Residents urged to conserve water

Despite deep snow, dry spring, summer loom

Despite record-breaking snowfall in recent months, much of Boulder and Broomfield counties are still at threat for a dr y spring and summer.

As of late March, dr y conditions covered 100% of the state with 62% of the state in severe, extreme or exceptional drought categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

“The low to average levels of snowpack, coupled with 2020 being a record hot, dr y year with wildfires that affected critical watershed areas, has sent many north metro areas in drought watch, where conditions are closely monitored to make determinations on if water restrictions will be necessar y,” according to a news release issued by north metro water supplies.

Water suppliers across the north metro area, including Boulder, Lafayette, Longmont, Erie, Broomfield and Left Hand Water District, are encouraging customers to save water now to help prevent drought restrictions and to maintain water supply through the summer.

The suggestions provided include:

• Wait to water lawns. Don’t turn the sprinklers on too early in the season.

• Water less frequently.

• Water in the evening, night or early morning.

• When it rains, water accordingly.

• Let grass grow longer before cutting it.

• Water lawns, plants and trees, not roads and sidewalks.

• Fix leaks.

• Plan ahead and plan ef ficiently.

Among the tips provided in the news release is incorporating water-wise plants and turfs when planning landscape renovations or installations. And for those who may have already purchased a waterwise garden, planting early in the morning or evening in May is recommended.

Even without a drought, Stur tz & Copeland, a Boulder-based florist and greenhouse, pushes people toward xeriscaping, a form of landscaping or gardening that requires little irrigation.

“Justin general, Colorado is a desert ,” manager Becca White said. “We really tr y and promote that idea of xeriscape.”

Mikl Brawner, co-owner of Harlequin’s Gardens in north Boulder, agreed.

“This should be our focus in the arid West whether we’re having a drought or whether it’s a wet year ,” he said .“we should learn to be conservative with water, and we should plant plants that are mostly water-thrifty.”

Other tips from White and Brawner include mulching and using native plants. Additionally, Brawner said he frequently recommends mycorrhizal fungi to his customers. The specialized fungi accelerate plant vigor by increasing the surface absorbing area of roots, producing a healthier root system and increasing efficiency in nutrient and water absorption.

Since opening Harlequin’s nearly three decades ago, Brawner said his nurser y has not been on city water supply.

“So that means from the very beginning we had to be very conservative about water usage ,” he said.

Water suppliers across Boulder and Broomfield counties acknowledge that each water system is unique. People are encouraged to check with their water supplier for specific outdoor watering rules or restrictions.