The Challenge: Sustaining CO GrowthThe Solution: Developing

Sustainable WaterOLLI Hot Topic – Spring 2015

Friday, May 1, 201511:30 am – 1:30 pm

Presenter: Eric HecoxWater is essential to Colorado’s quality of life and economy and yet, we face a future that is plagued with a significant gap between demand and supply. Within the next few decades, even assuming aggressive conservation and the completion of dozens of water projects currently being considered, we will face a shortfall that could exceed 500,000 acre feet.*

Eric Hecox will discuss the water supply challenges facing the state with a particular focus on the Denver Metro area. We will review the need for and history of water development in Colorado, discuss current challenges, and describe what is being done to address them. He will describe the Colorado Water Plan, what it means for the region, and engage the audience in a discussion of what should be done to ensure the state has a secure and sustainable water future.

Make check payable to OLLI and mail to:OLLI Hot Topics2211 South Josephine St., Denver, Co 80208There are no tickets for this luncheon – your reservation check must be received by April 24. Guests welcome!For more information contact Jenny Fortenberry at Email ollisouth@gmail.com or (720-339-1379).www.universitycollege.du.edu/olli

Lone Tree Arts Center10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, CO 80124

Cost $20 per personCatered gourmet boxed lunches with assorted sandwiches will be served.

*CO Water Plan

ERIC HECOXSouth Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA)

Executive Director

Eric serves as the Executive Director of South Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA). As Executive Director, Eric is responsible for leading SMWSA in its efforts to bring renewable water supplies to the South Metro area. SMWSA’s mission is to foster long-term reliable and affordable water supplies in the South Denver-metro region through water conservation, reuse, renewable water acquisitions, regional renewable water supply projects, funding mechanisms and integrated use of resources. SMWSA is a regional water entity that plans, develops and sources regional renewable water supply projects for its 14 member water providers in Douglas and Arapahoe Counties in Colorado. SMWSA members collective serve about 80% of the population of Douglas County and 10% of Arapahoe County. The area is home to 7 of Colorado’s 9 Fortune 500 companies, produces 30% of Colorado’s earned income, and is home to approximately 300,000 people, which is expected to grow to 550,000 by 2050.

Prior to joining SMWSA in 2012, Eric was the Section Chief of the Water Supply Planning Section at the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). In this capacity, Eric implemented Colorado’s state-wide water supply planning process. He oversaw the analysis of Colorado’s current and future water supply needs and potential projects or methods to meet those needs. He also managed the Interbasin Compact Process and associated Basin Roundtables.

Prior to joining the State, Eric served as a Natural Resource Specialist to the Bureau of Land Management’s National Science and Technology Center under a Presidential Management Fellowship.

Eric received his B.A. in biology from Lawrence University and prior to graduate school was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Zimbabwe. He earned a Masters of Science in Environmental Science in Water Resources and a Masters of Public Affairs from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.