Water Committee Agenda and Packet 2009 06 05

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Since I'm trying to conserve and cut back on the use from my water supplier, am I allowed to collect precipitation for watering my landscaping and to fill a decorative pond? Answer: No. First, because you receive your water supply through a tap from a water supplier, you may not collect precipitation at all. The changes in Senate Bill 09-080 apply only to residential properties that are supplied by a well (or could qualify for a well permit). Second, you will not be able to use the precipitation you've collected to fill a pond since that use would not be allowed on the appropriate well permits. What if I meet the six criteria above and, although legally entitled to a well permit, I have a remote property where a well cannot be drilled, or I just want to live without a well, relying on precipitation collection. Can I still take advantage of the new law? Answer: Yes. If you are legally entitled to a well permit, you may submit an application. The Division of Water Resources will issue a permit that entitles you to collect rooftop precipitation collection for limited uses without actually constructing a well. But remember, if you live in an area where service is provided by a water supplier, this statute does not apply and you cannot collect the precipitation as allowed by the statute. The Division of Water Resources will make these forms available to you before July 1, 2009, the effective date of the new law. . I have checked my valid well permit and it identifies the allowed uses for my well. I would like to collect precipitation from my roof for those uses only. Do I need to take any other action? Yes, you must complete a form that will provide notice to the Division of Water Resources that you intend to collect the precipitation and describe how you intend to do it. The Division of Water Resources will make these forms available to you before July 1, 2009, the effective date of the new law. I will be applying for a permit for a new well for a home I'm building. I have researched and found that with my anticipated permit type, I will be able to collect precipitation from my rooftop. What do I need to do? Answer: The well permit application form for new wells will include a checkbox that allows you to indicate that you plan to collect the precipitation and an attached form will give further instructions. The Division of Water Resources will make these forms available to you before July 1,2009, the effective date of the new law. I am a developer and would like to develop a subdivision with large scale collection of precipitation from impervious surfaces even though the subdivision will have a central water supply system. How does this new law help me? Answer: The new law under SB 09-080 does not apply to your situation at all. Your situation would benefit from HB 09-1129, a new law that allows developers to apply for approval to be one of ten statewide pilot projects that harvest rainwater and put it to beneficial, but non- essential, use in the subdivision. These projects may only operate according to an engineered plan, submitted to the State Engineer for approval and eventually, to the Water Court. This new law does not apply at all to individual homeowners.