filters required,and typically costs roughly$250. The City of Golden's L2L ordinance was the fourth graywater ',,-111 and first L2L ordinance in Colorado and served as a model for other cities.The successful integration of community members, key stakeholder groups,and the City helped to ensure the approval of Ordinance 2143.Open collaboration between the City of Golden,Western Resource Advocates, -e, and WaterNow Alliance was a determining factor in ensuring the L2L ordinance passed.The team outlined 4' l three key roadblocks: permitting,implementation,and water rights.The ordinance resolved these challenges and Photo by Raychan CAS E STUDY established a framework for the city to further develop and expand future graywater reuse offerings. LAUNDRY TO LANDSCAPE On September 14,2021,the City and County of Broomfield ORDINANCE - GOLDEN, CO approved Ordinance 2158,which approved graywater reuse in single family and non-single family facilities. Broomfield expanded on Golden's L2L ordinance and approved the The City of Golden,in partnership with Western reuse of graywater from laundry and bathroom sinks, Resource Advocates(WRA)and WaterNow Alliance bathtubs,showers,and laundry machines.Graywater can (WNA),developed a graywater ordinance and be used for subsurface irrigation and/or indoor toilet and communication program with the goal of encouraging the urinal flushing. implementation of laundry-to-landscape(L2L)graywater The approval of Ordinance 2143 is the first step in systems in residential homes to reduce peak potable integrating graywater systems into single-family homes. water demands and energy demands related to water Further education and outreach are necessary to and wastewater treatment.The project involved engaging encourage implementation and overcome sentiments with community members and the Golden Sustainability that graywater reuse is difficult or too costly to install and Advisory Board to solicit input on a graywater ordinance, maintain. drafting ordinance language to be integrated into the current permitting process,and creating a robust community outreach and education plan that includes demonstration projects to inform the community. The project set out with the immediate goal of reducing water use and planning for a drier and warmer climate. On September 10,2020,the City of Golden unanimously approved Ordinance 2143,the first in Colorado to focus exclusively on L2L systems.The ordinance approves the capture of graywater from laundry machines and laundry room sinks to water non-edible outdoor plants.The 50 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TOOLBOX: WATER-SMART BUILDINGS Reducing indoor water use in residences and submitted,verified by third party,or verified businesses can be accomplished through water- by staff.Certificates can be issued for retrofits efficiency standards for indoor plumbing fixtures.As a on resale or purchase, reconnection for water result of a WaterSense bill adopted in 2016 (SB 14-103) service,or on building permits. and revised in 2019 (HB 19-1231),C.R.S.§6-7.5-103 states • Create incentives for developers to receive lower that fixtures and appliances sold in Colorado must tap fees for meeting water efficiency standards meet or exceed EPA's WaterSense standards.The 2019 beyond the building code. revision added that the statute"...does not preempt • Link tap fees to water budgets to guarantee any action of a municipality,county,or city and that the low demands projected when tap fees county that prescribes additional or more restrictive are paid will be observed over time. water conservation or energy efficiency requirements • Include a requirement in your code to repair affecting the sale or use of plumbing fixtures, indoor leaks (e.g., a leaking pipe, a leaking value, appliances,or other products if the requirements or a leaking faucet) within a given time. comply with the standard specified in subsection (1)of • Adopt indoor water efficiency standards for this section." Local jurisdictions can incentivize water- non-residential commercial and multi-family efficient buildings in local ordinances and through development for water-efficient plumbing retrofit programs. fixtures, appliances, and equipment in new construction, remodels, and redevelopment. Best Practices to Promote Plumbing Fixtures • Use a water conservation ordinance to target and Building Efficiency Standards: high-water-use sectors, including data • Adopt the Colorado WaterSense plumbing centers; breweries and wineries; institutions standards as base requirement. such as hospitals,schools,jails;car washes; • Use standardized "green"codes for guidance laundromats; and restaurants and hotel sectors. and technical best practices, like the green TABLE 7:COLORADO WATERSENSE RULE STANDARDS plumbing code or the international green FOR FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES SOLD IN THE STATE building code. GALLONS PER MINUTE (GPM)&GALLONS PER FLUSH (GPF) • Adopt building code standards that permit the Lavatory Faucet 0.5 gpm use of water recycling systems. Lavatory Faucet 1.5 gpm • Adopt building code standards for submetering Shower Head 2.0 gpm of multifamily units. Flushing Urinal 0.5 gpf • Incentivize the replacement of less-efficient Flushometer Valve Toilet,Commercial 1.28 gpf toilet and faucet technologies with WaterSense Tank Toilet 1.28 gpf units through rebates or free fixtures. Kitchen Faucet/Aerators, Residential 1.8 gpm • Require retrofits for redevelopment or resale. Spray Sprinkler Bodies WaterSense This is particularly effective for communities Dishwasher,Commercial Energy Star with a high percentage of housing stock pre- Steam Cookers,Commercial Energy Star 1994.Certificates of compliance can be self- WATER-SMART LAND USE POLICIES&PROCESSES 151 CAS E ST U DY Indoor fixture and appliance minimum efficiency requirements:toilets,shower heads,faucets,dishwashers, INDOOR WATER EFFICIENCY clothes washers, ice makers,commercial refrigerators,and automatic car washes have established maximum flow ORDINANCE -TOWN OF MT. rates or quantities. CRESTED BUTTE, CO Lodging establishments,water features and water restrictions:outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs Mt.Crested Butte is a ski town at the base of Mount must be covered when closed,water features must use Crested Butte in Gunnison County,Colorado.The Town, recirculating water systems and where available,recycled with a year-round population of just shy of 1,000 sees its water shall be used as a source for decorative water population swell by thousands of visitors each year who features.Standard irrigation regulations and emergency want to enjoy winter sports like skiing,snowboarding, irrigation restrictions will be enforced by the Mt.Crested snowshoeing and snowmobiling.As a member of the Butte Water and Sanitation District. Gunnison county-wide Growing Water Smart workshop Compliance,modification,and enforcement:Applicants team in 2019,the Town identified the opportunity to shall submit a Water Use Efficiency Compliance Form or increase water conservation and efficiency by enacting an a modification request to the community development indoor water conservation ordinance.This strategy also department.Compliant fixtures shall be approved and in grew out of their water planning documents,in particular place prior to final building inspection approval. the 2015 Final Water Conservation and Use Efficiency Plan for Mt.Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, The ordinance adopting the new Indoor Water Use which found that"future residential conservation may be Efficiency Article was passed on June 15,2021. best served through code development and enforcement The Town of Mt.Crested Butte is continuing to move related to the placement of high-efficiency fixtures and forward on blending their water conservation and appliances." efficiency goals into their long-range master plan. In their Through a Growing Water Smart technical assistance grant, 2022 Draft Water Analysis Matrix,the Town included the Mt.Crested Butte received a Growing Water Smart policy goal of"identify[ing] and addressing] municipal and scan from Del Corazon Consulting and worked with city industrial water shortages" by"support[ing] projects to leadership and planners, non-profit organization High update water conservation, landscaping,and building Country Conservation Advocates,and Mt.Crested Butte codes to require increased water conservation and Water and Sanitation District to develop an ordinance with efficiency for municipal development"and the goal the following specifications: of"develop[ing] implementable water conservation measures"through"water conservation strategies to Applicability:Applies to all new construction,any reduce the demand for water to meet indoor and outdoor construction to existing structures requiring new or municipal needs..."and "requirements or incentives expanded water service,and remodels that require a for water fixture retrofits and conservation in new permit that involve replacement of plumbing fixtures development"among several other important goals toward (applicable to those fixtures only). achieving water resiliency.The Master Plan will be finalized and adopted in 2023. 52 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TOOLBOX: DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESSES The development review process encompasses all • Ensure that the development is built, operated, the procedures necessary to ensure development and maintained as stated in the proposal by applications meet the community's land use training site inspectors to recognize compliance regulations. Each community's development review on water-efficient design. process varies slightly but engaging water providers in • Shape development agreements or planned the process can support water resilient outcomes. unit developments (PUDs) to include water efficiency standards, alternative water use, or Best Practices for Integrated watershed protection efforts. Development Review: • Integrate low-impact development design • Document the development review process. recommendations into the site planning review. Identify opportunities to add water resource • Use connection charges,such as tap fees, managers and other sustainability or resilience water impact fees,and others as incentives to expertise to the process to identify and resolve guide development in areas with supportive water related challenges or opportunities. infrastructure. Connection charges can reflect • Promote collaboration and build relationships water budgets and allocation policies. with counterparts through regular meetings • Promote voluntary, incentive-based programs that maintain a shared understanding of the to implement creative plat designs with community's strategic vision and priorities. open space,water-use offsets, and water- • Ensure that water-related compliance smart plumbing, landscaping, and rainwater challenges are addressed, and alternative harvesting systems (in new builds and/or approaches are considered early by involving retrofits). Developer incentives can encourage water managers at pre-application meetings developers to exceed the required water- and preliminary plat review. efficiency standards. • Seek mutual agreement from water • Develop guidance and user's manuals to help resources departments on final approval of residents and builders understand and comply land use decisions. with building and design codes. WATER-SMART LAND USE POLICIES&PROCESSES 153 SECTION 4 HEALTHY & RESILIENT WATERSHEDS The effects of increasing development, climate change, and natural hazards can all degrade the quality of the watershed, impacting both water yield and water quality. 