Water Restrictions are Coming: 10 Steps You Can Take Now

This time of year, prairie winecups produce hundreds of seeds. Harvest and scatter them now if you want more of these drought-tolerant beauties in your yard next spring.

On October 1, 2020, water restrictions will go into effect for customers of the  City of Fort Collins Water District.  This means residents won’t be allowed to water their lawns, wash their cars, spray their sidewalks and patios, or use water features, misting devices, and water toys.  Residents can, however, water trees, food crops and non-lawn parts of their landscapes by hand or drip systems.

City officials are concerned about a potential water shortage because of our drought conditions, the 6-weeks-and-counting Cameron Peak fire, and a Horsetooth Reservoir maintenance project.

So it’s more important than ever to conserve water.

Of course, you can set up drip systems and rainwater-harvesting devices.  But what are some actions you can easily take right here, right now to save water?

1. Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, your plants won’t need as much watering. Group plants together based on similar water needs.  Right now, many drought-tolerant plants are producing seed.  Harvest that seed and spread it so baby plants will emerge next spring.
2. Avoid throwing fruit and vegetable scraps down your garbage disposal.  Put them in the garbage or, better yet, a compost pile.
3. Place mulch around trees and plants 2-3 inches deep to retain moisture in the soil.
4. Raise your mower blade as high as it will go. Higher mowing enables grass to conserve moisture and encourages grass roots to grow deeper.
   

   Use a water-filled jug or bottle to displace water that would otherwise be used to fill the toilet tank each time you flush.

5. Indoors, take short showers instead of baths.
6. In bathrooms, stick a water-filled plastic jug or bottle in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water needed to fill the tank after each flush.
7. Keep a bucket in your shower stall to catch stray water for watering outdoor plants.
8. Don’t let water run while brushing your teeth or washing your face.
9. When hand-washing dishes, use two large containers—one with soapy water for washing and one with clear water for rinsing.
10. Clean fruits and veggies in a water-filled bowl instead of running tap water.

These easy steps are just a few ways you can contribute to Fort Collins’ efforts to avoid a water shortage.  For more information about the city’s water use restrictions, visit Fort Collins’ utilities website.