Across the Board with Conservation

Rick Schultz, Water Conservation SpecialistRuth Stadler, Water Conservation Plan ReviewerBillie Owens, Program AnalystKyle Sipes, Stormwater Inspector

February 9, 2010

•Education

•Regulations

•Rates

•Customer Assistance Programs

Why are we here?

Education

Education• Water Wiser• Lunch and Learn Programs• Irrigation Audit Program• Elementary School Presentations• Demonstration Gardens• Landscaper Registration

• Began in 2003• Residential customers• Currently 1260 participants• Alternatives to traditional

landscaping• More efficient ways to irrigation• Exempt from every third day restrictions

Water Wiser Workshops

Lunch and Learn Programs• Less formal than Water Wiser• Shorter in length• Intended for residential customers• Covers such topics as:

– Xeriscape design– Spring start up and timer programming– Festival Park plant tour– Landscape and sprinkler winterization

Presentations and Tours• School visits

– Town of Castle Rock– Douglas County Water Resource Authority

• Water plant tours• Partnership with DCWRA

– Homeowner’s associations– Management companies– Landscape contractors

Demonstration Gardens

• Festival Park• Ray Waterman Water

Treatment Plant• Utilities office• Crystal Valley Ranch

Recreation Center

Registration for Landscape Professionals

• Five categories of registration– State licensed landscape architects– Landscape designers– Irrigation designers– Landscape/Irrigation installation contractors– Landscape/Irrigation maintenance contractors

• Getting it right the first time saves your client time and money

Regulations

February 9, 2010

Multifamily Section

Landscape Regulations Section 3.2.1 C1a

• Native and/or drought tolerant turf grasses shall be used in all areas.– No bluegrass on streetscape– Moderate water use grass in passive use areas

Residential Properties by Developer/Builder

Turf Limitations

Landscape Regulations Section 3.2.2 C3a-d

50% of non-impervious >17,0005,5257,001-17,0003,500</= 7,000

Max. Turf (sq.ft.)Lot Size (sq.ft.)

Commercial Properties

Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.2 B1 and 3.3.2 D2

• No high water use plants– No Kentucky bluegrass– No Cottonwoods

• Separate irrigation service connection are required

Required Soil Improvement

Verification of organic matter before certificate of occupancy (CO)

Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.2 C3 and 3.3.4 C3

Streetscape Requirements

Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.4 E f-m

OverheadLow Water>10 ft.

DripNone/Low Water4-10 ft.

NoneNone<4 ft.

Irrigation TypePlant TypeArea Width

Irrigation Systems

Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.2 B1 and 3.3.2 D2

• Plant types must match irrigation method• Hydrozones are to be noted on the plans• Irrigation must be able to meet demand

requirement

Irrigation Systems

Landscape Regulations Section 4.2.4

• Details of the irrigation system – Special times for residential and commercial

• Application rates not to exceed 1.5”/week• Rain sensing device required

Registration of Landscape Professionals

Landscape Regulations Section 5

• Registration types:– Landscape architects and designers– Landscape installers– Landscape maintenance professionals

• Must have registration number to complete project in Town

Plant Selection

Landscape Regulations Section 6

• Not hardy in Castle Rock:– Many xeric ornamental grasses – Many perennials– Broadleaf evergreen shrubs

Forms • Large Irrigator Temporary Irrigation Exemption• Irrigation Exemption for Residential• Registration of Landscape Professionals• Landscape Plan Checklist• Landscaper Inspection Affidavit• Irrigation Inspection Affidavit

Planting Details

• Shrub• Perennial• Deciduous tree• Evergreen

• All backflow assemblies shall be approved by the Utilities Department and/or designee prior to installation

• For more information, contact Sean Davin720-733-1352sdavin@CRgov.com

Cross Connection Control

Landscape Regulations Section 13.06

Water Restrictions

Landscape Regulations Chapters 13.15 and 13.22

• Every third day• Programmable controller required

– Battery back up

Irrigated Public Area Water Conservation

Landscape Regulations Chapters 13.20

Composite Landscape Water Use Rating System

LWUR x IA / TACLWUR = <<N

K=1 KK

(CLWUR< 2.5)

LWUR K

DefinitionsWater use rating for each landscape zone

IA K Irrigation area for each landscape zone

TA Total area for all landscape zones

Landscape Regulations Chapter 13.20

Net Result of Public Irrigated Water Ordinance

• Reduces high water use vegetation on a project• Streetscapes need a “low” water use plant

– Buffalo grass– Blue grama– Wheat grass blends– Fescue blends

Water Use Management Plan (WUMP)• Designed as a demand management tool

• Sets demand management time period– May through August– Designates addresses to – Requires watering during daily time periods

5 – 10 a.m. and 5 – 10 p.m.– Every third day watering– Explains mailing of water schedules to resident

Water Use Management Plan (WUMP)

Water Use Management Plan

Water Use Management Plan (WUMP)

