Clearwater probably could achieve some significant water use savings at minimal cost, according to a water conservation plan adopted by town council last Tuesday.
The plan, developed by Urban Systems, was a requirement of the Towns for Tomorrow grant the municipality received to help pay for its new UV disinfection system.
Possible strategies to reduce water use would include educational measures, cost-of-service accounting, leak assessment, water use regulation, and a water metering study.
Educational measures might include such things as events to promote awareness, water conservation plans and tips on the district website.
A cost-of-service study would look at the future revenue requirements, the existing rate structure, and a comparison of the two.
The report recommended that a coordinated leak detection and repair strategy be considered. Low cost actions could include looking at how much water us used at night and an acoustic leak detection survey.
The present water restrictions of sprinkling mornings and evenings every other day is simple and cost-effective. The report suggests the district amend the regulation bylaw by including fines.
Water metering would likely result in significant water savings but the cost would be significant, both for the meters themselves plus the cost of meter reading. The report recommends a detailed study before making a final judgment.
Reducing water consumption would delay or reduce capital costs associated with infrastructure expansions, promote environmental responsibility, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the community, public works superintendent Jared Brounstein said in a letter to council.