What do we really
know about water collection?
So where are we when it comes to water collection? Because of
the dry climate in Colorado we have over allocated almost every river we have.
Many years there are “calls” on water rights that go unfilled since there are
more rights than there is water. This makes it important that water is not
diverted that will be needed by the legal claims that are in place. Is there any
data out there that shows what really happens when rain water is diverted for
short term use? In 2003 Santa Fe New Mexico adopted an ordinance requiring
rainwater collection and use for landscaping associated with all new
construction. To me this practice sounds like it would make sense and could
save Santa Fe millions of dollars in water infrastructure. According to a study
conducted for Douglas County and the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the use
of rainwater harvesting and water wise landscaping can reduce the use of
outdoor watering by up
to 88%! This study was one of the driving forces behind the 2009 change in
Colorado law allowing rainwater collection if you are on a well system with no
access to municipal water supply. However, since this precipitation fell on the
east slope and much of the Denver Metro Area gets its water from the Western
Slope, it’s hard to figure out how and even if downstream users would just get it back eventually.
Would we have to pump less water through the Continental Divide if we watered
our lawns and gardens with collected rain water? In another part of the study
conducted for Douglas County and the CWCB, it was estimated that on average
only around 3% of the water harvested is truly lost to the downstream users.
The remaining 97% would have been lost to evaporation, native plants and other
factors. It seems that for so much benefit with only a net loss of 3% of
collected water it should be encouraged. Maybe there is a way to make sure the
downstream rights are made whole.
The facts that you have found are outstanding. I believe that since only 3% of the water is actually being lost, that this topic should be re looked at by many and re-evaluated. This whole topic has been very interesting to read, and learn about. Do you think that people are just oblivious to that fact that there could be a danger to not collecting? Is there a way to prove that collecting is beneficial? There are many questions to this topic and I am intrigued to do some research myself!
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea this was such a huge debate. My mother and grandmother have always used the rain to water their gardens by gathering it in buckets. I wonder if it is such a big problem like some would like it believed? I read that Denver is considering storing water in underground aquifers for future reserves. Where is that water going to come from? This entire water right thing is very confusing.
ReplyDeleteI guess I don't understand how collecting rainwater is considered a threat, and who would lose the benefit if people collected their own rainwater? A good majority of people would consider it an inconvenience I'm sure as storing the rain water can lead to diseases if not handled properly. Especially when you make the point that 3% is the difference of allowing people to harvest their own water for personal usage. Keep it going, this has been great reading.
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