Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Sprinklers Must Remain OFF

All Town of Erie water users must refrain from using irrigation (sprinkler) systems at this time.

The current winter capacity of the water system cannot handle the extraordinary early use of irrigation. The Town of Erie, like many Front Range communities, does not receive enough raw water in the winter to supply the demand from irrigation systems. Demands are currently approaching 30% higher than usual at this time of year.

To maintain enough water for household, indoor use, and for availability in hydrants for emergencies, the Town will be monitoring for irrigation system use and will turn off water service at the property taps if residents and HOAs/businesses cannot comply with the request to withhold irrigation watering.

For most large HOAs, this will only turn off irrigation water.
For individual households and lots, this would turn water off for the whole household or building.

This is an extraordinary measure for an extremely precarious situation. The Town does not take turning off water taps lightly, we are also expecting windy conditions in the coming days which will increase fire danger.

It is important that all water users in Erie refrain from irrigation system use through the end of March. Users should wait as long as they are able to begin outdoor spring irrigation. At the earliest we ask:

Even numbered addresses: Begin irrigation no earlier than April 4
Odd numbered addresses: Begin irrigation no earlier than April 6

Visit www.erieco.gov/drought for more information. Most residents can monitor their water demands online at www.erieco.gov/SmartMeters.

Potable vs Non-Potable

Potable – or drinkable – water is sent to residential homes for use both indoors and outdoors. This is what comes out of your kitchen sink, the shower, and your sprinkler system.

Raw/non-potable water is sent to Erie-owned parks, the golf course (via Vista Ridge’s private raw water system from Coal Creek and ditches) specifically for use in sprinkler/irrigation systems.

We are asking you to help protect the potable/drinkable water supply by limiting use right now. This water type is what is being limited by winter operations, hydrologic cycles, and for the benefit of sensitive aquatic and other wildlife as part of regular winter season cycles.

The raw/non-potable water comes from treated wastewater effluent (meaning it is water you already used and saw go down the drain). This water still meets strict State regulations and is often stored in our re-use reservoir. This water bypasses another treatment process to go directly out of the sprinklers at our parks and athletic fields.

Are you concerned with sprinkler use in your neighborhood? You can use Erie Submit to let us know about it.