AWWA ACE70581

This paper provides an overview of a strategically developed water conservation plan by the City of Valparaiso, Indiana, the first plan in the State of Indiana and one of very few in the Midwest. The water conservation plan is being developed through a water conservation task force that is comprised of different members, including city employees, utility staff, industries, Valparaiso community schools, universities, and others. A committee comprised of resource personnel from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, a representative from the local power supply company, and others, was also developed. The plan was developed through a step-by-step process developed by CDM and promoted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the American Water Works Association. The steps included: defining water conservation goals; developing the water system profile; identifying water conservation measures; analyzing the benefits and costs of water conservation including evaluation of the utility's rate structure; and, developing the water conservation program. Customer surveys and focus group discussions were held with randomly selected city residents to evaluate water conservation measures and techniques. Includes table, figures.