54 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO CAS E How we manage all forms of water,from stormwater to wastewater, impacts both the built and natural environment.Approaches that STATEMENTintegrate a holistic,"one water" management approach into building, site,subdivision, and infrastructure standards can protect ecosystems and harness the utility of all forms of water. The way a community develops impacts water quality and the overall health of the watershed. By applying the principles and tools in this section, communities can reduce or reverse the impacts of the following: Water pollution from urban Sedimentation from soil Destruction of riparian stormwater runoff. disturbances,vegetation areas from climate loss, and erosion from roads change and development and new development. in the floodplain. Reduced stream flows Decrease in water caused by drought and infiltration and aquifer groundwater pumping. recharge due to impervious surfaces and traditional stormwater management. HEALTHY&RESILIENT WATERSHEDS 55 TOOLBOX: WATERSHED PROTECTION Landscape scale changes that result from both priorities and objectives build on each other and human and natural forces have a significant impact that the environment is viewed holistically. on natural ecosystems and water resource availability • Minimize development in sensitive areas through and quality.Safeguarding available water resources overlay zones that cluster or limit development through watershed protection standards and policies densities and include design standards. is an important but often overlooked goal in Western • Adopt development design and site standards communities.Watershed planning and protection for stream buffers and setbacks to protect water has often been considered a function of collaboratives quality and shallow groundwater areas. and nonprofits working with local governments • Adopt vegetation protection standards that to restore ecological processes and functions.The minimize disturbance to vegetation within the way communities develop and redevelop can either riparian corridor. escalate the threat to our watersheds or nurture • Adopt stormwater management and site design nature and harvest the returns. standards that utilize best practices for low- Watershed planning focuses on minimizing negative impact design reducing stormwater runoff and impacts as new development occurs.Watershed increasing water infiltration. protection goals are included in a wide variety of • Adopt site-level soil erosion mitigation standards community plans,such as comprehensive plans, for new development to reduce sedimentation emergency management plans,watershed plans, and runoff,and to protect water quality from water resource management plans,and open space land disturbance. plans.Converting these goals into concrete policy in • Protect existing and potential sources of drinking development codes is essential to preventing watershed water supplies by adopting surface and/or degradation and enhancing community resiliency. groundwater districts with standards to minimize contamination of streams and Best Practices for Watershed shallow aquifers. Protection Standards: • Organize and encourage regionally Map all sensitive areas including wetlands, collaborative efforts to restore watershed riparian corridors, infiltration zones,water functions through watershed restoration projects supply watersheds, groundwater basins, and and public education. natural-disaster-prone areas,such as flood, drought,and wildfire areas. • Adopt plans for wildfire mitigation,watershed management,stormwater management, and floodplain management that designate sensitive areas and goals for mitigation.These plans should reference other plans so that 56 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO Pitkin County may employ to improve river health (e.g. CAS E ST U DY water transactions,water storage,channel reconfiguration, infrastructure upgrades,etc.). PLANNING FOR HEALTHY The plan was released in the summer of 2018.While the WATERSHEDS -THE ROARING plan outlined a suite of potential management actions FORK AND SOUTH PLATTE RIVERS for the region to address low flows,the most significant outcome was a continued commitment by stakeholders to collaborate on achieving long term goals for enhancing the One hundred years ago,rivers were seen as mechanisms health of the Roaring Fork. for moving waste away from areas of human settlement, In 2022,in a significantly denser location,the City and and that such waste would soon dissipate and cause no County of Denver's Department of Transportation and impact to ecosystems and downstream communities. Infrastructure, Denver Parks and Recreation,Community The City of Aspen has preserved an article from the 1893 Planning&Development and the Mile High Flood Aspen Daily Times that reflects this flawed opinion. District commissioned a Healthy River Corridors Study We now understand how wastewater and stormwater to achieve a healthy South Platte River corridor that management and water diversions for agricultural and restores and enhances the natural beneficial function of municipal use impact water quality and threaten stream Denver's waterways, improves user experience,and builds flows,and stakeholders are coming together to develop community and economic vitality along the banks of the Integrated Water Management Plans to prevent and South Platte River.The study area included 12.5 miles of reverse negative impacts. the South Platte River corridor running through the City of In 2016,the City of Aspen and Pitkin County began a joint Denver from Adams County to Englewood. project to create a River Management Plan for the upper The study captured current river corridor conditions Roaring Fork River,focusing on identifying impacts caused and established community-based goals and objectives by modified patterns of streamflow and developing goals around water&ecology, mobility&recreation,and land and strategies for managing land and water to improve use&development. It was determined that the goals river health in the upper Roaring Fork watershed. and objectives for South Platte River would be achieved The plan process compiled years of studies and data using by developing a 200-foot Influence Zone comprised of a computer models that let water managers simulate how 50-foot area adjacent to the channel prioritized for the different factors might affect stream flows.These studies reestablishment of water quality and riparian function and showed that since the early 2000s,the ecological health a 150-foot outer area prioritizing health and access and the of the Roaring Fork River has been declining as a result interface with adjacent land uses.The study recommended of water flow modifications, pollution,and development two near term actions a multi departmental policy that has negatively impacted the river's ecological health. statement and site specific narratives as well as the The upper Roaring Fork near Aspen was identified as most establishment of design standards&guidelines and an at risk due to water diversions. During the summers,the overlay zone district to carry out the goals and objectives upper Roaring Fork often does not meet the minimum along the South Platte River corridor.The plan is currently flow set by the State of Colorado of 32 cubic feet per in draft form and is anticipated to be released in late 2023. second.Stakeholders and members of the public then established geographic priorities,community values regarding the various ecosystem attributes,and the types of water management actions that the City of Aspen and HEALTHY&RESILIENT WATERSHEDS 157 CASE STUDY typology.The Ordinance"is not intended to reduce or prohibit development along streams,but rather aims to arrange development in a fashion that is compatible with STREAMSIDE OVERLAY ZONE - natural stream characteristics existent on or adjacent COLORADO SPRINGS, CO to developing sites.to designate specific buffer zones according to three sizes of waterways."14 If a land owner's parcel lies within any part of the Colorado Springs passed its first set of Streamside Design streamside,or"SS"overlay zone district,they can refer Guidelines in 2002,after neighborhood and conservation to the revised 2009 Streamside Design Guidelines to groups and City staff came together to regulate and determine how to complete a streamside development or protect waterways from increasing development pressures. side plan that addresses eleven review criteria„including: The Streamside Ordinance applies to City lands that 1)grading and landform,2)site design,3)wildlife habitat are adjacent to a stream channel, including stream preservation,4)trails and recreation,5)floodplain,6) adjacent wetlands,and within a specified distance of significant natural features,7)complementary plans,8) the edge of the stream channel of specific intermittent riparian buffers and impervious surfaces,9) landscape,10) and perennial streams.The Streamside Overlay extends streambank stabilization,and 11)stream reclamation. between 70'and 120' beyond the edge of the stream channel;the width is based upon the three-tiered stream Streamside Overly Zone(SS) a ' It „ 111 ' . r AO' - •-:. _ 40* i 41- ..., art. — fir0),- * '4%4...--.4t....• .zie-,416; '.. , :;:...1 ° ;frIiirlorl: v .0...' ,yam tp.-... ' � , • 20' 40' •` • 20' -40' f g 50'-80' 1\ Varies 50' - 80' Outer Buffer Zone Outer Buffer Zone Outer Bank and Adjacent Uplands Inner Buffer Zone Stream Channel Inner Buffer Zone FIGURE 3-Cross Section of the Streamside Overlay Zone. The Streamside Overlay Zone is comprised of a stream channel, an inner buffer zone, an outer buffer zone, and the outer bank. The widths of each of these zones varies based on stream type. [14]Colorado Springs Streamside Design Guidelines(2009) 58 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TOOLBOX: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT Green Infrastructure(GI) uses the natural ability • Planting trees and other plant materials mitigates of permeable surfaces to absorb stormwater. heat by providing shade,sequestering carbon, Low-Impact Development(LID) is the retention or and absorbing radiation from the sun.Trees and restoration of natural hydrologic patterns by using plants also absorb pollutants,thus improving soil landscape and site design to keep as much rainwater and stream health, as well as air quality. as possible from leaving the site. Instead of designing • Adding natural vegetation along streets aids with a site or streetscape to funnel stormwater off-site as traffic calming. fast as possible,GI and LID approaches use natural vegetation, porous materials to"slow the flow"and Best Practices for Green Infrastructure: encourage the infiltration of stormwater. • Work with transportation and civil engineering Some of the benefits of green infrastructure include: professionals to update development standards. When possible, use the minimum street width • Reducing peak flooding and treating and direct runoff from pavement and buildings to stormwater on-site reduce downstream flood vegetation-lined channels. intensity, decrease pollutant loads, and lower the risk of sewer overflow. • Design all aspects of landscaping—from the selection of plants to soil preparation and - Reducing the need for outdoor irrigation and installation of irrigation systems—to reduce water landscaping,since native plants that rely solely demand, retain runoff, decrease flooding, and on naturally occurring rainfall can vegetate recharge groundwater. gardens and basins used for Cl. • Preserve regional open space by clustering • Allowing stormwater to infiltrate into vegetation development,thereby maximizing unpaved areas and soils increases groundwater recharge. for stormwater retention. Use permeable surfaces • Providing access to green spaces fosters for hardscapes. active, healthy lifestyles through increased • Map areas of high flood risk and apply GI neighborhood beautification. approaches to capture water. TABLE 8: COMMON LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNIQUES APPLICATION DESCRIPTION BIORETENTION BASINS,STORMWATER Small-to large-scale planting areas containing shrubs,trees,and grasses HARVESTING BASINS,AND RAIN GARDENS designed to capture stormwater. BIOSWALES Shallow and uncovered channels that induce meandering and are placed within a drainage channel. CURB OPENINGS AND CURB EXTENSIONS Drainage inlets that divert stormwater into bioretention basins. Basins can be extended into the shoulder to expand the harvesting capacity with added traffic-calming effects. DETENTION PONDS Basins that provide flow control by collecting stormwater runoff. PERMEABLE PAVEMENT,GRAVEL, Methods of paving that allow infiltration and can be used in low-to moderately OR PAVERS trafficked areas like sidewalks and parking lots. HEALTHY&RESILIENT WATERSHEDS 159 =ram Wit .,„ .., _ _ . 