City Council Minutes 2003 04 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting April 15, 2003 Page 12 of 14 Phare explained after receipt ofpublic comments on the plan, Staffwill summarize the public input and report to Council. At that point, a final document can be prepared and adopted for future use. With respect to this year's watering restriction, he pointed out that last year, Louisville was one of the first communities to respond to the drought and this year will be the first to respond in the opposite direction. Phare reported Staff has spent extensive time gathering data regarding stream flow and water shed information. That work indicates the high likelihood the City will fill all available storage vessels (Harper Lake, Louisville Reservoir and Marshall Lake) and will have direct flow right in excess of daily demand. He reported Staff projects that storage will be available in Marshall Lake starting in mid-June. Starting the last week in April through approximately the middle of June, the City will have rights to stream flow beyond that needed to replenish our reservoirs and meet daily demands. He stated it is probable once the reservoirs are filled, the City's water rights available in South Boulder Creek will be in excess of that needed for daily water production. He noted the typical stream flow patterns indicate this situation is likely to end mid-June. Phare explained it is possible for the City to suspend the current Executive Order regarding watering restrictions and go without for approximately the next two months. At that time an updated projection regarding the amount of water stored, future demands and related factors will be provided. He noted from the updated projections will come the specifics on what watering program needed for the balance of the summer. He reported the Water Committee discussed this matter on April 10th and recommends the existing Executive Order, regarding outdoor irrigation expire April 18, 2003, and a subsequent program be recommended in mid June, as needed. Davidson stated the Louisville citizens could be credited for conserving water. He asked about the additional storage in Windy Gap. Phare stated the City currently has approximately 2,700 acre-feet of storage. Phare stated the Marshall Lake lease would be used for golf course irrigation this year and reuse water would be available next year. He stated the ninety-day weather forecast is for a wetter cycle in the spring and a long hot summer. He reviewed other communities' water restrictions for this year and noted most of the restrictions are not as limited as last year. Sisk stated the City is fortunate for the water available this year and agreed it can be attributed to the water conservation measures of Louisville citizens. He questioned implementing water restrictions in mid-June and sending a mixed-message to the residents. He asked that the City take the lead on water conservation. Phare agreed it is often a mixed message, however this summer water restrictions may have to be implemented. He stated the City would continually give residents information on the water supply and notice with respect to the irrigation programs. 12