CNGA LooseLeaf April/May19

9 LooseLeaf  April/May 2019 colorad o nga.org The Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association is thankful to many water providers for giving us the following insights into this year’s water situation in Colorado and NewMexico. Since we could not fit more locations into this article, we hope this information is helpful no matter where you are in our two states. Here are the forecasts (based on information as of our print deadline of March 1). A R O U N D U P O F Water Forecasts FO R S UMME R 2 0 1 9 For the Denver Area, A Cautious Forecast for Summer Watering Season By Cathy Proctor, Senior Communications Specialist, Denver Water Just as in the game of life, Colorado’s weather and drought outlook can change swiftly, like a roll of the dice. That’s why Denver Water’s drought response committee held its first meeting of 2019 in mid-January—in the depths of a snowy winter—to review snowpack levels, weather forecasts, and participate in an annual training exercise. At midwinter, snowpack was rebounding across Colorado after a drier year in 2018, especially in the southwestern part of the state. But Denver Water forecasters were cautious, waiting to see what late winter and spring weather brings in terms of precipitation before speaking with any certainty about summer water supplies. Even a strong water year could come with caveats. Low soil moisture and an early spring warmup are two factors that could reduce the amount of snowmelt that runs off into streams and fills reservoirs. For Denver Water customers, landscape irrigation rules are in place regardless of hydrological conditions, and have been since 2005, as part of the utility’s effort to make efficient irrigation practices a habit. Customers must limit lawn watering to no more than three days per week, and not water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. or when it is raining. Our drought and supply experts require additional watering restrictions if conditions warrant. Denver Water customers have responded well to the standard summertime watering rules. • Despite historically hot temperatures during the summer of 2018, our customers used at least 20 percent less water compared to similarly hot, dry stretches in past years. • They’ve done so by installing high- efficiency fixtures, water-smart landscaping and following our summer watering rules. • People looking to improve water usage can check Denver Water’s website for efficiency tips and rebates. “Through training exercises like the one in January,” said Jason Finehout, Denver Water’s drought preparedness coordinator, “Denver Water continues to prepare for all scenarios so that we can expertly manage and supply an essential natural resource to sustain our vibrant community—because water connects us all.” Photo courtesy of Denver Water