HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 Ordinance No. 0111
BY AUTHORITY
ORDINANCE NO. 11 COUNCIL BILL NO. 08
SERIES OF 2023 INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER WINK
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE CITY OF ENGLEWOOD WATER
EFFICIENCY PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of Englewood, Colorado (“City”), is a home rule municipality and
political subdivision of the State of Colorado, duly organized and operating under the constitution
and laws of the State of Colorado and the City Charter the City of Englewood; and
WHEREAS, Colorado Revised Statute section 37-60-126 provides that a municipality
supplying and distributing two thousand acre-feet or more of water per calendar year is required
to develop, adopt, make publicly available and implement a water use efficiency plan; and
WHEREAS, the City is supportive of protecting water resources, including rivers and
streams as set forth in the City’s Strategic Plan, and
WHEREAS, the City developed a Water Efficiency Plan in accordance with the Colorado
Water Conservation Act of 2004 so that it meets or exceeds all statutory requirements according
to Colorado Revised Statute section 37-60- 126; and
WHEREAS, the City provided public notice and received comments on the Water
Efficiency Plan for sixty days and considered those comments with regard to the Water Efficiency
Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Board has recommended Council adoption of the Water
Efficiency Plan; and
WHEREAS, City staff requests Council adopt the Water Efficiency Plan in order to further
the City’s water conservation practice.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Englewood, Colorado, hereby approves the
adoption of the “Water Efficiency Plan,” attached hereto.
Section 2. The following general provisions and findings are applicable to the
interpretation and application of this Ordinance:
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
2
A. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or part of this Ordinance or the
application thereof to any person or circumstances shall for any reason be adjudged by a court of
competent jurisdiction invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder
of this Ordinance or its application to other persons or circumstances.
B. Inconsistent Ordinances. All other Ordinances or portions thereof inconsistent or
conflicting with this Ordinance or any portion hereof are hereby repealed to the extent of such
inconsistency or conflict.
C. Effect of repeal or modification. The repeal or modification of any provision of the
Code of the City of Englewood by this Ordinance shall not release, extinguish, alter, modify, or
change in whole or in part any penalty, forfeiture, or liability, either civil or criminal, which shall
have been incurred under such provision, and each provision shall be treated and held as still
remaining in force for the purposes of sustaining any and all proper actions, suits, proceedings,
and prosecutions for the enforcement of the penalty, forfeiture, or liability, as well as for the
purpose of sustaining any judgment, decree, or order which can or may be rendered, entered, or
made in such actions, suits, proceedings, or prosecutions.
D. Safety Clauses. The City Council hereby finds, determines, and declares that this
Ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the City of Englewood, that it is
promulgated for the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and that this Ordinance is necessary
for the preservation of health and safety and for the protection of public convenience and welfare.
The City Council further determines that the Ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper
legislative object sought to be obtained. This Safety Clause is not intended to affect a Citizen right
to challenge this Ordinance through referendum pursuant to City of Englewood Charter 47.
E. Publication. Publication of this Ordinance may be in the City’s official newspaper,
the City’s official website, or both. Publication shall be effective upon the first publication by
either authorized method.
F. Actions Authorized to Effectuate this Ordinance. The Mayor is hereby authorized
and directed to execute all documents necessary to effectuate the approval authorized by this
Ordinance, and the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest to such execution by the
Mayor where necessary. In the absence of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem is hereby authorized to
execute the above-referenced documents. The execution of any documents by said officials shall
be conclusive evidence of the approval by the City of such documents in accordance with the terms
thereof and this Ordinance. City staff is further authorized to take additional actions as may be
necessary to implement the provisions of this Ordinance.
G. Enforcement. To the extent this ordinance establishes a required or prohibited
action punishable by law, unless otherwise specifically provided in Englewood Municipal Code
or applicable law, violations shall be subject to the General Penalty provisions contained within
EMC § 1-4-1.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
3
Introduced, read in full, and passed on first reading on the 6th day of February, 2023.
Published by Title as a Bill for an Ordinance in the City’s official newspaper on the 9th day
of February, 2023.
Published as a Bill for an Ordinance on the City’s official website beginning on the 8th
day of February, 2023. for thirty (30) days.
Read by Title and passed on final reading on the 21st day of February, 2023.
Published by Title in the City’s official newspaper as Ordinance No. 11, Series of 2023,
on the 23rd day of February, 2023.
Published by title on the City’s official website beginning on the 22nd day of February,
2023 for thirty (30) days.
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication following final passage.
Othoniel Sierra, Mayor
ATTEST:
Stephanie Carlile, City Clerk
I, Stephanie Carlile, City Clerk of the City of Englewood, Colorado, hereby certify that the
above and foregoing is a true copy of the Ordinance passed on final reading and published by
Title as Ordinance No. 11, Series of 2023.
Stephanie Carlile
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
Englewood, Colorado
538 Commons Drive
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: (303) 526-2600
Fax: (303) 526-2624
www.martinandwood.com
Martin and Wood
Water Consultants, Inc.
City of Englewood
Water Efficiency Plan
Prepared For:
City of Englewood Utilities
1500 W Layton Avenue
Englewood, CO 80110
Project No. 159.8
January 6, 2023
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
i
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 PROFILE OF EXISTING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM ............................................................................. 3
1.1.1 Water Supply ................................................................................................................ 4
1.1.2 Water Facilities ............................................................................................................ 4
1.2 WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY ....................................................................................................... 4
1.3 SUPPLY-SIDE LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE NEEDS ........................................................................... 6
2. PROFILE OF WATER DEMANDS AND HISTORICAL DEMAND MANAGEMENT .................... 7
2.1 DEMOGRAPHICS AND KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SERVICE AREA ................................................ 7
2.1.1 Service Area Population .............................................................................................. 7
2.1.2 Service Area Demographics and Housing Stock ....................................................... 7
2.2 HISTORICAL WATER DEMANDS ................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 Potable Water Demands ............................................................................................. 8
2.2.2 Non-Potable Water Demands ................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 Seasonality of Water Demands ................................................................................ 11
2.2.4 Per Capita Water Demands ...................................................................................... 11
2.2.5 Single-Family Residential Water Demands .............................................................. 14
2.2.6 System Water Loss and Unmeasured End Use Water ............................................ 15
2.3 PAST AND CURRENT DEMAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS AND IMPACT ON DEMANDS ...................... 15
2.4 DEMAND FORECASTS .............................................................................................................. 17
3. INTEGRATED PLANNING AND WATER EFFICIENCY BENEFITS AND GOALS ................... 19
3.1 WATER EFFICIENCY AND WATER SUPPLY PLANNING .................................................................... 19
3.2 WATER EFFICIENCY GOALS ...................................................................................................... 20
4. SELECTION OF WATER EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS ........................................................... 22
4.1 SUMMARY OF SELECTION PROCESS .......................................................................................... 22
4.2 FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAMS ..................................................................................................... 22
4.2.1 Metering (Programs 1-3) ........................................................................................... 23
4.2.2 Monitoring and Billing (Programs 4-6) ..................................................................... 23
4.2.3 System Water Losses (Programs 7-10) ................................................................... 25
4.2.4 Staffing Support (Program 11) ................................................................................. 26
4.2.5 Water Efficiency Considerations in Water Supply Planning (Programs 12-13) .... 26
4.2.6 Land Use Planning and Water Efficiency (Program 14) ......................................... 26
4.3 TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENTS AND INCENTIVES ............................................................................. 27
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
ii
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
4.3.1 Municipal Facility Water Efficiency (Programs 15-17) ............................................ 27
4.3.2 Management of Largest Customer Demands (Program 18) .................................. 29
4.3.3 Management of Remaining Customer Demands (Programs 19-20) ..................... 29
4.4 ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS .............................................................................................. 29
4.4.1 Ordinances/Regulations Applicable to Existing Service Area (Programs 21-24) . 29
4.4.2 Ordinances/Rules Applicable to New Construction ................................................ 30
4.4.3 Point-of-Sale Ordinances Applicable to Existing Building Stock ............................ 30
4.5 EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION PROGRAMS ........................................................................... 31
4.5.1 One-Way Education Programs (Programs 25-28) ................................................... 31
4.5.2 One-Way Education With Feedback (Program 29) .................................................. 31
4.5.3 Two-Way Education Programs (Program 30) ........................................................... 32
5. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ........................................................................... 33
5.1 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ........................................................................................................... 33
5.2 MONITORING PLAN ................................................................................................................. 35
6. ADOPTION OF NEW POLICY, PUBLIC REVIEW AND FORMAL APPROVAL ....................... 36
6.1 ADOPTION OF NEW POLICY....................................................................................................... 36
6.2 PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS ........................................................................................................ 36
6.3 LOCAL ADOPTION AND STATE APPROVAL PROCESSES .................................................................. 36
6.4 PERIODIC REVIEW AND UPDATE ................................................................................................ 36
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... 37
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
iii
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
LIST OF TABLES, FIGURES, AND APPENDICES
TABLES
Tables 1A-B Englewood Potable Water Distribution
Tables 2A-B Englewood Per Capita Water Demands
Table 3 Current and Targeted Englewood Per Capita Water Use
Table 4 Target Reduction in 2029 Water Production
Table 5 Englewood Water Efficiency Programs to Continue/Pursue
FIGURES
Figure 1 Englewood Potable Water System
Figure 2 Englewood Potable Water Distribution by Year
Figure 3 Englewood Potable Water Distribution by Customer Type
Figure 4 Englewood Potable and Non-Potable Water Use Distribution by Month
Figure 5 Englewood Residential Water Use Histogram
Figure 6 Englewood Projected Potable Water Production – Without Efficiency Improvements
Figure 7 Englewood Projected Potable Water Production – With Efficiency Improvements
APPENDIX
Appendix A Screening Worksheets for Water Efficiency Programs
Worksheet 1: Foundational Water Efficiency Programs
Worksheet 2: Customer Incentive/Technical Assistance Efficiency Programs
Worksheet 3: Rules/Ordinances Efficiency Programs
Worksheet 4: Education/Outreach Efficiency Programs
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
iv
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AF acre-feet
AF/yr acre-feet per year
AWWA American Water Works Association
AMI Advanced Metering Infrastructure
CIP Capital Improvement Plan
C.R.S. Colorado Revised Statutes
CWCB Colorado Water Conservation Board
CWLI Colorado Water Loss Initiative
DOLA Department of Local Affairs
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
ft/yr feet per year
FTE full time equivalent
gpcd gallons per capita per day
gpf gallons per flush
gpm gallons per minute
KPI key performance indicator
kgal kilogallons
USBR United States Bureau of Reclamation
WTP Water Treatment Plant
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
1
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Englewood (Englewood) provides potable water service to a service area comprising
approximately 35,000 residents and numerous businesses. Englewood is an established water provider
with a history of reliable water service dating back to the 1950’s, and is committed to continuing efficient
and reliable service of water to its customers. This Water Efficiency Plan (Plan) was developed by
Englewood as an update to its 2013 Water Conservation Plan, as required by Colorado Revised Statute
(C.R.S.) Section 37-60-126. The current Plan identifies Englewood’s updated water efficiency goals based
on recent water use and designs a set of water efficiency programs compatible with those goals.
