HomeMy WebLinkAboutMeeting Packet - 1/28/2013
WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING DATE: Monday, 28 January 2013
7:00 p.m.
1777 West Conference Room
1777 Broadway
Agenda Highlights:
1. Call to order. (7:00 p.m.)
II. Approval of minutes from the 17 December meeting (7:01 p.m.)
111. *Public Comment Period. (7:05 p.m.)
IV. Matters from the Board and Staff (7:10 p.m.)
V. *Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Amend the Water Resources Advisory
Board Bylaws (7:30 p.m.)
VI. Information Item - Year in Review: 2012 Water Supply & Demand Management (7:35 p.m.)
VII. Discussion about Future Schedule (9:00 p.m.)
VIII. Adjournment. (9:15 p.m.)
* Public Comment Item
Information: Contact the WRAB Secretary, Laurel Olsen-Horen at (303) 441-3203 or
olsenl(d),bouldercolorado.gov. Packets are available in the reference section of the Main
Library and on-line at http://www.bouldercolorado.gov, Departments, Public Works,
Utilities, Water Resources Advisory Board. Agenda item times are approximate.
WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
Upcoming Agenda Items - All Items Tentative
Revised 1-14-2013
January 28, 2013 (Rescheduled due to Holiday)
• Information Item - Water Supply Status/2012 Drought Response Debrief (Crean)
• Matters Item - 2013 City Council Priorities/Council Retreat Summary (Arthur)
February 25, 2013 (Rescheduled due to Holiday)
• South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation Study (Bauer)
• Action Item - Recommendation on Critical Facilities Ordinance (Coleman)
• Information Item - Boulder Reservoir ANS/Boulder Reservoir Master Plan Follow Up -
(Wind/Parks & Recreation)
• Information Item - Discussion of flood safety outreach efforts (Jacobson/Rosato)
March 1.8, 2013
(Susan's Last Meeting)
• Action Item - Commercial/IndustriaUInstitutional Water Budgets (Sands)
• Information Item - Water Conservation Futures Study (Sands)
• Information Item - Hydroelectric Program Operations/Opportunities (Taddeucci)
• Last Meeting for Susan Iott
April 15, 2013
• New WRAB member/Election of Officers
• WRAB Retreat Scoping
• Information Item - 2014 Budget Process Overview
May 20, 2013
• WRAB Retreat Follow Up
• Information Item - 2014 Capital Improvements Program
June 17, 2013
• Action Item - Recommendation on 2014 Capital Improvements Program
July 15, 2013
• Action Item - Water Conservation Futures Study
Upcoming Items/Not Scheduled
• Fluoride in drinking water (Linenfelser/Crittenden)
• Public Works Design and Construction Standards (Schum)
• Update on Partnership for Clean Water (Emarine)
• Skunk Creek Flood Mapping Update (Coleman)
• Upper Goose Creek/Two Mile Canyon Creek Flood Mapping Update (Noble/Bauer)
• Boulder Slough Flood Mapping Update (Coleman)
• Backflow Prevention Program (Leoni)
• Utility Revenue Stabilization (Baird/Sands)
• Technology and Benchmarks (Crittenden/Douville/Crean/I3arberg/Gallo)
• Boulder Creek E-coli TMDL bnplementation Plan/East Marine Street BMP
Implementation (Scott)
• Water Supply/Climate Change (Taddeucci)
• WWTF Activated Sludge Upgrade/Removal of Emerging Contaminants
(Linenfelser/Douvi l l e)
• Update on Civic Area Planning Process
• WWTF - Tour of facility upgrades - April 2013 (Douvillc)
CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
Name of Board / Commission: Water Resources Advisory Board
Date of Meeting: 17 December 2012
Contact Information of Person Preparing Minutes: Laurel Olsen-Horcn; 303-441-3203
Board Members Present: Susan Iott, Chuck Howe, Kate Ryan, Vicki Scharnhorst, Dan Johnson
Board Members Absent:
Staff Present: Jeff Arthur, Director of Public Works for Utilities
Bob Harberg, Engineering Project Management Coordinator
Bret Lincnfelser, Water Quality and Environmental Services Coordinator
Christie Coleman, Engineering Project Manager
Russ Sands, Water Conservation Specialist
Laurel Olsen-Horen, Board Secretary
Consultant: Heidi Brinkman
Meeting Type: Regular
Agenda Item I - Call to Order [7:03 p.m.]
This meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.
Agenda Item 2 - Approval of the 19 November 2012 Meeting Minutes: [7:03 p.m.]
Motion to approve the 19 November minutes as presented by: Johnson; Seconded by: Howe
Motion Passes; 3:1 Board member Ryan was not present at the November meeting
Agenda Item 3 - Public Participation and Comment 17:04 p.m.]
Public Comment: None
Agenda Item 4 - Matters [7:05 p.m.]
From the Board:
Board member Johnson brought up the below matter(s)
• It appears that non-home owners are not taking advantage of the water rebate program. Are there
better opportunities to support the commercial industry? Staff response: we are trying to change
the program to change some behavior within the commercial industry. Indoor audits will provide a
tool for the city to collect some data.
Response to City Council Request for Input on 2013 Priorities:
• The board discussed items to include in their letter to Council for them to address in the coining
year.
GAC item 28`h St. CEAP:
• The board agreed this will be a good improvement project.
WRAB retreat follow-up:
• Heidi Brinkman will work on refining a tool for the board to use as a future reference document.
From Staff:
• 63rd will be going off-line on Wednesday - there may be a change in the taste of water going to
one treatment plant.
• Boating on Barker - will be going before Council on 22 January as a matter from the City
Manager for Council to consider the resolution from the trustees. The resolution is a request from
the trustees for staff to negotiate to develop a program.
• Water Treatment Coordinator - the city's current coordinator will be retiring this year.
• UV at the W WTP - staff is working out some final bugs.
• Civic Area will be discussed at tomorrow's Council Meeting - There was a structural analysis
done on the New Britain building and the Park Central building and it was determined that both
would most likely not survive a 100-year flood event.
• CU reuse - the city is staying in the loop between CU and CDPHE. CU is working with CDPIIE
to address remaining issues.
• Snowpack is lower than typical for this time of year - Staff will continue to monitor. No
restrictions are proposed at this point.
WRAB Minutes
17 December 2012
Page No. 1
Agenda Item 5 - Public hearing and WRAB consideration of a recommendation to City Council
regarding the Keep it Clean Partnership [9:13 p.m.]
Bret Linenfelser presented item to the board.
Executive Summary from Packet Materials:
The Keep it Clean Partnership (KICP) is a regional stormwater quality management program serving the
communities of Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Superior, and Boulder County. The
program's primary goal is to comply with the federal and state municipal stormwater regulations and to
address broader water quality and watershed issues in the Boulder Creek and Saint Vrain watersheds. A
description of the KICP can be found at www.keepiteleanpartnership.org
The KICP Plan Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) outlines the program management structure and cost
sharing method to implement required KICP programs. The IGA designates a steering committee as an
official management and oversight body to approve programs and corresponding annual budgets. One
representative from each of the participating communities is designated as a voting member of the
committee.
The KICP Plan IGA was first adopted in 2001 with a five year term, and has been updated every five years.
The current IGA will expire in March 2013. This latest update will extend the agreement with only two
significant changes, which include: (1) cost sharing based on population according to the latest census data
(previous IGA's referenced a specific census date); and (2) eliminating the five year term of the IGA to
allow flexibility in responding to regulatory changes, permit requirements, and/or response to requested
changes by a Partner community. The KICP budget is developed annually and will continue to require
annual adoption from each member community under a separate agreement.
City staff is requesting that the Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB) rccornmcnd that City Council
approve, in substantially the same form, the Intergovernmental Agreement for Implementation of the Keep
it Clean Partnership Plan, dated March 9, 2013 (Attachment A).
WRAB Discussion Included: [9:13 p.m.]
Why is CU not involved? Do they have a separate stormwater permit'? Staff response: CU coordinated with
WASH Partnership (predecessor to KICP) on the initial development of permits and programs and has
periodically worked with the partners on specific issues. CU has elected not to participate as a KICP
partner.
Public Comment:
None
Motion: Moved by: Ryan; Seconded by: Howe - WRAB recommends that City Council approve in
substantially the same form, the Intergovernmental Agreement for Implementation of the Keep it
Clean Partnership Plan dated March 9, 2013 Attachment A hereto.
Vote: 5:0
Agenda Item 6 - Update on Critical Facilities Ordinance 19:16 p.m.]
Christie Coleman presented item to the board.
Power Point presentation given for this item.
Executive Summary from Packet Materials:
The City of Boulder is proposing a critical facilities ordinance to increase flood protection for facilities that
provide essential services, lodging, serve at-risk populations or contain hazardous materials. The draft
ordinance proposes that flood protection measures be implemented and emergency management plans be
developed for all of these facilities except lodging. Facilities providing lodging would only be required to
develop an emergency response plan. These requirements would help reduce the risk to life and safety,
ensure continuous service, minimize infrastructure damage and reduce environmental contamination
following a major flood event.
In March 2011, the WRAB recommended approval of the draft critical facilities flood ordinance. The
proposed ordinance was also reviewed and recommended for approval by the Planning Board. City
Council subsequently raised concerns about the ordinance's potential impact on the business community.
At a May 29, 2012 flood study session, City Council provided feedback on the proposed ordinance.
WRAB Minutes
17 December 2012
Page No. 2
This memo provides a summary of draft ordinance revisions based on the feedback received at the May 29`n
City Council Study Session and an overview of the public outreach completed since the last WRAB
meeting. The March 2011 WRAB memo, that contains a history of the proposed ordinance and an
analysis of economic impacts, is presented in Attachment A. A summary of the May 29" City Council
Study Session is presented in Attachment B.
This item is informational and intended to provide WRAB with an opportunity for discussion prior to
consideration of a recommendation on a revised draft ordinance. Depending on WRAB's input, a draft
ordinance could be presented for consideration as soon as Jan. 2013.
WRAB Discussion Included: 19:22 p.m.]
• The board asked some clarifying questions regarding the memo and ordinance.
As this was an informational item, no action was taken b the board.
Agenda Item 7 - Discussion on Future Schedule 19:40 p.m.]
The January meeting will have a discussion on 2012 operations.
Aquatic Nuisance Species for Boulder Reservoir may be pushed to February.
Critical Facilities action item and By-laws will be a "consent agenda" items at the January meeting.
February will likely have the SBC mitigation study.
