COUNCIL COMMUNICATION

Transcription

1 Meeting Date: September 26, 2017 Agenda Item: Agenda Location: Consent Calendar 103 Work Plan # Legal Review: 1 st Reading 2 nd Reading Subject: A resolution adopting a water efficiency plan for the City of Thornton. Recommended by: Brett Henry Approved by: Jeffrey B. Coder Ordinance previously introduced by: Presenter(s): Brett Henry, Executive Director - Infrastructure SYNOPSIS: This resolution approves the 2018 City of Thornton Water Efficiency Plan (2018 Plan). The 2018 Plan is an update to the City s current Water Conservation Plan, which was adopted by City Council in The 2018 Plan builds upon existing successes, identifies new water efficiency goals to be achieved between 2018 and 2024, and provides an implementation plan of programs and initiatives to achieve those goals. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Alternative No. 1, approval of the resolution approving the 2018 Water Efficiency Plan because: It formally documents Thornton s water conservation and water efficiency goals and practices, Achieves water efficiency goals outlined in the plan as an integral component of the Thornton Water Plan, and An approved Water Efficiency Plan is required by the Colorado Water Conservation Act of , C.R.S. BUDGET/STAFF IMPLICATIONS: It is estimated that the 2018 Plan will require an annual operating budget ranging from $500,000 to $550,000, and up to five staff members to fully implement (the current program utilizes four staff members and an operating budget of $465,000). Actual staffing requirements and budget will depend on which program elements are added each year. Some efficiency programs serve additional water utility purposes and are independently funded by other operating divisions or the Capital Improvement Program. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Approve the resolution as presented. 2. Do not approve the resolution and continue with existing conservation measures. BACKGROUND (ANALYSIS/NEXT STEPS/HISTORY): (includes previous City Council action) Colorado is a semi-arid state and the efficient use of water is required to sustain vibrant communities, economies, and environments. Colorado s Water Plan was adopted by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) on November 16, 2016 and identifies municipal water efficiency strategies as an important element of the plan. Thornton s Water Plan requires integrated management of both water

2 PAGE 2 supply and water demand to ensure that customers have an adequate water supply now and into the future. Efficient use of water by Thornton customers is a critical component of managing the City s water demand, as it reduces the amount of water needed to serve existing and future customers. Colorado s Water Conservation Act of 2004 (2004 Act) requires that all covered entities retail water providers who sell 2,000 acre-feet or more of water annually have a water efficiency plan that has been approved by the CWCB. Plans must include the minimum required elements outlined in the 2004 Act and are required to be updated every seven years. Thornton has a history of water conservation that pre-dates the 2004 Act, adopting its first Water Conservation Plan in 2001 (CD ). On May 12, 2009, Thornton City Council approved the City s first Water Conservation Plan developed under the 2004 Act; that plan was approved by the CWCB on February 22, 2010 and is valid through the end of Thornton s 2018 Plan exceeds the CWCB planning guidance and continues Thornton s legacy of progressive and proactive water planning. Thornton s current water conservation efforts have resulted in sustained water savings of 1,500 acrefeet per year (an acre-foot is enough to serve two typical single-family homes for a year). The 2018 Plan builds upon this success and sets a new goal of achieving an additional 1,000 acre-feet of annual water savings by 2024 (for a total of 2,500 acre-feet of annual water savings by 2024). This is enough water to serve approximately 5,000 single-family homes. The estimated current value of the water saved is $50,000,000 to $78,000,000. Empowering Thornton water customers with the encouragement, knowledge, and tools to use water efficiently is the primary objective of the 2018 Plan. The 2018 Plan proposes to continue programs and strategies currently in existence that have demonstrated water savings success. Examples of existing programs that will continue in the 2018 Plan: system-wide metering, distribution system leak detection and repair, conservation pricing (tiered rate structure), drought response, multiple rebate programs, one-on-one customer education through indoor and outdoor water use consultations, Water-wise Demonstration Gardens and tours, youth education, improved water efficiency at City parks, and a robust customer outreach initiative. The 2018 Plan will achieve additional water savings by adding new incentive and educational programs that focus on outdoor landscapes, commercial properties, and new development. In addition, the 2018 Plan identifies new technologies to be adopted that will allow customers to be better informed of their water usage. The following are highlights of proposed programs: Residential pre-planned water-wise garden discount (Garden in a Box): This program offers a discount (current discount is $25) for a pre-planned water-wise garden. Water customers can remove a portion of their lawn and replace it with a water-wise garden that, once established, has one-third the water requirement of the same square footage of turf (Program piloted in 2016 and 2017). Residential Turf Replacement (H2Overhaul): This program offers free education and materials for residential customers to remove a portion of their lawn and replace with less water intensive landscapes. Participants receive free plants for a 200-square foot garden and a spray-to-drip conversion kit (Program piloted in 2017). Rain Barrel Rebate: This program provides a rebate to customers who purchase and install rain barrels to reduce their outdoor water use consumption. Residential and Commercial Turf Alternative Rebate: This program will incentivize the installation of low- to no-water landscapes including permeable hardscapes, such as paver patios, water-wise gardens, and artificial turf. The rebate is proposed to be $1 per sq. feet with a maximum of $1,000 for residential customers.

