Land Use Planning Impacts on Water Demand

Land Use vs Water Demand  At water supply meetings hear frustrations with municipal use: Too much grass Bad irrigation practices Sprawl  Do not see many Land Use officials at water supply planning meetings

Land Use vs Water Demand Colorado Population is Projected to Double by 2050 Where will the water come from How much from conservation What impacts can Land Use Planning have

Land Use vs Water Demand  Educating Land Use Policy Makers  Most thinking if they have water rights development is fine  Need to understand water is scarce  Think of it like energy – need conserve

Land Use vs Water Demand  Land Use Planning can impact municipal demand Lot size Vegetation Requirements Inside water use Passive Conservation Active Conservation

Land Use vs Water Demand  Lot Size Higher Density and Smaller lots reduce outdoor demand  Less land to irrigate  Less impact on the landscape

Land Use vs Water Demand  Vegetation Requirements Limit vs requiring grass Grass species required Trees – initial high water, but long term shade and reduced water demand.

Land Use vs Water Demand Inside water use Passive Conservation – Plumbing Fixtures Active Conservation – Use patterns Education – fill the dish washer - full laundry loads - tooth brushing.

Land Use vs Water Demand  Summary There is value to involving Land Use Planners in the water supply discussion  Next Step Determine how to get land and water supply planners talking and working together