House sponsor: Rep. Pommer
Senate sponsors: Sen. Whitehead

Conserving for our future

Colorado is at a crossroad; as we enter the second decade of this century we will have tough decisions to make on how we provide water for our future. In the face of increasing population demands and uncertain precipitation due to climate change we may no longer be able to rely on traditionally reliable sources of water that have served us in the past. We may pay considerably higher rates for our water, and see diminished quality. In short there will not be many "easy" solutions to meet our water needs.

However, there are reliable and inexpensive sources of water that can play an integral role in our future: conservation and efficiency. The benefits of increased efficiency are realized immediately through increased supplies, lower water bills and more water in our rivers and streams. With the right tools Colorado can be prepared to meet our future needs, but in order to plan for tomorrow we must have real-time information on what is happening today.

Overview

Currently staff members of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) spend a great deal of time tracking data on how water is used in Colorado as well as how it is conserved. This current system is inefficient and diverts precious staff time away from providing resources and innovation to water providers working on water conservation planning. HB10-1051, by Representative Pommer and Senator Whitehead, funnels crucial data to CWCB staff on how our water conservation efforts are progressing in Colorado. This information will help the state be more efficient in targeting resources to help water providers meet challenges, such as seeking out federal funding for water needs

This bill:

• Uses CWCB staff time more efficiently, allowing staff to be a resource for water providers instead of chasing data. 
  
• Provides accurate and up to date snapshot on water use for utilities, and allows them to compare the effectiveness of programs with other utilities.
  
• Clarifies confusion in existing statute, and builds on existing statute.
  
• Draws from information currently collected by water providers.This information is limited to how water is distributed, the total amount of water served, population estimates, conservation savings estimates and changes made from year to year.
  
• Provides accountability to water consumers statewide that water is being used wisely.

For more information contact:

Becky Long, Colorado Environmental Coalition, 303.405-6709, becky@cecenviro.org

Water Efficiency Plans Annual Reports (pdf)