City of Boulder Enters Drought Watch

Record hot and dry weather is impacting water supplies across the region. Based on the current conditions, the City of Boulder is entering a Drought Watch and is asking for voluntary reductions in water use.

Taking thoughtful and timely action now can help preserve our community's water supply if dry conditions continue. Important actions community members can take at this time include waiting to turn on automatic sprinkler systems to water lawns, planning a waterwise yard and using water efficiently indoors.

Wait to water lawns

Lawns and grassy areas that aren't heavily used can remain dormant, or "asleep," until May and don't need to be watered, even when it is unseasonably warm. Customers can save water and money by waiting until May to turn on automatic sprinkler systems for these areas.

Care for trees

Prioritizing outdoor water use for trees is important to keep them healthy during dry conditions. Water trees by hand or with a soaker hose while sprinkler systems are off. Use mulch appropriately to hold water in the soil. Properly placed and maintained trees are an asset to the environment and our community and are critical to mitigating climate change. More tips for caring for trees can be found on the Tree Planting, Care and Watering webpage.

Plan a waterwise yard

A waterwise yard is designed to conserve water, reduce maintenance and thrive in drier climates. Several conservation programs are available to customers through the city's partnership with Resource Central, including free Slow the Flowsprinkler audits, the lawn replacement program, Waterwise Yard Seminarsand more.

Indoor water savings tips

There are many simple ways to reduce your water useinside. Take a shorter shower, turn off the tap while brushing teeth and fix leaky toilets.

Our approach to shared spaces

Shared green spaces such as parks and athletic fields provide important health, well-being, recreation and community benefits, especially for community members without access to private yards. While conservation remains a priority, community members may see city crews watering public trees and sprinklers operating in high-use public green spaces where turf grass would otherwise be damaged. The city will use efficient irrigation practices, such as watering after 6 p.m. and before 10 a.m.; however, sprinklers may occasionally be turned on during regular business hours for irrigation maintenance, water audits and system checks to ensure the systems use water efficiently. The city is also expanding the use of waterwise plants in public green spaces.

What's next for Boulder?

While the city has a reliable water supply, entering a Drought Watch recognizes and responds to current conditions that make it increasingly important to conserve water. The city is closely tracking snowpack, streamflow and water supply projections. This information will help the city assess conditions in accordance with the Drought Planand determine on or by May 1 whether additional water use restrictions are needed. While mandatory watering restrictions are an option, the city believes voluntary action can achieve meaningful water savings through the community's shared commitment to resource conservation and environmental stewardship. The city may adjust its approach and will continue to provide updates as drought conditions evolve.

More tips for conserving water can be found on the Water Conservation webpage. Using water in accordance with customer water budgets can save water and money; more information may be found on the Water Budgets webpage.