The Longmont City Council voted to approve an update to the City’s waste of water ordinance at its April 14 meeting.

Water waste can come from broken sprinkler heads, leaking fixtures, or water running across pavement and adds up fast, especially during dry years. Catching and fixing it early helps stretch Longmont’s water supply.

The City already has tools to help. Newer metering technology can detect continuous water use, including underground leaks, that older systems couldn’t catch. The updated ordinance gives that technology a clearer legal framework, with updated definitions of water waste and a more formal notice process.

Using this technology, staff are notified of potential issues and can begin working proactively with customers to resolve water waste. Notices and fines are only applied if an issue goes unaddressed.

The ordinance will take effect in May.

Longmont’s Water Supply This Season

This comes at a time when the City is watching conditions closely. Reservoir storage is slightly below normal, and snowpack and streamflow in the Saint Vrain Creek Basin – the largest source of Longmont’s water – have both been significantly below average this season.

Water Resources staff briefed City Council on current conditions back in March. That presentation is available at the City’s public meetings portal (Item 6B, Water Supply Status Update at 2:06:45). Longmont is not under water restrictions at this time; however, staff are expected to return to Council on May 12 with a recommendation on next steps under the City’s Water Supply and Water Shortage Implementation Plan.

In the meantime, every drop helps. Conservation tips and updates on Longmont’s water supply can be found at: longmontcolorado.gov/water-conservation.