The Town of Erie in Weld County has asked all residents to refrain from using sprinklers for the rest of March as there is a shortage of water. The town has threatened to turn off water service to residents and businesses that do not comply. While the whole state has been facing a drought and historically low precipitation during the winter, it is also experiencing warmer than average seasonal temperatures. Residents are using 200,000 to 300,000 more gallons of water per day to water their lawns, which is a 30% increase from the same time last year.
The town said they are “dangerously close to reaching capacity as of March 19” and said they would not have enough water for the community in just a few days if residents continue the same rate of watering. Last week, Governor Jared Polis activated the Drought Task Force in response to the high temperatures and lack of precipitation. 40 countries out of 64 in the state, including Boulder and Weld counties, are experiencing “severe drought.”
The town confirmed that the water restrictions come only as a result of unprecedented sprinkler usage at this time of the year and has nothing to do with population growth. Residents are able to hand irrigate their lawns and plants, but are asked to refrain from using sprinklers. The town has asked households to wait until mid-April to begin irrigation. At the earliest, even numbered addresses can begin irrigation no earlier than April 4 and odd numbered addresses can begin irrigation no earlier than April 6…