Colorado and the West is running out of water . . . (Pueblo: townhouse, live in)

[Mike from back east]

Here in COLO SPGS, my worst water bill in 2008 was $68 for June. For the ENTIRE year, our water bill came to $371 for all of our water for all of 2008, or just an average of $31/month. So, even though our rates are going up 40% for water this year, that means an annual bill of $520/year or $43/month. We run the sprinkler front/back twice a day for short periods (in-season) and have 50% of the lot xeriscaped.

[Josseppie]

Well my water bill us usually under 30 bucks a month, it does go up during the summer but is only around 200 during the "dog days" of summer. Keep in mind I do have some zero scape, mainly on the sides of my lawn in the front but I still have 12 zones for example my lawn in the back yard is 200 feet by 150 feet.

The bottom line is Pueblo has enough water, if I lived in Colorado Springs were water was a issue I would do something different.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by Josseppie

Well my water bill us usually under 30 bucks a month, it does go up during the summer but is only around 200 during the "dog days" of summer. Keep in mind I do have some zero scape, mainly on the sides of my lawn in the front but I still have 12 zones for example my lawn in the back yard is 200 feet by 150 feet.

The bottom line is Pueblo has enough water, if I lived in Colorado Springs were water was a issue I would do something different.

Water is not an issue here, except with you.

[Josseppie]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Water is not an issue here, except with you.

Then no worries..... If Colorado Springs has enough water I would not have zero scape up there either....

[Josseppie]

Moderator cut: discuss topic, not other members
Homeowners should continue winter watering, plant experts say.

"It really is dryer than usual and I'm seeing some stress in pine trees," said Chuck Starginer of Star Nursery. Recent warm temperatures and and winds also are contributing to the dry-out, he said.

"I've always believed in watering in the winter, and (it should be) deep watering," where the ground around trees get a soaking for about an hour, or about 30 minutes on opposite sides, Starginer said.

The link: http://www.chieftain.com/articles/2009/02/17/news/local/doc499a56eba50c1306428980.txt

[Dea13]

Originally Posted by Josseppie

Moderator cut: discuss topic, not other members

Homeowners should continue winter watering, plant experts say.

"It really is dryer than usual and I'm seeing some stress in pine trees," said Chuck Starginer of Star Nursery. Recent warm temperatures and and winds also are contributing to the dry-out, he said.

"I've always believed in watering in the winter, and (it should be) deep watering," where the ground around trees get a soaking for about an hour, or about 30 minutes on opposite sides, Starginer said.

The link: http://www.chieftain.com/articles/2009/02/17/news/local/doc499a56eba50c1306428980.txt

The only 'experts' I see recommending watering are plant/horticulture experts. Looking at it from a plant perspective it is better for them if they get water but that doesn't mean a limited resource should be wasted so lawns look pretty.

We're just starting to have all these water conversations around the Great Lakes area. From what I've been reading there are MANY states that will have water issues and that doesn't mean those without the issue should be wasteful and irresponsible with precious resources. I have a well and pay nothing for water but we still try to practice water conservation and explain why to our daughter. To me it's no different than throwing away food if I know my neighbor is hungry. Why waste water if I know my (distant) neighbor is thirsty?

[Josseppie]

Originally Posted by Dea13

The only 'experts' I see recommending watering are plant/horticulture experts. Looking at it from a plant perspective it is better for them if they get water but that doesn't mean a limited resource should be wasted so lawns look pretty.

We're just starting to have all these water conversations around the Great Lakes area. From what I've been reading there are MANY states that will have water issues and that doesn't mean those without the issue should be wasteful and irresponsible with precious resources. I have a well and pay nothing for water but we still try to practice water conservation and explain why to our daughter. To me it's no different than throwing away food if I know my neighbor is hungry. Why waste water if I know my (distant) neighbor is thirsty?

Pueblo's Board of water works also tells us to water!

Here is the article about it in the Pueblo Chieftain, the states oldest news paper.

"Break out the hoses, it’s time to celebrate!

Er, irrigate.

The city’s winter sewer billing adjustment period ended last week, and with the current dry conditions, the Pueblo Board of Water Works is encouraging residents to begin watering lawns, trees and shrubs to help them recover from a balmy winter."

http://www.chieftain.com/articles/2009/03/03/news/local/doc49accbce68085157872588.txt

[formercalifornian]

Originally Posted by Josseppie

Well my water bill us usually under 30 bucks a month, it does go up during the summer but is only around 200 during the "dog days" of summer. Keep in mind I do have some zero scape, mainly on the sides of my lawn in the front but I still have 12 zones for example my lawn in the back yard is 200 feet by 150 feet.

The bottom line is Pueblo has enough water, if I lived in Colorado Springs were water was a issue I would do something different.

Josse, the word is xeriscape.

[reginhild]

Originally Posted by formercalifornian

Josse, the word is xeriscape.

Maybe he has zero scape as in patches of dirt!

[Josseppie]

Its prounced zero scape so I spell it zero scape... I can care less if its right or wrong.

That also helps me make a point that I dont like it as much.....

Also with the Pueblo Board of water works telling us its ok to water our lawn that just proves my point that Pueblo has MORE then enough water!