Strict water restrictions are now in effect in Colorado, watering your lawn and outdoor plants is now limited to three hours twice a week.
The decision came last week after the Colorado Springs City Council passed the water shortage ordinance. Water restrictions were recommended by Colorado Springs Utilities, which says if people reduce their watering to two days a week, they’ll get close to the goal of using 30 percent less water between April and October than last year.
This is what you need to know :
It will depend on your address – those ending in odd numbers can water on Tuesday and Saturday; those with even numbers on Sunday and Wednesday.
The time for watering will be from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.
If you don’t comply with the new restrictions you will first get an education letter, then a warning. The third strike will be a fine of up to $500.
There are different restrictions for commercial property and this will not apply to businesses who solely rely on water to survive. Businesses water Monday and Friday.
There will also be exceptions for those living in the Waldo Canyon burn area. They will need to apply for a re-establishment permit and prove significant fire damage.
WHAT CAN YOU DO:
Landscapes can survive using less water. Lawn Pros can help you train landscape plants to use less water and still be healthy and vigorous. Plants and our yards enhance our quality of life. Gardening is an extremely popular and healthy hobby. A beautiful landscape and outdoor water conservation are not mutually exclusive if you learn how to use wisely.
Protect your investment. Most people have a good amount of money invested in their yards. Attractive landscapes translate into the economic value of property in terms of the curb appeal that draws homebuyers, shoppers and other customers. A 5 percent investment in landscaping can raise the value of a home by 15 percent. Don’t depreciate your property values by letting landscape go in a drought.
Design a comprehensive landscape that accounts for water drainage, exposure and soil types.
- Evaluate soil and improve if necessary.
- Group plants according to water needs.
- Water efficiently with a properly designed irrigation system.
- Use mulch to reduce surface evaporation.
No water means dead grass; low water means dormant grass. Kentucky blue grass is one of the most drought resistant plants in the landscape. It can go dormant (i.e., turn brown) in the heat of summer, but don’t worry about a few brown spots. It will return to green in the fall.
Not caring for landscape during drought will devastate our urban forests. Mature trees are virtually irreplaceable and are an important community asset. Denver is considered to be one of the 10 best cities in the U.S. for it urban forest, according to the American Forests. American Forests defined urban forests as “ecosystems of trees and other vegetation in and around communities including yard trees, vegetation within parks and along public rights of way and water systems. Keeping these urban forests alive and well provides communities with environmental, economic and social benefits and habitat for fish and wildlife.
Trees, plant and grass all have major benefits to the environment. Plants create shade, which reduces energy, produces oxygen, and absorbs carbon dioxide. One tree or a 2,500-square foot lawn each release enough oxygen each day to supply a family of four. Trees in cities mitigate rising temperatures by shading hot pavement and cutting energy consumption in buildings. The front lawns of eight houses have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning. Green spaces cleanse our water. When water is allowed to run through landscapes, it typically exits cleaner than when it entered, reduces storm water runoff and keeps pollutants out of ground water. In contrast, impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete simply move water and the pollutants into the storm water system.
If you have any questions or want us to get your lawn ready give us a call today (719) 963-6267.
Some think the news laws a little too strict, what do you think?