Summertime has arrived, and with that comes mandatory watering restrictions in the city of Cortez.

Ordinance No. 1013, established in 2004, restricts the watering of lawns between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from May 15 to Sept. 15 each year.

According to the Cortez Public Works Water Restrictions page on the city of Cortez’s website, the ordinance was put in place to “reduce water usage in the area and avoid water shortages” in times of drought.

Violation of this ordinance could result in water being shut off and a reconnect fee would have to be paid. Warnings are issued for first offenses.

A New Lawn Permit can be obtained if a new lawn installation requires watering during the restricted times. The permit costs $25, and “will be valid for 21 days for newly seeded lawns and 15 days for sod,” according to the Public Works online page.

The website also gives recommended alternatives to Kentucky bluegrass, including “fescues, wheat grasses, and blue Grama,” which require less water, making it easier to maintain lawns throughout the summer.

There are further steps citizens can take to save water. According to Resolution No. 16 established in 2021, voluntary water restrictions include not watering during the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting April 1 and ending Oct. 31.

“Properties having an even street address may water on even calendar days and properties having an odd street address may water on odd calendar days,” the resolution states. Watering on the 31st of any month is prohibited.