Here’s some need-to-know information for the week:
City Water Supply Status for 2023
In May of each year, the city evaluates its water supply to determine whether customer water use restrictions should be imposed under the city’s Drought Plan. These evaluations are primarily based on snowpack levels in the mountains west of Boulder, the city’s reservoir storage levels and the city’s allocation of water from Northern Water’s Colorado-Big Thompson Project (CBT).
As of May 1, 2023, the water content in the Silver Lake Watershed snowpack is about average and the city’s CBT allocation for the year is average. The city reservoir storage levels are below average but above the minimum levels for May 1, and reservoirs are expected to fill. As the city’s key water supply factors are all within normal ranges, water restrictions are not necessary at this time or anticipated for this summer. However, staff will continue to closely monitor conditions and may recommend additional measures if needed.
Water conservation is one of the primary strategies for managing supply variability. The City of Boulder emphasizes efficient water use through its Water Conservation Program, as well as through the city’s water budget rate structure, which encourages water efficiency by charging higher rates for water use that exceeds an account’s specific budget.
In 2023, Utilities staff will update the Water Efficiency Plan (WEP). The purpose of the WEP is to provide guidance for implementing the Water Conservation Program to be compatible with the city’s source water supply, adopted water conservation goals and community values, as well as with the Colorado Water Plan. To support the continued wise use of water, the community will see ongoing water conservation outreach efforts throughout the year, including utility bill inserts and social media posts.
For questions please, contact Kim Hutton, Water Resources Manager, at huttonk@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-3115 or visit the city’s website.
Regards,
Nuria