To ensure adequate water during drought conditions Council may consider water restrictions on an annual basis. If necessary Council may adopt various stages of water restrictions.  Restrictions would be announced in the paper, in the City Newsletter and on local radio stations.  Stage 1 restrictions means all outside watering is limited to 3 days per week. Those with even numbered street addresses shall only water on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Those with odd numbered addresses shall only water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Watering shall be done before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on your designated days. Planting a new lawn will require a permit from the City for increased watering on a temporary basis. Personal vehicles may only be washed during these designated days. Washing sidewalks, patios and driveways with a hose is prohibited. Leaking irrigation systems must be shut off within one hour.

To further emphasize the value of water and the seriousness of the drought, an additional $0.25 surcharge would temporarily be added to the overage charge. Therefore consumers will pay a total of $0.85 for every 1,000 gallons of water used over the 5,000 gallons allotted per month.

Initially, warnings will be issued to violators. If warnings are not respected, fines begin at $50 and increase to $300. If the fines are not effective, a water flow restrictor will be placed on the violator’s system or the water service discontinued altogether. However, it is our sincere hope that citizens will follow these conservation measures, not because of penalty, but because they recognize water is vital to the health of our community.

Since we live in a semi-arid region it should not be surprising that droughts periodically hit Colorado. Regardless of whether restrictions are put in place the City Council asks folks to voluntarily cut back on water usage.  Nearly 70% of summer household water use goes toward the lawn and garden. Now the drought is even more serious and we all need to shift our expectations.

Grass for instance, can survive even if it’s not lush and green. A change to grayish-blue color or noticing footprints hours after you’ve walked there are signs that your lawn needs water. Reducing fertilizer and irrigation actually helps the lawn become more drought-hardy. When mowing make sure the blade is sharp and avoid cutting shorter than 2 ½ to 3 inches.

Kentucky bluegrass will go dormant without water. Water during the spring and keep weeds under control so they don’t steal moisture. When it greens up, begin withholding water. It will turn brown like wheat at harvest. Around Labor Day, water the grass and fertilize to prepare for winter.

Buffalo grass and other drought tolerant species can get by with minimal water and still look green.

On a long-term note, xeriscaping is an excellent option to create an appealing landscape using drought tolerant plants. For your viewing the City has developed xeriscape areas at 318 Hospital Road, and planters between the fire station and the Grocery Kart. Another development is underway at Doty Pond. Take a look – we’re not just talking about rock and cactus here. For more ideas check out these websites:

• www.ncwcd.org

• www.xeriscape.org
  
• www.ext.colostate.edu/psel

Through it all, don’t ignore watering trees. After all we are a Tree City USA and trees help cool, especially in a drought. Allow water to soak deeply into the soil around the tree’s drip line.