Town of Castle Rock "Across the Board with Conservation" Progreen Expo 2/09/10

1. Across the Board with Conservation
Rick Schultz, Water Conservation Specialist
Ruth Stadler, Water Conservation Plan Reviewer
Billie Owens, Program Analyst
Kyle Sipes, Stormwater Inspector
February 9, 2010

2. Why are we here?
•Education
•Regulations
•Rates
•Customer Assistance Programs

3. Education

4. Education
• Water Wiser
• Lunch and Learn Programs
• Irrigation Audit Program
• Elementary School Presentations
• Demonstration Gardens
• Landscaper Registration

5. Water Wiser Workshops
• Began in 2003
• Residential customers
• Currently 1260 participants
• Alternatives to traditional
landscaping
• More efficient ways to irrigation
• Exempt from every third day restrictions

6. Lunch and Learn Programs
• Less formal than Water Wiser
• Shorter in length
• Intended for residential customers
• Covers such topics as:
– Xeriscape design
– Spring start up and timer programming
– Festival Park plant tour
– Landscape and sprinkler winterization

7. Presentations and Tours
• School visits
– Town of Castle Rock
– Douglas County Water Resource Authority
• Water plant tours
• Partnership with DCWRA
– Homeowner’s associations
– Management companies
– Landscape contractors

8. Demonstration Gardens
• Festival Park
• Ray Waterman Water
Treatment Plant
• Utilities office
• Crystal Valley Ranch
Recreation Center

9. Registration for Landscape
Professionals
• Five categories of registration
– State licensed landscape architects
– Landscape designers
– Irrigation designers
– Landscape/Irrigation installation contractors
– Landscape/Irrigation maintenance contractors
• Getting it right the first time saves your client
time and money

10. Regulations

11. February 9, 2010

12. Multifamily Section
• Native and/or drought tolerant turf grasses shall
be used in all areas.
– No bluegrass on streetscape
– Moderate water use grass in passive use areas
Landscape Regulations Section 3.2.1 C1a

13. Residential Properties by
Developer/Builder
Turf Limitations
Lot Size (sq.ft.) Max. Turf (sq.ft.)
</= 7,000 3,500
7,001-17,000 5,525
>17,000 50% of non-impervious
Landscape Regulations Section 3.2.2 C3a-d

14. Commercial Properties
• No high water use plants
– No Kentucky bluegrass
– No Cottonwoods
• Separate irrigation service
connection are required
Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.2 B1 and 3.3.2 D2

15. Required Soil Improvement
Verification of organic matter before certificate
of occupancy (CO)
Landscape Regulations
Section 3.3.2 C3 and 3.3.4 C3

16. Streetscape Requirements
Area Width Plant Type Irrigation Type
<4 ft. None None
4-10 ft. None/Low Water Drip
>10 ft. Low Water Overhead
Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.4 E f-m

18. Irrigation Systems
• Plant types must match irrigation method
• Hydrozones are to be noted on the plans
• Irrigation must be able to meet demand
requirement
Landscape Regulations Section 3.3.2 B1 and 3.3.2 D2

19. Irrigation Systems
• Details of the irrigation system
– Special times for residential and commercial
• Application rates not to exceed 1.5”/week
• Rain sensing device required
Landscape Regulations Section 4.2.4

20. Registration of Landscape
Professionals
• Registration types:
– Landscape architects and designers
– Landscape installers
– Landscape maintenance professionals
• Must have registration number to complete
project in Town
Landscape Regulations Section 5

21. Plant Selection
• Not hardy in Castle Rock:
– Many xeric ornamental grasses
– Many perennials
– Broadleaf evergreen shrubs
Landscape Regulations Section 6

22. Forms
• Large Irrigator Temporary Irrigation Exemption
• Irrigation Exemption for Residential
• Registration of Landscape Professionals
• Landscape Plan Checklist
• Landscaper Inspection Affidavit
• Irrigation Inspection Affidavit