Between 2017 and 2021, Englewood produced an average of 6,033 acre-feet (AF) of potable water per
year, and its service area per capita water demand averaged 162 gallons per capita per day (gpcd). In
the 2023 to 2029 implementation period of this Plan, Englewood is targeting a 6% reduction in its service
area per capita water demand to 152 gpcd by 2029.
Thirty (30) water efficiency programs are proposed in this Plan. These are designed to achieve the
targeted demand reduction, and they fall into six categories: metering and billing, water loss control,
staffing and planning, technical improvements and incentives, rules and ordinances, and customer
education. These categories and the related efficiency programs are described further in Section 4 and
Table 5 of this report.
• Metering and Billing: To achieve further efficiency, Englewood will install meters on its approximately
1,200 remaining unmetered water customers and continue its program to replace old residential water
meters. Data from water meters is used by Englewood Utilities staff to identify unusual water use.
Englewood’s water billing system is being upgraded to enhance communication with customers. In the
longer term, Englewood plans to transition its meter stock to the newer AMI1 metering technology
which would allow remote monitoring of customer water usage.
• Water Loss Control: Assessing water loss in a distribution system requires metering or estimating as
many end-uses as possible, including customer taps, water main and hydrant flushes, and main
breaks. Therefore, Englewood’s metering efforts relate to water loss control, as do Englewood’s
planned establishment of an Asset Management Program. The data collected in these ways will enable
Englewood to update its system-wide water audit and identify areas where its water losses are
controllable. This information can help inform the efforts of leak detection, repair, and water line
replacement programs.
• Staffing and Planning: Englewood Utilities staff are committed to this Plan and will monitor and report
progress on the water efficiency programs included in the Plan. Utilities staff are also familiar with
Englewood’s water system and supply planning efforts and are equipped to incorporate water
efficiency targets into other planning efforts.
1 Advanced Metering Infrastructure
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
2
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
• Technical Improvements and Incentives: Under this Plan, Englewood will pursue a program to identify
and perform water fixture and appliance upgrades in municipal buildings to increase water efficiency.
This investment can also be used to demonstrate and communicate to customers about the value
placed upon water efficiency. In 2023, the Englewood Public Works Department is planning to conduct
an energy and water audit of municipal buildings through cooperation with the Department of Energy.
Additionally, Englewood’s planned updates to the Broken Tee Golf Course irrigation system and its
continued maintenance of City Ditch will improve the efficiency of Englewood’s non-potable water use.
In December 2022, the Englewood City Council expressed support about proposed incentive programs,
and further steps are being pursued by the City to implement the programs. Additionally, Englewood
staff are committed to applying for two grants to fund incentives which promote efficiency, such as
customer rebates for water efficient fixtures and appliances. Englewood staff will consider offering
water audits to select large water customers, pending staff availability. Finally, Englewood will consider
partnership with EPA WaterSense, or similar water efficiency messaging campaign, to access updated
water efficiency technical guidance for customer communication.
• Rules and Ordinances: Englewood’s existing rules to require water meters for newly purchased
properties and to limit water waste will continue to be in effect. Englewood is currently rewriting its
zoning code and might consider adding some water efficiency requirements to that code. Within the
implementation period of this Plan, Englewood City Council might reconsider adoption of the Green
Construction Code.
• Customer Education: Englewood will improve its landscaping tips/water efficiency webpage (hosted
through the Englewood Utilities website) and will evaluate adding a webpage addressing water use
and efficiency in new development, which will aid staff in communicating water efficiency priorities to
developers. Bill stuffers on water efficiency topics will be considered in the short term to communicate
with customers. In the long term, such communication would transition to electronic format. Quarterly
posts on water efficiency topics from Englewood’s Facebook account will be considered, and an annual
water efficiency article in the Englewood Citizen magazine will be targeted. Finally, Englewood will
continue to encourage and engage participation in water decisions through citizen participation in the
Water and Sewer Board and Sustainability Commission. Englewood will also pursue educational
opportunities for customers to learn about low water landscaping.
This Water Efficiency Plan was funded in part by a grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board
(CWCB) and the Plan was conditionally approved by CWCB in November 2022, following public review of
the Plan from August 18 to October 18, 2022, and was reviewed by staff from Englewood Utilities,
Sustainability Coordinator, Community Development, Water and Sewer Board, and Sustainability
Commission. On __, 2023, the Plan was reviewed and adopted and by the Englewood City Council.
Englewood intends to update this Plan near or following the end of its implementation period in 2029 or
2030.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
3
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
1. INTRODUCTION
The City of Englewood (Englewood) is a suburban metropolitan community located south of Denver,
Colorado in Arapahoe County. Englewood provides potable water service to approximately 35,000
residential customers, including some from the neighboring City of Littleton2, as well as the businesses
and municipal facilities within Englewood’s municipal boundaries.
This Water Efficiency Plan was prepared as an update to Englewood’s 2013 Water Conservation Plan. As
in 2013, Englewood remains committed to optimizing its water supplies and system through practical
water efficiency programs which are compatible with the City’s resources and values. Many of the water
efficiency programs reported at the time of the 2013 Water Conservation Plan have continued, and the
current Plan adds additional programs and provides a framework for Englewood staff to target water
efficiency goals. Englewood’s 2020 Strategic Plan includes goals to increase water efficiency and
conservation, which this Plan helps to deliver.
The development of this Plan was funded in part by a grant from the CWCB. The Plan was developed in
accordance with the Water Conservation Act of 2004 3 and to meet the provisions of Colorado Revised
Statute (C.R.S.) section 37-60-126, which requires retail water providers that sell at least 2,000 AF of
water on an annual basis to have a state-approved water efficiency plan. The Colorado Water
Conservation Board’s (CWCB) Municipal Water Efficiency Plan Guidance Document (July 2012), as well
as its January 2019 Addendum related to land use planning, were referenced in preparation of this Plan.
The Englewood Utilities Department led this water efficiency planning effort, with input from the public,
the Englewood Sustainability Coordinator, Community Development Department, Water and Sewer
Board, Sustainability Commission, CWCB, and City Council. The effort began with a workshop including
Englewood Utilities staff representing engineering, management, operations and maintenance, and field
services, as well as outside consultants 4. Public review of this Plan occurred between August 18 and
October 18, 2022, as required by statute, and revisions to the Plan were made in response to public
comment.
The water efficiency programs selected in this planning effort will be further evaluated or implemented
by Englewood during the seven-year implementation period of this plan, which extends through 2029.
1.1 Profile of Existing Water Supply System
Englewood has been reliably serving potable water supplies to its customers since the 1950’s.
Englewood’s potable water supplies are treated at the Allen Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and are
delivered to customers via approximately 166 miles of pipe ranging from 4 inches to 36 inches in
diameter. Englewood’s service area covers approximately 4,400 acres in size and its potable water
2 The 2020 census population of Englewood was 33,659 people. However, Englewood serves water to approximately 905
additional residents of Littleton, as described in Section 2.1.
3 Colorado House Bill 04-1365
4 Martin and Wood Water Consultants, Inc.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
4
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
distribution system includes three pressure zones. More information about Englewood’s potable water
delivery infrastructure can be found in the Water System Master Plan prepared for Englewood by Hazen
and Sawyer (May 2020). The Water Master Plan is posted on the City’s public-facing website.
Englewood uses non-potable water supplies, not treated at the Allen WTP, for irrigation on the municipal
Broken Tee Golf Course as well as on four city parks. Englewood also provides non-potable water supplies
to other customers, including Centennial Water and Sanitation District (Centennial).
1.1.1 Water Supply
Englewood’s potable water supply is physically sourced from surface diversions from the South Platte
River or its tributaries (including Bear Creek), with most diversions being made from the South Platte
River at Union Avenue in Englewood or via City Ditch from Chatfield Reservoir. Access to the water is
provided through the City’s various water rights and agreements.
Englewood’s non-potable water supplies are derived from shallow alluvial aquifer wells, ditch diversions,
and three Denver Basin wells.
1.1.2 Water Facilities
Englewood treats its potable water supply at the Allen WTP (Figure 1). Wastewater is treated at the South
Platte Renew plant.
Englewood’s main local raw water storage facility, McLellan Reservoir, was built in the 1950s and has a
capacity of approximately 5,000 AF. McLellan Reservoir is located east of the South Platte River, south
of Englewood and north of Chatfield Reservoir. It can be filled by Englewood from the McLellan-City Ditch
Pump Station from City Ditch, Dad Clark Gulch, and wells. Centennial also stores water in McLellan
Reservoir. Englewood delivers non-potable water to Centennial through deliveries to the reservoir.
1.2 Water Supply Reliability
Englewood is located south of Denver in a high-population metropolitan area receiving an average of
approximately 15 inches of rain per year 5. Englewood is anticipating growth within its service area and
intends to reliably supply water to all customers.
5 Water year 2000 through 2020 average precipitation recorded at the Marston Filter Plant NOAA weather station
(USC00055402)
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
5
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
6
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Englewood is located within and derives its water supplies primarily from the Metro Basin, which is a
portion of the South Platte Basin as defined in the Colorado Water Plan. The Colorado Water Plan includes
projections for future water supply conditions, including several different scenarios for potential growth
and water supply outcomes. In the Colorado Water Plan’s projection specific to Arapahoe County,
population is projected to grow between 34% and 52% in the 2015 to 2050 period. This projected
population growth represents an annual growth rate in the County between 0.8% and 1.2% per year.
The Colorado Water Plan also includes comparisons of water demand to estimated supplies. That Plan
identified a 2050 water supply gap (unmet future water demand) in the South Platte Basin that ranged
between 500,000 and 840,000 acre-feet per year (AF/yr).
Englewood’s water rights provide sufficient capacity for Englewood to serve its current water demands.
As water demands within Englewood’s service area grow, Englewood’s reliance on its storage water rights
and groundwater rights may grow, particularly during the higher water use months of May through
September.
Englewood’s water rights portfolio is fairly resilient to drought conditions due to its senior water rights and
water supply agreements, which collectively provide sufficient supplies even during dry years.
Englewood’s resilience to drought and ability to meet long-term needs may be impacted by increasing
water demands, extended drought, water administration policy change, or changes in river hydrology.
1.3 Supply-Side Limitations and Future Needs
Englewood has provided reliable water supplies to its residents for over 70 years. To ensure this
continues, Englewood is planning for various future water demand scenarios. This includes consideration
of varied water right yield scenarios, potential future climate conditions which can impact both supply
and demand, changing water needs within the community, growth within the water service area, and
regional development trends.
This Water Efficiency Plan includes specific programs that can be implemented to reduce per capita water
demands. A reduction in Englewood’s per capita water demands will allow Englewood’s existing water
supplies to serve more growth and may lower or eliminate costs to develop new water supplies or
infrastructure.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
7
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
2. PROFILE OF WATER DEMANDS AND HISTORICAL DEMAND MANAGEMENT
2.1 Demographics and Key Characteristics of the Service Area
2.1.1 Service Area Population
In 2020, the Englewood water service area included an estimated 34,564 residents6. This population
includes an estimated 905 residents who resided outside of Englewood’s municipal boundaries but that
were served water by Englewood.
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), State Demography Office projects a 1% annual
population growth rate for Arapahoe County, the county in which Englewood is located, in the 2020
through 2025 period. Englewood’s average annual growth rate within its municipal boundaries in the
2010 to 2020 period was 1.1%.
