City Council Minutes 2002 05 07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting May 7, 2002 Page 13 had a greater priority. He stated that the City is five years away from having any physical storage of the Windy Gap water. Mayer asked Phare for the number of years Windy Gap has storage at Granby Lake. Phare responded approximately three years. Mayer explained that the City purchased Windy Gap water in 1992 because it was a requirement of the North Colorado Water District. Phare stated that the use of Windy Gap water would be measured in addition to future Windy Gap units that are targeted for purchase. He explained the storage ratio of Windy Gap is three to one and in order to get one acre-foot of water, three acre-feet is required in the Windy Gap vessel. Sisk asked Phare if the increase in the water consumption for the month of April, which is higher than the three previous years, is an indication that higher consumption will continue into May. Phare responded yes. Sisk voiced his alarm that, in light of drought conditions water consumption has increased by 25% in April. Phare stated that sort of increase could not continue through the summer or there won't be any water next spring, unless there is a change in the snow deposits or an accumulation of rain. Sisk stated that water conservation measures must be addressed. Davidson commented that the City has aggressively purchased water rights over the past twelve years based on the 50-year drought cycle. He asked Phare if there are indications that the water supply will exceed the 50-year drought and require strict conservation measures. Phare responded yes. Davidson suggested that the Water Committee meet and make recommendations to the Council. He concurred with Council member Sisk that conservation measures should be put in place. He stressed that the City needs to take the initial step to reduce water consumption on City owned land, such as parks, ball fields and medians. He stated that the Water Board might consider a moratorium on new water taps. Mayer concurred that water restrictions and conservation measures must be implemented on City owned property. He suggested that after the Water Commission has formulated a water conservation program, a separate mailing is sent to every water user in the City. City Manager Simmons pointed out that the conservation measures submitted by the Parks Department in not a proposal but in already in practice. Keany asked Simmons what course of action would be considered for the Golf Course watering restrictions. Simmons stated that Staff has met with the Golf Course and asked 13