In the face of a changing climate, shifting populations, and other uncertainties, urban stormwater capture and use can add flexibility and diversity to water supply portfolios. Once seen as a nuisance, stormwater is part of a shifting paradigm that recognizes it as an asset.

The objective of this project is to apply the lessons learned from a stormwater capture and use analysis in Colorado to address these challenges and develop a flexible framework that can be adapted by water utilities and water managers from across the country to meet their specific needs under various regulatory and geographical contexts.  

This report leverages the learnings from the analysis conducted for Colorado and broadens its application so that water managers can employ and adapt these approaches to understand the volumetric and economic potential of urban stormwater capture and rainwater harvesting in their communities. 

The report provides a process and sound approach to support a high-level assessment of stormwater capture and use as a potential source of water supply. Results are included from the following analyses:  

• Assessing and incorporating the role of water rights, policies, and regulations.  

• Estimating the volumetric potential of stormwater available for water supply. 

• Applying an economic analysis and incorporating multiple benefits.  

This framework provides water utilities with a starting point to navigate the sometimes undefined and complex legal landscape around stormwater as a water supply and conduct a high-level assessment of the feasibility of adopting stormwater capture and use projects.  

Diversifying Colorado’s Water Portfolio: The Potential for Stormwater Capture and Use to Contribute to a Water Resilient Future – Pacific Institute