Date: 10/01/2014
Final
Public Testimony
WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE
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11:19 AM -- Public Testimony
Jennifer Barrow, from Lakewood, representing herself, would like a high conservation strategy included in the BIP in place of what is currently there. She xeriscaped her yard which increases her quality of life. She suggested that new development should include water-wise landscaping.
11:23 AM -- Alex Lukens, thanked the committee but had nothing to add to his earlier comments.
11:23 AM -- Robert Stocker wants the BIP to recognize our generation's moral responsibility to future citizens and to the future of life itself. He wants the CWP to be sustainable and environmentally responsible. He suggested a number of strategies to protect the environment. He commended the Legislature for the water conservation laws it has passed and made recommendations for future legislation (Attachment B) .
Attachment B.pdf
11:28 AM -- Julio Iturreria, Arapahoe County, Metro and SP Basin Roundtable, agrees with virtually everything that's been said, but as a professional planner, sees that there is a need for balance and being proactive. He noted that we are the last western state to do a water plan.
11:30 AM -- John McKenzie, Executive Director Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance (DARCA), appreciates the state's outreach and noted that they have been conducting their own outreach statewide. The DARCA recommendations have been e-mailed to the committee (Attachment C) He explained the benefits provided by ditch and reservoir companies. DARCA is recommending a scientific modeling process. He talked about the need to determine goals first and then what decisions should be chosen for the greatest chance of success. DARCA is advocating for an open source collaborative process among the Colorado water community on a global, broad based approach.
Attachment C.pdf
11:39 AM -- Devon Buckels, Urban Waters Partnership, explained the effect of fires and floods on the quality of water. Forest management can help protect watersheds and water supplies. CWP should support the protection and restoration of the lands that suppor the hydology which provide and convey the water for our use. The CWP should support the incorporation of green infrastructure and the work of regional collaborative organizations like the Urban Waters Partnership. (Attachment D)
Attachment D.pdf
11:42 AM -- Brian Loma, President, Metropolitan State University (MSU) Water Association of Students Stewards Urban Program, has concerns about the CWP. He noted that "use it or lose it" does not encourage water conservation. The law requiring farmers to prove they need all the water they have or lose it causes waste and should be changed. MSU students were impressed with New Belgium Brewing's water conservation processes. He suggested that graywater infrastructure needs to be developed for new growth. The recycling of fracking water should be required. The CWP should include smart sprinkler systems and requirements for additional technology. He noted the importance of teaching positive water consumption practices. One case of bottled water consumes three quarts of oil and he would like to see MSU become a non-plastic water bottle campus.
11:48 AM -- Bob Longenbaugh, commented on water in the metro area. He explained that there are significant changes occurring in the basin. There are an increasing number of gravel pits being used for storage. Use of exchanges for moving that water is important and may require legislative action. River administration is getting more complex. Water court decrees that fix certain return flows are not representing Mother Nature today or in the future. Environmental and recreational uses add complexity to water administration. He recommended that the CWP be updated frequently as conditions change.
11:53 AM -- Nancy Stocker, is concerned about taking a lot of water from the Colorado River in the BIP which is greatly overutilized. Transbasin diversions damage the basin it comes from, increases the risk of extreme flooding to the receiving basin, and are expensive. Transbasin diversions should be the last choice or not done at all. She believes that efficiency as a source of water in the CWP is underestimated. Denver Water customers cut back on their water use so much last year, that Denver Water couldn't pay its bills. Some communities are embracing composting for reasons other than saving water. Composting would save water and should be encouraged. Waterless toilets will save a huge amount of water. She stated that we can conserve water much more than we do. (Attachment E)
Attachment E.pdf
11:57 AM -- Dr. Stephen Jordan, President, Metropolitan State welcomed the committee.
Pauline P. Reetz, Conservation Chairman, submitted written testimony on behalf of the Audubon Society of Greater Denver (Attachment F)
Attachment F.pdf
12:00 PM -- Committee recessed for tour of the Center for Advance Visualization and Experiential Analysis.
12:50 PM -- Adjournment.