• Defines water waste– Excessive pooling or runoff of site– Impervious surface– Street washing– Unrestricted water from a hose or faucet

– Excessive pooling or runoff of site

– Impervious surface

Examples

Large/Common Area/Public Area Irrigation

Water Use Management Plan

• Defines the area as >10,000 sq.ft.• Requires watering to be 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. every

third day• Submittal of irrigation schedules to the Town for

review and approval

Alternative Irrigation Schedules

Water Use Management Plan

• Exemptions for establishment of new plant material– 30 days for new sod– 45 days for new seed

• Permit obtained through Utilities– Proper soil amendment has been added– Irrigation backflow prevention device has been tested

Defines Water Monitors

Water Use Management Plan

• Drives through the Town • Monitors water use• Must witness violation• Violations may be

assessed a surcharge• Notices are sent to

owner/occupant

Town Registration of Landscape Professionals

• Requires attendance at annual seminar• Passing score on written test• Test focus is on the “Water Use Management

Plan” and “Landscape Regulations”

Rates

February 9, 2010

What is an individualized/water

budget rate structure?

Why do we have one?

Most

Flat RateFlat RateFlat Rate

Least

CONSERVATION

Declining BlockDeclining BlockDeclining Block

UniformUniformUniform

SeasonalSeasonalSeasonal

Increasing BlockIncreasing BlockIncreasing Block

Budget/IndividualizedBudget/IndividualizedBudget/Individualized

Rate Structure Water Budget

Achieving Conservation Through a Rate Structure

• Water budgets as an innovative option– Success of Irvine Ranch Water District caught the

Town’s attention– Need to guide customers to use water more

efficiently– Existing rate structure did not provide a strong

price signal• Customer management tool• Becomes part of water resources management

strategy

Importance of an individualized rate structure

Castle Rock’s Water Challenges – We Are Different!

Deep Groundwater Wells

Nearly 100% of Castle Rock’s water comes from deep groundwater aquifers

A wellfield costs $1 million to drill (2 wells!)

Design/construction adds $1.2-1.4 million

Deepest aquifer requires 500-600 HP pump

Other costs

Average winter electrical costs $85,000/month

Peak month electrical costs $256,000 (3x average winter month)

Water levels are declining!

This is a finite resource!

Level of complexity

• Highly specific to relatively homogenious

• Perfect equity in rate structures is extremely difficult and complex

The KISS Principle• Base the rate structure

on the Town’s goals and objectives– Conservation is important– Cost of service based– Revenue neutral

• Customer Base– Mostly residential– Lot sizes vary– Level of detail to have impact

Tiered rate structure vs. individual

1-5k

$2.16

5-15k

$4.10

15k+

$6.81

Surcharge

<30k

+$6.81

$

Gallons

$

Gallons

5-15k

$4.10

15k+

$6.861

Indoor

$2.16

Indoor

(AWC)

$2.16

Outdoor

(Irrigation)

$4.10

Excess

$6.81

Surcharge

<40k

+$6.81

2008 & 2009 adopted a new structure

Basics of Individualized Rate Structures

• Individualized determination of monthly water use based on indoor and outdoor usage characteristics

• Indoor water use often based on people per household, average winter consumption, or specified allotment

Outdoor water useLandscaped areaVegetation typeMonthly Evapotranspiration (ET)

Taking aim – my indoor targetSingle Family Customer Indoor Budget

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

Janu

aryFeb

ruary

March

April

May

June July

Augus

tSep

tembe

rOcto

ber

Novem

ber

Decem

ber

1,00

0 ga

llons

Indoor

IndoorJanuary 5,000February 4,000March 5,000April 5,000May 5,000June 5,000July 5,000August 5,000September 5,000October 5,000November 5,000December 5,000

Indoor Use Year Round(5,000+4,000+5,000+5,000) ÷ 4 = 5,000

Average Winter Monthly Consumption

(November – March)

SAMPLE

Aerial of property with parcel line

Taking aim – my outdoor target

Infrared imagery showing irrigated areas

*Residential Customers Capped

at 7,000 sq.ft.

Indoor OutdoorJanuary 5,000 0February 4,000 0March 5,000 0April 5,000 1,000May 5,000 8,000June 5,000 11,000July 5,000 11,000August 5,000 8,000September 5,000 7,000October 5,000 1,000November 5,000 0December 5,000 0

59,000 47,000

Indoor Use Based on AWMC

IrrigationBased on irrigated area

Taking aim – my water outdoor target

Single Family Customer

02,0004,0006,0008,000

10,00012,00014,00016,00018,000

JanuaryFebruary

MarchApri l MayJune

JulyAugust

Sep temberOcto

be rNovemberDecember

1,00

0 ga

llons

Outdoor

Indoor

Seasonal Plant Needs

(80% of ET)

SAMPLE

Outdoor Budget

Average Customer

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1,00

0 ga

llons

Outdoor BudgetIndoor Budget

My Target - Summary

Month Indo

or

Budg

et

Out

door

B

udge

t

Tota

l Bu

dget

Jan 5,000 0 5,000Feb 5,000 0 5,000Mar 5,000 0 5,000Apr 5,000 7,000 12,000May 5,000 9,000 14,000Jun 5,000 9,000 14,000Jul 5,000 11,000 16,000

Aug 5,000 10,000 15,000Sep 5,000 7,000 12,000Oct 5,000 4,000 9,000Nov 5,000 0 5,000Dec 5,000 0 5,000

Budget (kgal)Proposed Rate Structure

Customized for EVERY water customer!