23. Planting Details
• Shrub
• Perennial
• Deciduous tree
• Evergreen

24. Cross Connection Control
• All backflow assemblies shall be approved by the
Utilities Department and/or designee prior to
installation
• For more information, contact
Sean Davin
720-733-1352
sdavin@CRgov.com
Landscape Regulations Section 13.06

25. Water Restrictions
• Every third day
• Programmable controller required
– Battery back up
Landscape Regulations Chapters 13.15 and 13.22

26. Irrigated
Public
Area Water
Conservation
Landscape Regulations Chapters 13.20

27. Composite Landscape Water Use
Rating System
N
CLWUR = < K=1 LWUR K x IAK / TA
<
(CLWUR< 2.5)
Definitions
LWURK Water use rating for each landscape zone
IA K Irrigation area for each landscape zone
TA Total area for all landscape zones
Landscape Regulations Chapter 13.20

28. Net Result of Public Irrigated Water
Ordinance
• Reduces high water use vegetation on a project
• Streetscapes need a “low” water use plant
– Buffalo grass
– Blue grama
– Wheat grass blends
– Fescue blends

29. Water Use Management Plan (WUMP)
• Designed as a demand management tool

30. Water Use Management Plan (WUMP)
• Sets demand management time period
– May through August
– Designates addresses to
– Requires watering during daily time periods
5 – 10 a.m. and 5 – 10 p.m.
– Every third day watering
– Explains mailing of water schedules to resident
Water Use Management Plan

31. Water Use Management Plan (WUMP)
• Defines water waste
– Excessive pooling or runoff of site
– Impervious surface
– Street washing
– Unrestricted water from a hose or faucet

32. Examples
– Excessive pooling or
runoff of site
– Impervious surface

33. Large/Common Area/Public Area
Irrigation
• Defines the area as >10,000 sq.ft.
• Requires watering to be 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. every
third day
• Submittal of irrigation schedules to the Town for
review and approval
Water Use Management Plan

34. Alternative Irrigation Schedules
• Exemptions for establishment of new plant
material
– 30 days for new sod
– 45 days for new seed
• Permit obtained through Utilities
– Proper soil amendment has been added
– Irrigation backflow prevention device has been tested
Water Use Management Plan

35. Defines Water Monitors
• Drives through the Town
• Monitors water use
• Must witness violation
• Violations may be
assessed a surcharge
• Notices are sent to
owner/occupant
Water Use Management Plan

36. Town Registration of Landscape
Professionals
• Requires attendance at annual seminar
• Passing score on written test
• Test focus is on the “Water Use Management
Plan” and “Landscape Regulations”

37. Rates
February 9, 2010

38. What is an
individualized/water
budget rate structure?
Why do we have one?

39. Rate Structure Water Budget
Most
C
O Budget/Individualized
N
S Increasing Block
E
R Seasonal
V Uniform
A
T Declining Block
I
O Flat Rate
N
Least

40. Achieving Conservation Through a
Rate Structure
• Water budgets as an innovative option
– Success of Irvine Ranch Water District caught the
Town’s attention
– Need to guide customers to use water more
efficiently
– Existing rate structure did not provide a strong
price signal
• Customer management tool
• Becomes part of water resources management
strategy

41. Importance of an individualized rate
structure
Castle Rock’s Water Challenges – We Are Different!
Nearly 100% of Castle Rock’s water comes from
deep groundwater aquifers
A wellfield costs $1 million to drill (2 wells!)
Design/construction adds $1.2-1.4 million
Deepest aquifer requires 500-600 HP pump
Other costs
Average winter electrical costs $85,000/month
Deep Groundwater Wells Peak month electrical costs $256,000
(3x average winter month)
Water levels are declining!
This is a finite resource!

