Water Conservation

What Level of Water Restrictions Are We In?

Stage 1 Water Restrictions

As many are in the region, Manitou Springs is experiencing low-levels of precipitation as well as high-levels of heat. The best solution towards the sustainability of our water system is a community-wide approach towards decreasing our amount of water used.

Beginning on June 17, 2022, the City of Manitou Springs is moving into Level One Water Restrictions. It is extremely important that all our residents follow these restrictions so we can better conserve our most precious resource.

Level One Restrictions are as follows:

• Outdoor Watering
  • Even numbered properties
    • Water Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
  • Odd numbered properties
    • Water Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
  • Max of two hours per day from 5 AM – 8 AM or 7 PM - 10 PM
  • Only 20 minutes per zone
  • Subject to a minimum fine of $100
• Hand Watering:
  • Allowed at any-time if the hose is equipped with an automatic shutoff valve.
• Drip irrigation:
  • Unrestricted drip irrigation is permitted at any time.

For more information, please visit: Municipal Code 13.28.030

Water Wise

We are always in Water Wise conservation requirements. Being Water Wise does not only save our community money on their utility bills, but it will lead to the conservation of our most precious resource: water. In addition, Water Wise conservation leads to healthier landscapes and more efficient water usage.

The 8 key rules of Water Wise are as follows: 

1. You may water up to three days a week. You choose the days.
2. In warmer weather (May 1-Oct. 15) only water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation.
3. Avoid watering during wind or precipitation events
4. Don't let water pool on hard surfaces or flow down gutters.
5. Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
6. Use a shut-off nozzle when washing anything with a hose.
7. Clean hard surfaces (such as driveways, sidewalks and patios) with water only if there is a public health and safety concerns
8. Watering with a drip irrigation or a hose with a shut-off nozzle are allowed at any time, provided water does not pool on hard surfaces or flow down gutters.

In addition, water usage can be voluntarily reduced by repairing leaking toilets, and by replacing old appliances with more modern and water-friendly appliances. Leak detection tablets and water-friendly showerheads are available for free at City Hall! To learn more, please visit our Showerhead Exchange Program Website.

What Else Can I Do to Conserve Water?

Not only does conserving water save you money on your utility bill, it minimizes the effects of drought, allows our reservoir to be replenished, reduces Manitou Springs' environmental footprint, and positively impacts the health of our local environment - as water is a requirement for all lifeforms.

To go above and beyond being Water Wise, you can follow further basic conservation principles:

1. Always repair leaking faucets and toilets
   1. The average toilet wastes 6,000 gallons of water per month!
2. Install new appliances
   1. New appliances use 20% less water, with the same performance as your old ones.
3. Do not continuously run your water for things like brushing your teeth, shaving, cleaning vegetables, or washing your car.
4. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full.
5. Only water your lawn with 1-inch of water per week.
   1. Over watering your yard can result in shallow compacted root systems that are more susceptible to foot traffic.
6. Install water friendly showerheads and faucet attachments.
   1. We offer free water friendly showerheads for Manitou Springs residents. For more information, please visit our Showerhead Exchange Program Website. 
7. Do not water your lawn when it is windy.
8. Do not over water in anticipation of a shortage - soil cannot store extra water.
9. Recycle water to use on plants.