DENVER — A music video from Denver Water went viral this week, garnering the attention of NBC's "Today" and other national media outlets, as well as a response from one of the world's top boy bands.
"I Water That Way," a loving parody of the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way," was released Tuesday morning.
The Denver water utility released video from the "Splashstreet Boys" to help the community brush up on Denver's watering rules and restrictions, which began Wednesday.
Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Carson Daly and the "Today" show team addressed the video on NBC.
The Backstreet Boys even commented on the video on Instagram.
"You guys NAILED this," the Backstreet Boys said.
"I concocted this while listening to the radio a couple years ago and thought 'I want it that way' or 'I water that way'?" said Denver Water's Jimmy Luthye, part of the video's Splashstreet Boys. "And then two years later, we finally got our act together and made ourselves a nice music video. We're so glad that people have been enjoying it. It's been a very fun week and a little overwhelming, wasn't really expecting quite the reception that we got, so it's been awesome."
"For how long it took to concoct the idea, we spent a remarkably little amount of time practicing," Luthye added. "And you can probably tell that by looking at our choreography at different points. You do a little bit of magic with the editing and make us pretty blurry, and it just skips right through it."
The reception to the music video has Denver Water already thinking about a possible follow-up next year.
"There are so many options. Do we stick with the Backstreet Boys? Do we branch out among other boy bands or other '90s pop?" Luthye said. "It will obviously be '90s pop-focused, that goes without saying, but we'll see what happens."
"We didn't expect the reception to be quite like this, so all of a sudden we're like, 'Maybe we should do another one?'"
> WATCH BELOW: "I Water That Way" - Splashstreet Boys
"When we were making this video, getting a reply from the Backstreet Boys was the furthest thing from my mind," Luthye said. "I’m so happy people have been seeing and enjoying the video and to have the stamp of approval from the legends themselves — what an honor."
Denver summer watering rules
Denver Water’s summer watering rules last from May 1 until Oct. 1. Denver Water said the summer rules incorporate best practices for efficient outdoor water use that will also keep your landscape healthy.
- Water during cooler times of the day — lawn watering is NOT allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Water two days per week, adding a third day only when needed. (Watering more than three days is not allowed.)
- 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.
When should I turn on the sprinklers?
As the grass begins to turn green across Colorado, many are wondering when is the best time to turn on a sprinkler system for the summer season.
Denver Water recommends waiting until after the last freeze, typically around May 5, to turn on your sprinkler system.
According to Denver Water, Colorado will likely have at least one more night of temperatures below 30 degrees, which can damage automatic sprinkler pipes above or below ground leading to costly repairs and wasted water.
Denver Water recommends keeping the sprinklers off for a bit longer. That does not mean it’s too early to water at all.
During warm, dry periods, Denver Water recommends rolling out the garden hose and a hand nozzle and hand-watering trees, perennials and late-fall plantings.
If your lawn has brown spots, use water efficiently by hydrating the distressed areas instead of the entire lawn. Just don’t forget to disconnect the hose from the spigot in case freezing weather moves in.
If you are concerned about your soil’s moisture, check it by inserting a screwdriver into the ground; if it goes in easily, it’s got enough water.
How do I turn on my sprinklers?
Whenever you decide to turn on the sprinkler system this spring, here's how to get started:
Step 1: Irrigation Box
The first step is to locate your irrigation box. It's usually outside, in the front of your house.
Open it up and look for the drain valve. Turn it off by turning the valve to the right. Cover box back up.
Step 2: Back flow preventer
Now, go to your back flow preventer to keep the water from your sprinkler system from going back into the drinking water inside your house.
Look for your ports. It's the area where the sprinkler company blows out excess water in the fall.
You will need a flathead screwdriver. Turn a quarter of a turn so they are against the pipe, which means they are closed. Make sure they are not parallel to the pipe.
Now open your ball valves. Turn the handles to the left so they are parallel to the pipe.
Step 3: Style ball valve
Locate your style ball valve. It is usually in your basement.
Tighten your port before you turn your water back on or you will have water gushing into your basement.
Open your water valve by turning it right so it is parallel to the pipe.
Step 4: Sprinkler system controller
This is usually located in your garage.
Each system is different so find directions or go online to find an owner's manual to set your sprinkler system.
If you don't feel comfortable turning it back on yourself, be sure to contact a professional.
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