2.1.2 Service Area Demographics and Housing Stock
The U.S. Census provided 2015-2019 average estimates related to Englewood’s demographic
characteristics. According to those estimates, 17% of the population within Englewood’s municipal
boundaries consists of people under the age of 18 and 14% consists of people aged 65 and older. The
median household income in Englewood, in 2019 dollars, was $59,774, and an estimated 14% of
Englewood’s population had income levels falling below the poverty line. An estimated 92% of the
population aged 25 and older had a high-school equivalent level of education, and an average of 91% of
households owned a computer. An estimated 12% of Englewood’s population spoke a language other
than English in the home.
As of 2016, 43% of Englewood’s single-family housing stock dated from before 1940, 48% dated from
the 1941 to 1960 period, 8% dated from the 1960 to 2000 period, and 1% had been built since 2001 7.
The U.S. Census estimates that 48.3% of housing units in Englewood were owner-occupied in the 2015
to 2019 period. The Englewood Community Development Department estimates that 69.6% of
Englewood residents currently live in single-family housing, with the remaining 30.4% of residents in multi-
family housing.
6 The City of Englewood’s residential population, according to the 2020 United States (U.S.) Census, was 33,659 people.
Englewood’s water service area population is slightly larger than the City of Englewood U.S. Census population, due to the
presence (in 2020) of 381 additional residential taps outside of Englewood’s municipal boundary. These 381 taps consist of
377 single-family residential taps, three (3) multi-family taps, and one (1) mobile home park tap (2500 Hampden Avenue).
Based upon the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) estimate of average Englewood household size (2.08 people), an estimate
of 7.78 households per multifamily tap, and an estimate of 72 residents of the mobile home park at 2500 Hampden Avenue,
an estimated 905 people reside outside of Englewood municipal boundaries but are served potable water by Englewood.
7 Englewood Forward Comprehensive Plan, December 2016
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
8
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
2.2 Historical Water Demands
2.2.1 Potable Water Demands
In the 2017 through 2021 period, Englewood’s potable water supply was distributed to an average of
9,778 active metered taps and approximately 1,200 unmetered taps8. In this five-year period, Englewood
produced an average of 6,033 AF/yr of potable water. The potable water distributed to customer or
hydrant meters, according to billing records, averaged 5,269 AF/yr (Table 1A).
In the 2017 to 2021 period, the number of active metered taps increased 5% (by 466 taps, from 9,509
taps to 9,975 taps). Approximately 85% (400 taps of 466 taps) of the new active metered taps were
preexisting unmetered taps converted to metered taps. By 2021, the number of remaining unmetered
taps totaled 1,199 taps, consisting of 1,102 single-family taps, 88 multi-family taps, 7 commercial taps,
and 2 industrial taps.
The largest amount of Englewood’s potable water was distributed to single-family residential customers
(2,222 AF/yr), followed by multi-family residential customers (1,215 AF/yr), commercial customers (988
AF/yr), industrial customers (370 AF/yr), municipal customers (370 AF/yr), other customers (primarily
schools, 100 AF/yr), and hydrant rentals (5 AF/yr), as detailed in Table 1A and displayed graphically in
Figure 2. Table 1B is analogous to Table 1A except for conversion of amounts to million gallons (MG).
Unmeasured End Use Water was the potable water measured at the Allen WTP distribution meter but not
measured at a customer tap, and this water averaged 764 AF/yr, which is 13% of the average potable
water production. Englewood’s Unmeasured End Use Water consists of water distributed to unmetered
tap accounts as well as losses in its distribution system.
Table 1A
Englewood Potable Water Distribution
2017 through 2021
Units of Acre-Feet (AF)
8 Water billing records were provided by the Englewood Utilities Department. Unique taps were identified by both customer
account number (“c_account”) and by tap size identification (“c_billcode1”)
Commercial Industrial Municipal
Single-
Family
Residential
Multi-Family
Residential +
Mobile
Homes Other
Hydrant
Rentals
2017 5,770 5,159 992 345 354 2,166 1,191 109 2 611
2018 6,059 5,144 945 357 420 2,162 1,172 83 4 915
2019 5,762 4,994 997 355 348 2,056 1,169 65 5 768
2020 6,626 5,479 957 348 376 2,432 1,254 102 11 1,147
2021 5,947 5,569 1,048 446 352 2,293 1,288 141 1 378
Average 6,033 5,269 988 370 370 2,222 1,215 100 5 764
Source: Englewood metered Allen WTP production and customer metered water use.
Total
Billed
(AF)
Total Billed by Customer Category (AF)
Potable
Water
Production
(AF)
Calendar
Year
Unmeasured
End Use Water
(AF)
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
9
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Table 1B
Englewood Potable Water Distribution
2017 through 2021
Units of Millions Gallons (MG)
Figure 2
Englewood Potable Water Distribution by Year
Commercial Industrial Municipal
Single-
Family
Residential
Multi-Family
Residential +
Mobile
Homes Other
Hydrant
Rentals
2017 1,880 1,681 323 112 115 706 388 36 1 199
2018 1,974 1,676 308 116 137 705 382 27 1 298
2019 1,878 1,627 325 116 113 670 381 21 2 250
2020 2,159 1,785 312 113 123 792 408 33 3 374
2021 1,938 1,815 342 145 115 747 420 46 0 123
Average 1,966 1,717 322 121 121 724 396 33 1 249
Source: Englewood metered Allen WTP production and customer metered water use.
Calendar
Year
Potable
Water
Production
(MG)
Total
Billed
(MG)
Total Billed by Customer Category (MG)
Unmeasured
End Use
Water (MG)
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
10
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
In the 2017 through 2021 period, potable water use as a percentage of potable water production was
distributed as follows (Figure 3).
• Single-family residential: 37% • Municipal use: 6%
• Multi-family residential: 20% • Other uses (including for schools 9): 2%
• Commercial: 16% • Unmeasured End Use Water: 13%
• Industrial: 6%
Figure 3
Englewood Potable Water Distribution by Customer Type
2017 through 2021 Average
2.2.2 Non-Potable Water Demands
Englewood uses non-potable water at some of its parks and at the Broken Tee Golf Course. In the 2017
through 2021 period, Englewood used an average of 226 AF/yr of non-potable water to irrigate 94 acres
and to fill ponds at the municipal Broken Tee Golf Course and an additional 80 AF/yr to irrigate
approximately 30 acres of bluegrass at four city parks and to fill one 0.4-acre pond.
9 “Other” category includes four school taps, four mixed use commercial/residential taps, a small park irrigated by potable
water, and metered hydrant water use with hydrant use averaging less than 1.6 MG per year.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
11
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
2.2.3 Seasonality of Water Demands
Englewood’s potable and non-potable water demands are highest in the irrigation season months of April
through October, based primarily on lawn irrigation water use and other outdoor water uses in those
months (Figure 4). The data presented in Figure 4 are based on all water production (potable and non-
potable) in the service area.
Figure 4
Englewood Indoor/Outdoor Water Use Distribution by Month
2017 through 2021 Average
Throughout 2021, Englewood transitioned from a quarterly to a monthly water billing frequency. Since
Englewood will not have a complete year of monthly water billing data until the end of 2022, monthly
estimates of treated water use by customer category could not be provided at this time.
2.2.4 Per Capita Water Demands
In the most recent five-year period, Englewood’s per capita water demands have averaged 162 gallons
per capita per day (gpcd) over its whole service area, 101 gpcd for only the metered residential customers
(Table 2A), and 52 gpcd for commercial and industrial uses on a per-employee basis (Table 2B).
Note: In December through February, water production for indoor use is calculated as the average monthly 2017 through 2021 potable water
production. In those winter months, the only outdoor use is the small amount of non-potable water applied to parks or golf course. In March through
November, water production for indoor use is equal to the monthly base use, which was estimated as the average of the 2017 through 2021 indoor
water production from December through February. In those non-winter months, outdoor water production is equal to 2017 through 2021 average
measured non-potable water use at parks/golf course plus average potable water production in each of those months that was higher than calculated
monthly base use.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecPotable and Non-Potable Water Production (AF/month)Production for Indoor Use Production for Outdoor Use
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
12
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Englewood’s per-capita water demand over its whole service area includes potable water production for
all customer categories divided by the estimated service area population. However, service area
population only includes residential customers, and does not include Englewood’s substantial transient
population composed mainly of workers who commute in from areas outside Englewood, estimated to
have averaged 23,389 people in the 2017 though 2021 period (Table 2B). Because Englewood has not
included this large transient population in calculation of its service area per-capita water demand, that
calculated demand may be higher than compared to other municipalities that do not have large transient
populations.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
13
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Table 2A
Per Capita Water Demand, Total and Residential-Only
Table 2B
Per Capita Water Demand, Commercial and Industrial Only
Potable and Non-
Potable Water
Production
(AF)
Total Service
Area
Population
Service Area
Per Capita
Water Demand
(gpcd)
Residential-Only
Billed Water
(AF)
Metered
Service Area
Population
Residential-Only
Per Capita
Water Demand
(gpcd)
(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)
2017 5,990 34,825 154 3,358 29,626 101
2018 6,388 34,786 164 3,335 29,831 100
2019 5,991 34,745 154 3,225 30,034 96
2020 6,984 34,562 180 3,685 30,341 108
2021 6,245 34,899 160 3,581 31,182 103
Average 6,320 34,763 162 3,437 30,203 101
Note
(1) Total potable and non-potable water production, with the former from Table 1.
(3) Equal to (1), converted to gallons and divided by (2) and 365 days.
(4) Equal to the sum of "Single-Family" and "Multi-Family + Mobile Homes" billed water from Table 1.
(6) Equal to (4), converted to gallons and divided by (5) and 365 days (366 days in 2020).
(2) Equal to municipal population data from Colorado Department of Local Affairs, State Demography Office added to an estimated 905
water customers located outside Englewood municipal boundaries.
(5) Metered population was estimated as (2) minus estimated unmetered population, based upon number of unmetered taps (from Billing
Department or estimated by interpolation), and assuming 2.08 people per unmetered single-family tap and 16.18 people per unmetered
multi-famliy tap.
Metered Residential-Only CustomersAll Water Production and Customers
Year
Metered Potable
Water Use
(AF)
Employee
Population
Comm/Ind
Per Capita
Water Demand
(gpcd)
(1)(2)(3)
2017 1,337 23,217 51
2018 1,302 23,266 50
2019 1,351 23,342 52
2020 1,305 23,445 50
2021 1,494 23,673 56
Average 1,358 23,389 52
Note
(1) Commerical and Industrial metered potable use (Table 1A).
Year
Commercial and Industrial Customers
(2) Equal to estimated non-transient population in Englewood. The May 19, 2022
Community Profile for Englewood from the Colorado State Demography Office estimated
24,500 employees in Englewood, and Englewood reported 23,673 employee population
(added to the residential population) in its 2021 HB-1051 reporting. The employee
population was estimated in 2017 through 2020 as the 2021 employee population,
prorated by the total service area population level in that year relative to its level in 2021.
(3) Equal to (1), converted to gallons and divided by (2) and number of days in the year.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
14
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
2.2.5 Single-Family Residential Water Demands
The largest portion of Englewood’s billed water serves single-family residential customers (2,222 AF/yr
or 724 Million Gallons per year (MG/yr) billed on average in the 2017 through 2021 period). A histogram
of single-family residential customer water use demonstrates that a few of the highest water users use
an outsized portion of the water in this category (Figure 5).
