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Colorado Springs Utilities Helps Residents Restore Vegetation By Reducing Water Costs

To assist areas affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire as they return to their natural state as quickly as possible, Colorado Springs Utilities has announced a program to reduce water consumption costs to properties in the burn area.

Many residents should have already received details of this program by mail. This program ONLY applies to you if you are restoring the natural vegetation or native areas surrounding your home that were burned in the fire. You have to be in the burn area to qualify. Despite these restrictions the program will be available to over 1000 homes. See details below.

This is another example of cooperation and innovative approaches being used to help restore and rejuvenate the areas impacted by the fire as quickly as possible. In doing so the risk of flooding, run-off and flow of sediment and ash will be reduced.

Colorado Springs Utilities Published the Following Information:

Among other things, the Waldo Canyon Fire took some of our critical natural resources from us. To mitigate flood and erosion potential in the burn area, Colorado Springs Utilities is working with customers to re-establish native vegetation, and recognizes this effort will require more water than usual.

Residents and business owners with property in the Waldo Canyon Fire burn area are eligible for the Vegetation Restoration Adjustment. Customers meeting the criteria will receive a 30 percent decrease on the cost of their water consumption.
The program is effective July through Oct. 31, 2012.

Eligible customers are those who reside or have a business establishment in the burn area. Additionally, the adjustment applies only to customers re-establishing native vegetation, such as fescue, grama and wheat grass varietals. Please ensure your eligibility by checking the burn map and reviewing frequently-asked questions before making any improvements.

Rejuvenating the burn areas will ultimately help our entire community's watershed as we manage flood prone areas. It also creates defensible spaces in the event of future wildfire.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When does the adjustment take effect?
The adjustment is effective July 1 through Oct. 31, 2012.

How will you apply the adjustment to my bill?
The 30 percent adjustment applies only to the cost of the water used, or the commodity charge. You will still be billed standard daily access charges.

Who is eligible for the adjustment?
Your property must be in the Waldo Canyon Fire burn area and you must be a Colorado Springs Utilities water customer. The adjustment only applies to restoration of native vegetation that will help mitigate potential flood and erosion. It does not cover ornamental landscapes, including lawns, gardens, or shrubs.

How do I know if I am eligible?
A letter was sent to all residences and businesses that are eligible for the Vegetation Restoration Adjustment. These properties are within the official Waldo Canyon Fire burn area. If you did not receive a letter and would like to check your eligibility, please call Colorado Springs Utilities at 448-4800.

What qualifies as native vegetation?
This fact sheet (PDF) includes information on native vegetation, appropriate native seed mixes, restoration practices, and seed establishment.

Where do I return my application?
E-mail is the easiest and most efficient way to turn in your application. After you complete the form and click the electronic signature, please e-mail it to WaldoRevegetation@csu.org. You may also hand deliver it to 2855 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, or mail it to Colorado Springs Utilities, ATTN: Vegetation Restoration Adjustment, PO Box 1103, MSC 1300, Colorado Springs, CO 80947-1300.

How long does it take to process forms?
CSU staff will contact you when they receive your application. It will take 10 business days to process your form after receiving it. A CSU representative will contact you again after the first adjustment has been processed.

How will the adjustment appear on my bill?
The discounted charges will be shown as a line item in the water portion of your monthly statement.

How will I be credited for the days prior to submitting the adjustment form?
After your application is processed, CSU staff will issue a credit for the time you have already been billed and made payment. The credit will appear on a future utilities bill.

Who do I contact with questions?
Please call Colorado Springs Utilities at 448-4800 with any questions.

Resources:

Waldo Canyon Fire area burn map (Vegetation Restoration Adjustment eligible areas) (PDF)
Grass mixes:
Grass seed mixes to reduce wildfire hazard (PDF)
Colorado Springs foothills grass mix (PDF)

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Colorado Springs Together is an independent 501(c)(3) Non-Profit

Colorado Springs Together is a community-driven volunteer effort, and is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The team members are distinguished citizens and business professionals in the community facilitating and coordinating a quick and effective rebuilding process for the neighborhoods devastated on June 26th by the fire. The donations received will go towards the activities required to help restore the lives and the neighborhoods affected by the fire at the same time maintaining a strong sense of community during the rebuilding process.

Please visit:
www.ColoradoSpringsTogether.org
www.facebook.com/ColoradoSpringsTogether
www.twitter.com/COS_Together