Is there a drought in Colorado? A water shortage for the population?
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Although the systems can be complex, the concept is simple. Greywater is water returned to the ground. Rainwater collection is returned to the ground. These systems only delay the water's natural path and conserve use of water treated by treatment plants. Current Colorado water law allows greywater systems installation while maintaining inspections and permitting to be decided by local government. Rainwater barrel collection, although encouraged in states who routinely experience drought conditions, is still debated and restricted in Colorado.
Does collecting rainwater in barrels reduce water levels downstream to water right's holders?
"Allowing 100 gallons of rainwater storage per household will not decrease surface runoff by any detectable amount on a typical lot" (Olson).
The Colorado Division of Water Institute assessed the effects of collecting 100 gallons of rainwater on a developed lot with two 50-gallon water collection barrels versus a native prairie lot and a developed lot. The study concluded that, "[a]llowing 100 gallons of rainwater storage per household will not decrease surface runoff by any detectable amount on a typical lot" (Olson).
In fact, the study further showed that "development on previously undeveloped land has a significantly greater effect on surface runoff and infiltration than rainwater storage" (Olson). It seems the more appropriate way to protect water downstream would be to pass laws restricting building on undeveloped lands.
Works Cited
Mehren, Jennifer L. USA Drought Intensity 2000-Present. Berthoud. ArcMaps. ESRI. Web. 12 Mar. 2016.
Olson, Chris, and Larry Roesner. "Impacts of Rain Barrels on Surface Water Runoff." (n.d.): n. pag. Colorado.gov. Colorado Water Institute, 10 Sept. 2015. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.
"Rainwater, Graywater, and Storm Water." Rainwater, Graywater, and Storm Water. Colorado Division of Water Resources, 24 Feb. 2016. Web. 29 Mar. 2016.
Wow you're really good at this. Great post, Jenny! When considering some of the water conservation ideas the thought that it could restrict water availability downstream. Of course if enough households are containing the rainwater instead of letting it runoff into the waste water systems for processing. With the amount of water not used by a population, I have no doubt that 100 gallons per household is a sustainable amount for citizens to conserve weather allowing. I wonder how much snow runoff supplements our water totals on the front range and why water containment rights are still so controversial. Although the regulations for Greywater system maintenance do make sense to me. A poorly engineered system has the potential to spread water borne illnesses exist if it is accidently consumed or leaked into a potable water supply.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting integrated map clearly showing that Colorado has not been affected by drought since the year 2000. I also like the poll at the top. I would have to think that rain water collection is a no-brainer when it comes to efficient usage and saving money.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why Colorado doesn’t show effects of drought. I have heard many times since 2000 that farmers in certain counties couldn’t produce crops for a lack of irrigation. I believe there was even a state of emergency called in Weld County a few years back because most farmers could not produce enough food. We have also had some of the worst fire seasons in 50 years recently. It’s possible that the increase in wildfire is due to the effectiveness of firefighters. Pine forests are supposed to go through periods of fire to restore health and vitality to the forest. When fires are constantly stamped out then it creates less healthy forests which only increases the fire danger over time.
The research shows that rain water collection does has little to no negative effects on downstream runoff. Therefore it seems abominable that we have a law restricting the right to collect water.
There is a difference between a farmer reporting "less water" and official drought conditions being met. Of course, ideally we want optimum conditions at all times. People easily panic when concerns are raised over food production.
DeleteAs you've said, we have had more fires but they have been prevented so efficiently for years leading to dense unhealthy tree ladders just waiting for a spark to fly. According to my research from my forestry class last semester, Colorado forest fires are not being scientifically linked to low water supply. That might be a good topic should the blogging continue...