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Letter: Suggestions for water conservation

Joe Mollica
Certified water professional, Glenwood Springs

The consensus from notes compiled at the recent “Basin Roundtable Discussions” was for greater water conservation. That being the case, I offer the following suggestions on this important issue:

Whereas agriculture is the state’s No. 1 economic driver and consumes an estimated 85 percent of our water, it is suggested that agriculture be the primary area for the implementation of modern water conservation. Money that would be appropriated to study and build another trans-mountain diversion; should be used to provide grants to ranchers and farmers for better piping and twenty-first century watering systems. Giving the crops only the amount of water they need, will allow unused water to be left in our river systems as an “exchange.” This grant system will be an economic benefit to farming and ranching, pipe system manufacturing, engineering and design, as well as support for new initiatives from our universities.

Whereas watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. can be up to 80 percent evaporative, the state should promote watering guidelines for both agricultural and municipal areas.



Whereas recreation serves as the state’s second largest economic driver, it is suggested that the state support the use of Recreational In Channel Diversion that establish minimum stream flows on our major rivers systems such as the Colorado, Roaring Fork, Arkansas, Animas and Platte.

Whereas wastewater recycling has proven to be very efficient, it is suggested the development of high tech wastewater recycling systems be encouraged.



Whereas one of the possible effects of increasing global temperatures will be “major precipitation events,” it is suggested that municipalities and private land owners invest in water catchment systems that store water that can be pumped in times of drought.


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