What to do about Water Restrictions

Recently, City Manager Darin Atteberry signed a declaration and order for “mandatory action level IV water restrictions on lawn watering and other outdoor water uses in order to avoid a water shortage due to the ongoing drought conditions, Cameron Peak fire and infrastructure repairs known as the Horsetooth Outlet Project (HOP).” (Click here for more information)

These restrictions are set to begin on October 1, 2020, and are expected to run through the end of November. You might be wondering what this means for your lawn and landscape, so we thought we’d take a quick minute and dig into the details.

  • Impact on Lawn
    • Existing Lawns: Lawn watering for established lawns is prohibited. Fortunately, October and November are typically cooler months with elevated precipitation. Make sure your lawn is deeply watered prior to the restrictions taking effect.
    • New Lawns (Sod or Seed): Water any time of day and any day of the week for a period of time, as defined by the approved permit (apply for a permit here).
  • Impact on Landscape
    • Trees, Shrubs, and Flower Beds: You are allowed to continue watering you non-lawn landscape areas, but only when watering by hand or drip system (including deep-root watering for trees). This is very important, especially for young and newly planted trees, shrubs, & perennials. We typically recommend watering your landscape 1-2 times a month through late fall/early winter, sometimes more if weather is staying above 40 degrees F.
    • Sprinkler Systems: Maintenance is allowed, but effort should be made to minimize test run times per zone. Blowouts are allowed.
    • Food Production: You are allowed to continue watering your food crops, but only when watering by hand or drip system.
    • Water Features: Not allowed. Make sure to properly shut down and winterize your water features to prevent damage from winter freeze/thaw.

Aside from the exception for new lawns, you may also be eligible for a watering exception if you use well/raw water on your property. Click Here to learn more about the exception permitting process

Originally published on September 22nd, 2020. Updated on September 25th, 2020.