Twenty-three percent (23%) of Englewood’s single-family residential customers were the lowest water
users, using less than or equal to 50,000 gallons per year per customer in the 2017 through 2021 period.
Their combined water use, less than 65 MG/yr, was less than the water use of the top 1% of single-family
residential water users. These 1% of single-family residential water customers who had the highest water
use in the 2017 through 2021 period (103 customers) used more than 300,000 gallons per year per
customer, many in amounts far exceeding that level. Water efficiency efforts focusing on this small
number of single-family residential customers would have the highest potential for water savings.
The majority of Englewood’s single-family residential customers (89%) used less than or equal to 150,000
gallons per year per customer on average in the 2017 through 2021 period.
Figure 5
Englewood Residential Water Use Histogram
2017-2021 Average
Note: Zero usage years were excluded in calculation of the customer 2017-2021 average annual use.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
15
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
2.2.6 System Water Loss and Unmeasured End Use Water
System water losses refer to real water losses due to pipe and valve leaks within a water provider’s
distribution system. System water losses for potable water systems in Colorado typically range from 5%
to 15%, with losses in newer or well-maintained distribution systems often lower than 10%. Englewood’s
system water losses are likely in the range of 4% to 7% of its potable water production10. A more accurate
estimate of Englewood’s system water losses will be possible after Englewood meters the 1,199 taps that
remained unmetered in 2021.
Englewood’s system water losses are a subset of the “Unmeasured End Use Water” category shown in
Table 1. Unmeasured End Use Water is equivalent to what the American Water Works Association (AWWA)
refers to as “non-revenue water”, including system water losses (inadvertent real losses), apparent losses
due to non-metering or meter inaccuracies, water theft, systematic data handling errors, and authorized
unmetered consumption, including firefighting and main flushing. From 2017 through 2021, Englewood’s
Unmeasured End Use Water averaged 764 AF/yr or 13% of Englewood’s average potable water
production.
2.3 Past and Current Demand Management Programs and Impact on Demands
Englewood has implemented the following water efficiency (conservation) programs as a means of
demand management. Some of these programs were implemented following Englewood’s 2013 Water
Conservation Plan.
1. Public Information: At the time of the 2013 Water Conservation Plan, Englewood communicated
water efficiency topics to its customers via a newsletter. Since that time, this communication has
evolved into a water efficiency webpage on the Englewood Utilities’ website.
2. Customer Water Metering: Englewood municipal code requires metering upon property sale, and
Englewood has pursued several customer incentives for metering. Approximately 800 additional
customer accounts were metered since the time of the 2013 Conservation Plan.
3. Leak Detection and Repair: Englewood’s operations and maintenance on its potable water
distribution system has been continuous, and Englewood is currently working toward an Asset
Management System to better manage their work in this area.
4. Plumbing Code: In 2013, Englewood’s plumbing code specified maximum flow rates for plumbing
fixtures as 1.6 gallon-per-flush (gpf) for toilets and 2.5 gallons-per-minute (gpm) for faucets and
showerheads. Englewood has since upgraded to the 2018 International Plumbing Code, which
has the same maximum flow rates, except the rate for faucets has been lowered to 2.2 gpm 11.
10 Estimated based on 764 AF/yr of Unmeasured End Use Water in the 2017 through 2021 period, less an estimated 360
AF/yr to 540 AF/yr of water use from the average of 1,275 unmetered taps in the 2017 through 2021 period. The difference,
ranging from 224 AF/yr to 404 AF/yr, represents 4% to 7% of Englewood’s 207 through 2021 average potable water
production of 6,033 acre-feet per year.
11 Table 604.4 in Section 604 of the 2018 International Plumbing Code
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
16
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Further, starting in 2016, plumbing fixtures not meeting WaterSense standards have not been
allowed for sale in Colorado 12. WaterSense standards currently are 1.6 gpf for toilets, 1.5 gpm for
faucets, and 2.0 gpm for showerheads.
5. Non-Potable Systems: Englewood has several non-potable water systems serving outdoor water
demands on its parks and the municipal golf course; this use of non-potable systems reduces the
amount of potable water that Englewood is required to treat and deliver.
6. Online Access to Water Bill and History: Delivering on a goal of the 2013 Conservation Plan, in
2020, Englewood customers who create an online account to pay their water bill gained the ability
to access two years’ worth of their historical water use data.
7. Billing Software Upgrades: Englewood continues to upgrade and change its billing system.
Englewood is currently in the process of a billing system upgrade that will allow enhanced
communication with customers.
8. Water Waste Ordinance: Englewood’s ordinance prohibiting water waste (12-1A-7) has existed
since at least 1985. The ordinance prohibits overspray, running water to keep pipes from freezing,
or other practices which do not beneficially use water.
9. Educational Programs: Englewood hosts schoolchildren at the Allen WTP for field trips,
communicating the value of water to these young customers.
10. Water Rates: Englewood increased its water rates in 2021 and in 2022.
11. Customer Water Leak Checks: Englewood water customers may schedule a water leak check to
be performed by Englewood staff at the customer’s meter. These checks are not advertised to
customers and are typically performed for customers who call about a high water bill. Staff can
determine the presence of a water leak, but not the source of the leak.
The impacts of the water efficiency programs described above have not been measured specifically. To
assess the net impact of the programs on a wider basis, the per capita water demands between 2007
and 2011 (reported in the 2013 Water Conservation Plan) can be compared to per capita water demands
between 2017 and 2021. While a reduction was not observed in the service area per capita water
demand (160 gpcd in the earlier period to 162 gpcd in the later period), service area per capita water
demand can reflect many factors, such as how much business is supported within the community. On the
other hand, Englewood’s per capita residential-only metered water demand appears to have lowered 13%
between those two periods, from approximately 116 gpcd13 to 101 gpcd, indicating that many water
users did become more efficient.
12 C.R.S. 6-7.5-102(26) and C.R.S. 6-7.5-103.
13 Per capita water demand reported in Englewood’s 2013 Water Conservation Plan for the 2007 through 2011 period
averaged 160 gpcd system-wide (equivalent to service area-wide) and 89 gpcd residential-only. However, the residential-only
value was not corrected for the presence of unmetered residential population. Using the same assumptions for household
size (2.08 people per household) and number of households per multi-family tap (7.78 households per tap) as are used in this
Plan, the adjusted 2007 through 2011 residential-only per capita water demand was 116 gpcd.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
17
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
2.4 Demand Forecasts
The implementation period for this Water Efficiency Plan is seven years, consisting of the 2023 through
2029 period.
Future potable water demands during the implementation period were projected based upon the
following assumptions.
• Projected per capita water demand based on Englewood’s 2011 through 2020 average potable
water demands 14.
• 1% annual population growth from the baseline 2020 Englewood water service area population of
34,564.
• 80% of new residential development consisting of multi-family development, 20% consisting of
single-family development 15.
• 9% growth in commercial, industrial, and municipal water use from 2020 to 2029.
• No water efficiency programs modifying the average water demands.
Based on the assumptions above, Englewood’s potable water production in 2029, assuming average
year conditions, is projected to be 6,481 AF (Figure 6).
14 2011-2020 is a recent study period used by Englewood for planning purposes; the 2020 baseline potable water demand
of 5,991 acre-feet is equal to Englewood’s 2011-2020 study period average and includes a small amount (0.6%) of in-plant
treatment losses which are not shown in the potable water production values shown in Table 1.
15 An estimated 69.4% of Englewood’s existing residents live in single-family dwellings, with the remaining residing in multi-
family dwellings. However, the majority of future residential development is expected to be multi-family, based on Englewood’s
nearly built-out condition.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
18
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Figure 6
Englewood Projected Potable Water Production
Without Water Efficiency Improvements
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
19
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
3. INTEGRATED PLANNING AND WATER EFFICIENCY BENEFITS AND GOALS
3.1 Water Efficiency and Water Supply Planning
Englewood is anticipating that future per capita water demands may be lower than historical per capita
water demands. In the long term, it is anticipated that water efficiency programs could result in per capita
water demands that are up to 19% lower than historical demands 16. However, during the implementation
period of the current Plan (2023 through 2029), it is anticipated that a 6% per capita water demand
reduction is achievable, resulting in the future per capita water demand averages shown below.
Table 3
Current and Targeted Englewood Per Capita Water Use
Period
Service Area
Per Capita
Water Demand
(gpcd)
Residential-Only
Per Capita
Water Demand
(gpcd)
Current 2017 – 2021 Average 162 101
Targeted 2029* 152 95
Percent Reduction: 6% 6%
Note: * A 6% reduction in per capita water demands was assumed based on recent and
planned water efficiency improvements and assumes that 2029 climate and water
demand conditions are similar to 2017 through 2021 average conditions.
A second projection of Englewood’s potable water production in the 2020 through 2029 period was made
using the same assumptions described in Section 2.4, except with the assumption of a 6% reduction in
per capita water demand due to water efficiency improvements. With this change, Englewood’s projected
water demands still increase through 2029, but the increase is less than if the efficiency improvements
had not been made (Figure 7). In 2029, under average year 17 conditions, water demand is projected to
be 6,093 AF/yr, 6% lower and 388 AF/yr less than the projection absent any water efficiency
improvements.
16 This estimated demand reduction potential is based on the per capita water demands achieved by nearby municipalities.
17 Englewood’s average-year water demands are defined and projected based on 2011 through 2020 average per capita and
per-SFE (single-family equivalent) water demands, although actual annual water demands will vary from the multi-year
average.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
20
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Figure 7
Englewood Projected Potable Water Production
With Efficiency Improvements
While the projected water demands in this Plan do not assume higher levels of outdoor water use due to
climate change, the 2019 Colorado Water Plan projects an increase in vegetative evapotranspiration (ET)
in Arapahoe County under climate change conditions that ranges between 9% and 15% over historical
ET. Englewood acknowledges that future water supply conditions remain unknown, and that historical
conditions may not accurately represent future conditions. Englewood is taking steps to prepare for a
wide range of potential future climate conditions.
3.2 Water Efficiency Goals
Englewood aims to reduce its per capita water demands by 6% through efficiency programs by the end of
2029. Achievement of this goal is anticipated to reduce potable water production in 2029 by 388 AF
relative to what production would have been without water efficiency improvements (Table 4). This goal
was set based on the water efficiency programs proposed in this Plan (Table 5) and the estimated savings
that may result from the implementation of the programs over the next seven years.
Englewood will evaluate progress toward its goal of a 6% reduction in per capita water demands by
monitoring these demands annually using updates to Table 1 and Table 2 from this Plan. These updates
will include a consideration of changes in the numbers of metered customers and updated estimates of
Englewood’s municipal population from DOLA.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
21
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Table 4
Target Reduction in 2029 Water Production
Based on Efficiency Programs Proposed
Efficiency Program Category
Resulting Annual
Reduction** in 2029
Water Production
(AF)
Foundational* 323
Technical Improvements and Incentives 45
Rules/Ordinances 10
Customer Education 10
Total 388
Notes:
*Foundational programs include metering and billing, water loss
control, and staffing and planning.
