Water Use In Colorado
By
Travis Hoesli
Water Use In Colorado
Unit Learning Objectives
1. Know the different classification of water
use In Colorado.
2. Understand what affects the use of water
in Colorado today and in the future.
3. Explore possible ways to conserve water
today and in the future.
Classification Of Water Use
Service
Water that is used to support humans with
household, business, health, engineering and
management. Is the largest sector in the water
economy in Colorado.
There is approximately 4.4 million people in
Colorado. Estimated growth in twenty years is
to 6.5 million.
2.5 acres feet of water will support 10 people or
3-4 homes .
That same amount of water will irrigate 1 acre of
cropland.
Classification Of Water Use
Industrial
Water used for mining, oil and gas and
refinement.
Although this sector of water use was the
driving factor in the development of water
in Colorado it makes up a small part of
water use today. The only Affect Industry
has of water use is from the increase in
population due to increased jobs.
Classification Of Water Use
Agriculture
Water that is used for the production of crops and
livestock.
There is approximately 66.3 acres of land in Colorado.
As of 2002 there is 31.3 million acres used for farming
and ranching. Of that 31.3 acres 3.4 million acres is
used for irrigated crops.
In 1998 approximately 52% of water diverted from
stream flow was used for Irrigation.
As population of Colorado continues to grow the demand
for water used by agriculture will continue to grow.
Classification of Water Use
Recreation
Water used the enjoyment of humans.
(swimming, boating and fishing)
This sector of water can be included with
service use. It is relative small part of
water usage but has a strong voice in the
future of Colorado Water.
Changing Demand For Water
As the population begins to grow and the number
of acres of farmland decrease the demand for
water will continue to shift focus to the service
sector.
There has been a trend of decreasing farm
acreage over the past ten years. From 19921997 the farmland was converted at the rate of
270,000 acres per year. With this change in
Colorado’s make up the use of water has and
will continue to change.
Changing Demands For Water
Recreation will be a driving force in usage change.
With more economic importance being put on
tourism, people will continue to look to secure
water for recreational use. One current trend is
to purchase water for diversion for rafting and
kayaking.
Demand for Colorado water will continue to shift to
service as the population on the Front Range
continues to go.
Water Conservation
Agriculture has made great strides in
technologies to conserve water in recent
years.
There has been huge strides in development
of different center pivot sprinklers.
Surge Valves has made major differences in
flood Irrigation.
Drip line sub Irrigation is the next big
breakthrough in irrigation technology.
Water Conservation
Service and residential need to have more focus on
conservation.
There has been some changes in the focus of cities and
municipalities. With the drought of 2002 many of them
have imposed water restrictions to help conserve water.
It is discouraging that they have to be mandatory. Most
residents of cities over water their lawns in the summer.
There have been some changes with technology to reduce
the consumption of water at residence. Reduced flow
shower heads and automatic sprinkler systems have
proven to lower residential usage.
New technologies like sub irrigation lawn water and
alternative landscaping we can continue to reduce the
amount of water used in the service sector.