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Drought Watch
Aspen Drought Resource Page
- Water/irrigate lawn and gardens on an odd/even schedule. An “odd-even” schedule means that addresses ending in odd numbers watering on odd numbered days and addresses ending in even number watering on even days.
- Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
- Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
- Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining.
- Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
- Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
- Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
- Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
- Buy fixtures and appliances that are water efficient. You can use less water to get the same job done just as well.
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
What is a Stage One Drought Declaration?
The objective of water use restrictions during this stage is a ten percent (10%) reduction in treated water use; ten percent (10%) reduction in pressurized raw water use; and, ten percent (10%) reduction in non-pressurized raw water use. Voluntary conservation is encouraged during this condition. During the period designated Stage One, the City Council, by resolution, shall adopt one (1) or more of the following additional measures which may be altered by resolution of the City Council during a Stage One condition:
(1) There shall be potable water, pressurized raw water, and non-pressurized raw water lawn watering only to the extent determined permissible by the City Council according to the demands of the particular period in question. If no other specific schedule is adopted by City Council, an odd-even schedule shall be in effect on a voluntary basis. An "odd-even" schedule means that addresses ending in odd numbers and addresses ending in even numbers will water on alternate days, with odd numbers only irrigating on odd-numbered days and even numbers only irrigating on even-numbered days.
(2) Public education materials shall be provided to encourage efficient use of the available water supply.
(3) Public facilities will be directed to implement water use restrictions by administrative order, including: limiting irrigation of public parks and golf courses to an extent greater than the target reduction in overall water use; reducing street washing to minimum level necessary to comply with air quality standards and suspending fire hydrant flushing and testing except when required for completion and acceptance of a newly constructed water system.
(4) Upon declaration of Stage One water shortage, increases in water rates for tiers three (3) and four (4), (Sections 25.16.010 and 25.16.020 and 25.16.021), shall be imposed as mandated by the City of Aspen City Manager up to the maximum rates defined in Section 25.28.040.