42. Level of complexity
• Highly specific to relatively
homogenious
• Perfect equity in rate
structures is extremely
difficult and complex

43. The KISS Principle
• Base the rate structure
on the Town’s goals
and objectives
– Conservation is important
– Cost of service based
– Revenue neutral
• Customer Base
– Mostly residential
– Lot sizes vary
– Level of detail to have impact

44. Tiered rate structure vs. individual
Surcharge
Surcharge
<30k
<40k
+$6.81
+$6.81
15k+
Excess
15k+
$6.81 $6.81
$6.861
$ $
5-15k
5-15k Outdoor
$4.10
$4.10 (Irrigation)
$4.10
1-5k Indoor
Indoor
$2.16 (AWC)
$2.16
$2.16
Gallons Gallons
2008 & 2009 adopted a new structure

45. Basics of Individualized Rate
Structures
• Individualized determination of monthly water
use based on indoor and outdoor usage
characteristics
• Indoor water use often based on people per
household, average winter consumption, or
specified allotment
Outdoor water use
Landscaped area
Vegetation type
Monthly Evapotranspiration (ET)

46. Taking aim – my indoor target
SAMPLE
Single Family Customer Indoor Budget
Average Winter Monthly 16,000
Consumption
14,000
(November – March)
12,000
Indoor
1,000 gallons
January 5,000 10,000
February 4,000
March 5,000 8,000 Indoor
April 5,000
May 5,000 6,000
June 5,000
July 5,000 4,000
August 5,000
September 5,000 2,000
October 5,000
November 5,000 0
r
December 5,000
ry
y
r
ne
ch
r
ly
ril
er
be
st
ay
be
be
ar
Ju
ua
Ap
gu
ob
ar
Ju
M
em
nu
em
em
br
M
Au
ct
Ja
ov
Fe
ec
pt
O
Indoor Use Year Round
N
Se
D
(5,000+4,000+5,000+5,000) ÷ 4 = 5,000

47. Aerial of property with
parcel line

48. Taking aim – my outdoor target
Infrared imagery
showing irrigated areas
*Residential
Customers Capped
at 7,000 sq.ft.

49. Taking aim – my water outdoor target
Indoor Use Based on AWMC
Indoor Outdoor SAMPLE
January 5,000 0
February 4,000 0 Single Family Customer
March 5,000 0
April 5,000 1,000
May 5,000 8,000 18,000
June 5,000 11,000 Seasonal 16,000
July 5,000 11,000 Plant 14,000
1 ,0 0 0 g a llo n s
August 5,000 8,000 Needs 12,000 Outdoor
September 5,000 7,000 10,000
(80% of 8,000 Indoor
October 5,000 1,000
ET) 6,000
November 5,000 0
December 5,000 0 4,000
59,000 47,000 2,000
0
Irrigation
A u ly
ril
ne
y
h
ve r
F e uar y
p t st
c e er
er
O c ber
Ma y
Ma
Ju
N o obe
rc
Ap
r
Se g u
Ju
De mb
mb
ua
em
n
t
br
Ja
Based on irrigated area

50. My Target - Summary
Proposed Rate Structure
Budget (kgal)
Outdoor
Budget
Budget
Indoor
Budget
Average Customer
Total
Month
18,000
Jan 5,000 0 5,000
16,000
Feb 5,000 0 5,000
14,000
Mar 5,000 0 5,000
1,000 gallons
12,000
Apr 5,000 7,000 12,000
May 5,000 9,000 14,000 10,000 Outdoor Budget
Jun 5,000 9,000 14,000 8,000 Indoor Budget
Jul 5,000 11,000 16,000 6,000
Aug 5,000 10,000 15,000 4,000
Sep 5,000 7,000 12,000 2,000
Oct 5,000 4,000 9,000
Nov 5,000 0 5,000
0
1
Outdoor5 Budget 8
2 3 4 6 7 9 10 11 12 13
Dec 5,000 0 5,000
Customized for EVERY water customer!