Agenda Item 8 - Adjournment [10:05 p.m.]
There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, by motion regularly adopted, the
meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
Motion to adjourn by: Scharnhorst; Seconded by: Ryan
Motion Passes 4:0 Board member Howe left at 10 .m.)
Date, Time, and Location of Next Meeting:
The next WRAB meeting will be a special meeting date due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on
Monday, 28 January 2013 at 7:00 p.m., in the 1777 West Conference Room of the city Municipal Building
located at 1777 Broadwav, unless otherwise decided by staff and the Board.
APPROVED BY: ATTESTED BY:
Board Chair Board Secretary
Date Date
An audio recording of the full meeting for which these minutes are a summary, is available on the Water
Resources Advisory Board web page.
WRAB Minutes
17 December 2012
Page No. 3
CITY OF BOULDER
WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
AGENDAITEM
MEETING DATE: January 28, 2013
AGENDA TITLE:
Public Hearing and Consideration of Amendments to the Water Resources Advisory
Board Bylaws
PRESENTERS:
Jeff Arthur, Director of Public Works for Utilities
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The "Water Resources Advisory Board Bylaws" were last updated on April 18, 2011. The
WRAB has recently discussed changes to the bylaws to improve meeting efficiency and more
accurately reflect current practices. The City Attorney has also identified changes that are
necessary to make the bylaws consistent with other legal requirements. Article Vll, Section 7.1
of the existing bylaws outlines the procedure for amendments. Proposed amendments are
provided as Attachment A.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that WRAB approve the proposed bylaw changes provided as Attachment A
to this memorandum and suggests the following motion:
The Water Resources Advisory Board approves and adopts the amended Water
Resources Advisory Board Bylaws dated January 28, 2013.
BACKGROUND
Section 2-3-15 of the Boulder Revised Code, 1981 establishes the Water Resources Advisory
Board, defines its responsibilities, and outlines key requirements related to actions by the board.
The WRAB bylaws supplement city code by outlining meeting procedures and defining the roles
of WRAB officers. Article VII, Section 7.1 of the bylaws outlines the procedure for
amendments to the bylaws. Amendments require the affirmative vote of at least three board
members at a regular meeting or special meeting called for that purpose. The WRAB bylaws
were last updated April 18, 2011. WRAB has recently discussed minor amendments to the roles
Agenda PAGE 1
of officers and to meeting procedures. The City Attorney has proposed additional changes to
address legal requirements.
ANALYSIS;
Board Officers
The proposed amendments include changes to more clearly distinguish the staff role of
Recording Secretary from the board offices of Secretary and Assistant Secretary. Specifically,
the amendment clarifies that the Recording Secretary is responsible for attesting to the Chair's
signature on meeting minutes. This approach is consistent with current practice of both the
WRAB and other city boards. The proposed amendments also eliminate "Assistant Secretary" as
a separate board officer. Under the existing bylaws, board members not holding the position of
Chair, Vice Chair, or Secretary were designated as Assistant Secretaries. The proposed language
allows another board member to act as the Secretary in the Secretary's absence without
designating that role as an office.
Board Vacancies
The proposed amendments clarify the procedure for addressing WRAB vacancies. Consistent
with the Boulder Revised Code, 1981, City Council has the responsibility to appoint new
members to fill vacancies on the WRAB. When a vacancy also results in the vacancy of a Board
Office, the WRAB has the responsibility to elect a new officer.
Order of Business
The proposed amendments move "Agenda Items and Public Hearings" earlier on the agenda and
prior to "Matters from Board Members" and "Matters from Staff." This is consistent with the
agenda order used by City Council and other boards and is intended to better accommodate
members of the public who wish to speak during a public hearing. The bylaws maintain the
existing provision that allows the order of business to be amended by motion at an individual
meeting. This provision could be utilized in situations where there was public interest in an item
scheduled for matters.
WRAB has previously discussed the potential for a "Consent Agenda" similar to the approach
taken by City Council. Establishing a formal consent agenda requires additional analysis and
could require a change to the Boulder Revised Code, 1981. In particular, details need to be
considered related to code requirements to conduct a public hearing on all items where a vote
occurs. It is recommended that staff and WRAB continue to coordinate to identify items where
no staff presentation is necessary and to promptly move to a motion without lengthy discussion,
where appropriate. Amendments to establish a consent agenda could be forwarded for
consideration at a future date.
Minutes
The WRAB has previously discussed the format of meeting minutes. The Recording Secretary
currently provides "Summary Form" minutes of all meetings to supplement the official audio
recording. There has been a citywide discussion of moving to "Action Form Minutes" as the
standard. Action form minutes capture only key information such as board motions and as a
result require considerably less staff time to prepare. Audio recordings can be accessed or
Agenda "['PAGE 2
transcribed after the fact based on specific needs. WRAB has expressed concerns about the
suitability of action form minutes to capture discussion of complex issues. In lieu of making a
change at this time, the proposed amendments include a provision to allow a switch to a different
minute format if requested by the City Manager or City Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Proposed Water Resources Advisory Board Bylaws, Jan. 28, 2013
Agenda V PAGE 3
Approved 1-28-20134-~e-2011
BYLAWS
CITY OF BOULDER
WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
ARTICLE I
GENERAL MATTERS
Section 1.1 Board Composition. The Board shall comprise the five (5) members appointed
by the City Council pursuant to the City Charter and applicable ordinance. If. at any time a
mt_mhcr of, 111 13n~tr~l fit ian~ rrr is nthcr~kiSC rcnlMed_ the (it% ( OLHICil shall fill HnV such
%acatlc\ I'tir th1: remainder of it, tCl'ill,
Section 1.2 Board Officers. The members of the Board shall have officers elected from
I its members. The officers shall consist of Chair, Vice Chair, and a Secretary. Remaining, Be°~d
m era-sl}all sire ~~,snta! it ee-re s. The Recording Ssecretary shall be a City
employee, but shall not be considered a Board officer.
Section 1.3 Board Elections. The officers shall be elected by the Board at its first regular
meeting after annual appointments have been made by the City Council. Terms of office shall be
for one year or until replacements have been qualified. If, at any time an officer of the Board
resigns, or by reason of disability becomes unable to serve as an officer of the Board, but is
otherwise `t i l l it 111c ber of the CloarLl. then the officer vacancy caused thereby, shall be filled by
another member of the Board by a majority vote of the remaining Board members. Any officer
vacancy appointment shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Section 1.4 Board Responsibilities. The Board shall exercise those functions specified
by City Charter, and applicable ordinances. Specifically included responsibilities include
advising the City Manager, Planning Board, and City Council on the following utilities matters:
1. To review all city utilities environmental assessments and capital improvements.
2. To review, monitor and propose changes to the city's raw water, treated water,
wastewater, and flood control master plans.
3. To review and provide recommendations to the city manager concerning policy
issues on operating programs, including without limitation water conservation,
water treatment plant residuals, wastewater treatment plant biosolids disposal, and
water quality.
Section 1.5 Regular Board Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at such
time and date as determined by the majority of the Board at a location as the Board shall from
time to time designate. The Board has scheduled regular meetings at 7:00 pm on the third
Monday of each month, at a location to be duly noticed.
1
Approved 1-28-20134-18-201-1-
Section 1.6 Special Board Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by any
member of the Board by informing the other members and Utilities Division staff liaison of the
time and place of such meeting and obtaining consent of a Board quorum for the special meeting.
Section 1.7 Meeting Notices. Notices of regular meetings and special meetings shall be
published in a manner similar to notices of other City boards and commissions as prescribed by
City Council. Notices of all regular and special meetings shall be posted in conformance with
applicable law. Board members shall have no less than twenty four hours notice of any meeting.
ARTICLE II
BOARD MEETING ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section 2.1 Order of Business. At all regular meetings of the Board, the following shall be
the order of business:
A) Call to Order
B) Approval of minutes
C) Ptrblie-Open Comment
D) NclatteF-s ~l-1rt~}hr:~ ~rnd~i Items Z1111.1 Public 1 learings
L) Matters from Board Members
I'E) Matters from City Staff
F) Agenda items
G) Discussion of next meeting agenda
H) Adjournment
The above order of business may be amended upon motion passed by the majority of the
members of the Board in attendance at any meeting.
ARTICLE III
CONDUCT OF BOARD MEETINGS
Section 3.1 Board Business. All business of the Board shall be conducted only during
properly constituted regular or special meetings and all such meetings shall be open to the public
exeept as is Hther- 4se Provide(! b "w'. These Bylaws have been adopted in substitution of
Roberts Rules of Order. Roberts Rules of Order may be invoked at the discretion of a majority
of the quorum present, where not inconsistent with these bylaws, but shall not automatically
apply at meetings of the Board. "Three members of the Board in attendance at all meetings shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. No action of the Board shall be valid without
an affirmative vote of three members.
Section 3.2 Agenda Management. The Chair shall manage each regular and special meeting in
a manner appropriate to complete the Board's business scheduled for the meeting to the extent
possible. In the absence of objection by a majority of the quorum present, the Chair may limit
2
Approved 1-28-20134-18-20011
the length of discussion on any agenda item by Board members and members of the public. For
agenda items for which no formal hearing is required, public comment may be permitted by the
Chair at the beginning of discussion on the particular agenda item. Once interested members of
the public have commented, the Chair shall restrict subsequent discussion on the agenda item to
Board members and staff, unless a majority of the quorum present votes to open discussion to
other persons present.
Section 3.3 Hearing Management.The Chair shall manage all hearings in a manner to provide
each citizen meaningful participation in the hearing process, without partiality. The Chair may
limit the length of public comments for purposes of allowing all interested speakers an equal
opportunity to comment within the time frame set aside for the hearing. Unless otherwise
specified at the hearing, individual public comment shall be limited to not more than three
minutes. Public testimony at hearings shall follow staff presentation of the proposal under
consideration. Board members may ask questions of witnesses to seek clarification of the
witness' position, but are discouraged from engaging in substantive debate with witnesses. Board
discussion and deliberations shall follow public testimony. Hearings may be continued by
majority vote of the Board.
ARTICLE IV
MINU`T'ES/1NFORMA'T'IONAL PACKAGES
Section 4.1 Summary Form Minutes. 117c kecordin;_ Secretatw shall keen Su[zunarN t'01.111
rrfin(IICS. imlLS~ :111nthcr It01-111 Of m[iIulCs k r,:ctuctitecl 1w the City IvIani rr cor City CIuncil.