1 lox - Figure 5.4.3-A: Landsacped Islands Landsacped islands ^ i, ati , , - separate rows of more 4 !IF - than six parking spaces eii .1 '.. — 1.4 `• le JWI' ' \ . N,.,..„7'--,,,,,,,\..„,,, , \cam Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash t . _ A N. v CASE STUDY N N RAIN GARDENS IN PARKING LOT '\--\ \ _ ISLANDS - CARBONDALE, CO \\ Carbondale is a Town of approximately 6,500,located on Colorado's western slope.In its 2013 Comprehensive Plan, the Town established a goal of"improving watershed Figure 5.4.3-B: Landsacped Island Dimensional Standards health and water quality,"in part,by"employing _��naturalized stormwater treatment techniques such as • naturalized detention,bio-swales,rain gardens,trees, A ` 2 terracing and porous pavements."15 - ��. Management of impervious coverage was an important ;•'# consideration during the drafting of the Town's Unified , '`'';`� r -_— __ Development Code.One of the strategies utilized is the ...,1."�,i ,.,�, ,: 64• landscape island and rain garden requirement within `Ali y "' _ parking areas. In Chapter Development Standards \ `- L,_,•,'� p g p p '1' , (2016,amended in 2020),Carbondale specifies that Minimum 75 sq.ft. 1 parking lots shall include landscaped islands and/or Rain landscaped area ) Gardens16 in all districts.When the islands are designed _ Minimum with curb cuts,they collect stormwater runoff from the width:6' pavement and allow it to percolate into the ground through natural features in those islands" [15] Board of Trustees Plan Update Session,August 24,2021. [16]Carbondale Unified Development Code,amended November 2020. [17] Planning for Hazards Landscaping Ordinance. 60 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO SECTION 5 EFFICIENT WATER DEMAND PROGRAMS Rate structuring, retrofit programs, and consumer education enable water conservation and efficiency opportunities for existing development. 62 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO CASE Establishing water conservation, efficiency,and reuse in new development enables a community to grow water-smart from the STATEMENTstart. Programs that incentivize or assist consumers in reducing water demand serve an important role in retrofitting existing development and promoting a continued focus on wise water use. Largely within the purview of water providers, incentive programs and rate structures can promote efficient water demand by: Sending a price signal to Helping consumers invest in Monitoring and incentivize water conservation. and manage efficient fixtures, communicating data about appliances, and irrigation. water usage to consumers. EFFICIENT WATER DEMAND PROGRAMS 163 TOOLBOX: CONSERVATION RATE STRUCTURING Water providers set rates to collect the revenue they There are a variety of rate structuring options: need for operations, invest in infrastructure,and • Drought Demand Pricing: Rates are higher during protect public health.With a revenue goal identified, drought periods. providers can develop a rate structure to meet • Excess Use: Rates are higher for above average additional objectives,including water conservation water use. and acquisition of supplies. Prioritizing conservation • Inclining Block: Rate per block increases as water and mitigating water demand can lower water use increases. provider expense by sizing water supply acquisition or storage to the lower level of demand. • Indoor/Outdoor:With separate meters,or sub- metering, rates for indoor use are lower rates than Water rates are determined by two factors:fixed and outdoor use. variable costs.The fixed costs of water are determined • Penalties:Customers are charged for exceeding by the costs of water acquisitions and the costs to allowable limits of water. establish,operate,and maintain the infrastructure • Scarcity Pricing:The costs of developing new to convey the water.A variable cost is based on the supplies is added to bills. amount of water a consumer uses. • Seasonal Pricing:Water rates are higher during Common goals for adopting water conservation rate the season with the most demand. structures include: • Sliding Scale:The unit price increases based on • Reducing daily peak usage. an average consumption. • Reducing seasonal peak usage. • Spatial Pricing:Water rates are determined by the • Reducing total system demand. actual costs to supply water to specific locations. • Time-of-Use:Water rates are higher during peak Consumer water conservation does not create financial days or specific hours of the week. strain if the offset demand allows new customers to be added to the system while maintaining overall water • Water Budget: Block rate is defined for each use. If it is possible that customer conservation may individual customer based on efficiency projections/expectations for that customer. exceed the point where it would present a revenue challenge with the current price of water,consider Best Practices for Conservation Rate Structures: having a public dialogue to design solutions and • rate structures that reflect the community's values Develop a utility water conservation plan to clarify and needs. Keep in mind that less demand pressure water conservation goals. can result in considerable cost savings over time by • Conduct a rate assessment to determine options reducing strain on water system infrastructure,thus for rate structuring. delaying the need for maintenance, retrofitting, or • Develop a rate structuring plan and conduct expanding infrastructure. community education and outreach to minimize opposition to potential rate increases. • Adopt a conservation rate structuring strategy. 64 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO AlUs The rate structure includes three tiers based on water use. Indoor water use—for bathing,cooking and flushing _ _ • toilets—is considered essential for human life and is charged IUI i f _ at the lowest rate. Efficient outdoor water use is charged ., f*L � yitj J. .A in the second tier(middle rate),followed by inefficient -4 •:: .Ir €,,4 11 L _ outdoor water use in the third tier(highest rate). In addition , :_�k.. __ ry__ to variable charges based on water use,the rate structure includes a monthly fixed charge based on the size of an �'. - individual's water meter and additional fees for customers ,4, .: _'� n in suburban areas. Rates are typically increased annually. toompr. ' r The public's reaction to the rate structure was not positive. 14 " r'T'rig � ° + I Customers found themselves initially shocked by summer i '�i '`r=.r water bills 25 to 35 percent higher than previous years. ' - 71 Photo by Bill Griepenstroh Denver Water was criticized for not being transparent over CASE STUDY1111 the increase despite having included notices in bills three months prior to the changes.The sheer number of phone CONSERVATION RATE STRUCTURING calls from baffled residents to Denver Water customer service indicated that the communication strategy needed - DENVER, CO to be approached differently. However,tiered rates are no longer a novel concept and customers fall under such rate structures in cities and towns across Colorado. Effective water rates are a key tool for managing demand as well as generating sufficient revenue for operations, To offset the impact to customers, income-based maintenance,and capital improvement projects.A key assistance programs should be established. Denver challenge for water providers is finding ways to maintain Water directs customers who qualify for the Colorado financial sustainability as customers embrace water Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (or LEAP)to conservation.In April 2016,Denver Water implemented apply for the new Low-Income Housing Water Assistance a new rate structure.The previous rates covered service Program -a federal program that helps residents pay their costs,but were no longer generating adequate revenue for water and wastewater bills,avoid shut-offs and support operations and maintenance due to an average reduction reconnections related to nonpayment. Elsewhere, like the in consumption of 20 percent over 10 years. City of Westminster,income assistance programs provide a monthly credit for qualified customers. I EFFICIENT WATER DEMAND PROGRAMS 165 TOOLBOX: POST-OCCUPANCY INCENTIVES AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS Both land use planning programs and water providers Water Metering,Audits, & Leak Detection can engage consumers and provide incentives and Water customers, including commercial, industrial, and education on the benefits of using water efficiently residential users, may not be aware that water leaks in their homes and businesses. Using technology like and inefficient fixtures may be unnecessarily increasing advanced water meters and sub-metering helps tailor their water use.While water providers may perform these post occupancy interventions. their own system-wide water loss audits,they can also support and incentivize customers to do the same. Conservation Rebate Programs Incentive programs can be a useful way to reduce Water metering is a method of measuring water current water demands for both residential and consumption.Advanced metering technology,called commercial properties/water users.They can serve as "smart meters," ease the data collection process and a complementary way to involve current residents/ increase the specificity of the data.This increased post-occupancy developments in implementing water- granularity of information creates the opportunity smart building and design features. Providing rebates for easily justifiable rate structures, rapid leak for homeowners and businesses to remove grass and detection, and customized demand management retrofit water-smart plumbing fixtures is a well-tested programs. Utilities that pair metering and commodity tool that can generate meaningful water savings. rate structures