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Across the Board with Conservation
Rick Schultz, Water Conservation SpecialistRuth Stadler, Water Conservation Plan ReviewerBillie Owens, Program AnalystKyle Sipes, Stormwater Inspector
February 9, 2010
•Education
•Regulations
•Rates
•Customer Assistance Programs
Why are we here?
Education
Education• Water Wiser• Lunch and Learn Programs• Irrigation Audit Program• Elementary School Presentations• Demonstration Gardens• Landscaper Registration
• Began in 2003• Residential customers• Currently 1260 participants• Alternatives to traditional
landscaping• More efficient ways to irrigation• Exempt from every third day restrictions
Water Wiser Workshops
Lunch and Learn Programs• Less formal than Water Wiser• Shorter in length• Intended for residential customers• Covers such topics as:
– Xeriscape design– Spring start up and timer programming– Festival Park plant tour– Landscape and sprinkler winterization
Presentations and Tours• School visits
– Town of Castle Rock– Douglas County Water Resource Authority
• Water plant tours• Partnership with DCWRA
– Homeowner’s associations– Management companies– Landscape contractors
Demonstration Gardens
• Festival Park• Ray Waterman Water
Treatment Plant• Utilities office• Crystal Valley Ranch
Recreation Center
Registration for Landscape Professionals
• Five categories of registration– State licensed landscape architects– Landscape designers– Irrigation designers– Landscape/Irrigation installation contractors– Landscape/Irrigation maintenance contractors
• Getting it right the first time saves your client time and money
Regulations
February 9, 2010
Multifamily Section
Landscape Regulations Section 3.2.1 C1a
• Native and/or drought tolerant turf grasses shall be used in all areas.– No bluegrass on streetscape– Moderate water use grass in passive use areas
Residential Properties by Developer/Builder
Turf Limitations
Landscape Regulations Section 3.2.2 C3a-d
50% of non-impervious >17,0005,5257,001-17,0003,500</= 7,000
Max. Turf (sq.ft.)Lot Size (sq.ft.)
Commercial Properties
Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.2 B1 and 3.3.2 D2
• No high water use plants– No Kentucky bluegrass– No Cottonwoods
• Separate irrigation service connection are required
Required Soil Improvement
Verification of organic matter before certificate of occupancy (CO)
Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.2 C3 and 3.3.4 C3
Streetscape Requirements
Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.4 E f-m
OverheadLow Water>10 ft.
DripNone/Low Water4-10 ft.
NoneNone<4 ft.
Irrigation TypePlant TypeArea Width
Irrigation Systems
Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.2 B1 and 3.3.2 D2
• Plant types must match irrigation method• Hydrozones are to be noted on the plans• Irrigation must be able to meet demand
requirement
Irrigation Systems
Landscape Regulations Section 4.2.4
• Details of the irrigation system – Special times for residential and commercial
• Application rates not to exceed 1.5”/week• Rain sensing device required
Registration of Landscape Professionals
Landscape Regulations Section 5
• Registration types:– Landscape architects and designers– Landscape installers– Landscape maintenance professionals
• Must have registration number to complete project in Town
Plant Selection
Landscape Regulations Section 6
• Not hardy in Castle Rock:– Many xeric ornamental grasses – Many perennials– Broadleaf evergreen shrubs
Forms • Large Irrigator Temporary Irrigation Exemption• Irrigation Exemption for Residential• Registration of Landscape Professionals• Landscape Plan Checklist• Landscaper Inspection Affidavit• Irrigation Inspection Affidavit
Planting Details
• Shrub• Perennial• Deciduous tree• Evergreen
• All backflow assemblies shall be approved by the Utilities Department and/or designee prior to installation
• For more information, contact Sean Davin720-733-1352sdavin@CRgov.com
Cross Connection Control
Landscape Regulations Section 13.06
Water Restrictions
Landscape Regulations Chapters 13.15 and 13.22
• Every third day• Programmable controller required
– Battery back up
Irrigated Public Area Water Conservation
Landscape Regulations Chapters 13.20
Composite Landscape Water Use Rating System
LWUR x IA / TACLWUR = <<N
K=1 KK
(CLWUR< 2.5)
LWUR K
DefinitionsWater use rating for each landscape zone
IA K Irrigation area for each landscape zone
TA Total area for all landscape zones
Landscape Regulations Chapter 13.20
Net Result of Public Irrigated Water Ordinance
• Reduces high water use vegetation on a project• Streetscapes need a “low” water use plant
– Buffalo grass– Blue grama– Wheat grass blends– Fescue blends
Water Use Management Plan (WUMP)• Designed as a demand management tool
• Sets demand management time period– May through August– Designates addresses to – Requires watering during daily time periods
5 – 10 a.m. and 5 – 10 p.m.– Every third day watering– Explains mailing of water schedules to resident
Water Use Management Plan (WUMP)
Water Use Management Plan
Water Use Management Plan (WUMP)
• Defines water waste– Excessive pooling or runoff of site– Impervious surface– Street washing– Unrestricted water from a hose or faucet
– Excessive pooling or runoff of site
– Impervious surface
Examples
Large/Common Area/Public Area Irrigation
Water Use Management Plan
• Defines the area as >10,000 sq.ft.• Requires watering to be 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. every
third day• Submittal of irrigation schedules to the Town for
review and approval
Alternative Irrigation Schedules
Water Use Management Plan
• Exemptions for establishment of new plant material– 30 days for new sod– 45 days for new seed
• Permit obtained through Utilities– Proper soil amendment has been added– Irrigation backflow prevention device has been tested
Defines Water Monitors
Water Use Management Plan
• Drives through the Town • Monitors water use• Must witness violation• Violations may be
assessed a surcharge• Notices are sent to
owner/occupant
Town Registration of Landscape Professionals
• Requires attendance at annual seminar• Passing score on written test• Test focus is on the “Water Use Management
Plan” and “Landscape Regulations”
Rates
February 9, 2010
What is an individualized/water
budget rate structure?