Copies of summary form minutes of regular and special meetings shall be distributed by Utilities
Division staff to City Council within 10 days after each meeting is held to the extent possible.
Summary form minutes shall be produced by Utilities Division staff with Board review, and
shall be considered as the formal record of proceedings of the Board. Summary form minutes
shall be furnished to each Board member prior to the next regular Board meeting, as specified in
section 4.2 of these Bylaws.
Section 4.2 Board Informational Packages. Prior to each regular meeting and each
special meeting scheduled sufficiently in advance, Utilities Division staff shall assemble and
disseminate to Board members an informational package consisting of summary minutes to be
approved at the next meeting, other information that the Utilities Division staff liaison deems
appropriate for Board consideration at the next meeting, and information otherwise useful to the
Board and reasonably requested by the Board. Delivery of the package to the Board shall be
f calculated to provide a reasonable time to review the material prior to the next Board meeting
And III be riosted E) the ciIN a%ebsitc.
ARTICLE V
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 5.1 Chair's Duties. It shall be the duty of the Chair to (a) preside over all meetings of
the Board; (b) sign all minutes, resolutions and other documents on behalf of the Board; (e)
3
Approved 1-28-20134-18-201-3-
coordinate with the Utilities Division liaison on agenda items; and (d) subject to the advice, order
or ratification by the Board, discharge such other duties as may be required of the Chair by City
Council and City staff, pursuant to the City Charter and applicable ordinance.
Section 5.2 Vice Chair Duties. It shall be the duty of the Vice Chair to (a) perform all such
duties and functions of the Chair in the absence of the Chair, (b) to assist the Chair in the
performance of his/her duties.
Section 5.3 Secretary Duties. The Secretary shall attest to the signature of the Chair on
all documents signed by the Chair_ t'mxpi for Illwill±, milltltcs which Shell he attested by the
Recording Secretary. Any document signed by the Chair, attested to by the Secretary shall be
deemed an official document of the Board. Anti loom-d mcmhcr iiiaiy Perform the functions of
the sC(:rculr% III t1 1lhwC11'Ct the sccreial-y. CxCCI)t that th htlil:_-)], VIC'~.: Q1 6.1- acllnu as ( 11:111'
m.1% 1101 auesl lo IlisIllc`r o%vn si,-,milure. The Secretary has no added responsibility for production
of summary form as those functions shall be performed by thr l:ccorklinu `vti:iotar\ or other
designated Utilities Division staff.
i't~Ft3r1- 1 TSi } E7~ }t-~~i cF c tiir 4-Txrtiiii~ S - I, , I 1 tile f ; • t i 0!,
die SL-C-Fr
,
ARTICLE VI
PUBLIC INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS
Section 6.1 Inspection of Documents. Records of all Board proceedings, and minutes of
all meetings, shall be open to inspection by the general public during reasonable business hours.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENTS
Section 7.1 Amendments to Bylaws. These Bylaws may be changed, amended or
revoked by an affirmative vote of three Board members at any regular meeting of the Board, or
at any special meeting called for that purpose. 1)1-o%idcd th;it L1_I'iic cnt %\riltcn noucc- of
such
c'll lrl6'c. .11110 llln1~:Ilt ol- 1'0'oc itioll 11:16 becil L'11~i1 to all members in advance of any 1-eel filar or
special meeting.
Approved and adopted pursuant to the authority in subsection 2-3-1 id). B.R.C.. 1981 to establish
I-111c" of'pro(:C,1ur it aid of its functions this-l&I-i day of-At;t'+l, 201 .1I .
CITY OF BOULDER
WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY
BOARD
4
Approved 1-28-20134-18-2013--
Chair
ATTEST;
By:
Secretary
CITY OF BOULDER
WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
INFORMATION ITEM
MEETING DATE: January 28, 2013
AGENDA TITLE: Information Item - Year in Review: 2012 Water Supply & Demand
Management
PRESENTER/S:
Jeff Arthur, Director of Public Works for Utilities
Bob Harberg, Utilities Project Management Coordinator
Joe Taddeucci, Water Resources Coordinator
Bret Linenfelser, Water Quality Environmental Services Coordinator
Randy Crittenden, Water Treatment Coordinator
Ken Baird, Utilities Financial Manager
Craig Skeie, Water Resources Facilities Manager
Russ Sands, Water Conservation Program Manager
Steve Folle, Betasso Water Treatment Supervisor
Mike Emarine, Boulder Reservoir Water Treatment Supervisor
Kim Hutton, Water Resources Specialist
Joanna Crean, Public Works Project Coordinator
1. PURPOSE:
The year 2012 was the hottest and the third driest year on record in Colorado. Precipitation was
significantly below average with conditions much drier than normal in March and April. By the
end of the winter, the statewide snowpack accumulation was the lowest since 2002. Despite the
dry conditions of 2012, the city was able to preserve its mountain water storage levels and
maintain its instream flow commitments while avoiding a drought stage declaration.
Managing the city's water supply and preparing for droughts is an ongoing process. The purpose
of this memorandum is to provide information as a "year in review" on the management of the
2012 water supply and demand. Given that 2013 may be another dry year, the city will continue
to implement projects and evaluate programs to better plan and prepare for drought conditions
such as proactively alerting customers to leaks and developing a new "Drought Buster" program.
While the city continuously monitors the snowpack levels, meaningful data is not available until
late April to early May to make a final identification and classification of a drought stage.
During this timeframe, knowledge of expected maximum spring snowpack accumulations,
' The City of Boulder categorizes droughts into four stages depending on the level of severity.
AGENDA ITEM # VL_PAGE 1_
amount of anticipated runoff that will occur and availability of water from the western slope is
known. Staff will continue to monitor snowpack, precipitation, storage levels and streamflows
throughout the winter to refine its water supply projections for 2013.
II. QUESTIONS FOR WRAB:
The WRAB is regularly asked to provide recommendations on capital projects and operating
programs that contribute to the city's overall water supply approach. This informational agenda
item is an opportunity for WRAB to consider how those diverse components interrelate. A
review of 2012 provides a specific opportunity to discuss how the city responds during hot and
dry conditions without a drought stage declaration.
Questions for WRAB include the following:
1. What questions does WRAB have about the details of what happened in 2012 related
to water operations and drought response?
2. What questions does WRAB have on anticipated next steps in 2013 and beyond
related to water operations and drought response?
3. Would WRAB like any additional information on topics that have not been identified
in the meeting calendar for 2013?
III. OVERALL GOALS OF WATER OPERATIONS
There are many detailed goals and objectives for water operations but in general, below are the
overall goals. As in previous years, the city operated 2012 in a manner to achieve the overall
goals.
• Treat and distribute water to the community in a reliable, cost efficient, financially
sustainable manner.
• Provide high-quality water in a manner that protects human and environmental health.
• Keep instream flow at sufficient levels to protect ecosystem and natural resources.
• Encourage efficient use of water.
IV. SUMMARY OF THE YEAR IN REVIEW:
The year 2012 was unusually warm and relatively dry, such that it was the hottest and the third
driest year on record for Colorado. In comparison, the year 2011 was one of the wettest and
snowiest years in recent memory with one of the historically largest snowpacks occurring in
March 2011. Due to the abundant snowfall and runoff in 2011, reservoir water storage levels
started 2012 higher than usual. Precipitation was significantly below average for the first six
months of the year, particularly in March through June. Midwinter snowpack readings were in
line with historical averages but conditions became much drier than normal in March and April.
By the end of the winter, the statewide snowpack accumulation was the lowest since 2002.
During the spring, the entire state experienced persistent warm and dry weather patterns
contributing to dry soils and the early melt of an already low snowpack. Peak snowmelt runoff
occurred approximately three weeks earlier than average and streamflows were lower than
average. The dry weather led to unusually high irrigation water demand in the spring, with
AGENDA ITEM # V 1 PAGE 2
abnormally high water use in March when customers turned on their irrigation systems much
earlier than expected. While March was the driest on record, July was the third wettest July on
record, which provided some temporary relief. Overall, increased outdoor water use was
generally consistent with turf needs based on the evapotranspiration (ET) rate 2and indoor water
use was low, as has been the trend over the last several years. Boulder's overall 2012 treated
water use increased by 6 percent compared to 2011 but the increase is close to recent average
levels observed over the last 10 years.
Despite the dry conditions of 2012, the city was able to preserve its mountain water storage
levels and maintain its instream flow commitments while avoiding a drought stage declaration
primarily due to the following factors:
• Senior Water Rights and Capacity to Carry-Over - The proportion of water from each of
the various sources (mountain storage, direct flows, and western slope supplies) varies quite
a bit from year to year. Due to past planning efforts, such as pursuing water rights and
managing growth, the city has flexibility in responding to natural weather pattern
fluctuations. Boulder's water rights portfolio is robust and includes very senior water rights
intended to provide reliable yields even during dry years. In addition, the city has mountain
water storage reservoirs with the capability to carry-over water from wet years (2011) to dry
years (2012). In dry years, the city maximizes use of existing water rights exchange
provisions using the Colorado Big Thompson (CBT) water (from the western slope) to meet
senior downstream water rights in order to maximize the ability to fill and maintain the upper
Boulder Creek reservoirs (water from the eastern slope).
• High Reservoir Levels - In 2011, exceptionally high runoff from spring kept the upper
Boulder Creek reservoirs full longer than normal. As a result, the city's reservoirs water
levels started 2012 higher than usual. In 2012, outages due to construction projects at
Boulder Canyon Hydroelectric (Hyrdo) Plant and Kossler Reservoir resulted in reduced
winter usage of Barker Reservoir water. Additionally, significant rains during July 2012
reduced municipal water demand and added to upper Boulder Creek reservoir storage.
• Colorado Big Thompson (CBT) Allotment - The CBT project brings water from the
western slope to northeastern Colorado to serve as a supplemental water supply to native
basin supplies. Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD), which operates
the CBT project, provided a 100 percent allocation of CBT water in 2012. As a result, the
city was able to use more CBT water and less water from Boulder's mountain storage.
• Increased Capacity of Boulder Reservoir Water Treatment Plant (WTP) - The
increased Boulder Reservoir WTP capacity of 16 million gallons per day (MGD) allowed the
city to meet a greater proportion of municipal water needs from western slope supplies
(CBT), with a corresponding reduction in the city's use of water stored in its upper Boulder
Creek basin reservoirs. The constructions projects at Boulder Reservoir WTP that increased
capacity included improvements in operational flexibility, pretreatment and monitoring in
2010 and the addition of another raw water pump in 2012.
z Evapotranspiration (ET) rate means the amount of water that vegetation will use through the natural processes of
surface evaporation and plant transpiration (loss of water through the leaves) in an average year.