report a 15%to 30% reduction in water consumption. Best Practices for Conservation Rebate Programs: Privately purchased metering devices are growing in popularity because they connect the consumer to • Offer rebates to residents for installation of their water data in real time. In the absence of utility- low-flow plumbing fixtures such as toilets wide advanced metering,encouraging consumers to and shower heads,appliances such as high- efficiency washing machines,and "smart" home purchase their own meters can achieve similar water water monitors to reduce indoor water use. demand reductions at individual properties. • Offer rebates to residents and commercial Furthermore,sub-metering multi-family, commercial, customers for"smart" irrigation controllers,xeric and outdoor uses can provide data granularity to landscaping, and removal of turf grass to reduce empower refinement and optimization of water outdoor water use. policies, rates,and fees.The value of this information • Use rebates or grants to incentivize may be worth more than the cost of installing an homeowner's associations to remove turf grass extra meter. and install water-efficient irrigation systems and controllers. Metering and the corresponding audits and interpretation can identify opportunities to modify • Establish a rebate program for multi-family water-consumptive behaviors.They can also detect residential buildings that have cooling towers leaks in the system and signal when infrastructural to upgrade their conductivity controllers. updates are necessary to mitigate water loss. 66 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO Best Practices for Water Metering, Audits, & Leak Detection: • Deploy leak detection equipment,such as specialized meters temporarily attached to the main meter, in scenarios where low staff capacityli, limits on-site visits. 111111 " • Offer landscape audits that recommend r .,'11 i�. 4.it 1 A watering schedules, infrastructure upgrades, and ; '„4 ` ,r ,1 drought tolerant plants. .xyysYi) ; 4;4,i. };i•a,� : • Offer audits at no cost to customers or pair it •f •,, . . with an incentive, like a free fixture. • , ir u,1 ,` • Encourage participation by providing water = audit results of public buildings as examples that _ t �k .= i . �� A'�a f.z demonstrate potential water saving outcomes. °._ 4 N ', �{ C • Use the aggregated analysis of audit results to - �;••' �:- ci°~. identify code and policy changes. +„7x `,t`X.' • Update your codes to allow individuals to install '.~ �' •. e "�' i:. ,»x ,Zf,t privately purchased metering devices on the • w, f• h w;` . utility meter and provide guidance on how to ,:4: _ .: r•r , A �o nay . . . attach them in a way that avoids disturbance to f•.. ;w : K., utility operations. .,,t Z,:. ,kv. Photo by Chandler CI uttenden EFFICIENT WATER DEMAND PROGRAMS 167 ay • .11p ;;;IJ In Colorado, many communities have implemented 4111111110 ft., measures to limit irrigated turf to conserve outdoor water. lo .rkpips; Additionally,water providers have developed turf buyback ..�„� rebate programs to incentivize homeowners to make -'_ _ the switch. For instance,the city of Aurora updated its . Unified Development Ordinance in 2020 to reduce and Ir,4, `- — prohibit turf in residential front,side,and rear yards,with a maximum allowance of 33%of the site's total area.To le further encourage homeowners,the city also created the • •'•` : lei IP -e -` Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GIRP),which offers • r- . .• /'' • t �'= incentives to property owners who voluntarily remove r • •.k. existing turf and replace it with plant-based landscape or . A., . �.9 J FF}4` _ water-wise native grass. I. "' ` ' w Resource Central's lawn replacement program �,?�,t. `�'•Photo by Greta Hoffman p p g CAS E ST U DY complements the landscape codes and water provider incentive programs of cities like Aurora, providing RESOURCE CENTRAL'S OUTDOOR additional support for their efforts to conserve outdoor water. Municipalities provide the regulatory framework WATER EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS for reducing water-intensive lawns,and water providers offer rebate programs.The lawn replacement program offers additional incentives and resources for residents to facilitate landscaping projects.Together,these programs Turf removal programs aim to replace water-intensive provide a comprehensive approach to water conservation lawns with water-wise gardens,permeable green that addresses regulatory and voluntary practices. landscaping,or other water-efficient plant material. Resource Central's lawn replacement program is an The landscape codes,water provider rebates,and Resource example of such a program,specifically designed to assist Central's lawn replacement program are powerful tools for Colorado residents in replacing their lawns with water- water conservation in Colorado. By combining regulatory efficient landscapes. and voluntary approaches,these programs effectively reduce water-intensive lawns and promote drought- Resource Central is a non-profit organization dedicated to tolerant landscapes. Residents participating in these providing services and support to help Colorado residents programs can benefit from reduced water bills,improved conserve natural resources.The lawn replacement program aesthetics,and reduced maintenance. assists residents in replacing their water-intensive lawns, thereby conserving water,saving money,and reducing maintenance costs.This is achieved through free landscape design services and rebates for residents who complete their lawn replacement projects.These rebates, provided by the local water utility,are based on the amount of turf removed and the type of landscape installed. 68 I GROWING WATER SMART.THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO TOOLBOX: CONSUMER EDUCATIONAL MESSAGING There are many ways for planners and water providers Best Practices for Compelling Messaging: to reach consumers with conservation messaging. • Help your reader feel they have control or Utility bills often include an educational insert or influence. Provide tangible acts or decisions they other content to inform the reader about policy can make to"move the needle"toward a goal. changes and to encourage water savings with tips • People generally want to be either the same or and tricks.Some include warnings and fear-inducing better than their peers.Offer comparisons or messages designed to curb water use.These messages share high compliance figures (e.g., "Nine out of often miss the mark,since people tend to defend ten residents follow these irrigation best practices themselves from fear or negative self-images by to save water."). ignoring this messaging or rationalizing why the new • Near term rewards make people feel good. information does not apply to them. Instead,studies This reward structure can even motivate behavior show that messaging techniques that promote changes that relate to long-term goals or a sense of control,offer social incentives, provide outcomes that are not immediately visible. immediate rewards,and are framed positively are The reward can be external or intrinsic. more effective in changing behavior. • People are more likely to believe and act on positive rather than negative information.So, when given an opportunity to describe a trend, note progress toward goals. i i-- DENV1:+t.ATER You can't make this stuff. AMR EFFICIENT WATER DEMAND PROGRAMS 169 HELP our DURING DROUGHT In order to best integrate all perspectives on the issues surrounding drought and water,the County hired a GRAND COUNTY IS CURRENTLY IN consultant to facilitate a series of eight meetings. During STAGE 2: SEVERE DROUGHT these meetings,the stakeholder team reviewed and —111111 SEVERE EXCEPTIONAL discussed materials from drought experts across the state, determined drought stages,reviewed drought plans for different communities in the U.S.,created a subcommittee of stakeholders that drafted a drought preparedness plan. aGRAND COUNTY The Plan was operationalized in July 2020 and in August DROUGHT SS PROGRAMR E 2021,the Stakeholder group formalized how it operates via a memorandum of understanding. 71 DISCOVER MORE WAYS TO HELP TINYURL.COM/GRANDCOUNTYDPP w Throughout the process of executing the plan,the County CASE STUDY identified a need to develop ways to make drought, its conditions,and the Drought Preparedness Plan's DROUGHT PROGRAM MESSAGING - recommended conservation measures easily digestible. With this in mind,the County established subcommittees GRAND COUNTY, CO to develop materials for public awareness campaigns to promote a greater awareness of drought in the community, "The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the West,and it and ultimately get individuals to conserve.They hired all begins in Grand County!"was the opening sentence a consultant to develop visual materials that described of the Growing Water Smart message that Grand community actions to take when various stages of drought County developed in 2019.With climate unpredictability were announced,as well as a promotional video that becoming the new norm,climatologists predict an emphasizes the community's values around water and increase in the frequency of drought. informs viewers about how to take action during when To address this challenge,Grand County established a drought stage(watch,warning,severe,exceptional) is a Drought Preparedness Plan through a stakeholder announced.The video and Drought Management Plan can process involving water districts,agricultural interests, be accessed on Grand County's website. environmental organizations,fire districts,town Grand County received Growing Water Smart technical representatives,and Grand County government.The assistance grants to support both the Drought plan's objective is to preserve essential public services Preparedness Plan and the development of public and minimize the adverse effects of drought on public outreach materials. health and safety,economic activity,environmental resources,and individual lifestyles.The plan is intended to remove the crisis from drought preparedness efforts, reduce the hardships caused by water shortages,create a county area-wide approach to drought preparedness,and raise public confidence in the actions taken to address water supply shortages.The plan was written to give each municipal water supplier or district the flexibility to respond appropriately depending on the stage of drought. 