Mandatory Summer Water Use Program

In order to extend the districts ground water supply and lower its peak summer irrigationdemands the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District has adopted a Mandatory Summer Water Use Program. The program is designed to allow for the needs of our customers while requiring an efficient use of the water supply.

To assist our customers in lowering their individual water demand we are offering a rebate program for both low-water-use appliances and irrigation efficient systems.

Please contact your district with any questions you might have concerning either program.

Summer Water Use Program (June 1st. through September 30th.)

Additional information and rebate forms for Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District's 2007 Summer Rebate Program.

Summer Water Use Rebate Program

Indoor Fixtures and Appliances
Low Flow Toilet	$25 rebate to replace higher water use toilets (3-5 gallons per flush) with low flow toilets (1.6 gallons or less per flush)
High-Efficiency Toilet	$75 rebate to replace higher water use toilets with toilets that use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush - includes dual-flush toilets
High-Efficiency Washer	$100 rebate to replace higher water use washing machines (45 gallons per load) with low usage front load washers (25 gallons per load)
High-Efficiency Dishwasher	$25 rebate to replace higher water use dishwashing machines with low usage Energy Star 2007 compliant dishwashers
Showerhead	$10 rebate to replace higher water use showerheads (4 gallons per minute) with a more efficient showerhead (2.5 gallons per minute)
Outdoor
Irrigation Controller	$35 rebate to purchase an irrigation control (clock) that sets multiple days and time limits to conserve water
Rain Sensor	$25 rebate to purchase a rain sensor that overrides an irrigation system when detecting rainfall

Watering Days for Turf

Customers can water lawns, see schedule, but not between 10 am and 6 pm from June 1 through September 30. The three-day limit does not apply to establishing new turf from sod or seed. Remember that, for most of the summer, established lawns will do fine with just two days water.

Note: The 10 am - 6 pm rule prevents spray irrigation during the time of day when evaporation is likely to be highest.

If you have an automatic sprinkling system, set your schedule for the current conditions. In other words, "Set it, but don't forget it." For example, July conditions often require more water than the rest of summer. Watering all summer as if it were July is wasteful.

How to Water Bluegrass Turf Efficiently

The most popular turf type, Kentucky bluegrass, is an import to the United States and not naturally suited to the semi-arid climate of Colorado. Kentucky bluegrass can be maintained in Colorado with wise water use. The guidelines below are for managing bluegrass turf. If you have another kind of grass, you should consult a landscape specialist, such as your county extension agent for guidelines.

1. Weekly Watering Amounts for Bluegrass: Inches

The table below shows the amount of water bluegrass needs applied, on the average, in inches for each week between May and October. This is the most accurate way to meet your lawn's water requirements. Using this method requires determining how much water your sprinklers apply, and then setting timers to ensure that the grass gets the required amount of water.

Inches per Week for Bluegrass

Keep in mind that water needs will vary depending on grass type, shade, soil composition, natural precipitation, and other factors. The biggest factor in determining the time needed is what type of sprinkler you are using, as shown in the next option, below.

2. Suggested Minutes per Watering Day

If you cannot determine the exact output of your irrigation system, then you can use the table below, which shows the average output of three common types of sprinkler. These numbers are generous averages, and you will probably find that your turf does not need this much water applied three times a week. Initially, try two applications weekly, with a third only as needed during hot or dry periods.

• Fixed Spray Head: Pop-up sprayers that spray continuously in a fan pattern that may be anything from a half circle to a pie wedge.

• Rotor Head: So-called "impact" sprinklers that turn left and right while applying a jet of water.

• Manual Sprinkler: A hose or any applicator attached to a hose.

Minutes per Watering Day

Please adjust your minutes to suit your landscaping situation.

Typically, we worry about not watering our lawns enough. In fact, most lawns are overwatered. To best manage your watering, you will want to avoid both using more water than your lawn needs and using less. Many factors influence how much water to apply and how it's applied: soil type, organic material, sun vs. shade, slope, sunshine, time of year. For example, sandy soil needs frequent, short waterings; soils with lots of clay must be watered slowly and infrequently. Organic material increases water retention. Sunny areas dry out quickly; slopes lose more water to runoff. On windy days, less water is absorbed and sprinkers that throw water high and far lose more to evaporation. Xeric plants require less water than bluegrass.

Contact us with your questions.

District Office: 1845 Woodmoor Drive (behind the fire station) Monument, Colorado 80132

Phone Number: 719-488-2525 ext. 10

Emergency On-call Operator: 719-450-2725