As the National Integrated Drought Information System forecasts drought conditions to persist in Durango and La Plata County, the city is reminding residents to be conscious of their water use.
NIDIS describes the current drought as “severe.” In a Durango City Council study session with Durango Fire Protection District earlier this year, DFPD indicated conditions resemble those of 2002 and 2018 before the Missionary Ridge and 416 fires, respectively, said Laura Rieck, public works spokeswoman.
Durango Water Plant Manager Jason Fast recommended residents refrain from watering their lawns more than twice per week, and to reduce the amount of time spent watering.
“The success of navigating these dry conditions relies heavily on communitywide conservation efforts,” Fast said. “By working together and being mindful of our water usage, we can help protect our water supply and mitigate the risks associated with drought and wildfire.”
The city prohibits the use of irrigation sprinkler systems between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to prevent loss of water to evaporation.
Water use tips
Durango Sustainability Manager Marty Pool said residents should be mindful of their water use habits and consider installing fixtures and equipment that better manage water.
Habits are easy to identify and adjust, he said. Turn the sink off while brushing one’s teeth. Take shorter showers. People don’t need to take those adjustments to the extreme – one can still shower and bathe their children.
Technology upgrades are the real game changers, he said. Faucet aerators, for example, cost only a few dollars and are simple to install with a screwdriver. Low flow shower heads are relatively inexpensive – around $30 to $50 – and are also easy to install.
He recommends residents consider more expensive options, such as high efficiency clothes washers, dishwashers and toilets, when they are already planning major renovations or home improvements.
For renters with concerns about water waste, such as in the case of a leaky faucet, toilet or home appliance, they should contact their landlords, who are obligated to facilitate necessary repairs or upgrades.
Using precise irrigation timers and moisture control systems and limiting lawn and garden watering to mornings and evenings help with outdoor water use management, he said.
Fort Lewis College spokeswoman Nardy Bickel said the college consumes about 69 million gallons of water annually, 68% of which is used for irrigation. The college aims to gradually reduce irrigated turf while increasing irrigation efficiency by decreasing irrigated lawn by one-fourth acre yearly and replacing all sprinkler heads with vacuum-sealed models and upgraded control systems.
Durango Water Plant Manager Jason Fast said residents should check their sprinkler systems periodically to ensure water is not pooling in home gutters or watering the sidewalk when it should be watering the yard or garden.
He also suggested holding off on landscaping plans this year.
“New landscaping does tend to be water-heavy,” he said.
The onus isn’t just on residents to regulate how much water they use, however. High consumption water users, including Fort Lewis College, Hillcrest Golf Club and the city of Durango, are among the city’s largest users.
In a post to the city’s official Facebook page, the city said large commercial water users such as Hillcrest Golf Course and the city itself for parks irrigation are the first entities required to cut water use in the event of a water supply issue.
Fast elaborated in a phone call with the The Durango Herald, saying the city delivers raw water from the Florida River to the golf course, for example.
“The golf course is one of the first ones that we will ask for reductions, and we will actually reduce their water delivery,” he said. “… We actually reduce their water that they have available, and they’re fully aware of it, and they’re very receptive to what our needs are.”
Assistant Parks Director Scott McClain said Parks and Recreation takes its lead on reducing water use from Durango Public Works.
He said the general strategy when the need to conserve water arises is to cut water off to smaller parks and green spaces, such as Riverfront Park and the East Third Avenue parkway, in order to maintain larger and more used parks, such as Smith Sports Complex for community recreation.
Discussions have been held about drought conditions for the summer, but there’s been no direction to limit water usage so far, he said.
If drought becomes severe enough, water would also be turned off to larger parks and the parks would be closed for preservation until conditions improved, he said.
He said the last time water supply was cut to smaller parks and decreased for larger parks was in 2018.
The city’s staged drought response program within its drought plan outlines four stages of drought and water conservation dependent on water levels at Terminal Reservoir in Durango.
Actions differ between city government, residents and commercial organizations in each stage of the program. In stage 1, residents are simply asked to limit water use for activities such as car washing, lawn watering and running water-cooling air conditions.
The city limits the washing of city-owned vehicles, prohibits city turf irrigation between Sept. 30 and May 1, turns off ornamental and drinking fountains in city parks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and minimizes power washing and spraying activities. Starting in phase 2, all city water fountains in city parks and city buildings are to remain off.
On the commercial side, restaurants are asked to only serve water to customers when water is requested; hotels are asked to limit the washing of linens and to promote conservation; car dealerships are required to handwash vehicles with shut-off nuzzles; and bulk and construction water should be reserved, according to the drought plan.
In stage 3, the city will implement water restrictions with fines for violations, prohibit the washing of city vehicles, and cease all city watering, irrigation and washing activities.
By stage 4, water use for the city, residents and commercial organizations is severely restricted.
Fast said it doesn’t appear like water restrictions will be necessary at this time, but he doesn’t have a crystal ball. That’s why conserving water now through mindful water use is important.
cburney@durangoherald.com
