July 9, 2012 - City of Boulder encourages community to remain conscious of water use

Media Contacts:
Jody Jacobson, Public Works, 303-441-3122
Sarah Huntley, Media Relations, 303-441-3155
www.bouldercolorado.gov

City of Boulder encourages community to remain conscious of water use

While recent rainfall has brought some much needed moisture to the area, it is still important for Colorado communities to conserve water. As hot, dry weather is expected to return this week, the City of Boulder is requesting that water customers remain conscious of water use, especially for outdoor irrigation.

Customers are encouraged to limit outdoor water use to a maximum of three days per week, only water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., and adjust watering schedules when it rains.  

Community-wide adoption of more efficient irrigation practices will help preserve Boulder’s valuable water resources. The city will continue to monitor conditions through 2012 and beyond to help assure that water reserves remain adequate to sustain the community in the event of a multi-year drought. 

Boulder water customers are encouraged to continue using water wisely as they have for the past decade. The community’s water conservation efforts have kept water use at least 15 percent below 2000-2001 levels, since the 2002 drought. Boulder’s water budget rate structure provides an ongoing conservation incentive through the use of tiered block rates. Customers can significantly reduce their monthly water bill by staying within their allocated water budget, which is especially important during the outdoor irrigation season.

Outdoor Watering Guidelines
To help customers minimize outdoor water waste, the city recommends the following guidelines:

• Water a maximum of every three days;
• Optimal watering times are early mornings or late evenings, before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., to reduce water evaporation;
• Adjust irrigation system run times to avoid adding water when the soil is already wet;
• Trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens can be watered more effectively with a hand-held hose or drip irrigation system;
• Inspect sprinklers for leaks or breaks and adjust spray heads to water landscapes, not surrounding areas like sidewalks or streets; and
• Sign up for a free residential Slow the Flow sprinkler inspection from the Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) by calling 303-999-3820, ext. 217.

The largest source of outdoor water waste is overwatering. Using too much water actually makes lawns and plants less drought-tolerant because it keeps roots shallow. Less frequent, deep watering (using multiple run times) allows water to soak deep into the soil, helping roots grow longer and more drought-resistant. 

Boulder Water Conservation Fair

To learn more about efficient irrigation techniques, view xeriscape demonstration gardens, and discover other ways to reduce water use, visit the free Boulder Water Conservation Fair on Saturday, July 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at the East Boulder Community Park and Recreation Center, 5660 Sioux Drive.

This family-friendly fair is just one of a variety of events the City of Boulder will host during the month of July to provide the community with opportunities to learn more about water conservation and the importance of water in Colorado. 

For more information about the city’s support for community-wide outdoor water conservation, contact Director of Public Works for Utilities Jeff Arthur at 303-441-4418.

For details about upcoming events and for water conservation rebates, strategies and tips, contact Water Conservation Program Manager Russ Sands at 303-413-7407 or visit www.bouldersaveswater.net.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 10:37