Greeley Water & Sewer Department Enhances Water Conservation with WaterSmart Software
Customer Company Size
Mid-size Company
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- WaterSmart Software
- Utility Analytics Dashboard
- Home Water Reports
Tech Stack
- Cloud-based Platform
- Analytics Tools
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Customer Satisfaction
- Cost Savings
- Environmental Impact Reduction
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Utilities
- Cities & Municipalities
Applicable Functions
- Facility Management
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Water Utility Management
Services
- Data Science Services
- System Integration
About The Customer
The City of Greeley, located in Colorado, serves a population of approximately 96,539 residents. The city operates within a semi-arid climate, receiving an average of 12-14 inches of precipitation annually. Greeley's Water & Sewer Department is responsible for managing the city's water resources, which include 500 miles of pipeline. The department serves around 21,000 accounts, providing essential water services to the community. In response to the drought of 2002, the department, led by Water Conservation Coordinator Ruth Quade, sought innovative solutions to enhance water conservation efforts. The department's primary goal was to stimulate greater awareness and action among ratepayers regarding water usage and conservation. To achieve this, Greeley implemented a water budget system, aiming to balance community acceptance with effective demand management. The department's efforts were further supported by a partnership with WaterSmart Software, which provided advanced analytics and communication tools to improve water-use efficiency and customer engagement.
The Challenge
The City of Greeley, Colorado, faced a significant challenge in effectively communicating water efficiency to its residents. With a semi-arid climate and limited annual precipitation, the city needed to implement a water budget system to promote conservation among ratepayers. However, setting these budgets was complex, involving logistical and political considerations. The city council was hesitant to impose strict budgets, aiming to target only the least efficient users. The proposed solution was to base budgets on an increased average household size, which would impact only those significantly exceeding their water budgets. Despite these efforts, the initial communication of water budgets through utility bills proved ineffective, as many residents did not read or understand the information provided.
The Solution
To address the communication challenges, Greeley partnered with WaterSmart Software in 2013. WaterSmart provided a cloud-based platform that enhanced the communication of water consumption and budgets to residents. The solution involved presenting water budget information through Home Water Reports, which were separate from the traditional water bills. These reports were designed to be easy-to-read and visually appealing, increasing the likelihood of customer engagement. Additionally, electronic billing customers received these reports, ensuring broader reach. WaterSmart's technology also served as an analytical tool, refining data accuracy and improving water-use efficiency. The Utility Analytics Dashboard revealed discrepancies in the initial budget assumptions, leading to adjustments in occupancy estimates and more relevant messaging. This refined approach emphasized outdoor irrigation during summer, aligning with actual water usage patterns. The collaboration with WaterSmart enabled Greeley to make data-driven decisions, resulting in improved conservation performance and customer responsiveness.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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