70 I GROWING WATER SMART THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO CONCLUSION The toolboxes outlined in this workbook highlight some of the most effective strategies communities can employ to take a more holistic and sustainable approach to water management. Integrated water and land use actions occur throughout the planning process, from the visioning and planning stage, through development review, and in post-occupancy. All communities have an opportunity to apply an integrated water and land use intervention. Ultimately, by linking land use to water demand, we can wisely manage our limited resources in a way that sustains thriving economies, healthy environments, and vibrant communities in Colorado for future generations. CONCLUSION 171 ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES GROWINGWATERSMART.ORG experiences advancing water-smart goals. The Growing Water Smart program offers additional • Explore and identify innovations in the field. resources to Growing Water Smart participants • Access technical expertise to support through our program website.The website provides organizational policy change and action. information related to all of our state programs, Be a champion in the region for water including Arizona,Colorado, and California. Please smart principles. visit resilientwest.org/2023/CO-Appendices to find resources relevant to Colorado, including: • A resource list of additional reports,tools, GROWING WATER SMART METRICS: and policy examples. TRACKING THE INTEGRATION OF • A summary of relevant funding and assistance WATER AND LAND USE PLANNING from our partners,the state,and federal agencies. Tracking the results of water and land use integration are an important component to determining whether community goals are being met.Sonoran Institute's THE GROWING WATER SMART Growing Water Smart Metrics guidebook offers a set of PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK baseline data that can be assessed for year-over-year Our Growing Water Smart Peer-to-Peer Network is trends to empower adaptation.Ten "progress" metrics a place for workshop participants to strengthen their track things such as the development of long- range professional connections with other local government plans, implementation of water conservation and leaders and affiliates who are integrating water and efficiency programs,adoption of landscaping and land use in their communities. building codes, implementation of adequate water If you or your community recently attended a supply rules, and regionalization efforts. Growing Water Smart workshops,visit Fourteen metrics are then recommended to measure Growing-Water-Smart.mn.co to join the Network. the"impact"of your community's strategies by As a Network Member,you gain an opportunity to: assessing trends in land use,development patterns, • Strengthen professional knowledge and skills by and water demand. accessing resources,studies, and news related to integrating water and land use. • Build a network of peers working on similar challenges and advancing community change. • Learn about peer projects and share individual 72 I GROWING WATER SMART:THE WATER-LAND USE GUIDEBOOK COLORADO Grow Water Smart GrowingWaterSma rt.org 450+ Community Representatives Across the Colorado River Basin GROWING WORKS' Growing Water Smart Workshops are helping leaders I S build capacity and implement action plans to steward .,�.., __ `- • their community's future by ensuring clean, reliable _ l ' water for people, nature, and industry. "- Through our Growing Water Smart workshop series, � ,� we have trained over 450 community representatives r`�,'' and impacted the lives of over 4 million Coloradans and 3 million Arizonans. With your continued support of Growing Water Smart, more communities can take advantage of our expertise and lessons learned through nearly thirty years ofIlk all shaping the future of the West. CO . ■ , US-MEXICO ❑ •IJ•• �� ❑ BORDER • • ° . . .r 111 I.• r .• MEXICO ' • Woe el .'.� .r ...0 . 'f li ❑ '1 I r' GET INVOLVED WHERE WE WORK JOIN US. MAKE THIS WORK HAPPEN. To sponsor a workshop in a community you care about, contact us. GrowingWaterSmart@sonoraninstitute.org SONORAN INSTITUTE SONORAN I NSTITUTE.ORG Page 6 •wn Board Study Session 1 System overview ' -- • 4 ' . s er • an ,—"Niii ..--4-::%7Liii, ,,,--:$,,,,-* 1360 p WATER _ _ pri lIP . N. I, : Air �. _ , h November 28, 2023 1 The Mission of the Town of Estes Park is to provide high-quality, reliable services for the benefit of our residents, guests and employees, while being good stewards of public resources and our natural setting. 2 Page 7 Our Water System 3 i ip Overall Water Division Structure Administration — Jason Fredricks 0 2 FTEs • Budget and manage the Division • i • dr-7 • Represent the Division in Town Leadership • Respond to customers • Set priorities 4 Page 8 I fp Overall Water Division Structure Water Quality and Laboratory — Deb Callahan •• 2 FTEs • A • Sampling and testing raw, treated and distributed water • Water quality services for smaller nearby systems • Regulatory reporting — raw and finished water • Consumer reporting 5 i [p Overall Water Division Structure Treatment — Mike Northcutt II 4 FTEs • Operate and maintain 2 water treatment plants • Regulatory compliance — finished water and process control • Plan for the future — water supply, regulatory compliance, capacity 6 Page 9 I fp Overall Water Division Structure Distribution — Jason Lang 7 FTEs • Operate and maintain a 120-mile pipeline system • Regulatory compliance — water delivery to customers • Development support • Plan for the future — piping network, storage, system configuration 7 [p Overall Water Division Structure Capital Projects — TBD Funding and Staffing Plan being developed .4, ‘ • Construct capital projects — mostly pipeline ig liA • Support capital construction by general — contractors • Coordinate with development • Funding considerations 8 Page 10 i fp Our Water System Statistics • Regulated as population of >17,000 due to number of visitors • Water customers inside and outside Town limits • Over 5,600 service connections (not including consecutive systems) • 120+ miles of water mains and 792 fire hydrants • 9 storage tanks, 3.395 million gallons (MG), serving 7 pressure zones • 7 million gallons per day (MGD) treatment capacity (2 plants) • Water quality laboratory performing >12,000 tests per year 9 i fp Our Water System Statistics • Regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for treatment and distribution parameters • Federally governed by Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act • Rigorous operator certification program through CDPHE • 15th largest electric utility customer for the Town • Over $180,000 per year on chemicals used to maintain our water quality • Over $350,000 in inventory for parts and materials so Page 11 Administration 11 I ilkillr— Ep Administration and Management .,,,,,...3:.; , „.._. _....: _ .._ • Located at 1360 Brook Drive - vehicles, "*li •' inventory storage, lab, and training " - - - — Managing materials inventory 'A «' — Tracking expenditures against budget 9 / 1II — Customer service & public outreach � 1111L ;1 — Data management/records/contracts .*- .. _ `'� iii 4 ' : :' — Short-and long-term planning ; ---. •'I — Staff training& management /''3' AL— Regulatory coordination ' -s • Lots of professional training! , "4,1 ''�` ' AA I. 12 Page 12 A. fp Cyber Security • It's complicated —Water Division collaborates with IT • Participating in an assessment program through CSIA • This will likely be a regulated program • Separate firewall protection for Water assets in addition to the Town's protection • Extensive instrumentation and reporting of operational data requires enhanced security • Access segmented and layered to control who can access which operational features 13 Water Quality and Laboratory 14 Page 13 A [p Water Quality and Laboratory • • • • 6 ,, A , Ask Water Treatment Water Distribution 15 A fp Water Quality and Laboratory • Sample raw water, treated water at the plants, water in the distribution system, and water from our pond at Glacier Creek 01 • We ALSO test samples from other water systems , . 9 + _ l � _ , t A _ 0 1 , t ali 16 Page 14 4 •• 101 / [p Water Quality/Laboratory • Our main lab is EPA accredited for TOC and microbiology • Each plant has a small process control lab • We run over 12,000 tests per year including: — pH — color — alkalinity —turbidity — chlorophyll — chlorine residual —geosmin/2-MIB — corrosion control — conductivity/TDS — Giardia/Cryptosporidium —total organic carbon —total hardness/calcium & magnesium —total coliform/E. coli — disinfectant by-products —total suspended solids — hetrotropic plate count 17 fp Water Quality and Laboratory • Validates compliance prior to connecting new pipes to our system and during TOWN of ESTES PARK emergency repairs • Public outreach — 2023 — Consumer Confidence Report Annual water QualityReport Covering Data w.Calendar Year— water quality mailings zozz — special mailings (lead service line inventory) • Our Laboratory Supervisor and Lab Tech engage in extensive training annually rr. 5" 4: _ 18 Page 15 i ip Raw Water Quality Challenges • Glacier Creek WTP — Very low alkalinity impacts ability to flocculate — High color during spring runoff impacts filter operations — Very cold water temperature slows formation of flocs and impacts disinfection • Marys Lake WTP — High total organic carbon (TOC) forms disinfection by-products — Taste and odor from organics and algae — Use of chemical to manage the TOCs causes more wear on membrane system Source water at both plants is at risk with extreme drought. 19 Water Treatment 20 Page 16 i fp Marys Lake Water Treatment Plant Membrane (2-stage) process Conservancy District • Upgraded in 2009 °- �arVd Can ,, a m • 4 MGD with 1 MG of storage 1 W u4a. • Treats C-BT surface water from the 1 r Adam's Tunnel (or from Marys Lake) J . '' �« orraZ ..„.....74„, Anwaill=1; AN • Operates spring through summer Challenges • Does not have redundancy at full -_---- • qua, wiim-a ._ - capacity • Depends on tunnel for our raw water • Raw water quality -s' _ � y ::,- 1 ," . ,,ggam�".•.eAn itK*A,t,;, '?`..v.: ,r,.>. 21 4111kt .‘f (( lit* 'Ille%.;40:41A111Wil ' '"Vt`''4 itt ffito;.4.-- • (.�' '1.4o. , -,.e^� ,{ .pAe op '!Part . '~ _ */ s axe. Aii. ` -- • ' „ . 4 . , ,:-_ , '6. *6:-. . ,,,,,44 4111:t.,..7, , 1:. ,, ., ,, :0, c, . , ,._.....2 ' :;44;114.441';',..: '11' : 7-I. --' '' - S. R J• it 7 ~ r Y 22 Page 17 GPAND LAKE MARYS LAKE WATER TREATMENT PLANT I, a.arz . ✓ iiii r--, we t,; 'CM A91 — QilpalE FLOCLAA SEDIMENT TEN FIRST STAGE — o S®IMENi�ION MEMBRANES RAPID MIX BASINS {--.- I N _ 5 c '' 1� N IJ Ikd.1Jf 1 _ - _ z„ �, vs. .• X— X X ,' N CLEAR ALLL STOooGE TANK — �%:4ti� '+ I 500,000GALLONS 500,000GALLONS d ti SCREENS SDLfTER \ i e BOX WASTE 2S IIOLONG f r Soda Ash.increases pH/akalinrty • AGE 1 t AluninumChloro hydrate lACHl:coagu Ian Ito create floc particles c' l Powder Act atedCarbonlPACJ:tasteandodor/TOCremoval . Zinc eoriw:hophosphatr.mrrosionin ritor il'liii,11:1',. i'Ii1 SodiunHypochlorite:dmnfectsfiheredwatertoensureinacfaatbnofmicroorganisms lir. 0 1 SKOND kl ,� STAGE t MEMBRANES I wasa ii VI — HOLDING HOLDING ml] ..„,_ I 1 TO SEWER 23 lirliP, ! 6/ , . \- - llgill Iii ' .. . t1 ` - r s. ____,. -:—'..: 1,._' lil--.-"::- 'Lk • I iiilie II F: p r• ji �� + ---'''-- a .� . \ \ biiihiirmm�umnniunnanm��a�l�������wv��� > 411111 i Page 18 i [p Glacier Creek WTP Direct filtration water treatment • Originally built in the 1970s then upgraded r n , • 3 MGD with 1 MG of storage • Treats water from Glacier Creek • Operates summer through early spring - Challenges • Structure and equipment past their useful life ,,. • Limited utilities and poor communications A�, • Challenging access 11 - t • Seasonal water quality 25 141>,., , . -. .... -74_,„....• ,o,,, - .1. i;,:k,:„., * - 4. .),, Nob?: . 1 ti 1 -,, .5- It .' '10$04. .— -:*-0 _ * ) a .. 11/1 r... ..,4- .. 4' ---r-iit--.. .4.06040*.44%;',Iirt -- • - 1 i 1 v,ii.',..-. 1 AIX.9 pi* 26 Page 19 'I GLACIER CREEK WATER TREATMENT PLANT O c' CHLORINE SODA f GAS ASH n A J- p , \ SCREENEI RAPID MIX G O j SPLITER FILTER O z pH CORRECTION BOX 1 2B L O i CHAMRFR r '4�'! may CLURWCLL� `' STORAGE TANK -iI�I _> 00,000 GALLONS 1A00A00 GALLONS r �-/ � 1 N 2 1 FILTER lA 10 1B FI OCDI ATION 4 SEDIMENTATION BASINS SODA ASH cp. BACKWASH WASTE Fili BACKWASH , \ DETENTION POND C$ 27 4110 1.1111.0 • / * ...NFIMM - 1f E ir--C \\\ • +, t•V. 28 Page 20 Water Distribution Aill 29 i fp Water Distribution and Storage • Serves residential, commercial, _ construction, fire protection and bulk 'r- ""'° water 7 ',, mean dim 1 • Storage tanks provide volume for 1 ltt--z...