Proposed Water Shortage Response Plan Updates

After more than a year of feedback collection, Fort Collins Utilities has learned a lot from its customers about what water uses they would prioritize during a shortage. Below is the list of proposed changes to be considered by City Council (planned for the March 17 meeting). For reference, the current Water Shortage Response Plan can be found here.

  • Create a voluntary response level (example: a water shortage watch)
  • Create an alternative response level (example: implement when outdoor use restrictions won’t be enough to close the gap)
  • Encourage voluntary indoor water use best practices across all response levels
  • Remove current response level #2 and consolidate current four response levels into three response levels
  • Add an outdoor lawn watering target in each response level
  • Spray irrigation for perennials and annual landscapes and tree watering requirements will be the same as lawn watering requirements. You will no longer be allowed to water daily, unless by hand or drip irrigation
  • Remove 2 hour watering window restriction
  • Align dust suppression with City's Dust Control and Prevention Manual
  • Added street sweeping restrictions
  • Require dry cleaning preparation methods first, when feasible
  • Splash parks will be less restricted than previous requirements
  • Created restrictions for individual recreation water toys and outdoor misting devices
  • Exception permits available for large lawns based on gallons per square foot equivalent for lawns 4 acres or more and City parks and school playing fields
  • Specified different watering allowances for active vs. inactive park spaces and other community areas to ensure athletic playing fields are watered more for safety
  • Require raw water users to register with the City during a water shortage (previously a recommendation only)
  • Change water rates to increase only volumetric charges, not base rates

Comment below or contact "who's listening" directly if you have questions or concerns on the proposed changes.

Categories: water, shortage, response
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