From the Glenwood Springs Post Independent (John Stroud):
The Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) is seeking a Colorado Water Conservation Board planning grant to develop a regional water conservation plan for the watershed.
In addition to the $75,000 grant, CORE is asking for between $5,000 and $7,500 each from the cities of Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt and Aspen and the Snowmass Water and Sanitation District to cover the estimated $100,000 to develop the plan.
A watershed conservation plan would encourage water conservation measures on a regional basis. It would be in addition to local water efficiency and management plans, which include suggestions for consumers to reduce water usage as well as restrictions on water use during periods of drought.
Although Glenwood Springs’ primary municipal water source is from No Name Creek in the Flat Tops north of the Colorado River, and thus outside the Roaring Fork watershed, the Roaring Fork River does provide a backup supply for the city…
To date, the city of Aspen, the Snowmass Water and Sanitation District, and the towns of Carbondale and Basalt have agreed to join the regional planning effort, Haber said.
Two smaller water providers in the Roaring Fork Valley, the Mid-Valley Metropolitan District and Roaring Fork Water and Sanitation District may also be asked to participate, he said.
The city of Glenwood Springs is already ahead of other jurisdictions in establishing its own water management plan. Such plans are required of municipal providers that sell more than 2,000 acre-feet of water per year, under the 2004 Colorado Water Conservation Act…
As part of the watershed planning effort, CORE has already arranged with the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment to have graduate students assist with the project. Among their research activities will be to:
• Assess the Roaring Fork Watershed resources and community characteristics, identify planning partners and document historic and existing water conservation policies and processes.
• Analyze current and future ecological and hydrologic conditions of the Crystal River near Carbondale, including a determination of the causes and implications of stream dewatering and resulting changes in river flows.
• Review existing Colorado regional water conservation plan models, to help determine what to include in the local watershed plan.
• Analyze public outreach and education strategies about water conservation, including successful and unsuccessful efforts already be used locally.