-_Att-5 peak demand and fire flow �.--1` -. 4111‘. IL"- '. ,r • 5 private consecutive systems are ��= %' ti ��- served through the distribution ��M;� °""��i�-1' system . c-- -.`tii .iAL4 • Over 7,000 utility locates annually in *rim �» Ir estA r� support of development and other ,:_`r't . pa_ projects " 30 Page 21 A fp Water Distribution and Storage • We have 792 fire hydrants including 5 -' iHydrants •` II ii {• Spring hydrant flushing I 1la _ , — . — Clears sediment (over 700 man hours) 111 `W RO — Ensures hydrants are operational in the event of a fire — Creates hydrant work orders for repairs — Helps to move water to reduce - water age, improving water quality Illref 31 A fp Water Distribution and Storage • Approximately 30% of our system is older galvanized or cast iron small- i diameter pipes V -j M n pipesarenotburied 10, lac-_• any bu ed deep enough and can freeze ' '• '+ ' • Higher than "typical" pressures (up to 275 psi) • Our team spends more time on - *I, • A reactive maintenance than w '� .4 .,A preventative maintenance we reactive ? .. 4 %if ili IV ,,.s 32 Page 22 i fp Water Distribution and Storage • Challenging "tree-like" system with dead ends, less looping than preferred Winter Water Age Simulation • Low winter demand results in increased water age .. ii y r�� ► .- g,;t f . /C7( 1 '''. PI. _414Z. r J s f Iv Tree-like system not looped 33 i fp Water Distribution and Storage • Get the Lead Out— lead can cause serious health problems • Federal and State regulations require water systems to inventory service line materials no matter who owns the line • We do not expect to find lead services, but if we do we will work with the customers to have them replaced I Curb Stop:Valve used to turn water on and off. I 11 Tow Responsibility / 1 Corporation Stop 1 fl 41) T 1�II I I CustomeYs Service Line Water Meter water meter locations vary for each connection 34 Page 23 A fp Water Distribution and Storage .r:+ — : : \ \ ..---Tir , . . , ,.., ,,,...., :,. .,,,,,,, :iv, ' s, tiv- • '-'5-. �'r - illykliIA - 9 . .-:imp ;r e.' ��` I� -- ;,�I ter- _:..; f �� 4 , 35 A [p Master Plan Update - 2024 • Review population and demand projections Rah, • Assess the condition of key water assets �.� \ ij0 • Optimize water system performance Q • Define existing system capital 2024 CD Water System I improvements cD Master Plan 0 Update 0 • Define capital improvement plan (CIP) to �6 Oa' meet level-of-service for future conditions •%, • Identify funding opportunities to support CIP 4/03 SV,O 4 • Support the economy (i.e. augmentation, water testing, development review) 36 Page 24 Discussion 37 Page 25 11/29/2023 Presentation Updated on 2023-11-28 Town Board Study Session �_ �• S stem Overview Pre-2024 Master Plan ! 1360 p WATER • _ -z1:1X1 1 Aix I e tL ,_ November 28, 2023 1 The Mission of the Town of Estes Park is to provide high-quality, reliable services for the benefit of our residents, guests and employees, while being good stewards of public resources and our natural setting. 2 1 11/29/2023 Our Water System 3 i fp Overall Water Division Structure Administration — Jason Fredricks © 2 FTEs • Budget and manage the Division • i • dr-7 • Represent the Division in Town Leadership • Respond to customers • Set priorities 4 2 11/29/2023 I fp Overall Water Division Structure Water Quality and Laboratory — Deb Callahan • •: 2 FTEs • A . Sampling and testing raw, treated and distributed water • Water quality services for smaller nearby systems • Regulatory reporting — raw and finished water • Consumer reporting 5 i [p Overall Water Division Structure Treatment — Mike Northcutt II 4 FTEs • Operate and maintain 2 water treatment plants • Regulatory compliance — finished water and process control • Plan for the future — water supply, regulatory compliance, capacity 6 3 11/29/2023 I fp Overall Water Division Structure Distribution — Jason Lang 7 FTEs • Operate and maintain a 120-mile pipeline system • Regulatory compliance — water delivery to customers • Development support • Plan for the future — piping network, storage, system configuration 7 [p Overall Water Division Structure Capital Projects — TBD Al Funding and Staffing Plan being developed mr‘ • Construct capital projects — mostly pipeline MI liA • Support capital construction by general — contractors • Coordinate with development • Funding considerations 8 4 11/29/2023 A fp Our Water System Statistics • Regulated as population of >17,000 due to number of visitors • Water customers inside and outside Town limits • Over 5,600 service connections (not including consecutive systems) • 120+ miles of water mains and 792 fire hydrants • 9 storage tanks, 3.395 million gallons (MG), serving 7 pressure zones • 7 million gallons per day (MGD) treatment capacity (2 plants) • Water quality laboratory performing >12,000 tests per year 9 A fp Our Water System Statistics • Regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for treatment and distribution parameters • Federally governed by Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act • Rigorous operator certification program through CDPHE • 15th largest electric utility customer for the Town • Over $180,000 per year on chemicals used to maintain our water quality • Over $350,000 in inventory for parts and materials io 5 11/29/2023 Administration 11 I Ilkillr— Ep Administration and Management - _, ,�:.; F _....., „.._. ._ • Located at 1360 Brook Drive - vehicles, '*� *f inventory storage, lab, and training "� - - — Managing materials inventory "' «' — Tracking expenditures against budget Rik/' 1. , — Customer service & public outreach ;1_ — Data management/records/contracts # 1 :' - Short-and long-term planning , 5 'I — Staff training& management , — Regulatory coordination ' A -s • Lots of professional training! , ''�` le4gilli I. 12 6 11/29/2023 A tp Cyber Security • It's complicated —Water Division collaborates with IT • Participating in an assessment program through CISA • This will likely be a regulated program • Separate firewall protection for Water assets in addition to the Town's protection • Extensive instrumentation and reporting of operational data requires enhanced security • Access segmented and layered to control who can access which operational features 13 Water Quality and Laboratory 14 7 11/29/2023 A [p Water Quality and Laboratory • • • • 6 i >. AiL .< 1 /Ak Water Treatment Water Distribution 15 A fp Water Quality and Laboratory • Sample raw water, treated water at the plants, water in the distribution system, and water from our pond at Glacier Creek 01 • We ALSO test samples from other water systems , . ,17:1-..1.1,4:11/.. , ,: - ik. A .---'-1' ,'''''''. ....4.;; ;Iii".':::17,-:' :7:-'' laggir;:;:,:::.:- - - 46••••••••••er Itr, . - - . . , \ .. . 16 8 11/29/2023 Ep Water Quality/Laboratory • • Our main lab is EPA accredited for TOC % D b -= 1 E fl[ and microbiology - imam"j . �_inEn � __• • Each plant has a small process control lab • Over 12,000 tests per year including: — pH —color — alkalinity —turbidity — chlorophyll —chlorine residual —geosmin/2-MIB —corrosion control — conductivity/TDS —Giardia/Cryptosporidium —total organic carbon —total hardness/calcium & magnesium —total coliform/E. coli —disinfectant by-products —total suspended solids — heterotrophic plate counts 17 fp Water Quality and Laboratory • Validates compliance prior to connecting new pipes to our system and during TOWN of ESTES PARK emergency repairs • Public outreach — 2023 — Consumer Confidence Report Annual water QualityReport Covering Data w.Calendar Year— water quality mailings zozz — special mailings (lead service line inventory) • Our Laboratory Supervisor and Lab Tech f engage in extensive training annually rc,. 5" 4: _ 18 9 11/29/2023 i ip Raw Water Quality Challenges • Glacier Creek WTP — Very low alkalinity impacts ability to flocculate — High color during spring runoff impacts filter operations — Very cold water temperature slows formation of flocs and impacts disinfection • Marys Lake WTP — High total organic carbon (TOC) forms disinfection by-products — Taste and odor from organics and algae — Use of chemical to manage the TOCs causes more wear on membrane system Source water at both plants is at risk with extreme drought. 19 Water Treatment 20 10 11/29/2023 i fp Marys Lake Water Treatment Plant Membrane 2-stage process urt Conserem vancy District (2-stage) Conserv•nry DisMcr • Upgraded in 2009e �r <a, �• 4 MGD with 1 MG of storage 1 W .uno• • Treats C-BT surface water from the Adam's Tunnel (or from Marys Lake) J . •• ��� • Operates spring through summer Challenges • Does not have redundancy at full -_ --- • capacity T 4.-,.- • Depends on tunnel for our raw water • Raw water quality - -s' _ -•_ y ::,- 1 21 r. ► ' ...t1iiiiia ,pr y lit is 44 *4, w ,,4 + e r ( it i < :41 • 1 ,fit. •r. y , A kili 1 ® o.� Ili PIM a,. t . S. ti '„. * R ,� *I e, 7t � i Ott 4 - r 22 11 11/29/2023 GRAND LAKE MARYS LAKE WATER TREATMENT PLANT Oa roMa SODA ]Ii = mro Ot 04TE f FLOCULATX)N& FIRST STAGEA9s p 5®IMENUETION MEMBRANES S RADIO MIX BASINS m,'Irl 1 `` b • I (�t CLEARWELL STORAGE TANK Ir‹ f k soo.o000ALLONS s000OOGALLDNS SCREENS SEVIER l r \ - BOX 1 WASTE O S HOLDING '" f , Soda Ash:increases pH/akalinrty A(f{ t. AluninumChbro hydrate lACHl:coagu Lan Ito create floc particles a Powder Activated Carbon(PAC):taste and odor/TOC removal Zinc Orthophosphate:corrosion inMbitor 11_, _ --"il((J' SodiunHypochlorite:disinfects filtered water to ensure inact'r+atbnofmicroorganisms P1 SECOND ,`ail 4�� STAGE MEMBRANES 11I t 11 WASTE WASTE • HOLDING HOLDING 1 TO SEWER 23 �� ., %� ,e•1111111111.7.: ' ti. • - ."*".*.. I' •04 .„,ii----- ':. ' '''. sh„,... I it": 4 lc,..__._......._____1:m I.: ki i — f ........................ - I,) ., ,ri,or, I: T -, :. 3� 1 %'m /// rnnunnuL n.....uu' y///////////////MAIM pppnnnn1111M l ltto\\%\W\\\\\\\\\ �y/ //////////////J//uu�unNNmnIIH::Mt�t\1tu\o\\\\\\\ "/.!%///////// ////////////I11111111111111111IDDI 1\\\\\\\\\\U\\\\\\\\ //p////////////////1/////lllllllllll:.....iiuh.......ms,k,m�ss...-:.,w 12 11/29/2023 i [p Glacier Creek WTP Direct filtration water treatment • Originally built in the 1970s then upgraded • 3 MGD with 1 MG of storage • Treats water from Glacier Creek Y_ IT 1 Y' y • Operates summer through early spring " `` Challenges • Structure and equipment past their useful life 4 r,.*+ • Limited utilities and poor communications _, t/ • Challenging access '‘;It -_ - ''''. • sp; P • Seasonal water quality 25 #11>o, 11 # - - :* r' ,'� 11. - ., a k 11/1 r... ..,4- .. r• ---r-iit--.. .4.0604.".44%;',11rt -- , - 1 ' 7 ; •? , 1^�41#A �,. I, 'rIf �! 1pi* s� MNE,ai �- , ' .+. - L - " + 1 .* - . 11 Ift•tiArbt ' - ' . i . , . . 26 13 11/29/2023 'I GLACIER CREEK WATER TREATMENT PLANT c.c.s ,--., oz—/ � 6`. CHLORINE SODA f 11 GAS ASH — J— n� cZ , \ SCREEN RAPID MIX O j SPLITER FILTER O pH CORRECTION BOX 1 29 L tiji CHAMRFRr '4:'! / .._may CLURWCLLI `' STORAGETANK-/I�I ' _> ` 00,000 GALLONS 1,000,000 GALLONSr v �� y 2 FILTER lA PO 1B FI(KUI ATION 4 SEDIMENTATION :.— i BASINS SODA ASH ..C. BACKWASH WASTE Fili BACKWASH , \ DETENTION POND C$ 04 9 27 uc i • / �-1 . ‘ 1 1 .---,::: , i-lt.... _.,:c.i __ , \111114„, . s i.i.-. .\.:\ 28 14 11/29/2023 Water Distribution All:____ !1 29 A fp Water Distribution and Storage • Serves residential, commercial, te _ construction, fire protection and bulk r- -.