Tuesday, April 16, 2013

City of Santa Fe Water Policies Featured in National Report


One of 10 Western Cities Profiled

Severe drought conditions in 2002 forced City of Santa Fe officials to take a hard look at how to protect Santa Fe’s water supply—present and future. In 2004, Water Division staff drafted plans and implemented policies that encouraged water conservation, offered rebates and incentives and educated the public on the importance of conserving water. Because of this work, and ensuring that the city has a safe, plentiful, and sustainable water supply, Santa Fe is one of 10 western cities featured in a national report: New Visions, Smart Choices: Western Water Security in a Changing Climate, published by Carpe Diem West, a network of water managers, scientists, and conservationists.

“It is an honor to be chosen and featured in Carpe Diem West’s report,” said Water Resources Coordinator, Claudia Borchert. “This demonstrates that our Governing Body pursues and implements progressive and effective water policies.”

An excerpt from the report states, “The city called the community together in 2004 to develop a long-range plan with a big vision, and set out to increase production, amp up conservation even further, and protect its water. The results: Per capita water use declined 40% in 10 years, and the city’s water supply portfolio became more resilient in the face of climate change. Santa Fe has been able to serve more people with the same amount of water.”

Other cities profiled in the report include Salt Lake City; San Antonio; Tualatin River Valley, Oregon; Rocky Mountain Front Range, Colorado; Hayman Watershed, Colorado; Yampa River, Colorado; McKenzie Watershed, Oregon; Upper Clark Fork Basin, Montana; and San Diego County, California.

No comments: