The town of Mancos has announced water restrictions for the summer, with seasonal watering guidelines already coming into effect May 1. The mandatory outdoor watering restrictions will come into place June 1 as the town shifts from using the Mancos River as its primary water source because of drought conditions.
Instead of the Mancos River, the town will draw from the Jackson Reservoir. The town of Mancos shared that the water production lowers about 25-30% while operational costs rise about 30% when using the reservoir.
Under the restrictions that will come into effect on June 1, outdoor watering is permissible only from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Properties with even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered days, and similarly, odd-numbered properties are permitted to water only on odd-numbered days.
The guidelines that started May 1 ask residents to avoid watering outside between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The town of Mancos shared that the restrictions are enforceable under Section 13-1-330 (c) of the Town of Mancos Municipal Code. First offenses result in a warning, with following violations leading to citations.
Information from Montezuma County noted that 69% of the state was under drought conditions in March. Gov. Jared Polis activated the State Drought Response Plan in Phase 2 on March 16, after the worst reported April snowpack since 1981 in the Colorado River drainage mountains following the warmest recorded Colorado winter.
The county also suggests that residents fix leaky faucets and other appliances that may drip water; plant drought-tolerant landscaping; avoid sprinkler “over spray” onto sidewalks, streets and driveways; and water only essential plants and trees during “peak demand periods.”
bduran@the-journal.com
