Drought Watch and Water Conservation
Stage 1 Drought
The objective of water use restrictions during stage 1 is a ten percent (10%) reduction in treated water use; ten percent (10%) reduction in pressurized raw water use; and, ten percent (10%) reduction in non-pressurized raw water use. Voluntary conservation is encouraged. Additional measures may also be applied:
- An odd-even schedule may be in effect on a voluntary basis. An "odd-even" schedule means that addresses ending in odd numbers and addresses ending in even numbers will water on alternate days, with odd numbers only irrigating on odd-numbered days and even numbers only irrigating on even-numbered days.
Stage 2 Drought
The US Drought Monitor declares Extreme and Severe Drought Conditions with local streams running at 40-70% of median flows. During these times, the City of Aspen moves into a Stage 2 Water Shortage in an effort to conserve water communitywide. As our water supply is solely from local streams, we must all work together to conserve this precious resource. The objective of water conservation measures during Stage Two is a 10-15% water use reduction systemwide and a 15-25% water reduction in outdoor use.
During Stage 2 Water Shortages, restrict your water usage by:
- Only water lawns, gardens, trees, etc. from 5 pm till 9 am (except from a hand-held hose or container or drip irrigation system)
- Water outdoors (lawns, gardens, etc.) every other day on an odd-even schedule aligning with your address.
- Skip washing sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios and other paved areas. Washing for sanitary purposes should take place 5 pm to 9 am.
For more ways to conserve water during stage 2 Water Shortages, visit City of Aspen's Drought Watch.
Water Saving Tips
- Turn off the water while you brush your teeth
- Shorten your shower by a minute or two and save up to 150 gallons per month
- Wash dark clothes in cold water
- Water your lawn in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation