Conservation Efforts

Grand Junction is largely defined by its waterways, especially the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, but these and other vital water sources require protection and conservation. The City participates with Ute Water and Clifton Water to conserve water according to the 2012 Regional Water Conservation Plan and the 2018 Drought Response Plan, which undergoes regular updates, and cooperates with multiple irrigation districts to allocate water resources.

James Alsop Fall on Colorado River
Water Efficiency Plan Banner

The City works regularly to collect data on drought conditions and city water supplies in order to plan for the future and ensure that adequate water supplies are maintained in our region. This includes conducting modeling studies to determine the extent of current water supplies and research into options for infrastructure projects that will address reliability, resiliency to drought, and long-term supply to meet future growth. Cooperation with Colorado Water Congress, Colorado Basin Roundtable, and Gunnison Basin Roundtable is also part of these efforts. Access this year's updated Regional Water Efficiency Plan.

In 2022, Grand Junction City Council approved a Graywater Control Program Ordinance. The regulations allow use of graywater for subsurface irrigation and indoor toilet and urinal flushing. The ordinance establishes new permitting, inspection, and enforcement regulations for graywater systems within the city in accordance with state Regulation 86. With the installation of graywater systems, a household of four can typically save about 20,000 gallons per year.

The regulations will allow use of graywater for subsurface irrigation and indoor toilet and urinal flushing. Subsurface irrigation systems will require the use of mulch beds or below grade emitters. Indoor reuse will require installation of graywater treatment works that meet national standards for residential water reuse to ensure public safety. Subsurface irrigation systems can cost from $200 to $2,000 while indoor reuse systems can range from $2,500 to $20,000 depending on whether systems are installed as part of new building construction or retrofit of an existing building.

Graywater Control Program Ordinance