Purpose & Need
Windsor’s Water Supply Challenge
The previous Water Master Plan was based on the timing of growth and buildout as set forth in the 1994 General Plan. Demand estimates in the updated 2009 WMP are more consistent with actual growth patterns (compact development) and acknowledge slower growth and longer buildout than anticipated in the General Plan. Additionally, per capita water use has trended lower since completion of the 2000 WMP, reflecting increased conservation efforts and an expanded recycled water system. The lower per capita demand has been incorporated into the WMP update.
But even factoring in reduced demand, the Town must make system improvements to meet its projected future demands.
Currently, on an average day, the system distributes 4.0 million gallons of water per day (MGD) to its customers in the Town’s service area, which includes the airport business and industrial area. Projections estimate a future average-day demand of 6.4 MGD at buildout. The system has an existing average-day water supply of 5.6 MGD, which enables it to meet projected average-day demand until approximately the year 2020.
In addition to meeting average-day demand, responsible planning requires the Town to ensure reliable supplies in times of peak demand, which currently tops out at 7.45 MGD and is projected to be 12 MGD at buildout. With its current maximum supply of 8.7 MGD, if system improvements are not made, supplies will be insufficient during peak demand periods just beyond 2015.
The Town will need additional water supply starting around 2030. The supplemental supply could be one or more of the following: additional recycled water, off-river supply, more conservation, and/or the Sustainable Groundwater Program. open view pdf version