**The reduction in 2029 water production is a relative reduction.
Water production in 2029 is still anticipated to be higher than that
in 2020 (Figure 7), but production will not increase as much as it
would without water efficiency improvements.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
22
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
4. SELECTION OF WATER EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS
4.1 Summary of Selection Process
Englewood Utilities staff, including representatives from the engineering, management, operations and
maintenance, and field services divisions, met virtually on December 13, 2021 to discuss water
efficiency. During the meeting, the group reviewed data on Englewood’s water use and selected water
efficiency programs for Englewood to pursue or further evaluate based on identified criteria. The group,
with the assistance of Martin and Wood Water Consultants, reviewed detailed worksheets listing more
than 140 potential water efficiency programs (see Appendix A, Worksheets 1 through 4, which were based
upon Worksheets D through G of Colorado Water Conservation Board’s (CWCB) Municipal Water Efficiency
Plan Guidance Document 18). The potential programs were screened by Englewood staff based on the
following criteria which were agreed upon by the group.
1. Resources are available to implement and manage the efficiency measure
2. City Leadership concurrence and public support for the efficiency measure
3. Measurable, cost-effective water savings will be realized once the efficiency measure is
implemented
Thirty water efficiency programs were selected through this process for further consideration or pursuit.
These programs are listed in Table 5 and are described in more detail in this section, with references to
their listing number indicated in Table 5.
4.2 Foundational Programs
Foundational water efficiency programs are generally considered to be the most important and
fundamental programs for a water utility to implement. Foundational programs include water use
metering, organized billing practices, system loss monitoring, and water system planning. The CWCB and
other Colorado water efficiency professionals identify foundational programs as prerequisites for higher-
level water efficiency efforts.
As discussed above, this Plan aims to reduce Englewood’s average-year water demand at the end of the
Plan period (in 2029) by 388 AF/yr, or 6% of the water demand otherwise projected. Of this demand
reduction, it is expected that approximately 323 AF/yr, will result from the foundational programs that
are part of this Plan.
Foundational programs screened for this Efficiency Plan are summarized in Worksheet 1, provided in
Appendix A, and discussion of the selection process and programs selected for this Plan are discussed
below.
18 Worksheets D through G heavily reference Best Practices (BPs) described in the Guidebook of Best Practices for Municipal
Water Conservation in Colorado, published by Colorado WaterWise in August 2010. Colorado WaterWise is a professional
organization providing resources and education to the Colorado water conservation community.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
23
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
4.2.1 Metering (Programs 1-3)
Metering All Customer Accounts (Program 1)
Englewood recognizes that customer metering is one of the first steps to accurately track water use and
losses. Since 1987, Englewood’s municipal code has included the requirement to install customer water
meters in previously unmetered homes when the property ownership or usage changes. Englewood
additionally has programs that incentivize customer metering, including the Meter Assistance Program
which helps customers pay for a new water meter. Englewood is committed to converting the remaining
unmetered accounts to metered accounts and has included funding from Englewood’s Water
Infrastructure Financing Innovation Act loan to accelerate installation of the remaining unmetered
customers in the next five to seven years. Englewood’s most recent water system Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP)19 includes a program for Meter Installation for Non-Metered Accounts (PRG-WAT-D-020).
Meter Replacement (Program 2)
According to the billing department, Englewood currently replaces approximately 40 residential meters
per month due to meter age or identified maintenance issues. In addition to this ongoing residential meter
replacement program, the CIP includes a program for meter replacement targeting larger commercial
meters (PRG-WAT-D-019).
Conversion to AMI Metering (Program 3)
Englewood’s customer meter stock is relatively old. An upgrade to AMI-type metering technology was
anticipated in Englewood’s CIP, projected to start between 2025 and 2036, and therefore possibly
starting within the implementation period of this Water Efficiency Plan (PRG-WAT-D-024). AMI metering
would allow near real-time monitoring of Englewood customers’ potable water use, which can aid in
detecting leaks and can help customers monitor their own water use habits.
4.2.2 Monitoring and Billing (Programs 4-6)
Monitoring (Program 4)
Each month, Englewood Utilities staff pull water meter reads into their billing system, which generates
exception reports for unusually high or low water usage, zero water usage, and meter turnover. Billing
staff review the exception reports and send field staff out to check on meters as required. This system
has allowed Englewood to monitor customer water use and to address maintenance issues as they arise.
Englewood’s recent transition to monthly (from quarterly) billing has likely improved customer water use
monitoring due to the higher frequency of billing data review.
Billing (Program 5)
Through 2020, Englewood operated on a quarterly water billing cycle, with each customer receiving a bill
just four times a year. This system made detailed tracking of customer water use and system losses
difficult, and in 2021, Englewood transitioned to monthly billing for every customer. Monthly billing
19 CIP elements were described in Englewood’s May 2020 Water System Master Plan
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
24
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
records can greatly enhance Englewood’s and its customers’ ability to track and monitor potable water
use. Monthly billing allows customers to see their water use more frequently, allowing customers or
Englewood staff to more quickly identify potential high water use that may be due to leaks. It also allows
customers to more easily compare their usage between months which may help with their planning and
goal setting. More frequent water bills may help remind customers of their water use, potentially
motivating more water efficiency. Finally, Englewood can better track water loss and project customer
water use using more frequent customer meter data.
Englewood provides a small amount (averaging 5 AF/yr) of hydrant water to commercial, industrial, and
construction uses via water rentals. This water is measured by manual reads from rented meters, and
the use is billed on an annual basis. Because this water use is a small percentage of the total water billed,
annual billing for hydrant use is considered acceptable at this time.
Englewood is currently in the process of a billing system upgrade that will allow enhanced communication
with customers. Customers will be able to view their water use in the current month compared to their
water use in the same month of the previous year, which may help customers better understand their
water use trends. Additionally, customers will have the new opportunity to schedule field leak checks20
by Englewood staff via their customer portal.
Water Rates (Program 6)
Englewood bills all metered customers for water use volumetrically, meaning that customers are billed,
at least in part, based on the amount of water they use. Englewood has a declining block rate structure,
with two rate levels. Inside City limits, customers are charged $3.58 per kilogallon (kgal) for usage up to
400 kgal per month and $2.22 per kgal for monthly usage above that level. This rate structure is not
considered optimal for encouraging water efficiency, as customers who use more water are billed at lower
rates. However, the tier for the lower rate (400 kgal per month) is high enough that few customers
experience the lower rate, and these customers are likely to be the larger commercial, municipal, and
industrial customers.
Englewood’s water rates are lower than those of many nearby water providers, though Englewood did
increase its water rates in 2021 and in 2022. These water rate increases were accompanied by extensive
communications with the public regarding Englewood’s water supply costs and justification for the rate
increases.
Englewood anticipates conducting water rate studies every three to five years. In the next rate study, the
City will evaluate and consider changes to the rate structure to promote water efficiency, such as an
inclining block rate structure.
20 As described in Section 2.3, these leak checks assist customers in determining whether they have a leak in their building,
although Englewood staff will not diagnose the location of the leak.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
25
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
4.2.3 System Water Losses (Programs 7-10)
Englewood maintains its distribution system, repairing and replacing water mains and distribution system
components as needed, and these efforts help to control system water losses. Englewood’s efforts to
meter customers and track all water end uses will lower Englewood’s system water loss percentage
(currently estimated to be between 4% and 7% as described in Section 2.2.6) and will help identify both
real and apparent water losses.
Englewood values the efficient delivery of potable water in its system; in 2021, Englewood developed key
performance indicators (KPIs) for the Utilities Department that include two KPIs related to water loss
tracking.
Distribution System Maintenance (Program 7)
In addition to Englewood’s ongoing efforts to identify and repair leaks in its water distribution system, the
CIP includes at least eight programs that address loss or apparent loss of Englewood’s potable water
supplies in its distribution system, including the following.
• PRG-WAT-D-013 Valve Inspection and Exercising
• PRG-WAT-D-014 Valve Replacement
• PRG-WAT-D-016 Transmission Main Inspections
• PRG-WAT-D-017 Water Distribution Main Replacement
• PRG-WAT-D-018 Transmission Main Replacement
• PRG-WAT-D-019 Meter Replacement 21
• PRG-WAT-D-025 Emergency Repair Projects – Distribution System
Englewood’s CIP also includes several programs related to the regulation of water pressures within its
distribution system. Uneven or varying water pressures within a distribution system can lead to higher
system losses. Therefore, Englewood’s effort to maintain consistent system pressures could aid in the
reduction of system water losses.
Asset Management (Program 8)
As part of its recent CIP, Englewood is working with an outside consultant to set up an Asset Management
Program (PRG-WAT-D-011), which will make use of Englewood’s existing asset management software to
monitor infrastructure conditions and track maintenance/repairs. Water-efficiency related monitoring
which might be accomplished as part of an Asset Management Program include tracking of meter
condition and replacement, tracking of hydrant flushes and water main flushes, and tracking of main and
line breaks, including estimates of leaked water amounts. This will include a workorder process that may
help in collecting data on main breaks, repairs, and flushing to better track water losses. The Asset
21 This program is specifically intended to target larger, commercial meters.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
26
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Management Program will gather the data needed to detect leaks in Englewood’s distribution system,
potentially reducing system losses and Unmeasured End Use Water.
System-Wide Water Audit and Colorado Water Loss Initiative (Programs 9-10)
Englewood’s CIP includes funding for a system-wide water audit to be performed, targeting a 2025 start,
ideally post-dating the conversion of all flat-rate customers to meters. The CIP recommended a desktop-
based water audit to start, using the AWWA M36 standard for water loss control. Later, likely after the
timeframe of this Plan, Englewood might enhance its water audit approach by implementing field testing
of meters, leak detection, and other more intensive field checking methods.
The Colorado Water Loss Initiative (CWLI) aims to train Colorado water providers in methods to monitor
and reduce real and apparent water losses in potable water distribution systems. It provides workshops
and guidance for water providers to learn about and implement the AWWA M36 audit procedure to
estimate and measure system water losses. Two engineers from Englewood, representing both
engineering and operations staff, attended two CWLI workshops, one in 2021 and one in 2022.
Englewood staff will continue to prioritize efficiency through reduced losses.
4.2.4 Staffing Support (Program 11)
The implementation of this Plan requires an Englewood staff member or members to track and manage
Englewood’s water efficiency efforts as described in Section 5.2 (annual updates to Table 1 and Table 2
and reports every two years to the Water and Sewer Board and to the Sustainability Commission). These
tasks will be performed by Englewood Utilities staff, possibly assisted by the Englewood Sustainability
Coordinator. When Englewood begins its Water Loss Control Study (PRG-WAT-D-022 in the CIP and
Program 9 in this Plan), anticipated in 2025, dedicated staff time may increase.
4.2.5 Water Efficiency Considerations in Water Supply Planning (Programs 12-13)
In 2020, Englewood completed a Water System Master Plan, which informed its CIP. Many of the
programs in this Plan and the CIP have the potential to improve Englewood’s water efficiency. Englewood
is also evaluating its water supplies and future water demands under various conditions. These planning
efforts keep Englewood staff informed of the impact of decisions related to water efficiency.
Within the next seven years, Englewood plans to conduct a feasibility study for water reuse. The feasibility
of water reuse by Englewood will depend on many factors including wastewater treatment considerations,
the existence of suitable uses for the reuse water, location or piping needs, and the legal considerations
related to Englewood’s water rights.
