Conserve Water - For Your Community and Region, and For Your Budget!
Johnstown is located in a naturally semi-arid area, adjoining the great expanse of dry grassland prairie known as the High Plains.
The natural dry conditions result in our dependence on Rocky Mountain snowfall for adequate water supply all year, but especially in the warm months. The Town has an adequate water supply under most conditions, but the community is urged to practice water conservation.
Johnstown has some of the lowest water rates in the region, but water costs will continue to rise as equipment and operational expenses such as electricity increase. Careful stewardship of our household and irrigation water has financial benefits.
Water Conservation Tips
- Water early in the morning, when temperatures are mild and winds are calm, so less water will be lost through evaporation.
- Water the lawn only when needed. If the grass springs back after you have stepped on it, it doesn't need watering.
- Spot water. Water dry areas by hand; don't use irrigation that covers the whole yard.
- Keep lawn free of weeds. Often, weeds are water intensive plants. They will take water and nutrients from the lawn and surrounding vegetation. Remove weeds as they appear.
- Mow infrequently and higher than normal. The more one mows, the more water the grass needs. Reduce mowing to reduce stress on the grass. Longer leaf surfaces promote deeper rooting and shade the root zone. Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf surface in one mowing. Return mulch clippings to the lawn.
- Check hose connections for leaks and repair them quickly. Even a tiny leak can translate into thousands of gallons of wasted water over a short period of time.
- Adjust your sprinklers so water is aimed directly at plants rather than sidewalks, paths, driveways or fences. Use sprinklers that emit large droplets rather than a fine mist to reduce losses due to evaporation.
- Don't use the sprinklers for play. Hoses release 3 to 5 gallons of water per minute. Fifteen minutes of hose water to cool off will waste at least 75 gallons of water, the same amount used in one day of flushing the toilet.
- Use a broom to clean the driveway and sidewalk. Sweeping the driveway and sidewalk will get them clean enough without wasting gallons of water.