Douglas County is experiencing rapid growth in housing developments, with plans for some towns to potentially double in size over the next three decades. A notable development, Sterling Ranch, is setting a new standard in water usage, significantly reducing the amount of water needed for its homes, which raises important considerations for water planning in Colorado communities.
Sterling Ranch, located near Littleton, has implemented innovative water conservation strategies that have resulted in water usage of just 0.18 acre-feet per single-family home. This figure is approximately 30% less than the average urban home, which typically ranges from 0.25 to 0.50 acre-feet. By promoting water-efficient landscaping, utilizing superior showers and toilets, and incorporating recycled water for communal areas, Sterling Ranch serves as a pioneer in sustainable community planning.
In recognition of these effective practices, Douglas County has allowed Sterling Ranch to adopt lower water standards for the numerous homes slated for construction in the future. Proposed changes will allow the community, ultimately expected to encompass 12,500 homes, to set its own water standards as needed without requiring county approval—a significant shift from traditional planning methods.
Experts like Lindsay Rogers from Western Resource Advocates have praised this innovative approach, stating that reducing water demand is crucial in an era where cities often request more water than they actually need. Rogers believes that Sterling Ranch can serve as a model for other developments, encouraging a closer alignment of water use to actual needs, which could lead to more sustainable growth patterns.
However, the broader implications of this trend are complex. Kat Weismiller from the Colorado Water Conservation Board cautioned that while Sterling Ranch’s model is commendable and can set a precedent for new communities, its overall impact on state-level water needs may be limited given the scale of development.
In addition to Sterling Ranch, another proposed development, Pine Canyon Ranch, plans to utilize only 0.27 acre-feet per home with a focus on advanced water recycling systems, aiming to create a sustainable living environment. This illustrates a growing trend in Douglas County towards building ultra-water-efficient homes.
Historically, the region has relied heavily on groundwater supplies, which have proven to be vulnerable as demand has surged. Past policies have constrained groundwater extraction to preserve these vital resources. As the state looks towards the future, the concern remains about balancing the need for housing growth with sustainable water management practices.
While there are still challenges regarding water shortages projected by 2050 due to climate impacts and population growth, efforts like those seen in Sterling Ranch and Pine Canyon Ranch present a more sustainable outlook. As more developers adopt innovative, resource-efficient practices, the potential for growth can coexist with accountability towards water conservation—a hopeful trend for both current and future residents of Colorado.
In summary, Douglas County’s approach to water management within new developments shows a promising shift towards sustainable living. With more communities adopting effective water conservation practices, there’s potential for a more sustainable future, even in the face of growing population demands and climate change challenges.