Water Restrictions || Utilities

Water Shortage Watch in Effect April 29#

The Fort Collins City Manager has issued a Water Shortage Watch (effective April 29) to raise community awareness and lower water demand.

As we enter runoff and thunderstorm season, we’re likely to see sediment and ash from the Cameron Peak Fire flow into the Cache la Poudre River. Because of this, Fort Collins Utilities may experience temporary periods when Poudre River water supplies are unavailable. In these situations, we have the flexibility to rely mainly on water from Horsetooth Reservoir.

These source water limitations, in addition to irrigation demands during what is projected to be a hot and dry summer, have the potential to create a water shortage. Stay updated on the status of our water quality and supply at fcgov.com/water-status.

Why are We Under a Water Shortage Watch?

Together, We Can Make a Difference#

By taking voluntary actions now to reduce water use, Fort Collins residents and businesses can actively help protect our water supplies and lower the chance of mandatory water restrictions if conditions worsen.

The City is doing its part, too, by using irrigation best practices and limiting fleet vehicle washing, street sweeping and hydrant flushing. We also are coordinating with local organizations and other water providers to develop plans for post-wildfire watershed restoration and recovery.

Three Ways to Save#

Water Twice a Week

Rely on spring moisture to water your lawn. Once it starts warming up, limit lawn watering to two days a week.

Water Overnight

When watering lawns, landscapes, and gardens, do so between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to reduce evaporation loss.

Turn Off the Hose

Always use a shutoff nozzle on hoses, including when hand watering and washing cars at home.

Other Ways to Save

Set a goal to use at least 10% less water this summer. If everyone used just 10% less water outdoors, we would save over 200 million gallons in 2021!
Make sure you're watering your lawn wisely.
Use drip irrigation systems to efficiently water plants and trees near the roots, reducing water loss due to evaporation. Many types of efficient irrigation equipment qualify for residential rebates or commercial rebates.
Use dry methods such as sweeping to clean sidewalks and driveways and avoid spraying with water.
Consider turning off fountains and water features this year. Use a shutoff timer on personal recreational water toys and when refilling outdoor swimming pools and save even more water by using a cover on swimming pools and hot tubs when not in use.
Save water indoors, too: limit showers to five minutes, only wash full loads (clothes and dishes), turn off the faucet when not in use (brushing teeth, shaving, etc.), fix leaks and receive rebates when you install qualifying efficient toilets, showerheads, and appliances.
Track your water use and sign up for leak alerts using the MyWater.

Full List of Water-Saving Actions from WSAP

INDOOR USE
Use water-saving best practices, make reductions where possible

LANDSCAPE WATER USE
Regulated Water Use Activities	Voluntary Action (following actions listed under WSAP Action Level I)
Lawn Watering	Target: 0.62 gallons/sq. ft. or 1” per week
Non-Watering Hours	No watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Number of Lawn Watering Days per Week	Limit to two days per week
Sprinkler System Maintenance	Minimize test run times per zone.
Trees	Limit watering to two days per week and not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and by hand, drip system or deep root fork or needle at any time.
Food Production	Limit watering to two days per week and not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and by hand or drip system at any time.
Other Landscapes	Limit watering to two days per week and not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and by hand or drip system at any time.

NON-LANDSCAPE WATER USE
Regulated Water Use Activities	Voluntary Action (following actions listed under WSAP Action Level I)
Residential Vehicle Washing At Home	Must use shutoff nozzle
City of Fort Collins Fleet Vehicle Washing	As needed
Dealership Vehicle Washing	As needed
Spraying Impervious Surfaces	Whenever possible deploy dry methods first.
Dust Control Measures for Dust Generating Activities	Whenever possible, use alternative (non-water) dust control measures, as defined by the City’s Dust Prevention and Control Manual.
Street Sweeping	No more than normal operating schedule and essential street sweeping. Whenever possible, deploy dry methods first.
Hydrant Flushing and Testing	No more than normal operating schedule and critical situations.
Water Features	Turn off water feature
Splash Parks	Operate system to maximize water reuse while maintaining water quality.
Community Outdoor Swimming Pools	Use pool cover and backwash system, if exists.
Individual Outdoor Swimming Pools and Recreational Water Toys	Use pool cover and backwash system, if exists. Limit use by setting a spigot timer on the hose.
Misting Devices	Limit use to only when temperatures are extreme and misted areas are occupied.

*EXCEPTIONS BY PERMIT*
Regulated Water Use Activities	Voluntary Action (following actions listed under WSAP Action Level I)
Residential fines per violation	Not applicable
Business fines per violation	Not applicable

WATER RATE ADJUSTMENTS
Regulated Water Use Activities	Voluntary Action (following actions listed under WSAP Action Level I)
Adjust water rates to encourage additional conservation	No adjustment

Questions?

Water Shortage Action Plan (WSAP)#

The WSAP includes a comprehensive list of tactics and restrictions for customers to implement in the event of a water shortage. The WSAP also includes definitions of shortage levels and guidelines for the City Manager to declare a shortage or restrictions.

Learn More