From The Pueblo Chieftain (Chris Woodka):
2009’s HB1129, set up a pilot study for new developments that would supplement other water sources with rainwater runoff captured from streets, parking lots and structures. The CWCB began looking at guidelines for the study last September, and finalized them at this week’s meeting. The first applications could be considered in March. “It really comes back to conservation,” said Veva DeHeza of the CWCB staff. “The pilot proposal will be assessing the conservation potential of rainwater harvesting.”
Guidelines from areas that already have rainwater harvest rules — Texas, New Mexico, Oregon and Tucson, Ariz. — were considered in writing Colorado guidelines, DeHeza said. The guidelines are flexible, allowing the state to look at household or development-wide systems. Features such as retention ponds and cisterns will be evaluated. “There are many ways to do rainwater harvesting,” DeHeza said.
Because of funding constraints, only two projects will be considered over the next two years. They will take at least two years to complete, by documenting the amount of runoff from the site before development and the measures put in place to capture rainwater. The study will also look at landscaping features that reduce outdoor water use…
Under the new law, it could be possible to reduce the amount of augmentation, based on how much conservation contributes to maintaining natural flows. The pilot study will be critical for future claims in water court for new developments. While the guidelines were approved unanimously, some board members expressed concern about possible unforeseen complications. “I continue to be concerned about unintended consequences, especially with centralized collection ponds,” said Barbara Biggs, who represents the Denver metro area on the board. “Unsuspecting homeowners might have to deal with green ponds, mosquitoes, plugged-up sprinklers and sick dogs.” DeHeza replied that the guidelines look at water quality and stormwater management.
More CWCB coverage here.
Hi,
“2009’s HB1129, set up a pilot study for new developments that would supplement other water sources with rainwater runoff captured from streets, parking lots and structures” … this is a good start – states are looking into “promoting” rainwater harvesting for new developments; I believe that raising awareness on a “local” level on the topic of rainwater harvesting is what is needed more in the USA and other “industrialized” countries. I am trying to summarize useful information and helpful products / links on the topic of rainwater harvesting on my webpage, http://www.watercollect.com During my research on this topic, I found that the relevant equipment is often relatively easy to install and also affordable – products are available to support rainwater harvesting in families / households or even larger communities. Low cost water tanks, rain barrel diverters, portable water storage tanks, rain water barrels, and rainwater cisterns are only some of them. A small local step can have a major global impact…