3 PAGE 3 Large Landscape Design Consultation: This program provides landscape design consultations to eligible residential and commercial customers for a nominal fee. These consultations will help customers develop plans to convert their landscapes to low- or no-water alternatives. Participating customers are then eligible to participate in the Turf Alternative Rebate Program. High Water Use Commercial Process Efficiency Incentives: This program is broad in scope and will reward large commercial customers for water savings from a variety of indoor efficiency improvements. The program would include an upfront audit to determine current indoor water use and installation of a smart meter in replacement of a conventional meter, if not already converted, which the customer can then use to inform how best they can reduce their water consumption. After the improvements are made the customer would receive a rebate based on the total volume saved. EPA WaterSense Home Builder Incentive: This is a voluntary program that incentivizes home builders to meet EPA WaterSense New Home specifications. Both indoor and outdoor water efficiency specifications are included and comprise of efficient indoor fixtures, water-wise landscaping, and smart irrigation controllers. Incentives could be in the form of a reduced tap fee or a rebate. Residential Water Report Card: Residential customers that use water in tiers 3 and 4 will receive a report card of their water use in an attempt to educate customers about opportunities to reduce their consumption. These report cards will provide water use comparisons to similar neighbors as a motivator (Program piloted in 2017). Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): AMI is an integrated system of smart water meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers. AMI can provide real-time access to water usage information at each water meter and allows customers and the City to better manage water usage, detect water leaks, and operate the water distribution system. Currently, water usage is measured and recorded monthly. AMI is particularly beneficial in conservation efforts and during a drought. Usage restrictions or conservation efforts can be instantly measured and quick actions can be taken to modify water usage. The 2018 Plan provides a proposed schedule and estimated cost for annual program implementation from 2018 to The 2018 Plan will be used by staff as guidance for annual planning of conservation programs. However, in order for water efficiency planning to be successful, the City s approach needs to be flexible enough to allow for modifications in strategies. As technological advancements are made and industry trends evolve, the 2018 Plan provides the City with the ability to alter course when appropriate. As is the current practice, the water efficiency programs that are proposed for a given year will be identified in the annual budgeting process and the specific tactics for implementation will be developed by staff based on industry best practices and budget. The measures and programs set out in the 2018 plan will be monitored for effectiveness. Depending on the results of this ongoing evaluation, it might be necessary to adjust programs and approaches to more effectively accomplish the City s overall goal. Following City Council adoption, the 2018 Plan will be submitted to the CWCB for approval. The City of Thornton intends to update the plan, at a minimum, every seven years as required by the Water Conservation Act of , C.R.S.

4 R E S O L U T I O N A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A WATER EFFICIENCY PLAN FOR THE CITY OF THORNTON. WHEREAS, the City of Thornton (City) is responsible for providing water for the use of its current and future water customers; and WHEREAS, water use efficiency is important for the sustainable use of the State s water resources; and WHEREAS, Colorado s Water Plan was adopted by the Colorado Water Conservation Board on November 16, 2016 and identifies municipal water efficiency strategies as an important element of the plan; and WHEREAS, water efficiency is an integral component of the Thornton Water Plan, which calls for the most efficient use of available water resources in order to minimize the amount of raw water needed to serve existing and future customers; and WHEREAS, the 2018 Water Efficiency Plan (2018 Plan) is based on continuing the conservation ethic in the community and encourages behavior changes around the efficient use of water that will result in sustainable water savings; and WHEREAS, the 2018 Plan guides the City s efforts to promote efficient water use by the City s water customers; and WHEREAS, the 2018 Plan outlines specific water conservation programs and City action; and WHEREAS, the City s current conservation efforts have resulted a savings of 1,500 acre-feet of water each year; and WHEREAS, the 2018 Plan sets specific water conservation goals, including sustaining existing water savings and achieving an additional 1,000 acre-feet of savings annually by 2024, for a total of 2,500 acre-feet of annual water savings by 2024; and and WHEREAS, on December 11, 2001, the City adopted a Water Conservation Plan; WHEREAS, on May 12, 2009, the City adopted a Water Conservation Plan that is currently in place which replaced the 2001 Plan; and WHEREAS, the proposed 2018 Plan will supersede the 2009 Water Conservation Plan; and WHEREAS, the 2018 Plan reflects a progressive and proactive approach to water conservation and outlines current and future programs that reflect this approach; and

5 WHEREAS, Water Efficiency Plans are required under , C.R.S. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THORNTON, COLORADO, AS FOLLOWS: The 2018 Water Efficiency Plan attached as Exhibit A is hereby adopted and supersedes the 2009 Water Conservation Plan. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Thornton, Colorado, on, CITY OF THORNTON, COLORADO ATTEST: Heidi K. Williams, Mayor Kristen N. Rosenbaum, City Clerk 2