Time limit for irrigating on the allowed watering days is two hours total before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.  For residential turf areas over 12,000 square feet, an additional hour of watering time is allowed in the new plan, and watering criteria per irrigation zone is restricted by sprinkler head type:  15 minutes per zone for pop-up sprinkler heads, 45 minutes for full rotor heads and 30 minutes for half rotor.

As long as the drought continues, Broomfield is committed to watering restrictions in its parks, athletic fields and school athletic fields by requiring a demonstrated 30 percent overall reduction in normal water use. Athletic fields reopened on March 15 after having been closed since January.

Because these amenities are public assets, they are exempt from day and watering time limitations, but irrigation will not take place between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Watering of these assets is allowed as long as waste does not occur.

The three golf courses in Broomfield that irrigate with city water must also demonstrate a 30 percent reduction in normal water use.  These courses are Greenway Park, Interlocken and Broadlands.  They may not water roughs unless the course can verify that its irrigation system is not capable of separating fairway and rough watering. Eagle Golf Course has its own water source and is not subject to restrictions.

Residents who wish to install new seed or sod must do so before June 16 or after Sept. 1.  They must register their intent with Broomfield’s Public Works Department to be exempt from normal water use restrictions and then may water twice each day for a maximum of two hours a day.  This may continue for two weeks after which the regular restrictions go into effect.  Watering must be before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

All water customers may water trees, shrubs and gardens at any time by hand, or via drip irrigation or bubbler systems or soaker hoses.

Residents with existing swimming pools may fill them once, and maintain the water level.  Public, private and home owner association pools can remain open.  However, no building permits will be issued for new swimming pools.  In addition, operation of outside water features like fountains and misting systems is prohibited.  Water features with systems used for aeration purposes to maintain aquatic life or water quality are permitted.

Residents may wash personal vehicles with a bucket at any time.  Use of a hose is prohibited.  Vehicles may also be washed at commercial car washes at any time.  For businesses with fleets and car dealerships, vehicles may be washed no more than once a week.

Water variance permits will be issued only in cases of personal hardship or for religious reasons.

Anyone who violates the restrictions is subject to additional charges on their water bill.  The first violation will result in the issuance of a warning.  After the first violation, graduated surcharges go into effect.  Single family homes and duplexes will face $100, $300, and $500 charges on the second, third and fourth violations respectively.  Each additional violation will garner a $1,000 charge per violation. These charges will be added to monthly bills.

For non-residential properties, homeowner associations, mobile home communities and multi family properties, charges will be $200, $600 and $1,000 for second, third and fourth violations respectively.  Each additional violation will each result in a $2,000 charge. These charges will be added to monthly bills.

The new plan also includes surcharges on water licenses purchased with new building permits, and limits the number of building permits developers can carry over from prior years.  In addition, all new residential construction for which a building permit or certificate of occupancy is issued will be subject to new requirements for installation of landscaping.

In residential lots, before seeding or installation of sod, areas have to be treated with organic amendments incorporated into the soil at the rate of three cubic yards per 1,000 square feet.  Not more than 60 percent of the area to be landscaped can be in turf grass, and irrigation systems must include drip irrigation for trees and shrubs on a separate circuit from the turf irrigation circuits.

The new management plan, at a 30 percent use reduction, aims to have a water balance of 5,791 acre feet at the end of this year. Because of the severity of the drought, restrictions are expected to continue in 2004, and an expected minimum balance at the end of that year is projected at 3,502 acre feet.  Under normal conditions, 2,000 acre-feet of water is the amount projected to be available for year-end 2004.  The additional 1,502 acre feet of water provides a cushion if the drought extends into 2005. Also, the 3,502 acre-feet combined with the base water supply allotment projections for 2005 will provide, at minimum, sufficient water for indoor use and the watering of trees and shrubs.

Broomfield staff continuously monitors the drought situation and is prepared to recommend to the City Council revisions to all restrictions as necessary to insure adequate water for residents.