AGENDA ITEM # VI PAGE 3
Other highlights of 2012 include the following:
• No Drought Stage Declaration - Based on the City of Boulder's Drought Planning and
Response Plan, a drought stage was not triggered in 2012. When deciding to declare a
drought stage, the city considers, at a minimum, the following factors: Boulder's projected
mountain storage, Boulder's portion of water projected to be available in CBT system, and
data unique to the particular drought conditions.
• No Interruptions to Instream Flow and Leasing Water Programs - The city was able to
lease water without reductions and no interruptions of instream flows occurred. The city
leases CBT water on an annual basis to mostly agricultural users. The amount of water
available for lease is generally determined each year by the end of June and is based on
projections of each year's source water supply to meet the city's municipal water needs. The
city also uses its source water supplies to maintain instream flows in North Boulder and main
Boulder Creeks.
• Identifying Irrigation Leaks - One unanticipated benefit of a dry March was the higher
water bills earlier in the year which may have lead customers to discover irrigation leaks that
are typically hidden in their summer water use. Due to recent meter upgrades, the city now
has the ability to flag continuous use on water meters. As a result, the city will mail letters
alerting customers to potential indoor and irrigation leaks beginning in March of 2013 and
continuing throughout the year.
• Shifting to Water Conservation Installation Program - Despite efforts to promote water
conservation rebates in 2012, customer participation appears to be one of the lowest in the
last twelve years. As a result, the city piloted an installation program using the Center for
Resource Conservation (CRC) to make irrigation repairs, install more efficient irrigation
spray heads, and install ultra-low-flow toilets. Due to.the success of the pilot projects, 2013
funding will be shifted from rebates to installation programs (toilets and sprinkler heads)
through CRC.
• Unique Year for Water Budgets - During the months April through September, on average
over 17 percent of bills were `over budget' or had usage in block 3 or above. This is a
significant increase over previous years. Even though a larger amount of customers were
going into the upper blocks in the early watering months, the price signal sent by these
relatively higher bills appeared to have less effect on water use then the lack of precipitation
and dry conditions.
• Higher than Expected Revenues - Higher overall consumption and relatively high use in
the upper blocks have resulted in higher than expected revenues to the water fund in 2012.
Revenue from utility bills has increased by approximately 12 percent compared to last year.
A portion of this revenue will help offset a reduction in hydroelectric revenues, which are
lower due to hydroelectric plants being taken offline for various projects and also treating
more water through the Boulder Reservoir WTP to help preserve storage in the city
watershed. The increased use of Boulder Reservoir WTP means higher chemical costs
AGENDA ITEM # V 1 PAGE 4
because of water quality issues along with additional electrical pumping costs. In any given
year, revenues fluctuate significantly, and keeping adequate fund balance helps mitigate
years where low water use results in revenues not covering expenditures. Excess revenues in
2012 will go to fund balance and will be used in planning the 2014 budget, which may help
reduce rate increases or offset future one-time expenses.
V. WATER CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION:
Given the dry conditions, water use based on billed consumption increased by over eight percent
compared to 2011. Boulder's 2012 treated water production increased six percent compared to
2011 but remained close to recent average levels observed over the last 10 years. The difference
between billed water consumption and overall production may be due to offsets in municipal
irrigation efficiency, decreases in total system water loss, and accuracy of treated water
calculations. The details related to water consumption and production are explained in the
subsections below.
Water Use Based on Billed Consumption
In 2012, the overall consumption compared to 2011 increased by over eight percent, and single-
family use was the highest it has been in 10 years. Consumption within the
Commercial/Industrial/Institutional accounts was the highest since 2008. Water use from
Irrigation-Only accounts was at the highest in over 20 years, although some of this is due to a
greater number of these account types. Comparing outdoor and indoor water use for all
customers, outdoor use was in proportion to irrigation demands and indoor use was lower than
previous years which is part of a downward trend.
Understanding the reasons for water use trends over time can be a challenge given multiple
factors such as weather, water rate structure, the economy, demographic changes, and more
efficient water fixtures and practices. As part of the analysis, the water use during the period
from December through March, which is considered the Average Winter Consumption (AWC),
was evaluated. While this is a measure used to determine indoor consumption, it should be noted
that some customers water trees or other plants in dry winter months. In the early 1990's, AWC
was around 6,000 to 6,500 gallons. Over the last 20 years, this has decreased to a little over
4,000 gallons for the AWC period ending March 2012.
An analysis published in the February 2011 Journal AWWA looked at the trends towards
reduced residential consumption in North America. The researchers found the two main factors
behind the decline were decreasing household size and more efficient fixtures. Since 1990,
Boulder's average household size has remained relatively flat, so that does not appear to be a
cause. Besides efficient fixtures, another possible cause of the decline since the early 2000s is the
effect that significant drought conditions had on long-term behavior. Boulder is participating in a
national study3 which will help evaluate the long-term effect of the 2002-2003 Drought.
While the causes of the average indoor use declining are important, it appears weather is the
most significant variable in overall year-to-year water use in the city. The chart below shows
3 Alliance for Water Efficiency is conducting a Demand Hardening Study, anticipated to be complete in summer
2013. It will attempt to analyze water use and drought from 1970-to current and will focus on the 2002 drought,
changes customers made, response to utility actions, etc. Boulder is one of seven participants in this national study.
AGENDA ITEM # VI PAGE 5
monthly consumption amounts with a different line for each year since 2007. The city uses a
water budget rate structure which was implemented Jan. 1, 2007. Water budgets are the amount
of water a customer is expected to need for a specific month. Each customer's water budget is
different based on their unique water needs, as well as their past usage levels. As the chart
illustrates, 2012 April through July billed consumption amounts were the highest they've been in
this time period. In August there was a decrease in consumption, which can be explained by July
being an exceptionally wet month and on average, August bills include half of July and half of
August (which is similar to other months).
Total Monthly Water Consumption
2007 - 2012
1.000.000
900,000
800,000
700,000 - -.0107
I
600,000 --m-2012
1141,- -2011
500.000 2010
400,000 ---2009
- 2008
300.000 - +-2007
200,000
100,000
0
Jan Feb Mar April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec
Overall, 2012 was a unique year for water budgets. During the months April through September,
on average over 17 percent of bills were `over budget' or had usage in block 3 or above. As seen
in the chart below, this is a significant increase over prior years. As noted previously, there was
extremely hot weather and a lack of precipitation which resulted in an increase in water use
despite the increase in the cost of water (i.e., more expensive water in blocks 3, 4 and 5).
Outdoor water budgets will be further evaluated as part of the Water Conservation Futures Study
(WCFS) Update. For example, the WCFS Study will analyze the effects that projected increases
in temperature may have on additional outdoor watering if the same level of "green" is to be
achieved.
AGENDA ITEM # Vt PAGE 6
Average (April - Sept.) Percentage of Bills Over Budget
201
a
18%
16% - 1.3h~
14% 3'996
12% %of block 5
IM. 2.1% ■ %of block 4
8% ■ %of block 3
2% 1.
69'o s 3, z
4% 9.611
7.2%
0%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Water Use Based on Water Treatment
Boulder's 2012 treated water production increased by 6 percent compared to 2011 but remained
close to recent average levels in all but April through June, when treated water use significantly
exceeded average levels. The peak day demand was greater than any year since 2001, but did not
approach levels seen in the 1990s. For more detailed analysis of the treated water production and
the relationship to weather, please see Attachment A. The difference between water
consumption and overall production may be due to offsets in municipal irrigation efficiency,
decreases in total system water loss, and improved accuracy of treated water calculations. The
difference is relatively small, with a greater increase in consumption relative to a smaller
increase in production, which is indicative of progress made over the last several years. While
the current metering of water production can be off by as much as 5 percent in a given year, staff
continues to move forward with improvements to reduce system leaks, increase the accuracy of
treated water delivery calculations, and monitor water loss using the Water Auditing information
presented to WRAB on February 27, 2012 as a guide.
Boulder has two water treatment plants:
• Betasso Water Treatment Plant (Betasso) with a nominal capacity of 40 million gallons
per day (MGD) for the Boulder Creek water, and
• Boulder Reservoir Water Treatment Plant (Boulder Reservoir WTP) with a nominal
capacity of 16 MGD for the CRT system water.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT 2011 2012
Betasso 4.736 MGD 4.1 11 MGD
Boulder Reservoir 1,343 MGD 2,348 MGD
TOTAL PRODUCTION 6,079 MGD 6,459 MGD
While Betasso should theoretically be able to treat 40 MGD, the actual capacity may be limited
to 32-35 MGD during the spring and early summer, when highly colored water associated with
AGENDA ITEM # Vl PAGE 7
snowmelt runoff is being delivered. This situation is being investigated and a study was initiated
in the spring of 2012. However, due to the lack of snowmelt runoff last year, adequate
information was not collected and additional tests are now planned for the spring of 2013.
Due to construction projects at Boulder Reservoir WTP such as improvements in operational
flexibility, pretreatment and monitoring in 2004 and the addition of another raw water pump in
2010, the capacity has increased from 8 MGD to 16 MGD, which is double the capacity in 2002.
These construction projects were prompted after reviewing the Acre Foot
city's water delivery system subsequent to the 2002 Drought. The One acre foot = 325,851
added capacity allowed the city to meet more of its treated water gallons or about the amount
needs using CBT (western slope) water during 2012 after its upper of water that two typical
Boulder Creek basin direct flow rights were out of priority. four-member households use
Boulder Reservoir WTP was originally built to manage the "peak" in a year.
demand when summer water use exceeded the capacity at Betasso. As western slope water plays
an increasingly important role in the city's future overall water system, Boulder Reservoir WTP
will continue to shift to strategically being used to manage the city's water delivery, as was done
in 2012.
Together the two water treatment plants have the capacity to now treat approximately 50 million
gallons (about 150 acre-feet) per day. (See Attachment B for a detailed map of Boulder's water
facilities.) In most years, the majority of water is treated at Betasso and a smaller amount (30
percent) is treated at Boulder Reservoir WTP. During 2012, 64 percent was treated at Betasso
and 36 percent at Boulder Reservoir WTP. Early in 2012, Boulder Reservoir WTP increased
production to supplement water demand due to construction at the hydro facilities and Kossler
Reservoir in February and March. As the year progressed, concerns about possible drought
conditions increased; therefore, the Boulder Reservoir WTP continued processing water. As the
irrigation season progressed without rainfall, NCWCD, which operates and allocates the CBT
water, started delivering additional amounts of CBT water that can only be processed through the
Boulder Reservoir WTP.
