Planning for Thornton’s Water Security
From parks to public spaces to landscaping practices, water sustainability and conservation are among Thornton Water’s top priorities. With factors such as climate change, drought and a growing population, preserving our most precious resource is no small task. Thornton Water is all hands on deck with the best people for the job. Keep reading to learn more about the steps Thornton Water takes for water security and conservation.
Water efficiency starts with us
Water sustainability matters in every corner of the city and is a critical part of long-term planning and growth on public properties. In 2019, the city of Thornton began developing a long-term plan to replace water-intensive turf with Colorado-friendly, water-wise landscapes and grasses in low-use areas. This effort aligns with the overarching Parks and Open Space Master Plan, which includes protecting natural water sources and working closely with the Water Resources team to improve landscape and irrigation efficiency.
It doesn’t stop there: Thornton has a five-year capital improvement project (CIP) plan to implement necessary investments – including projects that will benefit our community both now and in the future. This evolving plan is updated annually to meet the prioritized needs of Thornton and maximize available resources. This interactive map shows where water projects are planned or underway throughout the city. Click on the Water tab to see water infrastructure CIP projects.
Water conservation is a priority for city-owned buildings, too. Water usage at each city facility is monitored, and if usage increases, Building Maintenance staff checks for leaks or issues and makes quick fixes. Building Maintenance has preventative maintenance programs and planned facility improvements. Some examples of this are all city buildings have high–efficiency toilets, low-flow sink aerators, showerheads, and Energy Star appliances.
Overcoming water challenges
In Thornton’s semi-arid, high-desert climate, water demand and efficiency are always top of mind for the city’s team of water resources experts.
Snowpack, a key source of Thornton’s water supply, is affected by Colorado’s warming temperatures. In some areas of the state, winter snowpack is peaking earlier and runoff into streams is starting sooner than usual. This can lead to less streamflow in late summer, decreasing supply and degrading water quality. The city works tirelessly to monitor water quality while implementing treatment methods and technologies to avoid issues well in advance.
To minimize the impact of variable snowpack, Thornton has rights in multiple watersheds for water supply across the state: the Upper South Platte River, Clear Creek, Cache la Poudre, and the Colorado River headwaters. Diverse watersheds are key for water storage if snowfall varies in different areas of the state. Thornton has also been proactive with the Colorado Airborne Snow Measurement Program to develop technology that better measures the water stored in snowpack to help water utilities better understand available resources year after year.
In addition to decreasing snowpack, Colorado faces the very real risk of aridification and drought each year. Thornton’s Drought Management Plan supports monitoring the climate to predict events of drought. During these times, interdepartmental teams examine the city’s drought triggers and relay recommendations to the chain of command at the city of Thornton, and draft a resolution for Council approval. These teams also monitor snow accumulation throughout fall, winter, and spring.
Supporting the now: Thornton Water’s innovative strategies
Thornton’s Water Efficiency Plan helps outline the larger connection between water demand, water sustainability and climate change. These insights help make Thornton a better place for future generations and lend a helping hand to other communities working toward efficient water conservation plans.
With water sustainability comes great responsibility: Thornton emphasizes the importance of ultra-efficient household plumbing and irrigation fixtures and water-wise landscapes for resource conservation. The Water Efficiency Plan lays out a roadmap of current and future water efficiency programs, resiliency efforts and fosters community involvement in conserving water for an important cause.
Thornton’s Utility Master Plan examines the city’s existing water and wastewater utilities, projected water and wastewater flows, and proposes strategies to help the city meet future demand for its water and wastewater utility infrastructure. This plan supports strategies, goals and actions to ensure the city can meet current and future water and wastewater demand with its current utility infrastructure, as outlined in Thornton’s Comprehensive Plan.
Supporting the future: goals, priorities and projects for the years to come
The goals outlined in the Water Efficiency Plan ultimately support Thornton and its customers. Through investments in these programs, Thornton can reduce the city’s water needs to meet the demand. Plus, it really works: the goal to reduce the number of gallons used per day in homes was exceeded during the last cycle of the plan!
Thornton is currently incorporating recommendations in the Growing WaterSmart Action Plan which lays out the landscape and irrigation types allowed in residential and non-residential development applications.
Examples of ways Thornton is working toward enhancing its water efficiency efforts include:
- Changing landscape code for new developments to reduce water demand in future growth areas.
- Ensuring new commercial developments will use water efficiently in their operations.
- Upgrading all water meters to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology to assist customers in finding leaks quickly by having access to timely meter readings.
- Assisting water customers with finding and fixing leaks and high water use issues.
- Funding rebate programs and resources for water customers. Learn more on the Residential Rebates and Free Services page.
- Providing landscape grants for HOA common areas and businesses.
Part of the solution
Thornton participates in many regional and statewide groups as part of its water sustainability and conservation efforts. Check them out!
Need to get in touch? Drop us a line! Give us a call at 720-977-6600 or send us an email at Water@ThorntonWater.com. For additional resources, visit the Contact Us page on our website.
