Abstract

Geospatial Approach for an Innovative Water Conservation Program
Track: Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater
Authors: Carrie McCrea, Lyle Whitney

Aurora, Colorado seeks to change how water conservation is perceived and practiced using proactive conservation tools. Teamed with AMEC, they developed an innovative geospatial approach for identifying the most inefficient water users, and encouraging systematic change. The primary features of the project include a highly accurate landcover classification, a dynamic map of water use for every parcel, and a web-based 'Conservation Calculator' designed to audit each customer's system. The goal is to develop a targeted incentive program in lieu of existing under-utilized rebates, expected to increase conservation while reducing costs.

The City will realize peripheral benefits including data to support demand prediction, and an accurate impervious database to support stormwater billing and water-quality monitoring, master planning, and hydrologic analysis.

The presentation will address the project data and approach, the essential ESRI GIS functions that made it possible, our challenges and lessons learned, and plans for future enhancements.