the future of water in the west - university of colorado ...€¢ water issues in the west •...

The Future of Water in the West

Friday, February 28, 14

Topics for Discussion

• Overview of Denver Water

• Water Issues in the West

• Colorado Water Basics

• Planning for the Future

• Denver Water’s Role

• Water Careers


Overview of Denver Water


Denver Water

• Established in 1918

• Serve 1.3 million people — 25% of Colorado’s population

• Total watershed area: 4,000 square miles


Water Issues in the West


Topics for Discussion

• Western Water Basics

• Planning for the Future

• Denver Water’s Strategic Plan

• Water Careers


U.S. Drought Monitor – 8/13/02

Graphic Credit: USDA


Graphic Credit: Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners

Colorado River Basin


Colorado Water Basics


80 % of the Population

80% of the Water

Diversion

Continental DivideFriday, February 28, 14

Colorado Water Rights

Prior Appropriation = First come, first served

A water right allows only one use

Graphic courtesy of Oregon Water

Resources Department


Planning for the Future


Traditional Water Supply Planning

Demand

Supply


Manganese in the South Platte River

Hayman Fire


Mountain Pine Beetle

• USFS predicts “massive die-off of Lodgepole Pine”

• May increase water yields in short-run

• Will increase fire danger in short and long run

• Increased erosion potential


Graphic Credit: US Forest Service


Aging Infrastructure


Population Density


Other Stakeholders

• Municipal water use• Homes• Businesses

• Agriculture• Mining• Recreation• Environmental Flows


Stressor Summary


Traditional Water Supply Planning

Demand

Supply

?Friday, February 28, 14

Scenario Planning

Future

BDecision

Points

Present

C

Near-term strategy A

DE

The Cone of Uncertainty


• Traditional Future - The future is extrapolated from past trends, few other unanticipated major changes occur.

• Water Quality Rules -The public demands the highest practical quality of drinking water. Contaminant removal and other drinking water requirements are extremely stringent.

• Hot Water - A warmer climate accompanied by more frequent and more severe droughts.

• Economic Woes - An ongoing energy crisis accompanied by a prolonged, deep economic downturn.

• Green Revolution - Environmental values and sustainable living become dominant social norms.

42Friday, February 28, 14

43Friday, February 28, 14

A Diversified Portfolio

Reuse Supply

Conservation


Recycled Water


Conservation GoalsReduce system-wide use of water from 211

to 165 gallons per person per day

This is an overall 22% reduction in consumption

Customer Type 2001 Consumption

2016 Target

Single Family Homes

153 GPCD 119 GPCD

Commercial 110 GPED 86 GPEDGovernment 17 GPCD 13 GPCD


Conservation Methods• Education and Outreach • Diagnostics (Audits, Reports Cards, Monitoring

Habits)• Rebates and Incentives (Cash Back for Efficiencies)• Rules (Water Waste, Soil Amendment, Irrigation

Uses)• Research, Monitoring and Evaluation• Programs specific to Governments• Tiered rates mean customers that use more pay more


Use Only What You Need Campaign

84% of Denver Water Customers recognize the campaign and see it as a positive message.


http://www.frederiksamuel.com/blog/images/denverwater02.jpg
























Images from the Use Only What You Need Campaign


New Supply

• System Refinements

• Better use of exchanges

• Small additions of mountain supply

Gross Reservoir


Other Diversification Techniques

• Desalination

• Aquifer storage and recovery

• Potable reuse

• Ag to urban water transfers


Denver Water’s Role


Water Flows From our Strategic Plan:

• Satisfied and supportive customers

• Financially strong and stable

• Effective, efficient and strategically-driven

• Strategically effective relationships and reputation


New Concepts to Denver Water• Mitigation with Affected Watersheds• Recognize impact of operations on

people and environment

• Regional Collaboration• Metro area• Colorado• Western United States

• Managing Infrastructure for:• Environment, recreation, water supply


Water Careers


Get Involved Now!

• Attend water association meetings• Submit abstracts for conferences


Job Opportunities are Abundant

• Universities• Teaching, research

• Utilities• Design, management, operations


Job Opportunities are Abundant

• Regulatory Agencies• Make sense of regulatory soup

• Engineering Firms• Design, construction, research


Summary

• Water is very scarce in the West• Laws, compacts & treaties make it

complex• Number of stressors is increasing• Millions of people and hundreds of

economies depend on this water• Utilities can lead by balancing water

needs with responsible management of the environment


Discussion


Thank You

Brian GoodDeputy Manager – Organizational Improvement

[email protected] (303) 628-6503


mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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