Three initiatives intended to promote water conservation were approved at Town Council’s March 7 meeting.
Here is a closer look:
Water Efficiency Master Plan – Council approved updates to Castle Rock Water’s Water Efficiency Master Plan. Last updated in 2015, the plan outlines conservation strategies to extend the Town’s water supply. The plan was adjusted for projected population growth, the need to secure a sustainable renewable water supply, advancements in technology, changes in conservation programs and goals, and changes in the underlying customer base. The plan focuses on demand-side activities, such as education, rates, rebates, audits and regulations.
More information can be found at CRgov.com/WaterPlans.
Water Use Management Plan – The second conservation-related item Council approved is the 2023 Water Use Management Plan. The plan identifies regulations – including watering schedules to stagger demand, as have been used in Castle Rock since 1985 – along with surcharges and enforcement. Minor revisions and administrative updates were approved for this year’s plan, which is available at CRgov.com/WaterPlans.
Under the plan, the 2023 watering schedule will be in place from May through September. Water customers will receive detailed information about when watering is permitted 30 days ahead of the schedule’s implementation.
Castle Rock Water rebate program – Town Council also approved the 2023 rebate program for Castle Rock Water customers who replace their grass lawns with water wise ColoradoScapes or who improve their irrigation systems or toilets to be more water smart. A rebate will also be available toward whole-home water-monitoring systems under the program.
Rebates are offered annually on a first-come, first-served basis until exhausted. They are generally funded through surcharges for excessive watering. This year, $200,000 – about 38% more than last year – will be made available for the program. Changes to the program this year include increasing the rebate amount for residential and commercial ColoradoScape renovations from $1.20 per square foot to $1.50 per square foot and increasing the rebate amount for high-efficiency toilets from $100 per toilet to $150 per toilet.
The Town will advertise the program on its websites and social media. Additional information is online at CRgov.com/Rebates.
Watch the meeting: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1559
Coming up
The next regular Town Council meeting is Tuesday, March 21. Visit CRgov.com/CouncilComments between March 16 and March 21 to provide written feedback, or to sign up to speak via videoconference during the meeting. The meeting will be available live at CRgov.com/CouncilMeeting. In-person attendance will also be available.
Questions? Email all Councilmembers at TownCouncil@CRgov.com, or find your Council representative at CRgov.com/Council; sign up for email updates by clicking “Get Email Updates.” Updates include summaries of top Council items, as well as previews of Council meetings.
View Town Council agendas at CRgov.com/Agendas. Watch Council live at CRgov.com/WatchCouncil, or catch a recording there after the meeting. Town Council meetings are also broadcast live and replayed on Comcast Channel 22.
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