Newsmaker Q&A: A conversation on conservation

With water-use restrictions set to start in Fort Collins April 1 and the distinct possibility of another dry summer ahead, water use is on the minds of many. Fortunately for them, Laurie D’Audney, water conservation specialist for Fort Collins Utilities, has been thinking about water for a lot longer. Because of her work and the water conservation and water resources division’s plans, the city can rest assured that no one will go thirsty this summer, come rain or sprinkler restrictions.

Question: Can you briefly explain the major challenges the city’s water conservation team is facing this year? What are the causes of these challenges?

Answer: Going into 2013, Utilities is uncertain how much water supply will be available from the two main sources of supply, the Poudre River and Colorado-Big Thompson Project. The 2012 fires in the Poudre Canyon limited the amount of Poudre River water Utilities was able to treat for drinking water last year due to poor water quality as a result of rain over the burn area and fluctuations in the river’s flow. In addition, persistent drought conditions and low snowpack continue to impact the amount of water supply available.

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Q: What is the water conservation division doing to mitigate the effects of the drought?

A: Fort Collins Utilities’ water conservation and water resources divisions are working together to implement the city’s Water Supply Shortage Response Plan, Ordinance 048, 2003. The plan is designed to respond to four levels of water shortage with a list of appropriate restrictions for each of the response levels. Given the uncertainties of water supplies, city manager Darin Atteberry has declared Response Level 1 restrictions to be effective on April 1. However, the water supply situation will continue to be evaluated and the need for adjusting the response level of restrictions. To mitigate the river’s water quality issues, the water treatment division is building a sedimentation basin to help settle out solids, as well as modifying treatment processes.

Q: What are the most effective ways businesses can reduce water usage? Residents?

A: The restrictions target outdoor water use, but we encourage customers to also find ways to reduce use indoors. One way to help reduce our water use is to follow the restrictions; watering only as much as you need. Scheduling a sprinkler system audit can help with establishing an appropriate schedule and finding problems that waste water. Utilities offers free audits to homeowners and homeowner associations, and we have a list of certified local auditors for businesses interested in an audit.

Businesses might save water through modifying a process or replacing a piece of equipment; Fort Collins Utilities has rebates to help. Rebates are also available to residential customers who purchase a high efficiency toilet, clothes washer, dishwasher or sprinkler equipment. In addition, efforts such as shutting the faucet off when brushing teeth and washing dishes go a long way to saving water.

Q: What is the city doing to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of the water shortage?

A: Communicating with our customers is a foundation to successfully implementing water restrictions. Utilities has developed an extensive list of tactics for reaching customers with timely information about the restrictions, including bill inserts, articles, website and advertising. We also have a speaker’s bureau giving presentations to any interested group or organization. Not only are we sharing information about the restrictions, but listening to understand the concerns of residents and businesses to better help them conserve water.

In addition, the tagline “Reduce our use” was chosen to be action-oriented so that customers know the goal of water restrictions and what we are asking of them. This also creates a social-based, community message that we are all involved in the solution.

Q: Is the city on track for its goal of reducing water use to 140 gallons per capita per day by 2020? Where are we at currently?

A: Our water conservation plan sets a goal of 140 gallons per capita per day by 2020. This figure, per capita annual consumption, is calculated by dividing annual total system-wide water use, minus large contractual use, by the population served and 365 days. It is adjusted for weather to provide a fair comparison from year to year. In 2010 and 2011, the average demand was 144 gpcd. In 2012, water use rose to 152 gpcd. We think this was because of the exceptionally hot and dry summer and perhaps water used due to the High Park Fire. The good news is that our community has reduced water use by about 25 percent in the last 10 years and appears to be on track to meet our goal.

– Maggie Shafer