4.2.6 Land Use Planning and Water Efficiency (Program 14)
Land use planning has the potential to impact a municipality’s water demands and water efficiency
performance. Likewise, land use decisions have an impact on water supply planning. Most of Englewood’s
land area has already been developed, so new development in Englewood typically consists of re-
development, upward development, or infilling of previously industrial areas.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
27
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Based on its existing land uses, Englewood projects that approximately 80% of future residential
development will consist of multi-family development (currently, it is estimated that 30.4% of Englewood
residents live in multi-family housing). As new residents move into multi-family housing, Englewood’s ratio
of multi-family customers to single-family customers will likely increase, and this trend is likely to lower
Englewood’s per capita water demand over time. Based on recent Englewood water billing data, multi-
family residential customers in Englewood used 38% less water than single-family residential customers,
likely due mostly to lower outdoor water use on multi-family properties.
Englewood Utilities staff, who are primarily responsible for Englewood’s water supply planning, also review
Utility permit applications for potable water demand projections and tap sizing. As part of this review
process, Englewood Utilities staff interact with Community Development staff, who are primarily
responsible for land use planning, forming a natural link between Englewood’s water supply and land use
planning efforts.
In the future, Englewood Utilities staff will communicate water efficiency messages to developers as part
of its building permit review process. To inform developers about Water Efficiency, Englewood plans to
add an informational webpage to the Englewood Utilities website. This page might include target water
demand guidelines for new development and highlight project examples that met high water efficiency
standards. Building permit review feedback can include reference to this webpage. As a point of
reference, new development in Englewood typically meets higher water efficiency standards than existing
development, partly because codes have updated over time and partly because water fixtures now sold
are typically more water efficient than older fixtures. However, Englewood recognizes that a wide range
of new-building efficiencies still exist and targeting higher efficiency in new buildings and renovations is
a community goal.
4.3 Technical Improvements and Incentives
Water efficiency programs which assist customers in implementing technical water efficiency
improvements or which provide customers with incentives to increase their efficiency tend to be some of
the more expensive water efficiency programs that a water provider might implement. Englewood
screened this category of Incentive/Technical Assistance programs, as summarized in Worksheet 2
(Appendix A). Discussion of the selection process and programs selected for this Plan are discussed
below.
Of the 388 AF/yr demand reduction targeted for this Plan, it is expected that approximately 45 AF/yr of
savings will result from the programs described in this section.
4.3.1 Municipal Facility Water Efficiency (Programs 15-17)
Englewood plans to initiate a program to evaluate fixtures and appliances in municipal buildings,
including the City’s Recreation Center, to consider retrofitting for water efficiency. The dual purpose of
this is to reduce water use in those facilities and to demonstrate the value of water efficiency in the
community. This program is currently planned to also include an evaluation of the Recreation Center’s
hot water delivery system to determine whether a circulation pump might reduce the lag time for hot
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
28
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
water delivery to showers, a community concern. In addition, water-efficient fixtures will be sought for any
future municipal building projects.
The Englewood Public Works Department is planning to conduct an energy and water audit of municipal
buildings through cooperation with the Department of Energy. These audits, which are projected to occur
in 2023, are anticipated to provide Englewood with valuable information about water efficiency in its
buildings, potentially informing future improvements.
Englewood operates non-potable water systems to irrigate the Broken Tee Golf Course and four city parks.
Englewood’s use of non-potable water supplies (instead of potable water) in these locations reduces
Englewood’s total water demand due to avoided treatment and transmission losses. Englewood’s
irrigation application rates to bluegrass at the golf course and parks ranged from 2.08 feet per year (ft/yr)
to 2.79 ft/yr. These application rates are less than or within 3% of the average bluegrass irrigation
requirement in Englewood (2.70 ft/yr 22) before sprinkler spray losses are included. Including spray losses
increases the water needed, so it is likely that Englewood’s non-potable irrigation is currently applied in
a relatively efficient manner.
However, there may be ways that the irrigation systems of these parks can be further improved, resulting
in better landscaping results or lower water use (bluegrass can survive and appear healthy even with less
than its full irrigation demand supplied). In April 2021, Englewood’s City Council approved Englewood’s
first Sustainability Plan, which included goals of replacing or maintaining park irrigation systems and
undertaking a water usage analysis of City facilities.
Broken Tee Golf Course staff are currently working on designing a new irrigation system for the west side
of the golf course (“Back 9”). The Back 9 constitutes approximately half of the irrigated acreage on Broken
Tee Golf Course. The original irrigation system that was built in 1976 will be replaced in the fall of 2022
with a new irrigation system including new piping and sprinkler heads. The new irrigation system is
anticipated to use approximately 25% less water than the old irrigation system, due to the elimination of
leaks and despite a 10-acre increase in bluegrass irrigated by the new system.
Englewood maintains City Ditch, which delivers raw water from Chatfield Reservoir to the Allen WTP as
well as to contract users along the ditch. Maintenance includes removing phreatophyte plants to control
water losses from the ditch. Additionally, Englewood is currently working on a project to complete the
preliminary design necessary to pipe the remaining open channel portions of City Ditch, an infrastructure
improvement which could essentially eliminate ditch losses in stretches of the ditch.
The Englewood Parks Department recently completed a project at its Depot Park to transition bluegrass
landscaping to prairie meadow grasses. In the first year after the transition was made, when
establishment watering was still underway, 73% less water was applied to irrigation of the transitioned
area. That savings is expected to rise to 80% to 90% in the long term. This project provides a template
for future similar projects for Englewood to pursue.
22 Based upon a Blaney-Criddle analysis using water year 2000 through 2020 air temperature and precipitation data from the
Marston Filter Plant NOAA weather station (USC00055402)
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
29
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
4.3.2 Management of Largest Customer Demands (Program 18)
Englewood will research organizations to partner with for water audits of commercial customers or
evaluate the staff resources required to create this program in house. Offering audits to a few of the
largest commercial customers might offer Englewood the potential to reduce commercial water demands
while limiting the investment of money or staff time required.
4.3.3 Management of Remaining Customer Demands (Programs 19-20)
In December 2022, the Englewood Sustainability Coordinator presented the Garden-in-a-Box 23 and turf
replacement programs through Resource Central to the Englewood City Council. City Council was
enthusiastic about the proposed direction, and further steps are being pursued by the City to implement
incentive programs. Englewood recognizes the benefit of such programs, both to incentivize water
savings and to communicate the value of water efficiency to customers. Therefore, Englewood Utilities
staff commit to applying for at least two water efficiency funding grants for the purpose of offering a
rebate or other incentive program to customers. Grant programs that will be considered include United
States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants and CWCB’s
Colorado Water Plan Grants.
Englewood will consider partnership with EPA WaterSense, or similar water efficiency messaging
campaign. Such a campaign can provide customer communication materials, including pamphlets on
water efficiency topics which might help Englewood staff provide water efficiency technical guidance to
customers.
4.4 Ordinances and Regulations
Water efficiency ordinances and regulations are typically a relatively low-cost way for a water provider to
realize customer water savings within its service area. This category of programs screened for this Plan
are summarized in Worksheet 3 (Appendix A), and the selection process and programs selected for this
Plan are discussed below.
Of the 388 AF/yr demand reduction targeted for this Plan, it is expected that approximately 10 AF/yr, will
result from the programs described in this section. Englewood believes there will be greater customer
participation and support resulting in water savings through measures that involve partnering with
community members, as opposed to rules and ordinance-based programs.
4.4.1 Ordinances/Regulations Applicable to Existing Service Area (Programs 21-24)
Englewood will continue its Meter Requirements Rule (Municipal Code 12-1A-4), which requires water
meter installation upon property transfer.
Englewood will also continue its Water Waste Rule (Municipal Code 12-1A-7) which prohibits water waste,
including leaving water running to prevent freezing pipes and overspray onto public walks and streets.
23 https://resourcecentral.org/gardens/
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
30
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
This rule also leaves open the possibility that “irrigation of lawns shall only be used during the hours and
in the manner specified by the City Manager or designee”, foreseeing the potential for a rule allowing
irrigation only on alternating days. Because bluegrass can achieve stronger root systems with deeper,
less frequent watering, such a rule would not limit lawn irrigation to less than is required by bluegrass but
would rather cause customers to regulate their irrigation schedules and improve the drought hardiness
of their lawns. Additionally, Englewood’s peak water demands have the potential to decrease with the
implementation of such a rule, potentially lowering the cost of future water infrastructure and water rights
acquisitions.
The Englewood Sustainability Commission is investigating ways to update Englewood’s municipal code to
make it more sustainable. In addition, the 2020 Unified Development Code Assessment Report 24 for
Englewood recommended an expansion of the Englewood's municipal code related to xeriscaping. Water
efficiency improvements to Englewood’s zoning code will be considered in the ongoing update of
Englewood’s zoning code. Currently, Englewood’s zoning code encourages, but does not require, water
efficiency measures in landscaping, including xeriscaping. Because requirements for xeric or low water
use plants are not present, and because of minimum landscaping percentages and maximum
percentages of non-living material specified in Englewood’s zoning code, there are ways in which the
water efficiency focus of Englewood’s zoning code could be improved.
In 2021, Englewood evaluated the possibility of adopting portions of the Green Construction Code. While
City Council decided against this adoption in 2021, it left open the possibility of adopting the Green
Construction Code in the future. The goal of enacting Green Construction Code was stated in Englewood’s
April 2021 Sustainability Plan. Because of this history, Englewood staff believe that adoption of Green
Construction Codes might be possible in the next 5-6 years, pending City Council approval.
4.4.2 Ordinances/Rules Applicable to New Construction
Englewood has not adopted ordinances or rules related to water efficiency in new development. However,
as noted above, plumbing fixtures sold in Colorado must meet EPA WaterSense standards: toilets 1.6 gpf,
faucets 1.5 gpm, showerheads 2.0 gpm. Also, any new code Englewood adopts would impact new
construction.
4.4.3 Point-of-Sale Ordinances Applicable to Existing Building Stock
Englewood has not adopted ordinances or rules related to water efficiency of existing development, with
the exception of the water metering requirement upon property sale. While these types of ordinances can
be helpful for transitioning older building stock to more water efficient standards, Englewood has decided
to focus on other water efficiency programs instead at this time.
24 Report dated March 11, 2021
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
31
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
4.5 Education and Communication Programs
Water efficiency education and communication programs can help increase customer awareness and
engagement, which can increase customer water efficiency over the long-term. Education and
communication programs screened for this Efficiency Plan are summarized in Worksheet 4 (Appendix A),
and discussion of the selection process and programs selected for this Plan are discussed below.
Of the 388 AF/yr demand reduction targeted for this Plan, it is expected that approximately 10 AF/yr, will
result from the programs described in this section. Water savings from customer communication
programs are typically difficult to estimate, so a conservative estimate of savings has been provided.
4.5.1 One-Way Education Programs (Programs 25-28)
Englewood’s April 2021 Sustainability Plan targeted communication with Englewood citizens to educate
the public regarding water availability, conservation, and individual responsibilities. Englewood’s current
communication regarding water efficiency consists of webpages on the Englewood Utilities website which
provide water conservation and landscaping tips as well as information for converting to metered taps.
During this planning period, Englewood will improve its landscaping tips webpage to add information on
low-water landscaping, rain barrels, and/or other water efficiency topics. In addition, Englewood will
promote educational opportunities related to these topics. Also during this planning period, Englewood
will create a webpage presenting information on water efficiency in new development.
