Yes. We have highly variable weather conditions in Colorado. Assuming no major change in water supply conditions, Centennial Water has a water portfolio today that is highly likely to meet future water demands for all of Centennial Water customers. As we complete the community’s growth, there is a small need to either acquire additional surface water supplies or reduce demands.

As water conservation increases, the amount of water used per customer decreases, thus reducing our reliance on groundwater. A number of conservation measures have already been implemented including:

• Water budgets for each customer linked to a conservation-based rate structure
• Metering all water users
• Code requirement for water-efficient fixtures in all buildings
• Efficient, computer-controlled irrigation techniques
• System leak detection and repair program
• System-wide water audits
• Water conservation public information programs

What is Centennial Water doing to ensure Highlands Ranch has adequate water at a reasonable cost in the future?

Ongoing efforts include:

• Maximizing the reuse of water supplies as allowed by law and decree
• Utilizing South Platte Reservoir, a 6,400-acre-foot storage reservoir completed in 2007, which stores surface water
• Utilizing 6,900 acre feet of space acquired in Chatfield Reservoir as water storage for municipal use 
• Seeking and acquiring additional cost-effective surface water supplies
• Diversification of our water portfolio: A combination of surface and groundwater sources
• Continuing innovative programs such as aquifer storage and recovery, a process that recharges water back into the aquifers when the surface supply allows
• Supporting a community-wide water conservation program, including water budgets
• Participating in state and regional water planning efforts, such as the South Metro Water Supply Authority
• Regional cooperation and reuse of water through the Water Infrastructure and Supply Efficiency (WISE) project

During droughts, when surface supplies are below average, access to groundwater sources gives us system reliability. Consequently, Centennial has opted for a supply plan that balances surface and groundwater sources in a cost-effective way. Groundwater is important to a water supply portfolio because it is of consistently good quality, is not dependent upon seasonal snowpack, and it can be developed with minimal environmental impacts. Groundwater is also not subject to evaporation losses, and is not exposed to surface contamination.