Colorado Springs City Council Approves Water Restrictions for 2013

Last night, Colorado Springs city council voted 7-1 to approve Stage II B watering restrictions that limit residents to water 2 days a week starting April 1st. Watering has to be completed between 6 pm and 10 am and must not exceed 3 hours total. Hand watering non-turf areas and drip zones are not limited at this time. City council also approved higher charges for excess usage. The charge will be double the normal rate for usage over 2000 cubic feet of water per month. Residents that need more flexibility in their watering schedule (that cannot water their entire lawn within the 3 hour limit for example) can apply for Alternative Watering Plans that will approve different schedules. Also, residents that still want to plant new sod or seed can apply for an establishment permit that will allow for an increased watering schedule for 28 days. It is important to note that with either of these approved permits the higher charge over 2000 cubic feet of water will still apply. The community water-savings goal for April through October is 30 percent. Achieving this will help rebuild Colorado Springs’ water supply, which could take several years to accomplish.

The important thing to remember is that grass can survive on 2 days of water! Your lawn will not die!! It will simply not be the emerald green that some of you pride yourselves on having each summer. When grass turns yellow, it is dormant, not dead. It will green up when temperatures drop in the fall. There are also many things you can do that help ensure the water you use is applied and absorbed efficiently. Aeration increased the ability of the turf to absorb water and increases air flow to the roots. Also decreases the amount of run off. We recommend aeration in both the spring and the fall. A good fertilization and weed program can also increase the strength and health of your turf and increase its survivability in drought conditions.

Over the next few weeks, we will be posting other tips and tricks to help reduce your water usage and be efficient with what you choose to use! Feel free to call or email us at any time with specific questions. We are here to help!

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