Boulder Water Utility

Due to its location in a semi-arid region, the city of Boulder faced both severe flooding and severe drought. To manage floodwaters and improve water supply and quality, the city built greenways and developed a comprehensive conservation plan for unusually dry seasons resulting in residential indoor and outdoor water savings averaging 5,000 gallons per household per year. In addition to addressing its local water challenges, Boulder’s creative strategy has also allowed it to realize multiple benefits including open space, new recreational opportunities and public education better connecting the community to nature. Click the link below to download the full case study.

Project at a Glance

Utility Overview

Utility: Boulder Water Utility
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Population served: 107,125
Service area: 25.7 square miles

Challenges

Drought
Flooding

Solutions

Comprehensive water conservation programs
using localized, community-based strategies
such as fixture rebates, new water budget rate
structures, and a system of greenway corridors to
manage flood waters.

Costs and Funding Sources

Total conservation budget: $350,000
- Utility Operating budget: $60,000
- Partnership contracts: $290,000
Total greenways budget (excluding the costs of
the flood conveyance structures): $2,652,202
- Annual Operating budget: $80,000
- Annual Capital budget: $320,000
Funding sources:
- Utility operating budget (conservation & greenways
  programs)
- Transportation Fund, Flood Control Fund, and the
  Lottery Fund (greenways capital spending)