Greeley’s lawn watering season officially began on April 15.
City officials do not anticipate drought restrictions at this time; however, some watering regulations will go into place, and the staff reminds residents to practice restraint. Do not start watering too early. Let plants wake up for spring naturally.
The Greeley Water and Sewer Board determine watering restrictions each spring at the April Water Board Meeting. This year’s meeting was on April 17 where officials made a formal decision. The decision of watering restrictions for an adequate water year or drought year is based on several factors: snowpack, Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) quota, long-term weather projections, and water storage. Based on the information currently available about those factors, the following restrictions have been adopted:
Time of Day Restrictions
For all customers, no lawn watering is allowed between noon and 5 p.m. Watering in the heat of the day is not beneficial and wastes water.
Single-Family Residential Watering
A resolution has been adopted again for the 2019 growing season for single-family residential homes which are on the Water Budget. Under this resolution, the city allows homeowners to choose which days to water rather than following a watering schedule. This flexibility is there to water the lawn with an awareness of rainfall and temperature. More information on the water budget is available at efficiencyrewarded.com.
Multifamily, Businesses, Non-Profits, and More
Anyone not on the water budget must still follow the watering restrictions including multifamily and businesses. Even-numbered multifamily addresses water on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Odd-numbered multifamily addresses water on Monday, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Commercial enterprises, non-profits, and government agencies irrigate lawns on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Water budgets for these groups are in the research, planning and development phases.
You may notice a few sports fields at schools or parks watering early. They have obtained a watering variance to water early due to practice and play on those fields. This practice is essential to decrease sports injuries and make the fields playable.
New Lawn Installation
Anyone installing in a new lawn must still apply to get a lawn watering variance. If you adequately prepare your soil with compost, rototill it in and apply for a variance, you will receive an adequate water budget for the establishment period to water your lawn more frequently. Greeley requires four cubic yards of compost for every 1,000 square feet of sod or seed. These procedures will help ensure that new grass thrives and use less water.
Learn More
Get more information at greeleygov.com/conserve or call the water conservation hotline, 970-336-4134.