Total Lawn-Watering Ban Goes Into Effect For Denver
No Lawn Watering As New Restrictions Begin
POSTED: 9:57 a.m. MDT September 30, 2002
UPDATED: 6:04 p.m. MDT September 30, 2002
DENVER -- Denver water users will no longer be allowed to water their lawns, at least through next spring, beginning Oct. 1.
The total lawn-watering ban is at the top of a list of new mandatory water-conservation measures to help Denver get through the severe drought that still has not ended.
"Don't let the recent weather fool you," said Trina McGuire-Collier, a Denver Water spokeswoman. "Even with the moisture we've seen, we are still in a severe drought until reservoir storage improves dramatically."
The ban on all lawn watering likely will be in effect until the city's reservoirs get back to 70 percent of capacity, McGuire-Collier said. Right now, the average storage volume of reservoirs is 51 percent of capacity. That compares to reservoirs at 89 percent capacity at this time last year.
Local residents can use a drip-watering system to water trees, shrubs and flower beds any day of the week and at any time, under the new guidelines. In addition, vehicles may be washed any day of the week, if a water bucket is used to hold the water and no hose is used.
Denver Water's so-called "sod squad" will work around the clock through October to enforce the new measures, McGruire-Collier said. The drought patrol will issue citations when it finds people ignoring the watering ban.
A first-time offender will receive a written warning, and a second-time offender will receive a $100 fine. Third violation is a $300 fine, and fourth-time offenders will receive a $500 fine and could have a flow restrictor installed on their water lines.
The restrictions also affect any other municipality that gets its water from Denver Water.
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