Fort Collins Utilities is seeking public input and sentiment around water use to incorporate into the City of Fort Collins 2024 Water Efficiency Plan (WEP).

Water is an essential resource for all of us, so community feedback is critical. Utilities encourages people to learn more about the 2024 WEP and take a survey in English or Spanish at https://ourcity.fcgov.com/wep. In addition, Utilities will provide paper surveys at Old Town Library, Council Tree Library, and the Utilities Administration Building at 222 Laporte Ave. between March 11-22. Utilities representatives are also scheduled to be at Old Town Library on March 13, and Council Tree Library on March 15 to answer questions or have a conversation about water use and conservation. The survey deadline is April 12.

Climate change is predicted to continue to impact water supplies, along with population growth and regional issues like the Colorado River Basin drought. Furthermore, due to rising temperatures, some plants in our public and private landscapes will need more water to stay healthy. Utilities will leverage the WEP to manage water demands and lower the risk of water shortages.

This year’s update will replace the current WEP from 2015. The updated WEP will guide conservation and efficiency programs for the Utilities’ service area for the next several years. After Utilities hears from the community, staff will draft the 2024 plan to incorporate water conservation and efficiency programs and strategies that would likely include education, incentives, regulations, standards, and rate structures. Utilities will prioritize what to include based on public input, potential water savings, equity, cost, staff and financial resources, and feasibility. At the end of the year, Fort Collins City Council will consider the 2024 WEP for adoption and Utilities will submit it to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for approval. The approved 2024 WEP will apply to Utilities water customers.

For more information, please contact Alice Conovitz at aconovitz@fcgov.com or 970-416-4306 as well as V/TDD 711.