DENVER — June finished as the second-hottest June ever recorded in Denver, but the city's water utility said customers continued to do a solid job managing their irrigation needs.
Denver Water said that despite a string of days with 90-degree temperatures, overall water use — while high — was nowhere near record-setting. People have changed their watering habits and their landscapes, said Denver Water.
However, Denver Water said its system is taking a beating each week at one particular time: Mondays at 5 a.m.
Denver Water said each Monday at 5 a.m., millions of gallons of water thunder through its pump stations and mains to satisfy the massive demand tied to irrigations systems programmed to turn on during that time slot.
Water demand on Monday, June 24, at 5 a.m. soared to levels not seen in years, Denver Water said. Water use hit Denver Water's highest "Maximum Hour" since 2005.
“That big jump in demand for water creates more wear and tear on the system,” said Greg Fisher, who oversees water demand for Denver Water. He compares it to a car you drive too hard. “All those hard starts and stops take their toll.”
What is causing the high usage at 5 a.m. on Mondays?
Denver Water thinks it might be because irrigations systems programmed to turn on during that time slot.
It seems to be either a default setting — or perhaps a natural inclination for those looking to follow the no more than three days per week summer watering rule.
“Until recently, customers’ annual use, maximum daily use and maximum hour use were all dropping,” said Ryan Shepler, a senior planner in Denver Water’s demand planning group. “But now, compared to the other two areas, the maximum hour use is no longer declining in the same way — and it might be increasing.”
'Shave the peak'
The utility wants to work with customers to "shave the peak." Denver Water is asking customers to ease the strain on the water delivery system by spreading out their use. That way, fewer people are seeking water at the same time.
Denver Water said customers can switch to 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. on Mondays instead, or change to watering on Sundays or Tuesdays. The utility said that outside of the hottest summer periods, lawns can do fine with twice-a-week watering.
Denver Water is also encouraging customers to consider “ColoradoScapes” for some or all their yard.
Denver Water’s summer outdoor watering rules
Denver Water’s annual outdoor watering rules run from May 1 to Oct. 1.
- Water during cooler times of the day — lawn watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Denver.
- Water no more than three days per week.
- Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
- Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
- Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
- Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.
- Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car.
Residents can report water wasters by calling 303-893-2444 or by filling out an online form.
According to Denver Water, longer grass is more water-efficient. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass can be trimmed to 2.5 to 3.5 inches, while warm-season grasses should be trimmed to 1 to 3 inches.
"Following these rules is the right thing to do given Colorado’s arid climate and the importance of protecting reservoir supplies, rivers and streams on the West Slope and the Front Range," Denver Water said.
To keep up with Denver's latest watering rules and regulations, follow Denver Water on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado Weather
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