Englewood additionally intends to target one bill stuffer regarding water efficiency to send to customers
each year, possibly providing irrigation system maintenance tips at the beginning of each irrigation
season. When Englewood’s water customer interface evolves and electronic communication with
customers becomes possible, Englewood aims to transition to paper-free communications with
customers on water efficiency topics.
As discussed in Section 4.3.3, Englewood will consider partnership in a water efficiency messaging
campaign such as that of EPA WaterSense or Colorado WaterWise’s “Live Like You Love It” Campaign.
These campaigns may provide Englewood staff with communication materials and pamphlets they might
share with customers at events that staff attend.
Englewood will consider including one water efficiency-related article or advertisement per year in
Englewood’s Citizen Magazine.
4.5.2 One-Way Education With Feedback (Program 29)
Englewood intends to increase its water efficiency messaging to customers by adding quarterly water
efficiency posts on the Englewood Facebook page. A message related to World Water Day was posted in
March 2022. These posts may include information on both indoor and outdoor water efficiency, primarily
targeted to residential customers.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
32
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
4.5.3 Two-Way Education Programs (Program 30)
Englewood’s Water and Sewer Board includes citizen members who bring the public’s perspective to
Englewood’s water decisions, including decisions on water efficiency. This Plan will be reviewed by the
Water and Sewer Board, as well as by the general public, and these forums will provide a way for public
input on water efficiency issues.
In January 2022, Englewood Utilities staff provided a presentation to the Englewood Sustainability
Commission on water efficiency issues and programs in the City. This presentation was used as an
opportunity to inform Commission members on the state of Englewood’s water management efforts and
also to gain Sustainability Commission members’ perspective on the direction water efficiency programs
should take.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
33
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
5. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
5.1 Implementation Plan
Englewood Utilities staff are responsible for implementing this Water Efficiency Plan. Thirty (30) water
efficiency programs will be pursued or continued as part of this Plan (Table 5). The specific actions
necessary to implement each of these programs will be defined by Englewood upon implementation.
An approximate cost associated with each program is provided in Table 5 as required by C.R.S. 37-60-
126(4). The costs were estimated based on the anticipated effort and requirements of the program and
may be used to further consider the value of the various efficiency programs.
Englewood’s targeted annual water savings under this plan (6% of the recent average) has the potential
to correspondingly reduce Englewood’s volumetric billing-based revenue. However, Englewood is an
established water utility with reserves adequate to respond to any loss in revenue associated with the
modest water savings proposed in this plan. Further, there are some anticipated cost savings associated
with lower per capita water use. Actual water efficiency savings realized from efficiency programs can be
taken into consideration at the time of Englewood’s next water rate study and before development of
additional water supplies.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
34
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Table 5
Englewood Water Efficiency Programs to Continue/Pursue
Category Program 202220232024202520262027202820291. Metering Unmetered Customers: existing incentives, CIP PRG-WAT-
D-020, and seeking grants
524,761$
2. Meter Testing and Replacement, including CIP PRG-WAT-D-019 888,500$
3. Upgrade to AMI meters: PRG-WAT-D-024 3,360,000$
4. Monitoring metered water use; exception reports, field staff
checks
28,800$
5. Billing system upgrade (in progress), and continued monthly billing.97,800$
6. During next rate study, evaluate inclining block rate structure.5,000$
7. Distribution System Maintenance: CIP PRG-WAT-D-013, 014, 016,
017, 018, 025
2,942,000$
8. Asset Management: CIP PRG-WAT-D-011, monitor distribution
system
47,733$
9. System Wide Water Audit: CIP PRG-WAT-D-022 Water Loss Control
Study
50,000$
10. Colorado Water Loss Initiative, staff training 9,000$
11. Water Efficiency Staffing Support 15,600$
12. Incorporate water efficiency into ongoing water supply planning
efforts
5,714$
13. Water reuse feasibility study 40,000$
14. Land Use Planning and Water Efficiency 1,125$
15. Program to identify and perform water fixture/appliance
upgrades in municipal buildings, including a water audit
250,000$
16. Golf Course and park irrigation system improvements 500,000$
17. Maintenance of City Ditch (removal of phreatophytes, piping the
ditch)
4,000$
18. Offer limited large customer water audits if possible 1,800$
19. Garden-in-a-Box and turf replacement rebates; grant 18,875$
20. Become a WaterSense or LLYLI Partner: use promotional
materials for community events
1,000$
21. Rule Requiring Metering of Unmetered Connections Immediately
After Property Transfers (12-1A-4)
-$
22. Water Waste Rule and Water Overspray Limitations -$
23. Expansion of the City's code and landscaping rules related to
xeriscaping
20,000$
24. Possible adoption of Green Construction Code 30,000$
25. Improve landscaping tips webpage, post learning opportunities 1,114$
26. Webpage on water use and water efficiency in new development 6,000$
27. Bill stuffers on water efficiency topics, with later transition to
electronic communication instead
12,000$
28. Water efficiency educational materials - hand out at events
Utilities staff attend; consider annual article in the Englewood Citizen
1,900$
29. Social Networking (e.g Facebook) - quarterly water efficiency 2,368$
30. Citizen participation in Water and Sewer Board, Sustainability
Commission
-$
Note:
Annual costs estimated relative to the implementation period shown, with CIP costs referenced as applicable and scaled accordingly.
Implementation Period Estimated
Annual
Budget
Foundational
Metering
and Billing
Water Loss
Control
Staffing
and
Planning
Technical Improvements
and Incentives
Rules/ Ordinances
Customer Education
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
35
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
5.2 Monitoring Plan
Englewood will monitor progress on the implementation of this Plan by annually updating Table 1 and
Table 2 of this report to track its system losses and per-capita water demands. Englewood continues to
prepare its required annual reporting under Colorado House Bill (HB) 10-1051 on its water use and water
conservation efforts. Additionally, Englewood Utilities staff will report progress on the water efficiency
programs proposed in this Plan once every two years to the Water and Sewer Board and to the
Sustainability Commission.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
36
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
6. ADOPTION OF NEW POLICY, PUBLIC REVIEW AND FORMAL APPROVAL
6.1 Adoption of New Policy
This Plan proposes two new policies for Englewood to consider pursuing, listed below.
1. Expansion of the Englewood municipal code related to xeriscaping and water-efficient
landscaping.
2. Adopt Green Construction Code.
The final decision on whether to implement these policies, and the process to do so, will be made by
Englewood staff and/or City Council.
6.2 Public Review Process
As required by C.R.S. 37-60-126, this Plan was shared publicly for review from August 18 to October 18,
2022. The Plan’s sharing for public comment was advertised via a link on the Englewood Engaged
website, was available in hard copy at two Englewood recreation centers, was shared on the Englewood
Facebook page, and advertised though a mailer in customer water bills. Public comments were reviewed
by City staff, and revisions to the Plan were made in response to public comment.
6.3 Local Adoption and State Approval Processes
This Plan was approved by Englewood City Council on ___, 2023. This Plan was conditionally approved
by CWCB in November 2022 and CWCB comments were subsequently addressed. Final CWCB approval
of the Plan occurred on __, 2023.
6.4 Periodic Review and Update
This Plan was developed based upon Englewood’s 2013 Water Conservation Plan, analysis of
Englewood’s 2017 through 2021 water use data, and Englewood’s water system management priorities
in 2022. Update of this plan should take into consideration the water efficiency programs proposed in
this plan, including their status and any implementation data available to evaluate their performance.
Englewood should consider initiating an updated water efficiency plan near or after the end of the
implementation period for this Plan (2029 or 2030)
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
37
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
REFERENCES
1. January 2000 through December 2020 average precipitation and air temperature recorded at the
Marston Filter Plant NOAA weather station (USC00055402)
2. United States Census data
3. Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) demography data
4. Water billing records provided by the Englewood Utilities Department
5. Water diversion and Allen WTP production records from the Englewood Utilities Department
6. 2019 Technical Update to the Colorado Water Plan, Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB)
7. Municipal Water Efficiency Plan Guidance Document, Prepared for CWCB, July 2012
8. Best Practices for Implementing Water Conservation and Demand Management Through Land Use
Planning Efforts, Prepared for CWCB, Addendum to the 2012 Guidance Document, January 2019
9. Guidebook of Best Practices for Municipal Water Conservation in Colorado, published by Colorado
WaterWise, August 2010
10. City of Englewood (Utilities Department) 2013 Water Conservation Plan
11. City of Englewood Water System Master Plan, Hazen and Sawyer, May 2020
12. Englewood Forward Comprehensive Plan, December 2016
13. 2020 Unified Development Code Assessment, City of Englewood, March 11, 2021
14. 2018 International Plumbing Code
15. Water Loss Control Terms Defined, American Water Resources Association, 2012
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
38
City of Englewood
2022 Water Efficiency Plan
January 6, 2023
Appendix A
Screening Worksheets for Water Efficiency Programs
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
Worksheet 1
Foundational Efficiency Programs
City of Englewood
Category No.Program Existing?Pursue/Continue?
Acheivable by
Staff?
Acceptable to Public/
Leadership?
Cost Effective and
Measurable Savings?Other Notes
1 Meter Testing and Replacement yes yes yes yes yes CIP PRG-WAT-D-019 Meter Replacement
2 Metering Unmetered Customers yes yes yes yes yes CIP PRG-WAT-D-020. Also seeking grants.
3 Water Meter Conversion program yes yes yes yes yes Target upgrade to AMI meters in 5-7 years
4 Meter Assistance Program yes yes yes yes yes
5 Test Drive a Water Meter program yes yes yes yes yes
6 Submetering for Large Users (Indoor and Outdoor or Submetering Apartments)no no no no yes Submetering isn't feasible for Englewood at this time.
7 Meter Upgrades no yes yes yes yes Target upgrade to AMI meters in 5-16 years (PRG-WAT-D-024)
8 Identify any taps that are unmetered (muncipal taps? Irrigation-only taps?)n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Staff does not believe there are any left.
9 Identify Unmetered/Unbilled Treated Water Uses n/a yes yes yes yes Asset Management:CIP PRG-WAT-D-011, monitor leaks, main flushes, etc.
10 Transition to monthly meter reading yes yes yes yes yes
11 Tracking Water Use by Customer Type yes yes yes yes yes
12 Billing system upgrade (in progress)yes yes yes yes yes
13 Upgrade Billing System to Track Use by Sufficient Customer Types yes yes yes yes yes
14 Track water truck refills and all hydrant water use (rental meters)yes yes yes yes yes
15 Tracking Water Use for Large Customers no no no yes yes
16 Tracking area of irrigated lands in Service Area (e.g. acres)no no no no yes
17 Track date, rate, and duration of hydrant flushes no yes yes yes
18 Tracking main flushings, date, rate, duration no yes yes yes
19 Invest in leak detection equipment? Scheduled leak checks?no yes yes yes
20 Track date, hole area, and pipe pressure for all main breaks no yes yes yes
21 Track park irrigation (application rate feet/year, by park or zone)no no no yes no Park and golf course irrigation application has been reasonable.
22 Colorado Water Loss Initiative, AWWA M36 Audit, water use tracking no yes yes yes yes Two staff members attended two workshops. Will continue work.
23 Volumetric Billing yes yes yes yes yes
24 Water Rate Adjustments yes yes yes yes yes Recent rate increases; next rate study will evaluate rate structure update.
