Douglas County is experiencing rapid growth, with plans for some towns to double their populations over the next 30 years. Notably, the new homes being built are utilizing significantly less water than traditional developments, prompting a reevaluation of Colorado’s water planning standards.
Sterling Ranch, a master-planned community near Littleton, serves as a prime example. Data from the past decade indicates that its 3,400 homes consume only 0.18 acre-feet of water each—about 30% less than the typical urban home that generally uses between 0.25 to 0.50 acre-feet. This equivalent to roughly 326,000 gallons of water for an acre-foot. The community achieves this remarkable conservation through water-efficient landscaping, ultra-efficient plumbing fixtures, and a system that separates indoor and outdoor water use. Additionally, recycled water is utilized for park irrigation.
In recognition of these innovative practices, Douglas County has adapted its water standards for new homes. The water dedication requirement has been revised downward from 0.75 acre-feet per home in 2013 to 0.24 acre-feet recently. Sterling Ranch and its water district now seek to gain authority to set their own water standards without county oversight.
Experts are responding positively to these developments. Lindsay Rogers, a municipal water conservation analyst, commended the lowered water standards, highlighting that they reflect the real water use on-site and encourage better water practices. This approach contrasts with traditional models where cities often overestimate their water needs, imposing stress on local water supplies and inflating housing costs.
As Colorado faces challenges from prolonged drought, rising temperatures, and diminished stream flows, the state anticipates a need for up to 740,000 acre-feet of additional water supplies by 2050 due to growth. Current projections suggest that up to 325,000 new homes will be required across the state to accommodate incoming residents.
While the innovative watering practices at Sterling Ranch represent a positive move towards conservation and sustainability, concerns linger regarding the scale of their impact. Experts suggest that although the practices are commendable, they may not drastically alter state-wide water forecasting due to their limited scope.
In addition to Sterling Ranch, other developments like Pine Canyon Ranch, which aims to construct 800 new homes with a water standard of 0.27 acre-feet per home, show a growing trend toward eco-conscious construction and planning in the region. However, these proposals face scrutiny regarding the implications of using nonrenewable groundwater.
Historically, Douglas County’s development was fueled by easy access to groundwater, but over-extraction led to declining aquifer levels, prompting shifts in water management practices. Currently, while the county does not own its water resources, it is taking steps to regulate water use through new planning efforts and a Water Resources Commission aimed at crafting a 25-year water plan.
Some advocates call for even more stringent measures to phase out reliance on nonrenewable groundwater entirely. Still, the introduction of lower water use standards alongside growing public awareness of sustainable practices represents a hopeful trajectory for Douglas County’s development model.
Overall, the shift towards water-efficient homes in Sterling Ranch and similar projects provides a promising framework for balancing growth with environmental stewardship, potentially leading the way for future developments throughout Colorado.