The city of Cortez on May 27 announced mandatory and voluntary restrictions on water use, including a required permit for residents who want to water a new lawn between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
City ordinance 1013, approved in 2004, banned non-permitted irrigation watering between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from May 15 through Sept. 15 each year.
Residents who plan to start a new lawn and want to water between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. must get a “New Lawn/Exemption from Watering Restrictions Permit” from the Public Works Department in the City Service Center. The permit costs $25 and allows daily watering for up to 21 days. For more information, call 565-7320.
In addition to the existing water restrictions, Cortez City Council endorsed voluntary water restrictions at their regular meeting May 27.
The following voluntary restrictions were endorsed:
- Watering restrictions will be enforced between April 1 and Oct. 31 every year.
- Watering of yards and gardens is not allowed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Watering days are designated by address. Even-numbered street addresses may water on even-numbered calendar dates; and odd-numbered street addresses on odd-numbered calendar. No watering is allowed on the 31st day of the month.
The city reminded resident to avoid wasting water by:
- Allowing water to escape from any premises onto public property.
- Washing vehicles or other impervious surfaces area with an open hose.
- Operating a permanently installed irrigation system with a broken head or emitter, or with a head that sprays more than 10% of the spray onto a street, parking lot or sidewalk.
- Failing to repair a controllable leak.
Residents are encouraged to conserve water.
- Take quicker showers.
- Don’t let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
- Run full loads of clothes or dishes.
- Repair plumbing leaks and running toilets.
- Use a broom (not a hose) to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Don’t allow hoses to run unattended.
- Report water main leaks to the Public Works Department at 565-7320.
- Water lawns only from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. or from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and only when needed.
- Avoid watering in windy weather.
- Keep grass height at 2½ to 3 inches and leave clippings on the lawn.
- Mow often enough to cut only 25% of the length to prevent shock to grass.
- Xeriscape where possible.
The city’s Water Conservation Plan will guide continuing efforts to use water resources efficiently. To view the plan, visit www.cityofcortez.com/236/Water-Conservation.