Challenges – DATADetermining Indoor Water Use

• Accurately reflecting indoor use (Nov-Feb)• Making sure customers get enough budget• Allowing for variances in indoor use – guests or

snow birds• Establishing for brand new customers with no

history

Challenges – DATADetermining Irrigated Area

• Accurately depicting irrigated area

• Maintaining geographic integrity of parcel boundaries

• Finding a “common link” between data bases

• How often to do this process

Infra-red Imagery

Challenges – DATAIntegrating Information

Infra-redImaging

(Irrigated Area)

GeospatialImage

(Parcels)

Common Unique Identifier/

Data Link(Addresses)

Utility Billing System

John Doe HomeownerAccount Number 123123 Castle Rock Drive

AWMC = 5,000Irrigated Area = 2,700 sq.ft.

July Outdoor Water Budget = 11,000 Gallons

+

+

+

Indoor winter

consumption

Results…so far

• Water savings???• We know our customers much better!• We understand the need for outreach

and communications - before, during and after implementation!

• We have developed policies to address common and special circumstances

• We have standardized business practices

Results…so far

• INCREASING AWARENESS!High water usersLow water usersEquity inquiries

Importance of an Individualized Water Rate Structure

Castle Rock faces major water resource challengesConservation is our most cost-effective water resource Water budgets are a proven method of saving waterA water budget rate structure is one piece of a comprehensive strategy that will help us meet our conservation goals

Conservation StrategyConservation StrategyEducation Regulations Rates Customer Assistance Programs

Customer Assistance Programs

Smartscape Renovation• New in 2009• Residential customers only• Removal of high water use plants• Replace with water wise landscaping• More efficient irrigation• $1/sq.ft. - $1,500 maximum

Before After

Rain Sensors• New in 2009• Residential customers only• 50% to a maximum of $50

Rotary Nozzles• New in 2009• Offered to residential and commercial

customers • Lower flow and application rate• Less effected by wind and pressure• Up to $5/nozzle

– Residential maximum $200– Commercial maximum $2,000

Three-day irrigation timer• Residential customers• Replaces older controllers unable to be

programmed for every third day • $25

High-efficiency clothes washers• Residential customers only• Water factor rating of 6 or less• $150

Smart controller• Offered to residential and commercial

customers– Residential 50%; maximum $300– Commercial 50%; maximum $1,500

Irrigation Audits

• Center for ReSource Conservation• 2008

– 29 large properties– 3 residential

• 2009– 29 large properties– 58 residential

Irrigation Audits

How about Efficiency?

Example:34 inches * 0.8 * 1,300 ft2 * 0.62 = 50,984

0.43

34 inches * 0.8 * 1,300 ft2 * 0.62 = 29,6260.74

Water Quality and

Stormwater

Staging and Storage of Materials

Building materials shall not be stored on streets. Building materials can block engineered flow lines and are safety hazards for motor vehicles .

Staging and Storage of Materials

Landscaper shall store landscape materials on property with the appropriate BMPs.

BMP defined as “a physical, structural,or managerial practice or device that prevents or reduces erosion or sediment”.

Staging and Storage of Materials

Staging and Storage of Materials

Landscaper shall store landscape materials on property with the appropriate BMPs.

What can cause erosion? Wind, water, ice.

Reinstall BMPs until germination occurs.

Soil Inspections• Installing landscapes within the Town• Request inspection at Utilities Department• Permit card must be signed by DESC Inspector

– Registered individual– At final grade

• Landscape Inspection Affidavit to be completed and signed

• After irrigation system has been installed• Prior to installation of mulch and plant material• Finish grade to be within 2/10 of a foot

Soil Inspections• Proper soil amendments

– As designed on the approved plans OR– Minimum 3 cubic yards/1,000 sq. ft.

• Proper till depth 4” minimum depth– Random core sampling and soil analysis

may occur

Information Center

• New conservation website – coming soon!• Local ET and weather information on web• New interactive virtual home and garden

tour coming soon

Where You Can Find Us

Town of Castle RockUtilities Department175 Kellogg CourtCastle Rock, CO 80109720-733-6000

WWW.CRGov.com

Contact Information

Rick Schultz Ruth Stadlerrschultz@CRgov.com rstadler@CRgov.com

Billie Owens Kyle Sipesbowens@CRgov.com ksipes@CRgov.com