Douglas County today announced a plan to reduce water use by 12 percent by implementing both indoor and outdoor water device retrofits at each of the County’s 32 facilities and 19 locations with outdoor irrigated turf, including parks. The plan will save 8.5 million gallons of water per year.  For an initial cost of approximately $125,000, the County will recoup its investment within approximately three years.

A recent County water audit revealed that the County had taken measures to conserve water, but further conservation methods would result in additional savings. 

Indoor and outdoor water device retrofits include converting turf to xeric landscaping, and installing irrigation controllers, high efficiency washing machines, and other high efficiency fixtures such as dual flush toilets.  These high priority areas were identified because of the combined cost of water and energy savings. 

“Leading by example is imperative,” said Board Chair and County Commissioner Jack A. Hilbert.  We cannot ask our residents and our water providers to implement water conservation measures if we are not making changes within our own operations,” he explained.

One of the County’s goals is to work with local water providers to help them create their own water conservation plans.

Throughout the remainder of this year and into 2010, the County will continue to make changes in an effort to conserve water and save money, as well as continue to work with local water providers.  Great Western Institute of Douglas County and Keesen Water Management of Denver, auditors on this project, analyzed water use. For more information on the 2009 Douglas County Facility Water Audit Findings and Recommendations as well as water conservation tips, please visit www.douglas.co.us/water/Water_Conservation.html.