25 Frequency of Billing yes yes yes yes yes Recently transitioned to monthly billing for all customers.
26 Inclining/Tiered Rates no no no no yes Recent rate increases; no additional rate changes for now.
27 Customer Water Budgets no no no no yes
28 Lower tap fees for water efficient development projects no no no no yes
29 Control of Apparent Losses (with Metering) (see "Monitoring" section)yes yes yes yes yes Asset Management: better monitoring of hydrant/main flushes.
30 Leak Detection and Repair yes yes yes yes yes
31 Water Line Replacement Program yes yes yes yes yes
32 Monitoring metered water use; exception reports, field staff checks yes yes yes yes yes
33 System Wide Water Audits yes yes yes yes yes CIP PRG-WAT-D-022 Water Loss Control Study
34 Water reuse systems no yes yes yes yes Water reuse feasibility study in next 5-7 years.
35 Integrated Water Resources Plans yes yes yes yes yes Varied water efficiency scenarios in water supply planning.
36 Master Plans/Water Supply Plans yes yes yes yes yes
37 Capital Improvement Plans yes yes yes yes yes 2020 CIP
38 Feasbility Studies no yes yes yes yes Water reuse feasibility study in next 5-7 years.
Staff 39 Water Efficiency Coordinator no yes yes yes yes Dedicate staff to this role.
40 Establish Regular Contact and Information Sharing yes yes yes yes yes
41 Align Data and Information Used no yes yes yes yes
42 Integrate Water Considerations into the Development Approval Process no yes yes yes yes
43 Establish Coordinated Procedures for Post-Occupancy Monitoring and Enforcement no no no no yes
44 Integrate Long Term Land Use and Water Planning no no no no yes
Billing
Water planning staff in Utilities review building permits for fire flows. Will seek
to increase interaction between Utilities and Community Development and to
engage developers on water efficiency topics.
Asset Management Program under development will enhance tracking in these
areas.
Staff will focus on different programs for now; these might be achievable later.
CIP PRG-WAT-D-013, 014, 016, 017, 018, 022, 025
System Loss
Metering
Monitoring
Planning
Land Use
yes
12/16/2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
Worksheet 2
Technical Improvements and Incentive Programs
City of Englewood
Category No.Program Existing?Pursue/Continue?
Acheivable by
Staff?
Acceptable to Public/
Leadership?
Cost Effective and
Measurable Savings?Other Notes
45 Offer Indoor Water Use Audits no no yes yes no
46 Toilet Retrofits no yes yes yes no
47 Urinal Retrofits no yes yes yes no
48 Showerhead Retrofits no yes yes yes no
49 Faucet Retrofits (e.g. aerator installation) no yes yes yes no
50 Water Efficient Washing Machines no yes yes yes no
51 Water Efficient Dishwashers no yes yes yes no
52 Efficient Swamp Cooler and Air Conditioning Use no yes yes yes no
53 Fixture/appliance upgrade for municipal buildings no yes yes yes no
54 Golf Course and park irrigation system improvements yes yes yes yes no Back 9 irrigation system to be replaced in 2022; Sustainabilty Plan goals.
55 Maintaining City Ditch to control ditch loss (removal of phreatophytes, piping the ditch) yes yes yes yes no Continued maintenance of City Ditch.
56 Drought Resistant Vegetation no no no no no
57 Offer Outdoor Water Use Audits no no no no no
58 Outdoor Irrigation Controllers no no no no no
59 Irrigation Scheduling/Timing no no no no no
60 Rain Sensors no no no no no
61 Residential Outdoor Meter Installations no no no no no Not a good service area match.
62 Xeriscape City Parks / Municipal Facilities no no no no no
63 Other Low Water Use Landscapes no no no no no
64 Irrigation Equipment Retrofits no no no no no
65 Specialized Nonresidential Surveys, Audits and Equipment Efficiency Improvements no yes yes yes no
66 Commercial Indoor Fixture and Appliance Rebates/Retrofits no yes yes yes no
67 Cooling Equipment Efficiency no no no no no
68 Toilet Rebates no no no no no
69 Urinal Rebates no no no no no
70 Showerhead Rebates no no no no no
71 Water Efficient Faucet or Aerator Rebates no no no no no
72 Water Efficient Washing Machine Rebates no no no no no
73 Water Efficient Dishwasher Rebates no no no no no
74 Efficient Irrigation Equipment Rebates no no no no no
75 Landscape Water Budgets Information and Customer Feedback no no no no no
76 Turf Replacement Programs/Xeriscape Incentives no no no no no
77 Give-aways no no no no no
78 Developer Incentives to Reduce Water Demand no no no no no
79 Conservation-Oriented Tap Fees no no no no no
80 Water Efficient Land Development Patterns no no no no no
81 Model Landscape Plans no no no no no
82 Incentives for Reduced Irrigation no no no no no
83 Water-Smart Home Options no no no no no
84 Become a WaterSense Partner no yes yes yes no Or a "Live Like You Love It" partner
85 Low Water Use Demonstration Homes no no no no no
86 Water Audits no no no no no
87 Rainwater Reuse no no no no no
Add a webpage regarding water use in new development. New development in
Englewood consists primarily of re-develoment and vertical infill development,
and the outdoor water uses in this category tend to be quite low. Due to
updates to water efficiency standards for indoor fixtures and appliances, new
development also tends to have lower water use than older development.
Water Efficient
Fixtures and
Appliances
Low Water Use
Landscapes
Industrial/
Commercial
Incentives
Municipal buildings only: Program to identify and perform fixture/appliance
upgrades in municipal buildings. Newly-planned municipal building construction
will be reviewed for water efficiency.
Offer up to 3 water audits per year due to limited resources; target largest
customers. Consider offering rebates for water efficient fixtures/appliances
based on audit results.
Englewood recognizes the utility of customer incentive programs. Therefore,
Englewood Utilities staff commit to applying for at least two water efficiency
funding grants for the purpose of offering a rebate or other incentive program
to customers.
In December 2022, Englewood City Council expressed support about proposed
incentive programs, and this is being pursued further.
Land Use
12/16/2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
Worksheet 3
Rules/Ordinances Efficiency Programs
City of Englewood
Category No.Program Existing?Pursue/Continue?
Acheivable by
Staff?
Acceptable to Public/
Leadership?
Cost Effective and
Measurable Savings?Other Notes
88 Rule Requiring Metering of Unmetered Connections Immediately After Property Transfers yes yes yes yes yes Municipal Code 12-1A-4. Keep the rule as is.
89 Water Waste Rule yes yes yes yes yes Municipal Code 12-1A-7. Keep the rule as is.
90 Water Overspray Limitations yes yes yes yes yes Part of 12-1A-7
91 Time of Day Watering Restriction no no no no yes
92 Day of Week Watering Restriction no no no no yes
93 Rules and Regulations for Landscape Design/Installation no yes no no yes
94 Soil Amendment Requirements no no no no yes
95 Turf Restrictions no no no no yes
96 Irrigation Equipment Requirements no no no no yes
97 Landscaper Training and Certification no no no no no
98 Irrigation System Installer Training and Certification no no no no no
99 Outoor Water Audits/Irrigation Efficiency Regulations no no no no yes
100 Green Building Construction Code - outdoor water use no yes no no yes
101 Green Building Construction Code - indoor water use no yes no no yes
102 Commercial Cooling and Process Water Requirements no no no no yes
103 High Efficiency Fixture and Appliance Replacement no no no no yes
104 Indoor Plumbing Requirements no no no no yes
105 City Facility - water efficiency requirements no no no no yes Consider a rule for municipal buildings.
106 Required Indoor Residential Audits no no no no yes
107 Required Indoor Commercial Audits no no no no yes
108 Commercial Water Use Regulations (Car Washes, Restaurants, etc.)no no no no yes
109 High Efficiency Fixture and Appliance Requirements for New Development no no no no yes
110 Examine Existing Land Use Regulations for Barriers and Conflicts no no no no yes
111 Water Conservation in New Development, Re-Development, and Annexation no no no no yes
112 Incorporate Water Efficiency into Zoning Codes and Rezoning Procedures no no no no yes
113 Subdivision or Site Plan Regulations that Include Water Conservation no no no no yes
114 Implement Requirements that Contribute to Water Efficiency and Compact Infrastructure no no no no yes
115 Water Efficient Landscape Code no no no no yes
116 Building and Plumbing Codes no no no no yes
117 Ordinances Promoting Efficient Fixtures in Existing Buildings no no no no yes
118 Regional Coordination of Water Policy and Procedures no no no no yes
Plumbing fixtures sold in Colorado must meet EPA WaterSense: toilets 1.6 gpf,
faucets 1.5 gpm, showerheads 2.0 gpm.
City opted not to adopt parts of the Green Construction Code in 2021, but left
consideration of that open for future years.
Not applicable to Englewood's service area.
While Englewood does have landscaping rules, they are not targeted toward
water efficiency. The "2020 Unified Development Code Assessment" for
Englewood recommended an expansion of the City's code related to
xeriscaping.
Indoor and
Commercial
Water Use
Rules
Land Use Rules
General Water
Use Rules
Landscape
Rules
12/16/2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04
Worksheet 4
Education/Outreach Efficiency Programs
City of Englewood
Category No.Program Existing?Pursue/Continue?
Acheivable by
Staff?
Acceptable to Public/
Leadership?
Cost Effective and
Measurable Savings?Other Notes
119 Education and Outreach related to water rate hikes and transition to monthly billing yes n/a yes yes no Transitions are complete - ceased this communication.
120 Citizen Advisory Boards yes yes yes yes no Englewood Sustainability Commission, Water and Sewer Board
121 Water Efficiency Web Page yes yes yes yes no Improve Landscaping Tips page; add a page for new development efficiency.
122 Bill Stuffers no yes yes yes no Bill stuffers in short term; electronic communication long-term.
123 Newsletter no yes yes yes no Consider an annual water efficiency article in the Englewood Citizen .
124 Newspaper Articles no no yes yes no
125 Mass Mailings no no yes yes no
126 Water Fairs no yes yes yes no Bring water efficiency brochures to events Utilities attends.
127 K-12 Teacher and Classroom Education Programs no no yes yes no
128 Water Efficiency Message Development/Campaign no no yes yes no Use EPA WaterSense or LLYLI materials.
129 Interactive Websites no no yes yes no
130 Social Networking (e.g Facebook) no yes yes yes no Quarterly water efficiency posts from Englewood Utiliies
131 Customer Surveys no no yes yes no
132 Focus Groups no no no no no
133 Customer Water Use Workshops no no no no no
134 Landscape Design and Maintenance Workshops no no no no no
135 Xeriscape Demonstration Garden no no no no no
136 Water Conservation Expert Available no no no no no
137 Consistent Online Information related to water code and water dedication no yes yes yes no Add a webpage regarding water use in new development.
138 Water Provider and Planning Department Work Together to Educate the Public no no yes yes no
139 Lead by Example no no yes yes no
140 Jointly Engage with the Development Community and HOAs no no yes yes no
141 Share Success Stories and Case Studies with Other Communities and the Public no yes yes yes no Add a webpage regarding water use in new development.
142 Coordinate Education and Outreach Across the Region no no yes yes no
Land Use
Customer
Education
Technical
Assistance
12/16/2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7D4FF7B-83FA-4F7D-9067-7056ECE0AC04