- _ l water ~l; �..5= • Storage tanks provide volume for E 1 - :•,-- ik , +4:n.1 peak demand and fire flow -' r . . • 5 private consecutive systems are - --/- #` ,k ,! .`-�;,�,�— served through the distribution til -.,r� a : A _ system , _.'Y 1,,►� -�-� „,mIr '�' 1 • Over 7,000 utility locates annually NM r, 4i-.;�,�1�� -LJ • Cross connection control program '� r '`,-;' 30 15 11/29/2023 A fp Hydrant Maintenance • We have 792 fire hydrants including 6 , iHydrants {• Spring hydrant flushing �. ! 1 . — Clears sediment (over 700 man hours) - Ensures hydrants are operational in the event of a fire — Creates hydrant work orders for repairs — Helps to move water to reducez water age, improving water quality Illr±, 31 4 [p Reactive Maintenance • Approximately 30% of our system is older galvanized or cast iron small- i diameter pipes V -j • Many pipes are not buried deep enough and can freeze ' ' • Higher than "typical" pressures (up to 275 psi) • Our team spends more time on . -£, - reactive maintenance than „fir♦ 4Ai:46 preventative maintenance . 4 `•:'. l i • Customer Requests '� 32 16 11/29/2023 A [p System Dead-ends • Challenging "tree-like" system with dead ends, less looping than preferred Winter Water Age Simulation • Low winter demand results in increased water age t 4 -flt '''''44;. -:. . X / f. Jr..- , Tree-like system not looped 33 A fp Service Line Inspections • Get the Lead Out— lead can cause serious health problems • Federal and State regulations require water systems to inventory service line materials no matter who owns the line • We do not expect to find lead services, but if we do we will work with the customers to have them replaced I Curb Stop:Valve used to turn water on and off. I Tow Responsibility / iCorporation Stop 1 fl 40 T 1�II II CustomeYs Service Line Water Meter water meter locations vary for each connection I 34 17 11/29/2023 4 fp Distribution System Preventative Maintenance ry � i ' L. - •A � \ ;r-� . , 4,- Aii ) A , -ma; k.fr ;:.-17-•-•.! 35 i [p Master Plan Update - 2024 • Review population and demand projections IVIait7 • Assess the condition of key water assets �.�• \ ij0 • Optimize water system performance Q 2024 Water System CD • Define existing system capital Master Plan improvements V Update 0 • Define capital improvement plan (CIP) to � Oa' meet level-of-service for future conditions •%, • Identify funding opportunities to support CIP 4/03 s')0 c • Support the greater economy (i.e. augmentation, water testing, development review) 36 18 11/29/2023 Discussion 37 19 f A IP TOWN OF ESTES PARI Report PUBLIC WORKS To: Honorable Mayor Koenig Board of Trustees Through: Town Administrator Machalek From: Dana Klein, CAPP, CCTM, Parking & Transit Supervisor Greg Muhonen, PE, Public Works Director Date: November 28, 2023 RE: 2023 Paid Parking Program Results & 2024 Program Rates Purpose of Study Session Item: Report on 2023 paid parking program results and present the Public Works (PW) staff recommendation for the 2024 summer guest season. Town Board Direction Requested: Town Board input on the PW staff recommendation for the 2024 seasonal paid parking program. Present Situation: As authorized by Ordinance 30-19 (2019) and Resolution 12-23, parking fees were charged in 682 total spaces for 150 days from May 26 through October 22, 2023. Adopted objectives of the paid parking program are: 1 . Support the Town's business districts by making parking available and by encouraging economic development 2. Maintain adequate turnover of Town-controlled parking spaces 3. Encourage an adequate amount of parking availability for a variety of parking users; efficient use of Town-controlled perimeter parking locations (Parking Structure and Events Complex Park-n-Ride); and enhanced use of the Town's free shuttle system and other transportation alternatives 4. Reduce congestion in travel lanes caused by drivers seeking available parking 2023 program highlights include: • Operational Improvements: o Primary focus in summer 2023 was on increased communication to help residents and guests know how the heavy construction was impacting roadway closures and parking lot access. Staff worked from a 40-row spreadsheet of strategies that included enhanced signage, community presentations, direct mail, and a successful partnership with the Estes Valley Library to connect library card registration with local parking permit registration. Page 27 o Transitioned pay stations to push/pull credit card readers in high-traffic areas. This change dramatically reduced the credit card processing time by allowing batch settlements versus real-time authorization. o Increased the non-enforcement parking field team presence to provide more in-person customer support. o Issuance of warnings (instead of citations) on October weekdays when parking areas were less full. o Updated pedestrian-level payment signage to direct customers to connect to the free Wapiti Wi-Fi for a more effective mobile payment experience. • Occupancy & Turnover Data o In brief summary, 2023 data was expected to be similar to 2022 since there were no increases to the number of paid parking areas, the length of the paid parking season, or prices of any type. o Overall average occupancy, including the Parking Structure and Events Complex, was up 2% compared to 2022 and flat compared to 2021. o Average occupancy in the paid parking areas was 79%, up 2% over 2022. o Average occupancy in the free parking areas was 62%, up 2% over 2022. o Parking Structure average occupancy was 23%, up 4% from 2022; however, the Structure was completely full or above 90% occupied nine (9) times in September and October. o 70% of parkers paid for two hours or less in the paid parking areas, a decrease of 2% over 2022. • Parking Permit Program: o While the Local Permit time allotment was increased from 60 to 120 minutes in 2023, no significant increase in utilization of the Local Permit was observed. However, the data did show that Local Permits were utilized more during weekdays than on weekends in 2023. o Permit rates did not change from 2022 to 2023; however, the total number of registered or purchased permits has increased 48% since program implementation in 2021. ■ Local Permit (120 Minutes Free): 6,171 registered, a 27.4% increase over 2022. With some duplicates likely in the system, an off-season audit of the Local Permit will be conducted by PW staff. ■ Employee Convenience: 1 ,052, a 1.6% increase over 2022. o In 2023, permitted parkers occupied approximately 15-18% of the total downtown supply (flat/no change over 2022). • Customer Education & Outreach: o There were a number of formal and informal opportunities for residents and visitors to provide feedback on the 2023 paid parking program, including: ■ Downtown Parking Revenue Task Force (December 2022 — February 2023) ■ Numerous community presentations, including Estes Downtown Business/Retail and Lodging Alliances, Daybreak Rotary, League of Women Voters, and the Estes Car Club. ■ Training presentations for seasonal staff and volunteer teams, including the Police Department Community Service Officers and Visitor Center Ambassadors. Page 28 • All program materials were translated into Spanish. • 100 locals registered for and actively participated in the Town's Park-n-Walk Challenge. Additionally, the Town partnered with the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Region's "Shift Your Ride" campaign, which promoted use of alternate modes beyond driving/parking. • Targeted outreach to lodging partners, including an email with parking and transit information to all licensed lodging establishments and short-term rental license holders; directly dropped off materials throughout summer to lodging locations and other businesses. • New partnership with the Estes Valley Library. • Annual permit holder survey received 812 responses, up 7% over 2022. • Key Program Takeaways: o It was a summer of constant change. Our field team did a great job of rolling with the adjustments and answering tough questions about downtown construction disruptions. o Guests and residents are learning the system. Our customer service interactions are trending much more positive/neutral and payment compliance is up. o The current program was generally adequate (near 80%) on the weekdays (Mon-Thu); however, most parking areas (paid and free) are consistently full on the weekend, with occupancies at or near 100%. o The program began to break down in the early fall months, specifically on Bond Park event days in late August, September, and early October. The Parking Structure filled more days and for longer periods of time. Beautiful fall weather again this year also contributed. o Ridership on The Peak was up dramatically this summer, especially on the Red Route (downtown trolley). Proposal: Since the adoption of the Downtown Parking Management Plan (DPMP) in January 2018, PW staff have been committed to a data-driven approach to parking management. Similar to the content of this report in fall 2021 and 2022, if staff were to make our recommendations for the 2024 program based solely on data and our professional training, recommendations would be to expand the paid parking program into all downtown parking lots, limit the use of Employee Permits in the busiest lots on the weekends, and implement demand-based pricing on the weekends in the core of downtown. As was the case during the Town Board discussion regarding the 2023 program, there are also intangible, subjective considerations that are necessary to factor into the decisions regarding the 2024 program scope. Knowing that the level of construction disruption in downtown Estes Park will continue and increase into the 2024 parking season, PW staff are recommending no significant change or expansion to the 2024 paid parking program. Instead, staff plan to focus their efforts in 2024 on finding alternative strategies to continue improving the parking experience (e.g., additional Page 29 signage, communication, and transit support), especially during the very busy fall weekends with Bond Park events. Currently, PW staff are directed by Title 10 of the Estes Park Municipal Code (EPMC), Section 10.06.010(b) to "propose parking rates for the following season to the Town Board by March 15 of each year." Staff are planning to bring to the December 12 Town Board meeting an EPMC amendment extending the date by which the Manager shall propose parking rates for the following paid parking season (current date: December 15; proposed date: March 15). While PW staff plan to propose no change to the paid parking rates, areas, or permit pricing for 2024, we would like more time in future years to analyze program performance and vet recommendations through the citizen Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) prior to presenting the future year program to the Town Board. Staff anticipate returning to the Town Board by March 12 with a resolution to set 2024 Paid Parking Program and Permit Fees. Advantages: • Seasonal paid parking continues the Town's commitment to implementation of the Board-adopted DPMP and the four objectives of the paid parking program. • Implementation is designed to accommodate diverse user groups (locals, visitors, and employees), is phased/incremental, and is in line with other Colorado communities supported by tourism-driven economies. • Paid parking fees will continue to reduce future reliance on the General Fund for parking management, future parking infrastructure (e.g., new Parking Structure downtown) and the heavily subsidized Town's free shuttle service (The Peak). Disadvantages: • Implementation of parking management in downtown Estes Park, especially paid parking, has been vocally opposed by some residents and business owners; however, Town staff are committed to continuing to build trust with the local community and to communicating effectively to our guests about all parking options. • Change is difficult—especially when that change involves taking something that has been free and assigning a fee to it. However, Town-owned parking is a limited public asset that carries a tangible cost to build and maintain, and it should be managed and priced in a way that manages demand in the most equitable way possible. Finance/Resource Impact: Current Impacts: As in 2022, the 2023 program has met its financial goals, including: 1. Program costs were fully covered by program fees. 2. The Parking Fund will be able to "repay" the General Fund for the 2023 Parking Division base budget. 