Rain Barrels in Colorado The Past The Present The Future

The Past – Development of a City Rooftops increase streamflow

The Past – Agriculture puts water to use Increased streamflow put to beneficial use by downstream farms

The Present – Urban Growth Vibrant and growing cities 5 million new people by 2050 All of the above approach needed for water resources Includes ideas like rainwater harvesting and rain barrels

Make a Plan! Research Stakeholder Outreach Draft a Bill Stakeholder Outreach Recruit Sponsors Stakeholder Outreach Make Some Sausage Please the Governor The Present – Rain barrel legislation attempted

Doing your research - Proponents What have other States done? Is there similar legislation on the books in CO already? Have there been previous attempts at what you are trying to do? Do your calculations Peer review your numbers

Drafting the Bill Simple No fiscal impact Little or no enforcement needed De Minimis impacts? Educational vs. water savings? Opposition

Identify the stakeholders Potential supporters Potential detractors Start small and grow your circle Meet with potential detractors – get the difficult conversations started early Get endorsements/prevent opposition Not everyone likes the car you’re driving – AND THAT’S OK Stakeholder Outreach – Road to the Capitol

Know the process SA Membership Required Request Legislation be put on the agenda Discussion only on first agenda Potential action on second agenda Lobby the lobbyists (and lawyers, and engineers) Count your vote (or have a good feel for it) CO Water Congress – State Affairs Committee

In the End Outreach, outreach, outreach Do your homework, have it checked Listen People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

HB the POLITICAL timeline House of Representatives March 4 – Introduced and assigned to House Ag, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee (Ag Committee) March 12 – Fiscal Note determined March 16 – Ag Committee hearing Testimony One Amendment (failed) Debate and Action Pass 8-5 March 20 – Second Reading One Amendment Pass on voice vote March 23 – Third Reading Pass Senate March 25 – Introduced and assigned to Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy Committee (Ag Committee) April 16 – Ag Committee hearing Testimony Amendments Laid over for Debate and Action May 5 – Ag Committee hearing Debate and Action Pass 5-4 May 5 – Senate Second Reading on Special Orders Laid over until May 7, effectively killing the bill Further Action Another attempt? Water Resources Review Committee?

Legislation already in works Augmentation requirement? Is it even needed? Who pays the “water” bill? Customers, water providers, the State? How is it measured or is it just estimated and at what cost? The Future – Groundhog day 2016

HB Precipitation Harvesting Pilot Projects HB Precipitation Harvesting Pilot Projects Incentives SB Rural Residential Rooftop Precipitation Collection HB All Residential Rooftop Precipitation Collection Application: New developments only Up to 10 pilot projects Application: All HB applications, plus Adds Redevelopments Adds Stormwater Application: Residences not served by a domestic water system Application: Single family residences Multi-family residences of 4 units or less Study Component: Determine preexisting return flows Determine preexisting historic consumptive use (HCU) native vegetation Study Component: Similar to HB Study Component: None Study Component: None Amount Allowed: Any water collected from roofs and impermeable surfaces Amount Allowed: Any water collected from roofs and impermeable surfaces Amount Allowed: Any water collected from roof top of residence Amount Allowed: Not more than 110 gallons in storage at any given point in up to 2 rain barrels Comparison of Precipitation Collection Legislation

HB Precipitation Harvesting Pilot Projects HB Precipitation Harvesting Pilot Projects Incentives SB Rural Residential Rooftop Precipitation Collection HB All Residential Rooftop Precipitation Collection Limitations: Operate under a substitute supply plan Replace 100 percent of water captured pre-study Replace 100 percent net depletions captured post- study Limitations: Replace amount based on regionally applicable factors for evapotranspiration Otherwise same Limitations: Must have or apply for exempt well permit Limitations: Prohibits use for drinking Prohibits use indoors Rain barrels must have sealable lid Rain barrels must be located above ground Uses: Non potable uses Uses: Non potable uses Uses: Ordinary household Fire protection Livestock Up to 1 acre of gardens or lawns Uses: Outdoor purposes including lawns and gardens Use on residential property that water is collected Comparison of Precipitation Collection Legislation (Cont.)