Water

WATER

The Town supports effective water management through quantifiable metrics and demonstrated leadership in water conservation. The Town also seeks to leverage regional partnerships to bring about change and encourage all residents and visitors to reduce water use. Through a combination of strategic planning, project execution, and conservation efforts, the Town should reduce its water demand.

Goal One.

Reduce potable water demand in buildings and at sites

Target.

10%

Reduction in annual demand below the 2016 baseline by 2025

INCREASE

Water efficiency program participation rates over previous year annually

Community-Wide Annual Water Demand Trends and Target

Implement policies that can provide direction to pursue the use of recycled water, coordinate with regional water supply planning efforts, and evaluate and implement recycled water projects on a case-by-case basis.

2023 saw a
66%
66%
Increase

in Annual Water Demand

Reduction in Annual Water Demand

over baseline year 2016

2025 TARGET

For a better view at the charts, use landscape view on mobile devices.

Strategies.
Conduct feasibility assessment on recycled water usage to create recycled water systemInvestigate opportunities for recycled water (also known as non-potable water) use within the town. Non-potable water includes greywater (wastewater from sinks and showers) and reclaimed water (wastewater treated below drinking water standards).
Incentivize or mandate recycled / non-potable water use for landscapingIdeally, over time additional large landscaping areas the Town controls will switch to non-potable water for irrigation and low-water native plant palettes.
Implement local water conservation measuresIn partnership with HC3, the Town offers free water efficiency programs like Water Smart Irrigation Audits and Tame the Tap that are available to the community.
Address conservation focused on hospitality sector and short-term rentalsWorking with the hospitality and short-term rental industries, the Town should influence visitor choices to encourage greater water conservation, e.g., encouraging efficient use of laundering and dishwashing.
Hire a town resource coordinatorHire a full-time onsite resource coordinator (or team) who will be responsible for tracking and monitoring water use; identifying, budgeting, and implementing water efficiency projects as well as focusing on outreach and water reduction awareness. The resource coordinator should manage both energy and water services.
Incorporate monthly billingThe Town currently bills customers every two months. This strategy incorporates monthly billing so individuals can track water usage effectively.

Co-Benefits

Resource Savings

Environmental Leadership

Regional Priorities

Operational Cost Savings

Resilience

Community Engagement

Resource Savings

Environmental Leadership

Regional Priorities

Operational Cost Savings

Resilience

Community Engagement

Goal Two.

Reduce peak summer demand associated with outdoor water use

Target.

10%

Reduction in annual peak summer water demand below 2016 baseline by 2025

Reduce

Annual water loss from leaks over previous year

Community-Wide Peak Summer Water Trends and Target

To reduce outdoor water use, standard sprinkler systems can be converted to low-flow and drip systems with smart irrigation controls—controls that adjust automatically to weather conditions to save water.

2023 saw a

2025 TARGET

Increase

in Peak Summer Demand

Reduction in Peak Summer Demand

over baseline year 2016

35%

10%

For a better view at the charts, use landscape view on mobile devices.

Strategies.
Implement efficient landscapingThe Town has a detailed landscaping guide and policy (Policy 22) that addresses selection of appropriate plant species suitable for an area with limited precipitation such as Breckenridge. House Bill 1151 adopted by the Colorado General Assembly in 2022 will provide financial incentives for the voluntary replacement of irrigated turf with water-wise, drought- resistant landscaping.
Enable leak detection programThis strategy involves using sonic leak-detection equipment, which identifies the sound of water escaping a pipe. Finding and repairing water losses through an aggressive active leak detection program will reduce water loss and could save substantial operating costs.

Co-Benefits

Resource Savings

Environmental Leadership

Regional Priorities

Local Environmental Health

Resource Savings

Environmental Leadership

Regional Priorities

Local Environmental Health

Stretch Targets.

Non-Potable Water Use for Landscaping and Snowmaking

By 2032, eliminate potable water use for landscaping and snowmaking

Water Monitoring and Metering

Implement advanced metering infrastructure when grant funding is available