We have reached “Level D” from our water use management as defined in Rawlins Municipal Code 13.10. However, with the pretreatment plant and good runoff from the springs, our water restrictions initially allow watering of turf three times a week for all households and businesses. These will go into effect on Monday, May 22nd to allow time for adequate notice to the community.
This year restrictions will be reevaluated each week. There is a possibility that restrictions will change throughout the summer, especially as the temperature increases and flows decrease from the springs.
Restrictions:
- Residences and businesses may water their lawns three times per week – only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only between the hours of 4 to 10 am and 6 to 10 pm.
- Trees, bushes, gardens, etc., may be watered any day of the week as needed using a manually operated hose with an automatic shut-off valve between the hours of 4 to 10 am and 6 to 10 pm.
- Please do not waste water, such as allowing it to run down the street or washing hard surfaces. Washing parking lots, sidewalks or driveways with a hose is prohibited except for construction, safety, and health reasons. Do not allow water to run into or pool in gutters, streets, and sidewalks.
- We do not expect to grant any additional water use for grass seed or new sod.
All city facilities which are supplied by treated water, including all parks and the cemetery, will be restricted to the equivalent volume of two days per week. This volume of watering will happen throughout the week and overnight to spread out the work and the water use. Parks will also be prepared to reduce their water use at any time to help provide additional water to residents. Our Parks Division takes extra care of our green spaces, such as aerating and fertilizing, which helps the water to be used as wisely as possible and the grass to stay healthy on reduced water.
According to resources provided by the University of Wyoming Extension Office, watering of turf grass should ideally occur in two to three irrigations per week. Enough water should be provided so that the water can soak deep into the ground. Shallow, frequent irrigations will encourage shallow root growth and weaken lawn health. The Extension Office has many resources to offer scientific advice on lawn health, landscape design, and more. The Extension Office also offers one-on-one consulting. Please call 307-328-2642.
We are still in the process of fine-tuning the operations of the Pretreatment Plant, but as of today our low-pressure tank farm is more than 70% full. Thank you to everyone who conserved water over the last two weeks to allow the wet run of the plant to take place safely.
Want all the details about water? Visit www.rawlinswy.gov/water. Want to make sure you see our water announcements? Sign up for news via email or text at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme under “City of Rawlins News.” For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO, at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022.