Why do we have one?
Most
Flat RateFlat RateFlat Rate
Least
CONSERVATION
Declining BlockDeclining BlockDeclining Block
UniformUniformUniform
SeasonalSeasonalSeasonal
Increasing BlockIncreasing BlockIncreasing Block
Budget/IndividualizedBudget/IndividualizedBudget/Individualized
Rate Structure Water Budget
Achieving Conservation Through a Rate Structure
• Water budgets as an innovative option– Success of Irvine Ranch Water District caught the
Town’s attention– Need to guide customers to use water more
efficiently– Existing rate structure did not provide a strong
price signal• Customer management tool• Becomes part of water resources management
strategy
Importance of an individualized rate structure
Castle Rock’s Water Challenges – We Are Different!
Deep Groundwater Wells
Nearly 100% of Castle Rock’s water comes from deep groundwater aquifers
A wellfield costs $1 million to drill (2 wells!)
Design/construction adds $1.2-1.4 million
Deepest aquifer requires 500-600 HP pump
Other costs
Average winter electrical costs $85,000/month
Peak month electrical costs $256,000 (3x average winter month)
Water levels are declining!
This is a finite resource!
Level of complexity
• Highly specific to relatively homogenious
• Perfect equity in rate structures is extremely difficult and complex
The KISS Principle• Base the rate structure
on the Town’s goals and objectives– Conservation is important– Cost of service based– Revenue neutral
• Customer Base– Mostly residential– Lot sizes vary– Level of detail to have impact
Tiered rate structure vs. individual
1-5k
$2.16
5-15k
$4.10
15k+
$6.81
Surcharge
<30k
+$6.81
$
Gallons
$
Gallons
5-15k
$4.10
15k+
$6.861
Indoor
$2.16
Indoor
(AWC)
$2.16
Outdoor
(Irrigation)
$4.10
Excess
$6.81
Surcharge
<40k
+$6.81
2008 & 2009 adopted a new structure
Basics of Individualized Rate Structures
• Individualized determination of monthly water use based on indoor and outdoor usage characteristics
• Indoor water use often based on people per household, average winter consumption, or specified allotment
Outdoor water useLandscaped areaVegetation typeMonthly Evapotranspiration (ET)
Taking aim – my indoor targetSingle Family Customer Indoor Budget
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
Janu
aryFeb
ruary
March
April
May
June July
Augus
tSep
tembe
rOcto
ber
Novem
ber
Decem
ber
1,00
0 ga
llons
Indoor
IndoorJanuary 5,000February 4,000March 5,000April 5,000May 5,000June 5,000July 5,000August 5,000September 5,000October 5,000November 5,000December 5,000
Indoor Use Year Round(5,000+4,000+5,000+5,000) ÷ 4 = 5,000
Average Winter Monthly Consumption
(November – March)
SAMPLE
Aerial of property with parcel line
Taking aim – my outdoor target
Infrared imagery showing irrigated areas
*Residential Customers Capped
at 7,000 sq.ft.
Indoor OutdoorJanuary 5,000 0February 4,000 0March 5,000 0April 5,000 1,000May 5,000 8,000June 5,000 11,000July 5,000 11,000August 5,000 8,000September 5,000 7,000October 5,000 1,000November 5,000 0December 5,000 0
59,000 47,000
Indoor Use Based on AWMC
IrrigationBased on irrigated area
Taking aim – my water outdoor target
Single Family Customer
02,0004,0006,0008,000
10,00012,00014,00016,00018,000
JanuaryFebruary
MarchApri l MayJune
JulyAugust
Sep temberOcto
be rNovemberDecember
1,00
0 ga
llons
Outdoor
Indoor
Seasonal Plant Needs
(80% of ET)
SAMPLE
Outdoor Budget
Average Customer
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1,00
0 ga
llons
Outdoor BudgetIndoor Budget
My Target - Summary
Month Indo
or
Budg
et
Out
door
B
udge
t
Tota
l Bu
dget
Jan 5,000 0 5,000Feb 5,000 0 5,000Mar 5,000 0 5,000Apr 5,000 7,000 12,000May 5,000 9,000 14,000Jun 5,000 9,000 14,000Jul 5,000 11,000 16,000
Aug 5,000 10,000 15,000Sep 5,000 7,000 12,000Oct 5,000 4,000 9,000Nov 5,000 0 5,000Dec 5,000 0 5,000
Budget (kgal)Proposed Rate Structure
Customized for EVERY water customer!
