Water Conservation and efficiency has become a significant “new source” of water for water providers throughout Colorado. Reducing water consumption can be an inexpensive and quick way to increase water available for future use.  Loss through inefficient infrastructure can also be a significant factor in water supply availability. The Colorado Water Conservation Act of 2004 requires water providers with retail deliveries in excess of 2,000 acre feet to develop an approved Water Conservation Plan.  SGM has experience in the design and implementation of State required Water Conservation Plans as well as the efficient design and management of water supply systems.

Consulting/Process Facilitation/Conflict Resolution
Water has always been a contentious issue in Colorado, and that is even truer today.  Today’s water supply world involves more than just water rights and engineering.  Water quality, environmental impacts, conservation, growing populations and a more concerned set of stakeholders make any water project a complicated community process.  SGM, working through the concept of Total Water Management (TWM) has helped our clients through the maze of water policy and planning processes, helping make sure that projects become a win-win situation for all parties concerned.

Education / Public Involvement
Public education, outreach and involvement is a critical part of any water project.  From NEPA processes to rational for rate increases and facilities expansion or improvement, public involvement has become a routine aspect.  SGM helps its clients through this process by organizing materials, meetings, educational forums, media relations and other means of making sure that the public, the water service customer has the information they need to help with informed decisions and support.

Policy Support and Advocacy
Often there are issues regarding water quality, regulations and laws that can have serious impacts on water providers and their customers.  SGM personnel have experience in talking with regulatory agencies as well as testifying before regulatory commissions and legislators about pending actions.  We work with our clients to organize material and make the case for them where needed.

Grant Writing and Administration
Grant money is a common source of funding for water projects.  State and Federal funding is often available.  SGM has experience in writing, winning and subsequently administering grants successfully.  This helps make future granting easier and more likely to succeed as well.

Total Water Management (TWM)
The AWWA defines TWM as “the exercise of stewardship of water resources for the greatest good of society and the environment”.

Water is a finite and shrinking resource in western Colorado and dealing with it has become far more complicated than it used to be.  There is a lot more than engineering, supply, operations and infrastructure involved.  The challenges we face in the water industry require us to take a total system and watershed view approach.  SGM has experience helping our clients weave through the TWM process, working with other water stakeholders in a leadership capacity and solution oriented actions that work to the benefit of all.

For more information about our Water Conservation services, please contact Warren Swanson by email or phone at 970.945.1004.