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Castle Rock sees record number of water violations
Castle Rock had a record number of violations the first weekend its water restrictions went into effect, said Ken Salt, water conservation technician.
By By: Susan Dage-Ruby
Castle Rock had a record number of violations the first weekend its water restrictions went into effect, said Ken Salt, water conservation technician.
"More than 180 violations were issued the first weekend," Salt said. "Last year, it was between 40 and 50 violations."
The increase, Salt said, is likely because of newcomers who aren't used to water restrictions.
Water monitors patrolled the town looking for violations and educating residents about the water restrictions.
The number of water violations have decreased since that first weekend, said Ron Redd, town utilities director.
"Last weekend it was down to about 75," Redd said.
Castle Rock's mandatory water restrictions have less to do with the drought than with water demand management, Redd said.
Water restrictions don't save water but spread the use out so that everyone in town isn't watering at the same time, Redd said.
"Our peak demand day will be sometime in July," Redd said. "That day we estimate between 12.5 [million] to 13 million gallons of water will be used."
Castle Rock's water system can handle between 13.5 million to 14 million gallons a day, Redd said.
Although the town's water system can handle the peak day, Redd said the three-day water cycle will help spread out the peak use.
Residents also are being encouraged to look at water-wise plants in their yards, Salt said.
"Xeriscaping can save between 30 percent and 70 percent on water use," Salt said.
Castle Rock is in the early stages of putting in a demonstration xeriscape garden at Community Park in Metzler Ranch, Salt said.
The project has completed the design phase, and plants are being purchased, Salt said.
"There are working xeriscape gardens in Parker and Colorado Springs for those who would like to see what can be done," Salt said.
Low-water plants are planted along Perry Street, which can offer passersby ideas, Redd said.
Those interested in xeriscape can call (303) 660-1015.
Even with xeriscaping and water restrictions, the water issues still loom on Castle Rock's horizon because it relies on ground water instead of surface water, Redd said.
"At some point, reuse water is going to become a high priority," Redd said.
Sometime this summer, the town hopes to have a consultant on board that will help it look at ways to incorporate reuse water into its water goals, Redd said.
"More than 180 violations were issued the first weekend," Salt said. "Last year, it was between 40 and 50 violations."
The increase, Salt said, is likely because of newcomers who aren't used to water restrictions.
Water monitors patrolled the town looking for violations and educating residents about the water restrictions.
The number of water violations have decreased since that first weekend, said Ron Redd, town utilities director.
"Last weekend it was down to about 75," Redd said.
Castle Rock's mandatory water restrictions have less to do with the drought than with water demand management, Redd said.
Water restrictions don't save water but spread the use out so that everyone in town isn't watering at the same time, Redd said.
"Our peak demand day will be sometime in July," Redd said. "That day we estimate between 12.5 [million] to 13 million gallons of water will be used."
Castle Rock's water system can handle between 13.5 million to 14 million gallons a day, Redd said.
Although the town's water system can handle the peak day, Redd said the three-day water cycle will help spread out the peak use.
Residents also are being encouraged to look at water-wise plants in their yards, Salt said.
"Xeriscaping can save between 30 percent and 70 percent on water use," Salt said.
Castle Rock is in the early stages of putting in a demonstration xeriscape garden at Community Park in Metzler Ranch, Salt said.
The project has completed the design phase, and plants are being purchased, Salt said.
"There are working xeriscape gardens in Parker and Colorado Springs for those who would like to see what can be done," Salt said.
Low-water plants are planted along Perry Street, which can offer passersby ideas, Redd said.
Those interested in xeriscape can call (303) 660-1015.
Even with xeriscaping and water restrictions, the water issues still loom on Castle Rock's horizon because it relies on ground water instead of surface water, Redd said.
"At some point, reuse water is going to become a high priority," Redd said.
Sometime this summer, the town hopes to have a consultant on board that will help it look at ways to incorporate reuse water into its water goals, Redd said.
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