Challenges – DATADetermining Indoor Water Use
• Accurately reflecting indoor use (Nov-Feb)• Making sure customers get enough budget• Allowing for variances in indoor use – guests or
snow birds• Establishing for brand new customers with no
history
Challenges – DATADetermining Irrigated Area
• Accurately depicting irrigated area
• Maintaining geographic integrity of parcel boundaries
• Finding a “common link” between data bases
• How often to do this process
Infra-red Imagery
Challenges – DATAIntegrating Information
Infra-redImaging
(Irrigated Area)
GeospatialImage
(Parcels)
Common Unique Identifier/
Data Link(Addresses)
Utility Billing System
John Doe HomeownerAccount Number 123123 Castle Rock Drive
AWMC = 5,000Irrigated Area = 2,700 sq.ft.
July Outdoor Water Budget = 11,000 Gallons
+
+
+
Indoor winter
consumption
Results…so far
• Water savings???• We know our customers much better!• We understand the need for outreach
and communications - before, during and after implementation!
• We have developed policies to address common and special circumstances
• We have standardized business practices
Results…so far
• INCREASING AWARENESS!High water usersLow water usersEquity inquiries
Importance of an Individualized Water Rate Structure
Castle Rock faces major water resource challengesConservation is our most cost-effective water resource Water budgets are a proven method of saving waterA water budget rate structure is one piece of a comprehensive strategy that will help us meet our conservation goals
Conservation StrategyConservation StrategyEducation Regulations Rates Customer Assistance Programs
Customer Assistance Programs
Smartscape Renovation• New in 2009• Residential customers only• Removal of high water use plants• Replace with water wise landscaping• More efficient irrigation• $1/sq.ft. - $1,500 maximum
Before After
Rain Sensors• New in 2009• Residential customers only• 50% to a maximum of $50
Rotary Nozzles• New in 2009• Offered to residential and commercial
customers • Lower flow and application rate• Less effected by wind and pressure• Up to $5/nozzle
– Residential maximum $200– Commercial maximum $2,000
Three-day irrigation timer• Residential customers• Replaces older controllers unable to be
programmed for every third day • $25
High-efficiency clothes washers• Residential customers only• Water factor rating of 6 or less• $150
Smart controller• Offered to residential and commercial
customers– Residential 50%; maximum $300– Commercial 50%; maximum $1,500
Irrigation Audits
• Center for ReSource Conservation• 2008
– 29 large properties– 3 residential
• 2009– 29 large properties– 58 residential
Irrigation Audits
How about Efficiency?
Example:34 inches * 0.8 * 1,300 ft2 * 0.62 = 50,984
0.43
34 inches * 0.8 * 1,300 ft2 * 0.62 = 29,6260.74
Water Quality and
Stormwater
Staging and Storage of Materials
Building materials shall not be stored on streets. Building materials can block engineered flow lines and are safety hazards for motor vehicles .
Staging and Storage of Materials
Landscaper shall store landscape materials on property with the appropriate BMPs.
BMP defined as “a physical, structural,or managerial practice or device that prevents or reduces erosion or sediment”.
Staging and Storage of Materials
Staging and Storage of Materials
Landscaper shall store landscape materials on property with the appropriate BMPs.
What can cause erosion? Wind, water, ice.
Reinstall BMPs until germination occurs.
Soil Inspections• Installing landscapes within the Town• Request inspection at Utilities Department• Permit card must be signed by DESC Inspector
– Registered individual– At final grade
• Landscape Inspection Affidavit to be completed and signed
• After irrigation system has been installed• Prior to installation of mulch and plant material• Finish grade to be within 2/10 of a foot
Soil Inspections• Proper soil amendments
– As designed on the approved plans OR– Minimum 3 cubic yards/1,000 sq. ft.
• Proper till depth 4” minimum depth– Random core sampling and soil analysis
may occur
Information Center
• New conservation website – coming soon!• Local ET and weather information on web• New interactive virtual home and garden
tour coming soon
Where You Can Find Us
Town of Castle RockUtilities Department175 Kellogg CourtCastle Rock, CO 80109720-733-6000
WWW.CRGov.com
Contact Information
Rick Schultz Ruth Stadlerrschultz@CRgov.com rstadler@CRgov.com
Billie Owens Kyle Sipesbowens@CRgov.com ksipes@CRgov.com
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