Are hoses allowed for watering landscape? 

Yes, but all hoses must have automatic shutoff nozzles. 

Can I wash my car at home? 

Personal vehicles may be washed at any time of any day, but only if a bucket or a hose with a shut-off nozzle is used; and while being washed the vehicle is pulled onto a lawn area. (That is, personal vehicle washing is not permitted in driveways). 

Can I wash my driveway or parking area? 

No. Parking lots and driveways may not be washed or otherwise cleaned using water from the Water System. Permitted options to clean parking lots include only sweeping, shoveling, and the use of mini-sweepers. 

Are there any exceptions to the outdoor watering restrictions?

Yes, see below:

• Flowers, plants, lawns, gardens, landscaping or other vegetation may be watered any time of any day by drip irrigation or by hand utilizing a watering can or a hose with a shut-off nozzle.
•  New landscaping and lawns planted within the last two years are also exempted from the Stage 2 water restrictions.
• The Town will continue to water and maintain high-use functional turf areas for public use and benefit as needed.  

Will the Town be reducing its own water use?

Yes. Town departments are implementing extensive water-saving practices including leak repair, recycled water use, and reduced irrigation.

What is the Town doing to conserve water?

The Town has numerous initiatives to conserve water beyond the restrictions. These include but are not limited to:

• Utilizing recycled water for flowers
• Utilizing a catchment system to collect/reuse water from flower baskets
• Washing Town vehicles only as needed for safety/maintenance
• Catching water for reuse during the required annual hydrant flushing
• Using new water meters to track/fix leaks within Town buildings and irrigation systems
• Fixing water distribution leaks
• Utilizing irrigation controls and adjusting for weather
• Instead of flushing out corners/dirty areas in parking lots, Streets staff will complete this work by hand (brooms, shovels, blowers.)
• Using only street sweeper water for SH9 roundabouts/medians and highway maintenance operations
• Golf course prioritizing maintaining the most critical playing surfaces, greens and tees
• Delaying the start of irrigation until June 1^st
• Irrigation Technicians and Parks Management team are QWEL certified

Yes, at this time we will continue maintaining the annual flowers throughout the town. The  hand watered baskets and planters maintained by our Park Division will be using recycled water as well as a catchment system to limit water loss and waste.

What is WaterSmart and how does the WaterSmart program help residents and businesses?

WaterSmart provides hourly usage, leak alerts, and identifies unusual use. Additionally, WaterSmart provides customized recommendations for your home or business to save money and conserve water. You just need your customer number from your water bill to login and start learning/ saving.  WaterSmart Program | WaterSmart Program | AccountLookup

Can landscapers access a property’s WaterSmart information?

Yes. Property owners can add landscapers to the WaterSmart portal. The property owner just needs to add them as a user to the portal.

Are there local programs and resources to help with water conservation? 

Yes! Check out HC3’s website to learn about what they offer including the Water Smart Lawn program which can assist with lawn assessments, irrigation upgrade guidance, rebates, and workshops. Main Home - High Country Conservation Center

What do you recommend to help residents and businesses save water?

Install weather-based controllers, conduct irrigation audits, use drought-tolerant landscaping, and adopt conservation programs.  Main Home - High Country Conservation Center

Based on our data the top irrigators are all community HOA’s. Ask your HOA what they’re doing to reduce water use and how they can use WaterSmart to identify areas for conservation.

Public Works Water Administration: 970-453-3370

PWAdmin@townofbreckenridge.com