Currently, during drought years like 2002-2003, nearly half of the water supply for the City of
Boulder may be delivered through the Boulder Reservoir WTP. As Boulder grows, the
percentage of water delivered directly through the Boulder Reservoir WTP will increase to about
one-third of the total supply on average.
Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) Water Supply & Boulder Reservoir Water Treatment Plant
CBT water originates in the Colorado River basin on Colorado's western slope and is managed
by the NCWCD as a supplemental supply to the eastern slope supplies of its members. The city
owns 21,015 units of CBT water. A unit of CBT is a water supply contract issued by NCWCD
that provides delivery of an amount of water based on an annual allotment set by the NCWCD
board. A 100 percent quota provides one acre-foot of water for each unit for that year. High
quotas are typically set when east slope runoff is projected to be lower than normal and west
slope reservoirs are at or above average storage levels. Low quotas are set when east slope runoff
is expected to be above normal or west slope reservoirs are significantly below nonnal storage
levels. The historical average for the annual quota is about 70 percent or 0.7 acre-foot per unit.
The 2012 CBT quota was 100 percent, supplying the city with 21,015 acre-feet of water
AGENDA ITEM # VLPAGE $
available for treatment at Boulder Reservoir WTF or use in exchange to the upper Boulder Creek
basin. By comparison, the 2002 CBT allotment was 70 percent.
Hydropower
The primary objective of Boulder's water supply operation is to treat and distribute high quality
water to the community in a reliable and cost-effective manner. A secondary objective is to
generate hydropower from the excess water pressure in the system. The city's upper Boulder
Creek basin source waters generate hydroelectricity which provides clean, renewable energy as a
byproduct of municipal water supply operations. Reducing use of upper Boulder Creek basin
water, while necessary in managing water supplies during a dry year, also reduces hydroelectric
power generation and revenue from the sale of hydroelectricity. During 2011, the city's
hydroelectric power plants generated 50,266,657 kilowatt hours of electricity or enough to meet
the average annual needs of approximately 8,500 households. It is estimated that total generation
for 2012 will be 36,450,000 kilowatt hours, equivalent to the average annual need of
approximately 6,100 households. The more than 25 percent reduction from 2011 generation
reflects not only reduced use of upper Boulder Creek basin water supplies, but also the fact that
Boulder Canyon Hydro was off line for almost the entire year due to construction. The combined
effect and resultant decreased hydroelectric production in 2012 led to a $250,000 to $300,000
reduction in hydroelectric revenue as the city receives $100 for every acre-foot of upper Boulder
Creek basin water delivered through its hydroelectric facilities.
Financial Analysis
Higher overall water consumption and relatively high use in the upper rate blocks have resulted
in higher than expected revenues to the water fund in 2012. Revenue from utility bills is up
around 12 percent compared to last year. A portion of this revenue will help offset the 2012
reduction in hydroelectric revenues, which was due to hydroelectric plants being taken offline for
various projects and also treating more water through the Boulder Reservoir WTP to help
preserve storage in the city watershed. The increased use of Boulder Reservoir WTP means
higher chemical costs because of water duality issues along with additional electrical pumping
costs. Excess revenues in 2012 will go to fund balance and will be used in planning the 2014
budget, which may help reduce rate increases or offset future one-time expenses. In any given
year, revenues fluctuate significantly, and keeping adequate fund balance helps mitigate years
where low water use results in revenues not covering expenditures.
VI. MANAGING BOULDER'S WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM:
Boulder's water supply system provides the community with water for municipal purposes as
well as "non-municipal" uses including maintaining instream flows and leasing for agriculture
uses. Operating Boulder's water supply system involves the interplay of water rights, water
supply availability, infrastructure capacity, and planning for future use. In order to summarize
the water supply operation, there are four basic "seasons" related to the management of the
system including the following:
• Direct Flow - April through October
• Reservoir Fill - April through June
• Exchange - April through June
• Reservoir Release - July through April
AGENDA ITEM # V1 PAGE 9
The timeframe associated with each season varies depending on the precipitation and weather
conditions. Details associated with each season are included below along with more information
related to the 2012 snowpack, streamflow, reservoir storage levels, instream flow, and
agriculture leases. Despite the dry conditions of 2012, the city was able to preserve its mountain
water storage levels and maintain its instream flow commitments.
Direct Flow Season
The city makes water source decisions on a daily basis based on the "call on the river" (simply
put, which of all the water rights in the basin are in priority and can be used on any given day)
and anticipated municipal water needs. Municipal demand is first met by using the city's in-
priority direct flow water rightsa. All of the city's water needs can often be met this way during
spring snowmelt and the early summer. The city's "direct flow season" usually runs from about
April to late October, although it varies greatly from year to year depending on the amount of
winter snowpack accumulation and how quickly runoff occurs.
Reservoir Fill Season
Some water is stored in the city's upper Boulder Creek basin reservoirs during the spring runoff
period when streamflows are usually high. This "reservoir fill season" may be only four to eight
weeks in length between the time when snowmelt begins and when senior water rights lower on
the river have priority over the city's storage rights. The city was able to fill its upper Boulder
Creek basin reservoirs in 2012 in spite of reduced runoff and streamflow, largely because they
were more full than usual at the beginning of the fill season due to the abundant snowfall and
runoff from the 2011 winter. By comparison, neither Silver Lake nor Barker Reservoir filled in
2002. Storage levels were already very low at the beginning of 2002 because drought conditions
had existed since 2000. Calls on the river were so senior that very little water could be diverted
under even the most senior Silver Lake right. During 2012, maintenance of storage levels at
Barker Reservoir was also aided by capital construction projects in that portion of the system.
The Barker Reservoir/Middle Boulder Creek water source was off-line for a few months (during
the reservoir release season) for the installation of new generating equipment at the Boulder
Canyon Hydroelectric Plant.
Exchange Season
If the city's storage rights are called out before its Boulder Creek reservoirs are filled, the city
can exchange western slope water. The city uses its exchange right to release water from Boulder
and Baseline Reservoirs to fulfill downstream calling rights while it takes additional water into
the city's upper reservoir and/or diverts water into its pipelines. The "exchange season" may be
limited to just a few weeks during the reservoir fill season. In dry years (such as 2012) or years
when the snowpack is so low that streamflows don't reach their normal peaks during the runoff
season, the river call will remain senior. In these years, the exchange right may be the only right
available to store water in Boulder's upper Boulder Creek reservoirs.
Reservoir Release Season
As streamflows at the city's upper diversion points drop in the summer, there is insufficient
physical water supply to meet all of the city's water needs using direct flow rights. Therefore,
usually starting sometime in July or August, the city supplements direct flow diversions with
a Direct flow water rights are those that must be used immediately for their decreed beneficial uses without storage.
AGENDA ITEM # VI PAGE 10__
reservoir releases. By wintertime, streamflow levels are so low the city's water needs are met by
treating water at the Boulder Reservoir WTP and releasing water from upper Boulder Creek
storage reservoirs. This "reservoir release season" lasts until the following spring. The city
manages its reservoirs so that they are not completely drained in a single year in order to assure
sufficient water supply during dry years.
Snowpack
Snowpack is an important factor in the city's annual water supply monitoring. The city relies
upon snowmelt runoff to fill and store water in its upper Boulder Creek basin reservoirs each
year. This reservoir storage becomes an important component of the city's water supply later in
the year when direct streamflows are insufficient to meet demands. Midwinter Snowpack
readings were in line with historical averages during the 2011-2012 winter season, but conditions
became much drier than normal starting in early March (see Table 1).
Table 1: 2012 Snos pack Readings
Location Date Percent of Average
March 1, 2012 100%
University Cam Snotel Site Mav 1. 2012 54%
March 1. 2012 98%
Boulder Falls May 1, 2012 12%
Streamfi'ows
In addition to reduced snowpack, peak snowmelt runoff occurred approximately 3 weeks earlier
than average, and streamflows were lower than average. Figure 1 shows 2012 Middle Boulder
Creek streamflow at Nederland compared to the historical average flows for March through July
at this location. This figure shows that in the city's upper Boulder Creek basin source water area,
some snowmelt occurred somewhat earlier than average, and the high streamflows usually
associated with snowmelt were much lower than average. It also shows the beneficial
precipitation events that occurred in July. The upper Boulder Creek basin received ten inches of
precipitation during July and August 2012. The large spike in streamflow in early July
corresponded to 3.3 inches of precipitation in the city's Silver Lake Watershed from a single
storm event.
Figure 1: 2012 March -Jul Middle Boulder Creek Streamflows at Nederland
MIDDLE BOULDER CREEK AT NEDERLAND (BOCMiDCO)
Data Source: Co. Division of Water Resources
till' ~i` ly 1
-B~~I.I ,D~O Hst~ri~gvera~c [2.r, e: pr.lryt Ye.9rs al rc=otG;
cc/oiado Diwsrbn of L voter Resoarces
AGENDA ITEM #-V1 PAGE 11
Reservoir Storage Levels
Due in part to abundant snowfall and runoff from the 2011 winter, the city's Boulder Creek
reservoir storage levels were significantly higher in both May and October of 2012 compared to
2002 (see Table 2). Despite very dry 2012 conditions, the city was also able to fill its reservoir
and maintain reservoir storage levels in part by having greater treatment capacity at Boulder
Reservoir WTP than in 2002, which allowed the city to use a larger proportion of CBT supplies.
Table 2: 2012 Water Su m )1 Conditions in Comparison to 2002
DATE BOULDER MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR STORAGE ACRE-FEET
05/29/2012 15,814
05/2912002 9.238
Difference in 2012 +6.576
BOULDER MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR STORAGE ACRE-FEE
10/25/2012 13.160
10/25/2002 9.130
Difference in 2012 +4,030
COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON SYSTEM STORAGE (ACRE-FEET)
05/29/2012 646.480
05/29/2002 369.137
Difference in 2012 +277.343
COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON ANNUAL ALLOTMENT (ACRE-FEET
April 2012 21.015 (100%
April 2002 14.736 (70%)
Difference in 2012 +6.315
SNOW WATER EQUIVALENTS AT UNIVERSITY CAMP SNOTEL SITE
05/29/2012 5.4
05/29/2002 3.0
Difference in 2012 •1-2.4
Instream Flows & Agrieultural Leases
The city also uses its source water supplies for "non-municipal" uses including maintenance of
instream flows and leases for agricultural uses. The city entered into agreements with the
Colorado Water Conservation Board in 1990 and 1992 to convey certain senior water rights and
to maintain streamflow levels in North Boulder and main Boulder Creeks. In addition, since
2001 the city has voluntarily maintained instream flows in Middle Boulder Creek below Barker
Dam. The agreements allow the city to use the conveyed water rights for municipal purposes
when they are not needed to maintain the specified instream flow levels. The city may also
interrupt deliveries for instream flow purposes in the event of an extraordinary drought stage or
emergency conditions. The city exercised its right of interruption in 2002 and used the conveyed
water rights to meet municipal water needs. As a result, streamflows did drop below established
levels throughout 2002. No such interruptions of instream flows occurred in 2012.
