Title
An ordinance amending Part 13 (Water Shortage) of Article 4 (Water Code) of Chapter 12 (Utilities) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to water shortage
Presenter:
Michael Gustafson, Senior Attorney, City Attorney's Office
Aram Benyamin, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities
Body
Summary:
The Water Resources and Demand Management team is proposing changes to the Water Shortage Ordinance to align with the proposed changes to the Water Shortage Tariff and modify the Waste of Water provisions.
Background:
The Water Shortage Ordinance (WSO), which has been in place since 2002, is the policy which enacts demand side drought response. The WSO provides the criteria under which City Council can declare a short-term water shortage and defines the measures that Utilities can take in response to a declared shortage, including restrictions on the use of water by customers. The WSO is a key means for City Council and Colorado Springs Utilities to protect water supply, maintain water service essential for public health and safety, and minimize adverse impacts to economic activity during a water shortage. Colorado Springs Utilities Water Resources and Demand Management staff is recommending changes to the WSO to distinguish the water conservation measures that are necessary to achieve our community's long-term savings goals from short-term shortage response measures. These revisions are considered foundational elements of water use efficiency programs and align with best practices of other Front Range entities.
Previous Council Action:
City Council approved the current Water Shortage Ordinance in March 2014.
Financial Implications:
If approved, the revisions to WSO have the potential to impact water revenue by an estimated 0.5 percent, it would also have a positive impact to water supply of an estimated 325 acre-feet of water annually in savings.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Commi...
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