51. Challenges – DATA
Determining Indoor Water Use
• Accurately reflecting indoor use (Nov-Feb)
• Making sure customers get enough budget
• Allowing for variances in indoor use – guests or
snow birds
• Establishing for brand new customers with no
history

52. Challenges – DATA
Determining Irrigated Area
• Accurately depicting
irrigated area
• Maintaining
geographic integrity
of parcel boundaries
• Finding a “common
link” between data
bases
• How often to do this
process
Infra-red Imagery

53. Challenges – DATA
Integrating Information
Indoor
winter
consumption Utility Billing
+ System
Infra-red
Imaging
(Irrigated Area) John Doe Homeowner
Account Number 123
+ 123 Castle Rock Drive
AWMC = 5,000
Geospatial Irrigated Area = 2,700 sq.ft.
Image July Outdoor Water Budget =
(Parcels) 11,000 Gallons
+
Common
Unique Identifier/
Data Link
(Addresses)

54. Results…so far
• Water savings???
• We know our customers much better!
• We understand the need for outreach
and communications - before, during
and after implementation!
• We have developed policies to address
common and special circumstances
• We have standardized business practices

55. Results…so far
• INCREASING AWARENESS!
High water users
Low water users
Equity inquiries

56. Importance of an Individualized Water
Rate Structure
Castle Rock faces major water resource challenges
Conservation is our most cost-effective water resource
Water budgets are a proven method of saving water
A water budget rate structure is one piece of a comprehensive
strategy that will help us meet our conservation goals
Conservation Strategy
Education Regulations Rates Customer Assistance Programs

57. Customer Assistance Programs

58. Smartscape Renovation
• New in 2009
• Residential customers only
• Removal of high water use plants
• Replace with water wise landscaping
• More efficient irrigation
• $1/sq.ft. - $1,500 maximum

59. Before After

60. Rain Sensors
• New in 2009
• Residential customers only
• 50% to a maximum of $50

61. Rotary Nozzles
• New in 2009
• Offered to residential and commercial
customers
• Lower flow and application rate
• Less effected by wind and pressure
• Up to $5/nozzle
– Residential maximum $200
– Commercial maximum $2,000

62. Three-day irrigation timer
• Residential customers
• Replaces older controllers unable to be
programmed for every third day
• $25

63. High-efficiency clothes washers
• Residential customers only
• Water factor rating of 6 or less
• $150

64. Smart controller
• Offered to residential and commercial
customers
– Residential 50%; maximum $300
– Commercial 50%; maximum $1,500

65. Irrigation Audits
• Center for ReSource Conservation
• 2008
– 29 large properties
– 3 residential
• 2009
– 29 large properties
– 58 residential

66. Irrigation Audits

67. How about Efficiency?
Example:
34 inches * 0.8 * 1,300 ft2 * 0.62 = 50,984
0.43
34 inches * 0.8 * 1,300 ft2 * 0.62 = 29,626
0.74

68. Water Quality
and
Stormwater

69. Staging and Storage of Materials
Building materials shall
not be stored on streets.
Building materials can
block engineered flow
lines and are safety
hazards for motor
vehicles .

70. Staging and Storage of Materials
Landscaper shall store
landscape materials on
property with the
appropriate BMPs.
BMP defined as “a physical,
structural,or managerial
practice or device that
prevents or reduces erosion
or sediment”.

71. Staging and Storage of Materials

72. Staging and Storage of Materials
Landscaper shall store landscape materials on
property with the appropriate BMPs.

73. What can cause
erosion? Wind,
water, ice.
Reinstall BMPs until
germination occurs.

74. Soil Inspections
• Installing landscapes within the Town
• Request inspection at Utilities Department
• Permit card must be signed by DESC Inspector
– Registered individual
– At final grade
• Landscape Inspection Affidavit to be completed
and signed
• After irrigation system has been installed
• Prior to installation of mulch and plant material
• Finish grade to be within 2/10 of a foot

75. Soil Inspections
• Proper soil amendments
– As designed on the approved plans OR
– Minimum 3 cubic yards/1,000 sq. ft.
• Proper till depth 4” minimum depth
– Random core sampling and soil analysis
may occur

77. Information Center
• New conservation website – coming soon!
• Local ET and weather information on web
• New interactive virtual home and garden
tour coming soon

78. Where You Can Find Us
Town of Castle Rock
Utilities Department
175 Kellogg Court
Castle Rock, CO 80109
720-733-6000
WWW.CRGov.com

79. Contact Information
Rick Schultz Ruth Stadler
rschultz@CRgov.com rstadler@CRgov.com
Billie Owens Kyle Sipes
bowens@CRgov.com ksipes@CRgov.com