The city leases CBT water on an annual basis to mostly agricultural users. The amount of water
available for lease is generally determined each year by the end of June and is based on
projections of each year's source water supply to meet the city's municipal water needs. During
s Snow Water Equivalent (S W E) is the amount of water contained within the snowpack. It can be thought of as the
depth of water that would theoretically result if you melted the entire snowpack instantaneously.
AGENDA ITEM # V1 PAGE 12
2002, the water leasing program was suspended for all types of water that could be used within
the municipal water system. In 2012, no reductions were required in the city's leasing program.
VII. DROUGHT RESPONSE:
Despite the dry conditions of 2012, the city did not reach the established threshold for a drought
stage declaration. However, no municipal water supply system is drought-proof. The cost of
providing facilities and water rights that might be used only once in many decades would be high
and would not be an effective use of available funds. In 1989, the city began planning to reduce
the amount of water provided by the municipal water system during significant drought stages
rather than planning to provide water for all uses under all drought conditions. At that time,
council established reliability criteria for the acceptable frequency of drought stage water use
restrictions. Reductions in water use will be required during drought stages when the available
supply of water is expected to be less than anticipated water demand over an extended period of
time, usually until the next spring snowmelt in the mountains. The need for water use limitations
due to a drought stage is not expected to happen often to Boulder's municipal water system
because the city purposefully owns a diversified water rights portfolio that has a high degree of
reliability.
In the event that the city declares a drought stage, the Boulder Revised Code provides the general
context and legal authority for the city manager, in consultation with City Council, to declare a
drought stage and determine the specific response measures (e.g., reduce water budgets). The
city's rules and regulations provide the specific details on the drought stage response measures
(e.g., how much to reduce water budgets). The city's Drought Planning and Response Plan,
which is based on the established drought stage reliability criteria, provides the basic framework
and guidance for recognizing a drought stage and for responding appropriately to these drought
stages. When deciding to declare a drought stage, at a minimum, the city considers the following
three main quantitative factors that have a large effect on the city's ability to provide a reliable
water supply:
• Boulder's projected mountain storage.
• Boulder's portion of water projected to be available from CBT system.
• Boulder's unrestrained water demand.
Based on these factors, the city did not declare a drought stage in 2012. Although a drought stage
was not declared, the city continued to monitor trends in snowpack, runoff conditions, reservoir
filling and customer usage in order to determine if conditions changed.
VIII. WATER CONSERVATION RESPONSE:
Since no municipal water supply system is drought-proof, it is important to plan for droughts
before they actually occur. Drought preparation includes establishing appropriate rate structures,
water system planning, and managing an on-going water conservation program and public
education efforts. As such, the city implemented a Water Conservation Program in 1992 to
address the ongoing needs for water use reduction efforts.
The Water Conservation Program strategy for 2012 aimed to support and build-on existing
program efforts. By the end of 2012 the Water Conservation Program moved well beyond initial
goals, implementing several innovative initiatives through enhanced partnerships which stand to
AGENDA ITEM 4 VL_PAGE 13
improve future water conservation efforts in drought and non-drought years. Below is more
information on key efforts related to water conservation in 2012.
Irrigation Water Use & Leak Identification
Increased outdoor water use in 2012 was, for the most part, consistent with turf needs based on
the ET rate (see Attachment A). That being said, March water use was abnormally high as the
unseasonably warm, dry weather prompted customers to turn on their irrigation systems much
earlier than expected. The city received an increase in complaint calls related to high water bills
which, when investigated by city staff, almost always resulted in finding an irrigation or toilet
leak. In fact, higher bills earlier in the year may have lead customers to discover irrigation leaks
which are typically hidden in their summer water use. Due to recent meter upgrades, the city now
has the ability to flag continuous use on water meters. As a result, the city will mail letters
alerting customers to potential leaks beginning in March of 2013 which will also coincide with
the EPA's Fix-A-leak Week. This effort will continue throughout the year.
Pilot Studies and Rebate Changes
Despite efforts to promote water conservation rebates in 2012, customer participation appears to
be one of the lowest in the last twelve years. Ironically, the lowest year (by dollar amount) was
2002. This suggests that rebates may not be an effective response tool for the driest years.
As a result, the city piloted an installation program using the Center for ReSource Conservation
(CRC) to make irrigation repairs, install more efficient irrigation spray heads, and install ultra-
low-flow toilets. Due to the success of the pilot projects, 2013 funding will be shifted from
rebates to installation programs (toilets and sprinkler heads) through CRC. This shift will support
changes and repairs being made towards greater drought mitigation efforts.
City Department Accounts, Parks and Recreation and the Water Conservation Fair
In 2012, there was an increase in outreach efforts to city departments, alerting all to the
possibility of matched funding for water efficiency improvements through the Water Efficiency
Fund. Water efficiency projects are ranked by water use and saving potential. The Parks and
Recreation Department (Parks) is the largest water user among city departments, and in 2012, all
$50,000 was allocated to Parks water efficiency improvements. Parks and the Water
Conservation Program staff were already partnering to promote water efficiency in Parks by
installing new low-water turf plots and xersicape gardens at East Boulder Community Park.
These improvements resulted in the city's first Water Conservation Fair which was held in July
2012. The Water Conservation Fair offered the public a way to learn about more efficient
outdoor irrigation methods. The 2013 event will be held on May 18 to better coincide with
CRC's normal "Garden -in-a-B ox" plant sale, National Parks Clean-up Day, city-wide
Community Cleanup Day (including creek clean-up), National Kid's to Parks Day, and the
timeframe for any city drought stage declaration (May 1).
Additional Outreach Planning
The Water Conservation Fair fit in well with larger planning efforts to support the "2012: Year
of Water" initiative. In May, city staff also worked to have July declared as the "Month of
Water" in the City of Boulder to help highlight what is nationally recognized as the month with
the highest outdoor water use. In June, the potential for reservoir releases due to the lack of rain
AGENDA ITEM # VI PAGE 14_
lead to the development of the "Less Is More Campaign;" watering less makes grass more
drought tolerant. Multiple ads ran weekly from July through September in the Daily Camera
(weekend paper and online) and in the Colorado Daily newspaper. This campaign is now ready
to use as needed for 2013.
In a severe drought stage, it is understood that messaging needs to be accompanied by more
direct assistance. In 2013 the CRC will create a "Drought Buster" program which can, if needed,
be used to aid the city with a hotline, neighborhood canvassing and educating customers who are
over their water budgets.
Coordination with Other Communities - Drought Response & Watering Guidelines
From 2011 -2012 the city participated in various Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB)
Water Availability Task Force (WATF) meetings. The WATF meetings provide state drought
conditions, weather forecasts and updates from other cities on their drought stage status.
In May, Denver Water moved to Drought Stage 1 (Voluntary Restrictions) but this was not the
case with the majority of front-range cities. In September, the CWCB held a Drought Conference
and Denver Water was still one of the few cities that had declared a drought stage. Other cities
such as Greeley and Thornton did issue drought related restrictions fairly late in the season but
those cities did not benefit as significantly from the July rainstorms which supplied Boulder
reservoirs with the equivalent of approximately 15 percent of annual snowpack in terms of snow
water equivalency.
While 2012 was the third driest year in Colorado and likely the hottest on record, the city's
response to these conditions was similar to most front-range cities with one key difference, a
majority of cities tend to have some standard summer watering guidelines. These guidelines may
be enforced or simply exist as recommendations and they are typically present in all years,
regardless of drought conditions. While the city does generally promote suggested watering
recommendations, the development of formal summer watering guidelines may be something the
city wants to consider. Apart from formal guidelines, the city's water conservation efforts
continue to be in-line with, if not advancing, other cities water conservation efforts. This is
particularly true when considering outdoor water budgets, allotted gallons per square foot, and
the city's mapping of each accounts irrigable area which is something that many other cities are
trying to achieve.
The city presented water conservation information to the Boulder County Consortium of Cities
(Consortium) in August of 2011 in hopes of promoting a possible county-wide initiative.
Through 2012, the elected officials from each city in Boulder County (including Broomfield)
who make-up the Consortium, directed county staff and, through their membership, city staff to
participate in two Scoping Committee meetings. From these efforts a Water Stewardship
Initiative Task Force (Task Force) was created in August and given six months to report back to
the Consortium on what water related multi jurisdictional collaboration might be possible.
The Task Force is chaired by County Commissioner Deb Gardner with Vice Chairs Russ Sands
(City of Boulder) and Doug Short (Lafayette). Coordinated drought response has been a core
focus of this group. This focus has been supported by many members of the Task Force,
AGENDA ITEM # V1 PAGE 15
including the City of Boulder's council member Ken Wilson. The Task Force is currently
working on identifying, among other things, whether a central drought message could be used
across the county and may also consider promoting county-wide summer watering guidelines.
IX. PREPARING FOR 2013 AND BEYOND:
Managing the city's water supply and preparing for droughts is an ongoing process. While the
operation of Boulder's water supply system involves many details and much complexity, it is
governed by several guidelines, as outlined in Attachment C. The city will continue to
implement projects and evaluate programs to better plan and prepare for drought conditions such
as sending out meter leak letters, monitoring water loss more closely, and developing the
"Drought Buster" program. If 2013 is another dry year, then these specific programmatic
developments in addition to the strategic operation of the water treatment plants, running the
Boulder Reservoir WTP more as was done in 2012, will better help address drought conditions.
