Dry Conditions Persist Despite Heavy Snow Fall in March - City of Longmont
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Dry Conditions Persist Despite Heavy Snow Fall in March

Despite the heavy snow that hit the front range in March, mountain snowpack is still below average, and indicates that stream flow levels could be low in the upcoming season. As of March 23, 2021 dry conditions still cover 100% of the state with 62% in severe, extreme, or exceptional drought categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Information can also be found at https://cwcb.colorado.gov/drought.

Recently, the North Metro area issued a news release detailing community-wide best practices for reducing outdoor water usage. Below, please find additional information about how this affects Longmont along with some local best practices and resources for water conservation. 

FAQs

(Each FAQ will let you jump to a section in the document, skip all the scrolling!)

Drought 101

What does the projected continued hot, dry weather for 2021 mean for Longmont?

Depending on the severity of drought and other factors such as current reservoir water supplies, soil moisture content and temperature, the City will have different responses to drought. Longmont is currently at the sustainable conservation level. At the sustainable conservation level, the City will continue to implement best management practices to conserve water resources. You can learn more on the City’s Water Conservation pages.

When the City is no longer at a sustainable conservation level, staff follows the City of Longmont Water Supply and Drought Management Plan. This plan is reviewed yearly by City staff, Water Board, and City Council.

Why do other communities have different responses to drought?

Each watershed area in the state is unique and Colorado water law dictates how water rights can be used within the state.  Longmont resides within the Saint Vrain watershed area and is fortunate to own several senior water rights in that basin.  As a result, the effect of a state-wide severe drought often impacts Longmont to a lesser extent than it does other communities. Even though it might be extremely dry in southern Colorado, Longmont’s ability to use its water rights are not impacted.  Alternatively, a neighboring community may not have developed its water rights portfolio to the same extent that Longmont has and therefore that community may require more stringent water restrictions than Longmont.  Longmont is fortunate to have a history of City Council and staff that share a long-term vision for the need for water to serve its community and residents who have supported the development of water resources.

This Spring, Longmont will continue to re-evaluate our water supplies and the current state of the drought to determine if any additional action is needed.

Top Ways to Save

The North Metro Suppliers news release highlights some great tips on how to save water. The table below dives into more detail on each of the eight tips with specific links to Longmont resources.

You can also learn more on the City’s Water Conservation pages, by calling 303-651-8416 or viewing these quick one page flyers on how to waterwise your home and business:

 North Metro Supplier Tips
  Longmont Specific Tips

 Wait to water lawns

  • April is too early to go automatic, plan on programming your sprinkler system to start in May or June.
  •  Hand-water trees and plants as needed – trees offer many benefits such as shade and habitat, and are often greatly impacted by drought, make sure to keep an eye out on your tree health and water them when needed.

Here are two additional tips to know how to water the right amount:

  • When you walk in your yard, is there an imprint of your shoe left behind? If so, water your lawn.
  • Do you have mushrooms in your yard? You are watering too much!

 Water less frequently

  • Water twice a week
  • An example of a better watering schedule is setting each zone to water for five minutes then wait an hour, water for five minutes again, wait one more hour then water for a final five minutes.

 Water in the evening, night or early morning 

  • Watering landscapes in the early morning or at night will help reduce water loss.

City of Longmont recommends watering between 6 pm and 10 am.

 When it rains, water accordingly.

  • Watch the weather and adjust watering days and times accordingly.

Visit bit.ly/water-rebates for information on rebates for:

  • Wi-Fi irrigation controllers
  • Rain Sensors
  • MP Rotator Sprinkler Head Nozzels

 Let grass grow longer before cutting it.

  • Raise lawn mower blades and protect lawns from heat by letting grass grow longer (3-3.5”).
  • A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so your lawn requires less water.

Another way to help your grass stay healthy is to aerate your yard once per year. This helps water infiltrate into our clay soils.

Water lawns, plants and trees – not roads and sidewalks.

  • Irrigation Assessment
  • Sweep driveways and sidewalks with a broom – but please not down the storm drain or into the street gutter.
  • Hand-watering, deep root watering, or drip irrigation for trees, shrubs, bushes, perennial beds, annual flowers and vegetable gardens.
  • Always use a shut-off nozzle on your hose when watering plants.

Free Slow the Flow Irrigation Assessment:

 Fix Leaks.

  • Check your sprinkler system monthly for broken sprinkler heads and damaged irrigation lines. 
  • Hire a professional to conduct a sprinkler assessment.

EPA’s Fix a Leak Webpage is a great resource for identifying leaks:

www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week

 Plan ahead and plan efficiently.

  • If possible, delay new lawn installations for non-drought year and avoid planting during the mid-summer heat.
  • Incorporate water-wise plants and turf when planning landscape renovations or installations.

Did you purchase a Resource Central Garden in a Box?

  • Plant in the early morning or evening in May or early June.

 

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