3. Net revenues in the amount of $175,000 - $200,000 will be added to the Parking Fund. Page 30 Future Impacts: Due to the timing of the Town's annual budgeting process, PW staff projected no significant changes to the 2024 paid parking program with $837,250 in anticipated revenue from paid parking fees, permits and citations. Expenses were conservatively projected at $776,714 for net revenues of $60,536. Level of Public Interest Public interest in seasonal paid parking continues to be moderate. PW staff presented the 2023 paid parking program results and 2024 recommendation to the TAB at their regular meeting in November. TAB indicated their support of the staff proposal for the 2024 paid parking program. Attachments: 1. Presentation: 2023 Paid Parking Program Results Page 31 i .. Seasonal Paid Parking Program: i ---.0., 2023 Year-End Results AL EP ....4,_ . Dana Klein, CPP, CCTM „, ' ® = , . 4, 4-• ' Parking & Transit Supervisor ,r � ESTES PARK v �7 z rT: - sy COLORADO Orr -s Town Board " : VI ' - _ -- Study Session --a—T E' 0 November 28, 2023 M1. ilk , p.`'e"" i +� Alt ' ;:. Presentation Overview "�"" "- 1 . Current Program Overview - 2. 2023 Program Results • _ • Operations • Data A • Financial Performance • Customer & Community Input • Key Takeaways • 3. Next Steps / Q&A Page 32 t "- :� �l Y '- ,.',..ANZ‘ ,• ,*••s t% f' 4 t t r Current Program c1 Overview = . e _ _ � `r T2n '. V , ♦ / EP o Paid Parking r Program Goals* c� � .• 1. Support the Town's business districts by ; y" ' making parking available and by ' � ' ' encouraging economic development. , .; '�' 11 ,x '' "` ra z �-n 0 2. Maintain adequate turnover of Town- — ` --� 1` controlled parking spaces. . 1"' 7�. . "�. 4; iii 3. Encourage an adequate amount of parking ,Ikii, F �,a availability for a variety of parking users. • Efficient use of perimeter parking locations A _ • Enhanced use of the Town's free shuttle I,'? system and other transportation alternatives °p:3i, __ 6 4. Reduce congestion in travel lanes caused ' �" - -�; V by drivers seeking available parking. - - *Defined in EPMC Ordinance 30-19 Page 33 2023 Program Dates: Hours: • 150 days 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • May 26 — October 22, 2023 (daily) Paid Parking Locations: Percentage of Total Supply: Percentage of Downtown Supply: • Town Hall (224 paid stalls) Free vs. Paid Free vs. Paid • Bond Park(73)* 31% ° 33/° • E. Riverside (41) • Riverside (91) • Wiest (132) 69% 67% • Post Office (86)** Paid Free • Free Paid • Virginia (19) Total paid stalls:682 • Tregent (16) Total free stalls:340 Total stalls:1,022 *Impacted by special events-9 during season **Impacted by DEL project-stall counts varied I---RMNP FALL RIVER ENTRANCE � '$ EWon :iy , ��`pa�WWWWonderview Ave n 9ry vapor o P © TOWN HALL fan Nur,,, 4 © ® wi P b 4 0 VISITOR CENTER ,0L,r 0 © © 0 o i EEvrs°m me Nsgr 1,44 0 0 V W EWE® © EVENTS COMPLEX o' `' ®PARK-N-RIDE 0.5 mi Pi Saint Wain Ave \ wwV ESHUTTLE STOP 40" sr 4. II Ali 1111, ii EV CHARGING © .fi N b ail �/; , 10AM-5PM 1$2/HR OVERNIGHT I S10 'PUBLIC RESTROOMS ,ea rua,a, w (WY 1'-CCTI6I (NC CONGI OVISITOR INFORMATIONAlip, "0""o^w ALL DAY 3HOURS Iv s`i ` 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES EPkERMEADOYISENTRANCE IIwav2v-any) (Mav27-ar16) fo, tz .A ,e 27008 ` it • '. .4te ,' 4 k W. w;r L` .4 -- . k-.44.4-..".:-- -V;- ..,,,,,--.V.;,_1,' .. ° --, ' e.:,...;' ' , Ai'''';-; 1 ' -,:''''-'4.* ' 4 e r 2 2 Pr r m i . - ti �f 1; : s r = 4 0 3 oga --� 4 ,; ; w ,;.. .. Results - _ t.,, . "- MOBILE PAYMENT OPTIONS a'- ® -r 1.11 #- , ' I _ 1i27008 -N- i fill—_ OM EP Going Downtown g This Summer? MOBILE 2023 Operational Focus: fP Let Us Help! P PAYMENT OPTIONS 0 STEP 1 oO vg u!, Agri �.n..ww.mMlr,L.,Rk.c FREE Wapiti WiFi ®i' Communications ©` ....AM STEP(2 Towns MUMMIFY between MO MAKI.MON MAY w-OOT.v. .. u• 77223 ,°o la • 40-row spreadsheet of strategies to help ©MAMMY,vn.NRRwYORTNRRmATMORION STEP(3 ; /7017 residents and guests know what to expect a look forward to welcoming •- ...... u.....pI...MM... you downtown this summer! {� ®ADA VEHICLES PARK rREP NERYMNERE ✓ Parking Structure banners m,P ✓ Community presentations - ° • mm V Utility bill mailer — _ ✓ Library partnership ___-_. _._ • Transitioned pay stations to push/pull credit card -- --_= __- _. readers in high-traffic areas • Increasednon-enforcement parking fieldteam; -- - transitioned to warnings only on Oct. weekdays -__ _ - • Updated payment signage to focus on text2pay ( ---- . - y lr- Page 35 II 2023 Results - Data (Peak Occupancy) Peak Occupancy-Paid Lols Year•2021• 2•2023 PEAK 111. .. .i1.11 OCCUPANCY: PAID LOTS Season Average: 2021 - 91% II 2022 - 92% 0.. -C.3 2D2 2023 2321 20. MB 2021 2022 2023 2021 2022 2023 202, 2022 2023 Jul nun Wg on 2023 - 93.5% "Oe'h-r"r Key Definitions: • Occupancy:Vehicles parked divided by the total number of stalls available. 4 • Peak Occupancy:Average of daily peak demand during the observation period(10am-5pm,150 days). • Average Occupancy:Average of daily occupancy during the observation period(loam-5pm daily over 150 days). EP 2023 Results - Data (Peak Occupancy) Peak Occupancy-Free Lots PEAKlot OCCUPANCY: Year•2021•2022.2023 Excludes Evenz Center r�k full MSGarage Full/90% Sat 9/2/2023 FREE LOTS �, sun 9/3/zoz3 Mon 9/4/2023 Sat 9/16/2023 SeasonAverage: 10/1/2023 dIIH1IiHfltU ! Nanth-Veer I EP Page 36 2023 Results - Data (Peak Occupancy) Peak&Average Occupancy-Paid Lots Monday-Thursday Year•Average•Peak PEAK ,.„ OCCUPANCY: Lot Feek Full:85% PAID LOTS 8a- (Mon-Thurs only) 600% 94% 90% 91% 90% 400% 73% z00% on% 2023 2023 Jul Aug Month-Yaar A EP IMF 2023 Results - Data (Peak Occupancy) Peak&Average Occupancy-Free Lots PEAK Year•Average•Peak OCCUPANCY: °"�1Fo185% FREE LOTS (Mon-Thurs .0 only) .41 111 2023 2023 2023 2023 2➢23 2➢23 May Jun Jul Aug Sep OR Month-Year [P Page 37 2023 Results - Data (Peak Occupancy) Peak&Average Occupancy-Paid Lots Friday-Sunday PEAKYear•Average•Peak OCCUPANCY: 'a— Lot Feel.Full.es% PAID LOTS 80.0% (Fri, Sat, Sun) ********** 60.0% Bond Park Event 000% 80% Closures: 9 200% 0.0% 2023 2023 2023 _.. ,un lul Aug Sep C. Month-Year EP 2023 Results - Data (Peak Occupancy) Peak&Average Occupancy-Free Lots Friday-Sunday PEAK Year•Average•Peak LOt Feelz Full.85% OCCUPANCY: e0.0% FREE LOTS (Fri, Sat, Sun) i. 20.0% 00% 2023 2023 2023 Mry lun Jul Month-Yea EP Page 38 2023 Results - Data (Turnover & Permits) AmdMa 6.06% In 2023,permitted [0.17% ['2.31% parkers occupied approximately 28.51%- z-7.08% Dural15-18% of total 08.00 ten, 8.00 7.00 downtown supply. 1 hr. ••60060 •5.00 3 hrs. 04.00 Average of - 16.19% •3.00 195 out of 1,305 •2 00 •100 available spaces •000 were occupied by .Bak, 70% PAID permit holders. FOR 2 HOURS 36.34% OR LESS EP 2022* 2023** Budgeted Revenue $771,105.00 $775,125 L J Actual Revenue $850,031 .72 $808,582 *Paid parking fees only L J Budgeted Expenses $499,875.00 $490,000 Actual Expenses $462,891 .76 $337,798 Net Revenue** $387,140.96 $470,784 *2022 includes one less hour of revenue,full Bond Park event schedule and fewer revenue stalls at Post Office. **2023 includes full Bond Park event schedule,significantly fewer revenue stalls at Post Office. EP , I=M Page 39 Community & Customer Input 2023 Opportunities • Parking Revenue Task Force • Presentations to Chamber Councils (Downtown/Retail, Lodging), Daybreak Rotary, LWV, CSOs, Visitor Center Ambassadors, Estes Car Club • All materials translated into Spanish • Park-n-Walk Challenge (100 participants); partnership with NFRMPO's "Shift Your Ride" campaign • Outreach to lodging partners — material drop-off throughout summer • New Library partnership** • Annual permit survey** A EP 2023 Highlight: Library Partnership Library Partnership • Multi-pronged approach, including: LIBRARY Library staff training Integration of library card sign-up/renewal and Local Permit registration PARKING c> Coordination on library program timing, ♦ONLY-1 location(s) VIOLATORS WILL BE BOOKED Library board member and staff involvement Library staff were actively involved in the hank you! Park-n-Walk challenge A EP111 Page 40 2023 Highlight: Annual Permit Survey • 812 responses (up 7% over 2022) • 9O% of respondents have the Local Permit • 45% registered online; 42% no action/auto-renew • Permit registration experience: 86.5% very positive/positive, 10% neutral/no comment Those who answered negative/very negative commented about the program in general, said they wanted proof of their permit or got a ticket by mistake • Customer service rating: 65% did not have an interaction; 33% outstanding/above average; 2% no opinion A EP Key Takeaways • It was a summer of constant change. Our field team did a great job of rolling with the adjustments, answering tough questions and trying to help. • Guests and residents are learning the system. Our customer service interactions are trending much more positive/neutral and payment compliance is up. • The current program was generally adequate (near 80%) on the weekdays (Mon x , Thurs); however most parking areas (paid and free) are consistently full on the weekend, with occupancies at or near 100%. • The program began to break down in the early fall months, specifically on Bond Park event days in late August, September and early October. The parking structure filled more days and for longer periods of time. Beautiful fall weather for a second year also contributed. • Ridership on The Peak was up dramatically this summer, especially on the Red Route (downtown trolley). EP Page 41 O. Next Steps / Q&A 1 . 2024 Paid Parking Program 2. Town Board Regular Meeting & Public Hearing — December 12 • Minor update to Estes Park Municipal Code, extending the decision date for the upcoming year's program from Dec. 31 to March 15 3. Board Q & A A EP Page 42 EP .® TOWN OF ESTES PARK Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Ite November 28, 2023 December 12, 2023 Items Approved — Unscheduled: • Updated ADA Transition Plan • Bed and Breakfast Code Revisions • Draft Arts Master Plan • Noise Ordinance • Encore Arts Update • Substandard Rental Housing • Racial Covenants Research and • Governing Policies Updates Ordinance • Stanley Park Master Plan Implementation January 9, 2024 • Downtown Loop Updates as Necessary • HR Strategic Plan and Organizational Culture Update Items for Town Board Consideration: • Property Tax Work Program • Seasonal RV Housing on Commercial Sites Pilot Program Page 43 f