When using comparisons to 2002 to characterize the water supply conditions of 2012, it is
important to remember that 2002 was actually the third year of a drought conditions that began in
2000. If dry conditions persist through 2013, then 2012 would be the first year and subsequent
dry years would be expected to diminish water supplies available at the beginning of each
subsequent year. The city conservatively estimates based on its normal November through
March water use that its upper Boulder Creek basin reservoirs will have approximately 11,000
acre-feet of stored water on April 1, 2013. By comparison, actual reservoir storage on April 1,
2002 was 7,186 acre-feet.
Looking ahead to 2013, the following is the status of the key water supply factors:
• Boulder's mountain reservoirs filled in 2012 and current storage levels are good.
• Anticipated CBT allotment is 50 to 70 percent, which equates to 10,500 to 14,700 acre-
feet.
• It is too early to tell what the snowpack will be at the end of the winter season.
Currently, snowpack is 60 percent of average. However, on average, at the University Camp
SNOTEL site, 33 percent of the total annual snowpack falls between October and December and
67 percent falls between January and May. The average maximum snowpack occurs around the
first of May. Therefore, it is too early in the season to predict what the contributions from
snowpack will be to Boulder's 2013 water supply and whether Boulder will need to declare a
drought stage. Staff will continue to monitor snowpack, precipitation, storage levels and
streamflows throughout the winter to refine its water supply projections for 2013.
X. NEXT STEPS:
Below are some of the WRAB items related to water supply and drought response that are
currently on the 2013 calendar:
• Water Conservation Futures Study (WCFS) Update -This update will identify additional
water conservation measures that may be needed and propose uses for the "saved" water.
It will also, among other things, evaluate the fairness of outdoor water budgets for
customers (and parks) especially when considering the effects that projected increases in
temperature may have on requiring additional outdoor watering if the same level of
AGENDA ITEM # VI PAGE. 16
"green" is to be achieved in future years. This item is anticipated to go to WRAB and
City Council in 2013.
• Commercial, Industrial and Institutional (CII) Study - While water budgets for single-
family and multifamily accounts are tied to water efficiency, C1I water budgets are based
on historic use. By revising CII water budgets to include efficiency benchmarks, the city
has an opportunity to better identify water waste and further assist CII customers with
saving water. This item is anticipated to go to WRAB and City Council in 2013.
• Rebate Changes - Changes to the Water Conservation Rebate Program (which WRAB
approved in December 2012) have allowed the city greater flexibility to apply water
conservation funding to specific drought efforts, and provide increased savings to
customers - particularly with regards to outdoor water use. These programmatic changes
will be evaluated and refined in 2013 to optimize their effectiveness.
• Water Conservation Fair - In July, 2012 the city held its first Water Conservation Fair.
Many WRAB members as well as other attendees suggested this event continue. In order
to better educate the public in responding to drought conditions and conserving water,
this event has been moved to May 18 in 2013 to better correspond with any drought stage
announcement in May. This event will also serve to streamline multiple events by
combining xeriscape plant sales through CRC, and coordination with Community Clean-
Up day (which includes stream clean-up) into a single day.
The specific timing of these and other items will be discussed at the WRAB meeting on Jan. 28,
2013.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Review of 2012: Weather and Treated Water Use in Boulder, CO Memorandum from
AMEC Environment and Infrastructure (Dec. 7, 2012)
B - Map of City of Boulder Source Water Facilities
C - General Guidelines for Operating Boulder's Water Supply System
AGENDA ITEM # Vt PAGE 17
Attachment A 1 1.1
amec,
MEMORANDUM
To: Russ Sands, City of Boulder
From: Lee Rozaklis and Courtney Black, AMEC Environment and Infrastructure
Subject: Review of 2012 -Weather and Treated Water Use in Boulder, Colorado
Date: December 7, 2012
Summary
The year 2012 was unusually warm and relatively dry in Boulder, which led to unusually high irrigation
water demand in the spring. In spite of such relatively warm and dry conditions, Boulder's treated water
use increased only modestly, and remained within the range of Boulder's recent use levels.
2012 Weather Conditions
Temperatures were above average for all months except February and October. Mean temperature
January-November was 56.5 degrees, which was exceeded in only one other year (1954) since 1897.
Monthly Mean Temperatures, Boulder, Colorado
&0
70
60
LL
m
50
0
40
30
2L,
Jar. Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov I7ec
-2012 -1697-2012 Average
The mean temperature for March-June was the warmest in the 116-year record by a large margin.
61 March-June Mean Temperature, Boulder, Colorado
2012
59
55
0
m I
0 53
51
1
49
47
15; til; t4;7 1]77 1.:7 t:i: ti.. t%P.: 1~:1 Jo67
AMEC Environment and Infrastructure
1002 Walnut Street, Suite 200
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Tel: 303.443.7839
Review of 2012 - Weather and Treated Water Use in Boulder, Colorado December 7, 2012
Page 2
Precipitation was significantly below average for the first six months of the year, with March through
June precipitation (3.48 inches) being the driest in the 120-year period of record, although several other
years were nearly as dry. This was followed by the third wettest July on record when 5 inches of
precipitation fell during 21 days in July.
Monthly Precipitation, Boulder, Colorado
5
4
3
N
d
.C
u
c
2
1
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
■ 2012 ■ 1893-2012 Average
The resulting irrigation water demand for the entire 2012 irrigation season was the greatest since 1954.
Monthly irrigation demands greatly exceeded average values for March through June. July rains
provided temporary relief but irrigation demand climbed back to well above average in August.
Consumptive Irrigation Water Requirement for Bluegrass,
Boulder, Colorado
7
8
I
5
N 4
47
s
c ~
3
2
f
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
■2012 ■Average
AMEC Environment and Infrastructure
1002 Walnut Street, Suite 200
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Tel 303.443.7839
Review of 2012 -Weather and Treated Water Use in Boulder, Colorado December 7, 2012
Page 3
In spite of warm and dry conditions, Boulder's 2012 treated water use remained close to recent average
levels in all but April through June, when treated water use significantly exceeded average levels.
2012 Use Compared to 2003-2012 Average Monthly Use
40
I
35
rv 30
C
° 25
20 I I
15
Z
F 10 5
0
1-Jan 1•Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Juf 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec
2012 Daily Use -2012Average Monthly Use -2003.2012Average Monthly Use
Boulder's monthly outdoor use pattern generally corresponded with irrigation water demands, except in
March, when outdoor use did not come close to matching irrigation demands. This is likely due to
Boulder's water users being unaccustomed to irrigating in March, irrespective of weather conditions.
Outdoor water use increased significantly in April and May as dry spring conditions became more
apparent. While outdoor uses in April and May exceeded irrigation requirements in terms of percent of
average, this does not necessarily mean that outdoor use was excessive, as irrigation water
requirements do not account for variations in soil moisture conditions, and spring 2012 soil moisture
was unusually low.
Outdoor Use Response to Irrigation Water Requirement
500%
(March 2012 irrigation water
450% requirementwas 900% of average)
400%
350%
300%
250%
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
+2012 Monthly Irrigation Water Requirement of 1949-2012 Average)
+2012 Estimated Monthly OutdoorUse of 2003-2012 Average)
AMEC Environment and Infrastructure
1002 walnut Street, Suite 200
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Tel: 303.443.7839
Review of 2012 - Weather and Treated Water Use in Boulder, Colorado December 7, 2012
Page 4
Boulder's total treated water use in 2012 stayed within the range observed over the last 10 years.
Outdoor use was greater than any year since 2001, but on a per capita basis did not exceed 2006 (the
last year with a relatively warm and dry irrigation season), in spite of 2012 irrigation water requirements
being significantly greater than 2006. Outdoor use in 2012 was in proportion to irrigation demands.
The peak day demand was greater than any year since 2001, but did not approach levels seen in the
1990s. Indoor use in 2012 was lower than any year since 1980.
Boulder's Annual Total and PerCapita Treated Water Use, 1971-2012
30,000 260
Walenng reslnctions
imposed in 2002
240
25,000
co~4ee..nozo IQ a om aro
esrlr,.,rMf1
< 220 a
20,000 20S
at
20
197 i2 196 199 - -
194 19G . 200 ii
1!. 1`03
m 15.000 5d WA1,91:.I142 71 M
185 t u
184 185 1,86
19D II 187 CIIrr 6
1 r 180 182
181 182 w
a 175 171741 l 177 180 m
8 168 `
17 i69 170169 16 2
10,000 .W! 1 62 962 M
158L55~ 160
149 150
.l I) it 1a8 1.q;'r.~~147,
n• i
5,000 f 36 139 140
0 120
1971 1975 1979 1983 1967 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011
Comparison of Outdoor Use and Irrigation Water Requirement
130%
120%
110%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Irrigation Water Requirement, %of 1949-2012Average
-FdutdoorUse, % of 2003-2012Average
AMEC Environment and Infrastructure
1002 Walnut Street, Suite 200
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Tel: 303.443.7839
Review of 2012 - Weather and Treated Water Use in Boulder, Colorado December 7, 2012
Page 5
Boulder's Peak Day Use and Peak Ratio, 1971-2012
60 3.00
Watering restrictions
imposed in 2002
~ t
50 2.50
Q 40 2.00
g
V
y co
T 30 1.5Q
a I t i ~ fi
a 20 r 1.00
a ,
a
10 0.50
C = 0.00
1971 1975 1979 1983 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011
=Peak Day Use, MGD - -Peak Ratio -Linear (Peak Ratio)
Boulder's Annual Outdoor Use, 1971-2012
12,000 140%
Nei Inigallon mquirement is NrKentucky Bluegrass, e51,mal4m via Watefng restrictions
modified Blano-yCnddle method using aoulderv ather data imposed In 2002
120%
10,000
8,000 100%
ill
80%
,
6,000
60%
!I i
Q 4,000 d I ' V i,
li
i 40%
2,000
II
f
20%
0 0%
1971 1975 1979 1983 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011
~AnnualOutdoor Use -}Net ET, % of Average
AMEC Environment and Infrastructure
1002 Walnut Street, Suite 200
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Tel: 303.443,7839
Review of 2012 - Weather and Treated Water Use in Boulder, Colorado December 7, 2012
Page 6
Boulder's Annual Indoor Use, 1971-2012
18,000
For December-February, indoor use is assumed to h
100% of daily use; for March-November, indooruse Watering restrictions
s assumed to be the minimum of each day's daily imposed in 2002
16,000 use and the average daily use for 1211-12115 and
1116-2129 forihalcalender year. This averaging
period avoids the "Holiday lull" effect.
14,000 ~
IDecember
2012 data ara
12,000 esummed)
Ili
I
d 10,000
i
al h
u. I
~ I.
a 8,000
6,000
i
I
4,000
2,000
0 .
