Water Conservation Plan
04/21/2021 10:15AM ● By City of Steamboat Springs
This story is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS – The City of Steamboat Springs and Mount Werner Water & Sanitation District adopted the 2020 Water Conservation Plan and an ordinance implementing a new watering schedule on May 5. The plan looks to preserve the health of Fish Creek and the Yampa River and protect drinking water supplies while reducing the carbon footprint of the Yampa Valley.
Water supply stressors, such as population growth, climate change, a Colorado River Compact call, and wildfire in the Fish Creek Basin, could limit the ability of the city and district to reliably provide clean drinking water into the foreseeable future if conservation measures are not enacted. The 2020 plan set a goal to reduce per household water use by 10% in 10 years – ambitious yet attainable goal.
To achieve this, the community will move to a new watering schedule that limits customers to outdoor watering three days per week. Historically, these restrictions were implemented during drought conditions. Currently, around 30% of the community’s treated water supplies is applied outdoors to lawns and gardens. Other conservation activities prescribed by the plan include metering, infrastructure repair and replacement, water fixture rebates and water conservation education.
State Statue requires utilities who supply more than 2000 acre feet of water to have an approved plan; our shared water supply and distribution system supplies over 3000 acre feet. See the complete 2020 Water Conservation Plan (PDF).
Watering Schedule
Under a new watering schedule implemented in spring 2020, customers within the city limits can outdoor water three days per week. Historically, these restrictions were implemented during drought conditions, but now are the norm.Currently, around 30% of the community’s treated water supplies is applied outdoors to lawns and gardens. Potable water can be used for outdoor landscaping permit watering between 6pm and 10am, and watering days are based on the last number (even or odd) of a customer’s address.
Water Efficient Fixture Rebates
The City of Steamboat Spring offers Water Efficient Fixture REBATES to encourage residents and businesses to reduce water use. Rebates are offered on a first come, first served basis, and are for replacing old appliances and fixtures - this is not for new construction.
Only eligible water-saving appliances and irrigation fixtures will be approved - see application form (PDF) or call 970.871-6303 for more information.