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Presenters tell lawmakers conservation‑oriented tap fees can drive water‑smart growth and influence housing development costs
Summary
Consultants and advocacy groups briefed the committee on how tap fees are structured, how water values vary across Colorado, and case studies (Aurora, Little Thompson) showing conservation‑oriented fees can reduce outdoor water use and encourage infill development.
Three presenters told the committee tap fees (also called system development charges or connection charges) combine water‑resource acquisition costs, plant investment fees and new‑infrastructure costs, and that structuring those fees to reflect projected site‑level water use can both encourage water‑efficient development and reduce long‑term supply needs.
Jayla Popleton, executive director of Water Education Colorado, opened with WECO’s role in water education and noted recurring legislative support for their work. She introduced the two technical presenters.
Cassidy White of WestWater Research emphasized that "water values are inherently local," driven by municipal demand and portfolio characteristics. White showed that Colorado Big Thompson (CBT)…
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