From The Pueblo Chieftain (Chris Woodka):
Water use continues to be down this year, picking up slightly during recent hot weather, but nowhere near the levels seen prior to the 2002 drought. “We truly believe our customers have changed their water habits,” said Alan Hamel, executive director of the Pueblo Board of Water Works.
Prior to 2002, it was common to have a midsummer period where more than 50 million gallons per day were used for days on end. The record one-day use was 63 million gallons. So far this year, there have been only two days above 50 million gallons: July 2, 52 million gallons; and Monday, 50.5 million gallons…
About two-thirds of the water board’s revenues come from metered water sales in this year’s budget, and were only at 40 percent of the anticipated $20.2 million six months into the year…
Spring was wetter and cooler than usual, and it showed in consumption figures. March was 20 percent below average, April 16 percent off and May 9 percent down. By June, however, the average customer was using 17,200 gallons per day — which is typical. Overall, through the first six months of 2010, consumption totaled 3.18 billion gallons, which is 5.27 percent below the past five years.
More conservation coverage here.