Thursday, April 26, 2012

Facing Water Facts


Water use in SW Colorado

Almost 87% of our water use in Colorado goes toward agriculture. The next highest use is 6.7% for municipalities- and that includes your water use at home (Citizen's Guide to Where Your Water Comes From).
   
In 2003 and 2004 a landmark study called the Statewide Water Supply Initiative evaluated our water use and predicted regions of the state that would experience shortfalls by 2030 based on growth and use patterns. Our region is expected to have the 3rd largest shortfall in the state (26%), trailing only behind two basins on the front range. 

With this in mind, there are local opportunities that exist for you to be involved in. 

The River Protection Workgroup is a community-based, collaborative process discussing protection measures for rivers and streams.There are two work groups meeting monthly. One for the Piedra river and it meets in Pagosa Springs. The other is for the Animas and meetings are in Silverton. Click here to learn more!

Local Events
Dolores River Festival, Saturday, June 2nd
Animas River Days, Friday, June 8-10, which includes the
Reel Paddling FestivalFriday, June 8

Finally, here are a few tips to conserve water this summer:

  • Water your garden or lawn in the evening or early morning.
  • Install a low-flow shower head (this can save you $150 per year in utility costs!)
  • Shorten your showers.
  • Water for longer with less frequency.
  • Incorporate native plants that require less water.
  • Fix your leaky faucets (the average house wastes 10,000 gallons per year- enough to fill a swimming pool!)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Resource and Energy Action Plan Update: Health as a Resource

The Resource and Energy Action Plan (REAP) has recently been updated with revised dates for the REAP goals, an updated "Desired Project Inventory" for Southwest Colorado, and, the most notable edition, a new section on health.

A Little History:
In October of 2011, our REAP Advisory Board, consisting of leaders from across our five-county region, was polled about incorporating two sectors into the REAP: Health and Arts and Culture. The idea behind adding these elements was to address all aspects of sustainable resources in our region, not just energy. Survey results indicated that the board was in favor of including Health, but that Arts and Culture was too far afield.

Help from Consultants:
Healthy Community Solutions (HCS), a local consulting group, drafted a new section of the REAP on the Energy-Health Nexus, focusing on how energy fuels transportation, homes, cities, AND our bodies. The health industry is very dependent on electricity, natural gas, plastics, and other fuels and materials that are energy-intensive.

HCS focuses on using Health Impact Assessments (HIAs), which examine projects, plans, and policies through the lens of health.

Find out more about the REAP process, resource initiatives, and download the updated REAP.

If you have any projects to add to the "Desired Project Inventory", want a free REAP sticker, or are interested in getting involved with setting the direction for resource use in our area, contact 4CORE!