ABSTRACT
The Systemwide Environmental Impact Statement for the Metropolitan Denver Water Supply includes an analysis of conservation measures designed to reduce demand for water. Water conservation is not a source of supply but has the same net result in meeting demand. Conservation measures must meet several criteria to be implemented including technical and economic feasibility, public acceptability, water rights protection and equity considerations. The availability of field data has made refinement possible in the ability to project accurately water savings from various conservation programs. These programs include installation of water-saving devices, metering, low-water-use landscaping and pricing. Recently developed data sources are applied to a reanalysis of the effects of conservation practices for the Denver metropolitan region. While savings are typically less than those previously forecast, the net benefits are still positive for most of the programs. In addition, several innovative measures show promise of marked savings in household water use.