1971 1975 1979 19$3 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011
AMEC Environment and Infrastructure
1002 Walnut Street, Suite 200
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Tel: 303.443.7839
Attachment B
City of Boulder Source Water Maeter Plan Volumn 1 -Sum marry No.
Color Code
~ t_,,;r~,t.;r3::at~• ~rr;rso Rssc-roir.
FIGURE 2. CITY OF BOULDER SOURCE WATER FACILITIES
fj4 ■ Raw Water Transmisaion Facilities and Diversion Structures
■ WaierTreatment Facilities
■ RawYlater Hydroelectric Facilities
_x6e' fs
^p+T.. f' ~ : ~ x,txl+ ~~r ^ f .r ..~i Ar•} ~ ~ - r ~ _ ~,xr' a - i~j -
STTT { ~ j~'~-•;y.~ i _ _ se.~.-.. r:. ^y~c *~F ~1Yl`~ ~ } - - r ~ ~ • ~ t
-A 1-
L t 3i
_ t x
ON% n! r
-16
f~ :T C y r ~ ~s A' mss" L -1 r Ll c. '-JO ice: nd r. r r .r i J '~i ,~~j;C
_ SJ .,L.} P - ,-a-~ -Y 7 ~:r~::l--t- - j ~ ~'lr as"'t:`~-: - ' iv _~-'~.t~ j~± i
" _11P
r G 7 y ~,~a~ • `may A
Ljte %00e P. r t N'6rth Ecu
Park Reservoir-Situ,-+. 1 - ,
kr ,on a k
'rti,. ,Canhoti Rartch - --.`o-'~- Sri,. - t.Gr- ~r S a s i~r
ryr~S tlver Lake Hlcra- - -"l ~1 ' .s . . i •~:y3r; -Z''•. l~ti, ,'1'yy~y,,f s°.~La.,S t
Bou der Canyon
Ertl Qr ' s : Le r C.'rC r' -le l'r JI! 'if y.. = r + r
tt ir!• s ~'+if..' t ti ,jr'` + r_i a ..v - i' vim-.
T
,.SCCCCr C2? on '!Y~rD Perstooa< 3c -P rs ocr< *4 y - . _ 'gel T - - -
c .ti+Z ~}'T F, s I t ` d . ~ tni x, nt
6'0 u, r 3t; n:_Hti r + L k yHr'pras`]rc3_s 5t r T ``y , - :il r.~ y~,
- tM '.Cell H}Crn
! } 'gar x !_1 r ✓S +yg~, it;- `tr ~ _r _
!iYi ..l vow _ . = rsh -ti;_ R y
1 1 ` arm.
R aul 7,
1 1tl0 3alkie` Fee4-r Canal `
u:oer
Eculd_r ResenoirS'iaterTreatmertt Fmll6ty
Easel.~= Rrse rvo :r _ ~
Final-April 2009 Final Water Utility Master Plan (October 2011) - Volume 4 Poge 5
ATTACHMENT C
General Guidelines for Operating Boulder's Water Supply System
While the operation of Boulder's water supply system involves many details and much
complexity, it is governed by the following general guidelines:
• The system is operated to maximize its water supply yield, subject to the ability of its
water treatment plants to reliably produce high quality finished water. Hydropower
generation from the excess water pressure in the system is a secondary objective.
• As a first priority in meeting its water demands, Boulder maximizes its diversions under
its direct flow rights.
• As a second priority, Boulder uses its Colorado Big Thompson (CBT) and Windy Gap
supplies (western slope) as an exchange source for transferring water into its upper
Boulder Creek basin reservoirs and pipelines.
• As a third priority, during the irrigation season when the Boulder Feeder Canal is
running, Boulder delivers its CBT and Windy Gap supplies directly into the Boulder
Reservoir Water Treatment Plant to supplement native basin direct flow yields.
• Boulder takes water from its mountain reservoirs or water stored in Boulder Reservoir
into the treatment plants to meet any remaining demand. Boulder attempts to minimize
spring and summer releases from its reservoirs in order to preserve this storage water for
meeting fall and winter demands and for multi-year drought protection.
• Boulder supplies water to satisfy the commitments made by the city to the Colorado
Water Conservation Board for provision of instream flows on North Boulder and main
Boulder Creeks.
• Boulder leases any excess CBT and Windy Gap supplies to agricultural users in Boulder
Creek on an annual basis.
1/28/2013
Year in Review
2012 Water Supply &
Demand
WRAB Meeting
January 28, 2013
Agenda
► Introduction
► Water Supply System
► Water Production
► Water Consumption
► Water Conservation Response
► Preparing for 2013 & Beyond
1
1/28/2013
Boulder's Water Supply System
r . r
CBT Reservoir
Reservoir Storage Storage
(Acre Fppt) (Acre Feet)
Jan. 28, 2013 13,226 Jan. 28, 2013 405,032
Jan. 28, 2003 8,845 Jan. 28, 2003 231,667
Difference +4,381
'a.•Y L ..L~
Pill-
Total Annual Water Production
8000 F- -
7000 -5774.98 - - ----Gb53-/i7-- - c
6399.39 6459.21
6140.34 6079.09
5000 344 b3_ _ _ _ ,r
040.9 6067.1
5071.61 5260.48
5000 } 4610.3~ IZLS.ii_ -4665 z - -9736 n7 S3 AS
85.94 4769.87 4111.OS_TotaIMG
4000 444S.6
tOetasso MG
3000 p _ ~ORWTF MG
2161.6 2 481$
2000 - TT?:6574.. -1Hn7-17t 2:4?'1488.[9
1146.24
1000 - 1343.06
970.27 909 76
0
z00.' 2^ii3 tOS: ~:IrS 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2
1/28/2013
Winter Season Water Production
1400
1200 } - - - - _ - -
1000 .a°r~ .
a:a n
800 -
i ■ Total
rns ! I
■ Betasso
600 -
■ BRWTF
a•,
400 °
200 -
IS
0 -
2002 W,Ml , 201 i'N,n:cr : ~I: _ .v,-.t.•,
Irrigation Season Water Production
6000
s45t
5000
4000 1.1.1 - r
I FIG = Mllllon Gallons
I w: u
M Total MG
3000 - -
■ Berasso MG
■BRWIF MG
2000
I;1~P
11G!-UJ
1000
0
:901 ,r. iq 201 i 1n1g 2012 trrw
NI11trr,-
3
1/28/2013
Water Consumption
Total Monthly Water Consumption
2007 - 2012
1,000,000 - - -
900,000 -
800,000
700.000 - -
R-
600,000 -20t 2 -0 2011
500,000 2010
- 2009
400,000 - - e 2009
300,000 _ +2007
200.000
100.000 - -
0
Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Water Consumption
Average Single Family (April - Sept.) Percentage of Bills Over Budget
20% r - - -
18%
! -
16%
14% - - - - -
12% % of block 5
log ■%ofblock4
9% ■%of block 3
6% - -
2% I a- `
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
4
1/28/2013
Water Conservation - AMEC Analysis
Preview of Water Conservation Futures Study Update
Comparison of Outdoor Use and krigation Water Requirement
' Indoor Use: Boulders AmwdToteland PerCapka Treated WaterUse,197120}2
lowest since 1980 seeea - Pao
Outdoor Use: 25pe0 210
Greatest since 17
2001 xeaeo 2o+a I~~ Y ao 0
a ■ 1 DoT &
Total ' ' 19a f,91 ,92 4 1
1rypp ~~1F q~ Ia6 fah 1ri Il
Consumption: y 6 a
1;~1E? I:r ,W
Close to avg. of
recent years tom u 8 3
Irrigation: 5e~ 1m
Generally met turf
needs
G 120
WIN
Water Conservation
Response l%9 C, Drought pcs
Public:
Media (Chanel 8. KGNU, etc)
Events 2012
> Print Materials and Website
City Efforts:
Coordination with Parks
Drought Watch :Meetings
`'Water Month' Declared
Pilot Projects
1
Larger Efforts:
Consortium Initiative f~
Water 2012 Water Conservation Summit
CWCB Drought Conference
'NaterAvailabilityTask it-or cc
*~c kk
L Q
oil 0";971)r o L,911 I nrio
5
1/28/2013
U.S. Drought Monitor
January 18, 2011 U.S. Drought Monitor January 22, 2013
January 17, 2012
k+
~ Onidl'YLiOs
DO M1lfWn4lf Ory Or~wnb..ti.nwr
7 - - L (13 o+o.y+. Ifo3..Y ~..,na..~ ry,d, erar..
L _ .i • .a.a, USDA
unramen..+,w•~r S..®+wrYVYawm•,.r
v 4.can .a.ns n RoAsssed Thuradsy, ,/Lnusry 24 2M
htIp WdmLgghknon*x."LedW cur..~r.,rsvoso~wYO,.raory„rw~ronC-
oft - I
Overview of 2412 Year in Review
MonNh~+.~OMrtkn. Boulder, Celer.aa
3
i
1
3
i
December 25
U.S. Orouphr Monitor OroupM S.-"y
•o0 - Abnormally Dry
•o1 Drought -Moderate
02 Drought - Severe M
03 Drought - Extreme W
•D4 Drought - Exceptional =
S
6
1/28/2013
Preparing for 2013
& Beyond
Nc:e ldrd. Yju~N'4eai ~r; :rn':.E{r.
► Continued Outreach
Events and Print Materials less is •
Timed Efforts
iMeter Leak Letters
Drought Buster Program
► Rebate Services
Outdoor Focus
Leverage Partnerships T `
► Continue Studies
CII Study
• WCFS Update
sj
I tip:
► Consortium Report
A
g, Drought Response, etc. y
bob
7
-IN-, P-1-tvie-W
2 rTE ST~ o~ o++~ W~ - G OALS om&- (oo n.
T,
WATI~R TATS COMMUNITY IN A
~~iAeu~, C~ EFfiUENC, finl~NGkliY S~~INABLI~ MMJN~.
2oa
*MvjDF_ I4ic~4 QWK.tTi VWVW IN A MMNNIV, TOT TWIEQS
SAS y KW lts Wl M floW AT SuwidaNT LevRs To
Ba- }1i4q Mr. wR K STo wk T EC( ~ ISTCM f N&T~tRAE gESc~utzcES.
T.4mYs To A wkT ?sell . TRr rM r ~tuD a6kl vJ rBz
AsvaTtQN I00
81~ T *NCMI"G{_ UTICAENT LKE of WkTE,.
_ Co ~IP~N W
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