The drought continues and so do Broomfield’s
voluntary watering restrictions

Most Front Range cities rely on runoff from mountain snow pack for their water supplies. March and April typically produce the greatest amount of snow pack on both the east and west slopes of the mountains. The depth and moisture content of the snow pack determines whether or not the drought continues.   

This spring, the snow pack was favorable, but because Colorado has received less than 50 percent of its average annual rainfall in June, the drought continues.  

The unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of rain in May and June caused much of the snow pack to evaporate instead of melting and filling the rivers that feed the storage reservoirs.  

Broomfield receives its water supply from two primary sources: the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District’s (NCWCD) Colorado-Big Thompson water system and the Denver Water system. Although the 2006 water storage and supply is still promising for Broomfield, the city is reminding residents to comply with its voluntary water conservation program until the drought is truly over.  

In Broomfield, the community goal of the voluntary program is to reduce outside water use by 10 percent.  Outside watering reductions are targeted because over 80 percent of the water used in the summer months is for outside uses, primarily lawn watering.  

An easy guideline to help achieve this goal includes watering lawns only when necessary.  Then, when it becomes necessary to water, set each lawn area or sprinkler zone for a maximum of approximately 45 minutes per week. For example water each zone for 15 minutes three times per week, or 12 minutes four times a week.  This amounts to about one inch of water each week, which is enough to keep the grass in a healthy, but not necessarily lush green, condition. In addition to timing the watering zones, do not water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to avoid evaporative loss during the heat of the day.  

Shade provided by trees and shrubs is beneficial in a drought. It keeps soil temperatures down and lowers evaporation rates.  Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is allowed at anytime.  Use a garden hose, watering can, drip irrigation system, soaker hose or deep root feeder to conserve water. Planting trees and shrubs is recommended in the spring or fall. All of Broomfield’s customers are encouraged to water trees and shrubs as needed. Trees and shrubs in Broomfield’s parks will also be watered as needed. 

If installing new seed or sod, drought tolerant grasses are recommended. Spring or fall planting is recommended to provide the best conditions to establish a new lawn.  Watering is permitted within the 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. “irrigation window,” again to avoid evaporative loss during the heat of the day.

If the summer months turn hot and dry, new turf installed this spring or in the fall of 2005 may need supplemental irrigation until roots are deeply established.  

Water features including fountains, ponds, etc., may be operated without restriction. 

While not an irrigation issue, washing vehicles and “hardscape” areas, like patios, driveways, sidewalks and buildings, is a water issue. Wash vehicles only when necessary and no more than once a week. Hardscape areas with impervious surfaces (patios, driveways, sidewalks and buildings) may be washed if needed.  Use water conservatively. Sweeping with a broom is preferred.  

These guidelines are voluntary at this time. Broomfield has implemented these guidelines in its city parks and facilities.  City staff will continue to monitor water supply and demand through the season.  If the voluntary program goal of 10 percent water savings is met, mandatory measures will not be needed.  As always, Broomfield will be enforcing its "Misuse of Treated Water" Ordinance, and fining anyone whose excess application of water results in a flow exceeding five gallons per minute leaving the property.

Interested residents can stop by the City and County Building to pick up a free Home Water Conservation Kit. It contains water saving devices for inside the home and instructions for a personal home water audit. Broomfield’s Web page also has lists of conservation tips compiled for home and business use. Just following these simple tips can save thousands of gallons every year in every household and/or business. 

Residents can help by calling the Water Hotline at 303-438-6210 to report misdirected or malfunctioning sprinkler heads in city parks.  The Hotline also has up-to-date information and a voicemail box to leave questions and/or any requests for additional information.