Partner Events
Be 'Smart' About Meters
Tuesday, May 1st, 3:00 & 5:30 PM
Ross Aragon Community Center, South Conference Room
451 Hot Springs Blvd.
Pagosa Springs
May 2nd, Fort Lewis College
Home Buyers Class
Regional Housing Alliance (RHA)
Tuesday, May 15th
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Saturday, May 19th
8:30 am -1:00 PM
4CORE will present info on the 21st on how to make improvements and save money on bills.
Call for location and to sign up: 970.259.1418
Green Business Roundtable
From Farm and Ranch to Restaurant - James Ranch to Linda's Local Food Café
May 9th, 12:00 PM
More information here
|
Water Resources for Southwest Colorado
The Water Information Program is a public information program sponsored by the water districts, organizations and agencies in the San Juan and Dolores watersheds of Southwestern Colorado.
Water Assessment for Southwest Colorado
A regional assessment of water conservation efforts.
|
Have You Liked us Yet?
On Facebook, that is...
Find us on Facebook here!
Or, login to your Facebook account and search for 4CORE. Be sure to "like" our page, so you get tips about saving energy, breaking news, and photos.
|
|
Join Our Mailing List!
Energy News you Can Use is published monthly
|
Thank you
to our Partners! 
|
|
|
|
Resource News You Can Use
|
This month our Resource News You Can Use newsletter focuses on our water resources. Whether it is keeping our water sources clean or making sure there is enough to go around, water is a vital resource in our semi-arid region.
The weather is heating up, lawns are getting greener, and some of us are beginning to plant our gardens. We're also getting out our boats and gearing up for river and lake time. The Animas River and other regional watersheds look like they will peak a month earlier than usual. This is significant for river runners and irrigators alike. What is your plan for using water this summer?
Join the ranks of people caring for water quality and quantity. Read on to learn more. |
Did You Know? 
Using Water Wisely
FACT: More water is used in the bathroom than any other place in the home.
ACTION: Turn off the water when you brush your teeth and shave. Install low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucet aerators and you'll save thousands of gallons/liters of water a year. It's a savings that should reduce your water bill by at least $150 per year.
FACT: Today there are many more people using the same amount of water we had 100 years ago.
ACTION: Don't waste water. Use it wisely and cut back wherever you can.
FACT: On average, 50% - 70% of household water is used outdoors for watering lawns and gardens.
ACTION: Make the most of the water you use outdoors by never watering at the hottest times of the day or when it's windy. Turnoff your sprinklers when it's raining. Plant low-water use grasses and shrubs to reduce your lawn watering by 20% - 50%.
More Tips and Potential Action:
- Water your garden or lawn in the evening or early morning.
- Shorten your showers.
- Water for longer with less frequency.
- Incorporate native plants that require less water or xeriscape.
- Fix your leaky faucets (the average house wastes 10,000 gallons per year- enough to fill a swimming pool!)
|
Gov Hickenlooper Declares 2012 The Year of Water
Watch the Video:
The goals of Colorado Water 2012 are to:
- Raise awareness about water as a valuable and limited resource
- Increase support for management and protection of Colorado's water and waterways
 Showcase exemplary models of cooperation and collaboration among Colorado water users- Connect Coloradans to existing and new opportunities to learn about water
- Motivate Coloradans to become proactive participants in Colorado's water future
More information can be found here.
|
Facing Water Facts 
Water use in SW Colorado
Almost 87% of our water use in Colorado goes toward agriculture. The next highest use is 6.7% for municipalities- and that includes your water use at home (Citizen's Guide to Where Your Water Comes From.)
In 2003 and 2004 a landmark study called the Statewide Water Supply Initiative evaluated our water use and predicted regions of the state that would experience shortfalls by 2030 based on growth and use patterns. Our region is expected to have the 3rd largest shortfall in the state (26%), trailing only behind two basins on the front range.
With this in mind, there are local opportunities that exist for you to be involved in.
The River Protection Workgroup is a community-based, collaborative process discussing protection measures for rivers and streams.There are two work groups meeting monthly. One for the Piedra river and it meets in Pagosa Springs. The other is for the Animas and meetings are in Silverton. Click here to learn more!
Local Events
|
HomeRx Makeover Contest
Enter to Win a Free Home Energy Makeover
 Conservation of water and energy go together. It takes energy to treat, pump, and heat water. 4CORE is hosting a HomeRx Makeover contest to launch the Home Performance Prescription Program (HomeRx), which will provide a suite of water and energy-saving services for residents in Southwest Colorado.
Enter to win an energy audit valued at $500, complete with home prescriptions and an hour consultation.
Register to Win a Free Home Energy Makeover Here
Goals of the HomeRx Program:
- Educate and motivate our community toward energy efficient and healthy homes.
- Provide excellence in service and verification of quality work.
- Provide on-going jobs for the sustainable building industry workforce.
For more information or to sponsor this event, contact 4CORE.
|
| Next Brown Bag Lunch:
Rainwater Harvesting Panel
Case Studies from Local Rainwater Collectors
Wednesday, May 16th, 12- 1:15 PM
First National Bank of Colorado, 259 West 9th Street, downstairs in the Training Room
Join us for a free presentation from local residents who have set up rainwater collection systems. A Division of Water representative will help decipher current Colorado law and permitting.
RSVP by email or call Cori at 259-1916 ext 111
Bring a sandwich or lunch. First National Bank of Durango will provide beverages and dessert.
Please park on the street to allow customer use of parking lot.
This free session is a part of 4CORE's Sustainable Building Education Program. Contact Cori to become a program sponsor.
|
|
West Building Energy Star Recognition Party
 Celebrate New ENERGY STAR Status Come and help us celebrate with music, food, and energy saving information! TJ Deora from the Governors Energy Office will be presenting the ENERGY STAR plaque. May 22nd, 4:30 to 6:30 PM West Building at 835 E. 2nd Ave Celebrate their new ENERGY STAR Rating. For more information, contact 4CORE. |
|
As always, if you have any feedback or questions about becoming more energy efficient, please contact us. |
|
|
