Frequently Asked Questions
Watering Restrictions - Frequently Asked Questions
What days and times can I water my lawn?
1) Lawn-watering is permitted during two designated days a week beginning Wednesday, April 23, 2003, according to the following schedule:
Customers | Watering Days |
Residential even numbered address (single family and duplexes) | Sunday and Thursday |
Residential odd numbered address (single family and duplexes) | Wednesday and Saturday |
Non-residential (commercial, multifamily, HOA, other) | Tuesday and Friday |
2) No lawn watering on Monday (by permit only)
3) No lawn watering between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. If your watering day is Sunday, you may begin watering at 7:00 pm (19:00 hours) and continue watering through 7:00 am (07:00 hours) Monday morning.
When did the lawn watering schedule go into effect?
The current lawn-watering schedule went into effect Wednesday, April 23, 2003.
What are the penalties for violating the water restrictions?
The assessment for single family, duplex or multifamily water taps for the first violation in a 12-month period is a written warning, the second violation in a 12-month period is a $100 fine, the second violation in a 12-month period is a $200 fine, the fourth and all subsequent violations are $400 each along with the installation of a flow restrictor by the Public Works Department. Assessments will appear on your next regular utility bill.
How are the watering restrictions going to be enforced?
The Town of Erie Code Enforcement Division in conjunction with Public Works will be documenting all watering violations. The Finance Department will be notified of violations and assessments. If you want to report a water violation, call Code Enforcement at 303-926-2800.
I live outside the Town limits. Am I supposed to follow the lawn-watering restrictions?
If you receive water service from the Town of Erie, you must comply with the restrictions.
I live in a mobile home park. Should I use the park address or my space number to determine my watering days?
Mobile home park residents should use their physical address number rather the space number of the mobile home park.
May I hand water more frequently than two days a week?
Yes. Watering flowers, trees, shrubs, gardens and dry spots in lawns with a hand-held hose or a watering can is permitted as needed as long as water waste is not occurring. The hose must be fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
If it rains on my scheduled day, can I water on a different day?
No.
I can't program my irrigation clock to water on specific days. Can I get an exemption to use a different schedule?
No. Check the manual for your irrigation controller. Many controllers default to an every two, three or four days, but have customized options or program options A, B, C that allow you to program specific days. You also have the option of setting your clock for one day a week and operating it manually the other day. You may also consider purchasing a new controller.
How long should I set the run times on my sprinkler?
There are currently no restrictions on run times. Every lawn and sprinkler system is different. We recommend not exceeding 20 minutes per irrigation zone for spray heads or 30 minutes per irrigation zone for rotor heads. Multiple start times (or cycle irrigation) are also recommended to reduce runoff and encourage deep root growth.
I just planted a new lawn. Can I get an exemption from the watering restrictions?
Yes. Permits will be issued for daily watering for new lawns. To get an application, call the Public Works Department at 303-926-2880. All exemptions must be posted in a location visible from the street.
Can I fill my hot tub or swimming pool?
Yes. Hot tubs are not included in the ordinance; swimming pools are not restricted at Action Level 1. Please keep hot tubs covered when not in use to reduce the evaporation.
I irrigate with well water. Do I need to follow the lawn-watering schedule?
No. The lawn watering restrictions apply to treated water supplied by the Town of Erie. If you irrigate with ditch or well water, you must post a sign in a location visible from the street.
I work the night shift and need to water during the day. Can I get a special permit?
No. There are no exceptions to the watering hours. Watering during the heat of the day wastes a large amount of water to evaporation. You can purchase an inexpensive, battery-run hose-end timer that will let you run your sprinkler during the allotted times.
I'm leaving on vacation and don't want to get a ticket while I'm gone. Can I get an exemption?
No. If you have a programmable system, set the irrigation clock to water two days each week according to the watering day schedule for your address. If the above recommendation will not work while you are gone, adjust the irrigation clock to only water on one of the scheduled days. Or, turn off the irrigation clock and ask a neighbor to manually operate the system according to the adopted restrictions.
Can I wash my car?
Yes. But, don't let the hose run. Instead, equip the hose with an automatic shut-off device so once you wet the car thoroughly, you will not be wasting water while you swab the car with soapy water from a bucket.
What is considered wasting water?
Wasting water is the use of water which results in water being utilized in a wasteful or inefficient manner, and serving no beneficial use. Water waste includes allowing water intended for irrigation to collect in one place or to run off onto streets and sidewalks or into drainage facilities; failure to shut off or repair a leaking irrigation system within 24 hours; letting water run unrestricted from a hose or faucet to drainage.
What are other communities doing?
Every community is responding to their own water needs.
Is the Vista Ridge Golf Course using potable water for irrigation?
No. Only untreated, non-potable water is used for irrigation of the golf course.
Does the watering restriction apply to parks, schools, and Home Owner Associations (HOAs)?
Yes. All Town-maintained facilities, parks, and schools are allowed to water on Sunday and Thursday while HOAs are allowed to water on Tuesday and Friday (unless other arrangements have been approved through an administrative review).
What is gray water?
Gray water is recycled, reusable water. This includes water you reclaim from washing dishes, rinsing laundry, capturing from the shower, cooking, etc.
I saw on the news that the snowpack basins are better than average. Why are there still restrictions?
The blizzard in March as well as other precipitation has increased the levels of the basins, but due to the previous dry years, the basins are at a certain percentage of average capacity. Overall Colorado is still not out of the drought.
How will I know when the Action Level of the Town’s Water Conservation Program has changed?
The Town sent an informational flyer out with all utility bills during the first week of May to inform residents of the current mandatory restrictions. If there is any change in Action Level, the Town will alert residents through a variety of ways including: Erie Government Television - Channel 16, the Town’s website www.ci.erie.co.us, the Erie Review, the Water Conservation Hotline - 303-926-2894, Erie Edition and additional flyers.
What else can I do to conserve water?
There are a variety of indoor and outdoor water conservation tips listed at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/drought/waterwise.html
