Legislature making efficient work of water efficiency

Release Date: April 13, 2010
Denver

Contact: Becky Long Colorado Environmental Coalition 970-389-2719

Contact:

Related Information Bill Tracker 2011 Track bills as they move through the state house and state senate. 2011 January 5, 2011 Ask our leaders keep more water in Colorado’s rivers! Colorado can do more to maximize water efficiency and conservation December 7, 2010 Clean Air-Clean Jobs rally video and press release for 9/27/2010 rally on 1365 Clean Air-Clean Jobs bill September 27, 2010 2010 Rebel with a Cause -- Governor Bill Ritter Video of 2010 Rebel with a Cause Governor Bill Ritter speech and bill signing June 17, 2010 Bill Tracker 2010 Track bills as they move through the state house and state senate. 2010 May 11, 2010 Best in the West Press Conference Video of Best in the West end-of-session 2010 Press Conference at capitol May 10, 2010

Supporters of a package of water efficiency bills this legislative session applauded the passage of two bills today thatwill result in significant water savings statewide. HB 1358, which will provide homeowners more water-efficient home features, and HB 1051, which gives water planners an accurate picture of current water efficiency efforts, both passed the House of Representatives.

"These two critical water efficiency measures are a great step towards ensuring that Colorado has enough water to meet our future needs. Water is always a controversial issue under the dome so I appreciate the hard work of the diverse stakeholders who helped to develop this legislation so far", said House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Chair Randy Fischer.

"Using water more efficiently is the fastest, cheapest and most effective way to expand our water supplies," said Drew Beckwith, Water Policy Analyst for Western Resource Advocates.  "The demand for water in Colorado will only increase in the coming years, but through these creative and efficient solutions, we are ensuring we have an adequate water supply to meet that demand."

HB 1358 by Representative Fischer and Senator Johnston allows new home buyers to choose from several Water Smart Home options, including; low flow toilets, high efficiency washing machines, and low water use landscaping. House Bill 1051 by Representative Pommer and Senator Whitehead, builds on existing efficiency and conservation programs by centralizing data regarding water efficiency plans in Colorado. The legislation will funnel crucial data to the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Both bills head to the Senate in the coming days.

Two other bills have already passed the House and Senate in Colorado, SB 25 extending funding for the Colorado Water Conservation Board's Water efficiency grant program, and HB 1204 which allows the State Board of Plumbing examiners to consider conservation and efficiency as they select the State Plumbing code.

These bills build on a national conversion of products, rebates and leadership on water efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency is currently working with several pilot cities, including Denver, to develop their WaterSense branding system. This line modeled after the popular EnergyStar rating system, aims to provide consumers with information on reliable, affordable and effective products and services which use water efficiently. There are also two pieces of federal legislation that promote water efficiency. The first HR 2368, would provide long term support for EPA's WaterSense Program. The other, HR 1908, the W.A.T.E.R. Act, sponsored by Representative Mike Coffman (R-Colorado), would provide a personal tax incentive for individuals who purchase WaterSense Products.

"We have to develop practical, cost-effective ways to provide all Coloradans with safe, affordable water, while encouraging all of our State's communities to use every drop wisely," said Senator Bruce Whitehead.

####