With the goal of ensuring a long-term water supply for the community, the Castle Rock Town Council in December adopted a Water Conservation Master Plan.
A follow-up to the adoption in early 2006 of the Town's Water Resources Strategic Master Plan - the Water Conservation Master Plan aims to reduce water consumption 18 percent town-wide within five years. Among other things, the plan proposes to achieve the significant drop in water consumption with water-wise rebates and incentives, a new water rate structure, public education and outreach.
Prior to Council approval, the Water Resources Committee and the Utilities Commission endorsed the plan. Castle Rock's plan is considered one of the most proactive in the state and is the fourth plan to comply with the new Colorado Water Conservation statute.
Along with Town staff, water users and ratepayers had a hand in drafting the plan. "This is an exciting time. There have been a lot of people working on this," said
Mark Scott, engineering manager for water resources/planning .
Scott said Utilities staff members plan to research and request grant money to implement some of the water conservation programs outlined in the plan. Water-conservation incentives, public education, demonstration gardens and landscape projects are among the programs that could benefit from grant funds.
As mandated by the Colorado Water Conservation Statute, the Town's water conservation master plan must be updated at least every seven years. The Town will review the plan annually and make any necessary updates or changes.
The Town is embracing the plan by using native/drought resistant grass mixtures and low-water use plants in Town landscaping projects. Artificial turf has been installed at several parks. The Town will continue to research and use the best water management practices available, Scott said.
For more information or questions about how to conserve water, future Water Wiser courses or the Water Conservation Master Plan, visit www.CRgov.com, or call the Utilities Department, 720-733-6027.
Karen McGrath is a community relations specialist for the Town of Castle Rock.