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Just as Colorado's topography varies from the towering Rocky Mountains in the
West to the flat Eastern Plains, the state's freshwater resources fluctuate
depending upon location and elevation. Despite relatively abundant
precipitation in Colorado's mountains, most of the state is semi-arid and heavily
dependent upon annual snowmelt and its runoff from the mountains to the
plains, where a majority of the population resides and most of the state's water
is used. Because no major rivers flow into Colorado, the state relies nearly
entirely on precipitation to replenish its freshwater resources. In fact, the Rocky
Mountain states obtain 70 to 90 percent of their water from snowmelt, so a dry
winter can mean drought in the summer.
Saving Water in
Colorado
SNOW MAKES WATER FLOW
Although its mountains can receive heavy snowfall,
Colorado's annual precipitation averages only 17
inches statewide, and many areas receive less than
that. The San Luis Valley in south central Colorado, for
example, receives only 7 inches of annual precipitation.
Complicating matters further, most of Colorado's
precipitation does not fall near populated centers or
during times when it is needed most. More than half of
Colorado's water flows downstream to southwestern
states.
Colorado experienced significant droughts from 2000 to
2004; southern Colorado had a drought in 2011; and
the state experienced severe statewide droughts again
in 2012. In a state famous for its snow, reduced
precipitation can impact the ski industry, not to mention
agriculture and residential water supplies.
Colorado's fast-growing population has also increased
demand for water used both for drinking and landscape
irrigation, straining the state's freshwater resources.
Colorado's population growth is expected to maintain
its rapid pace, increasing from nearly 4.4 million people
in 2000 to 6 million by 2025, and 10 million by the end
The Rocky Mountain Columbine is Colorado's state flower.
of the 21st century. Consequently, statewide
municipal and industrial water use is predicted to
increase by 170 percent from 1998 levels by 2100.
In the Front Range, the eastern part of the state
where the majority of the population resides, ground
water is being tapped at a rate that will likely exhaust
supplies. Front Range communities could face a
significant water supply deficit by 2030, and shortages
could be even more drastic depending upon the
effectiveness of municipal conservation efforts across
the state.
PHONE (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) WEBSITE www.epa.gov/watersense EMAIL watersense@epa.gov
A rQA EPA-832-F-13-005
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Saving Water in Colorado
DOING MORE WITH LESS
Colorado's water resources are affected by climate,
population growth, and existing agreements to supply
water to states downstream. All of these issues
highlight the value of water efficiency measures across
the state to ensure the continued health of Colorado's
water supply. Ever since Colorado's 1981 drought, the
state has been ahead of the curve in addressing water
supply issues. Many Colorado cities such as Colorado
Springs have begun charging for water usage based on
the water's true cost or adopting a tiered system in
which heavy users pay more per gallon after they
exceed certain usage thresholds.
Denver Water employs a three-pronged approach to
addressing growing population and water supply
issues: promoting residential and commercial water
efficiency, recycling water, and finding new water
supplies. In addition to providing free water audits, the
utility is offering rebates for its residential customers on
clothes washers, toilets, and certain outdoor water-
saving devices, as well as additional rebates on other
equipment for commercial customers.
In addition to promoting water-saving products,
Colorado cities are fostering more water-efficient habits
among its citizens. Thornton residents are encouraged
to become Water Saving Champions by pledging to
save 10 gallons of water each day. The city's social
marketing campaign has helped significantly reduce
local water consumption using a combination of tips,
rebates, and outreach. Water Saving Champion
households have saved an average of 630 gallons of
water per month, or 7,560 gallons per year.
Even those who aren't Water Saving Champions can
reduce their water use by looking for products and
new homes labeled by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense® program. If
every household in Colorado replaced its
showerheads with WaterSense labeled models, for
example, the state could save an equivalent amount
of water each day to meet the needs of every
household in Boulder.
Throughout Colorado, communities and organizations
are working to promote water efficiency. The City of
Fort Collins, for example, provides rebates for
WaterSense labeled products. The nonprofit Center
for Resource Conservation works with local utilities
and governments to provide free inspections for
residential toilets, showerheads, and faucets. These
inspectors have helped Fort Collins homeowners
identify where WaterSense labeled fixtures could
result in big savings. Additionally, the U.S. Army's Fort
Carson also is moving toward "net zero" goals for
water at this military installation in Colorado Springs.
Among other strategies, the facility reuses gray water
generated from showers and laundries to irrigate
lawns and trees.
For more information on WaterSense labeled products
and new homes, or other water-saving tips, visit
www.epa.gov/watersense.
Colorado's First WaterSense Labeled Home Takes Savings to New Heights
Colorado Springs hosts the region's first WaterSense labeled
home, constructed by WaterSense builder partner GJ Gardner
Northgate. The home, known as "Ascension," incorporates
WaterSense labeled products and uses water-efficient
landscaping. Ascension's landscape was designed to reduce
outdoor water use by more than 70 percent. The home also
features an ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher, washing
machine, and refrigerator. WaterSense labeled homes can save a
family as much as $600 per year and 50,000 gallons of water
annually, or the amount it takes to wash more than 2,000 loads of
laundry. (Photo: EV Studio Planning, LLC)

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