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  • Spring Water Update: A Message from BV Public Works

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    As Buena Vista heads into spring, conditions are already raising concerns across Colorado, from low snowpack to early-season heat.

    We sat down with Shawn Williams, Director of Public Works, to talk about what this means locally, and what residents should know right now.

    “It feels warm… but it’s too early.”

    Even though temperatures are rising across the state, now is not the time to start watering lawns.

    “It feels warm, but the ground temperatures just aren’t there yet. It’s too early for these grasses to start growing.”

    Due to record low snowpack and higher than average ambient temperatures the Town of Buena Vista is anticipating an earlier than usual runoff season as well as severe drought conditions which will likely impact annual water production. Please keep conservation in mind when using water.

    “We just want to make sure people are using best practices in March… until April or May when people normally start turning their sprinkler systems on.”

    • Hold off on sprinkler systems
    • Water only if plants truly need it
    • Follow early-season best practices

    Water users will be required to abide by the following outside watering schedule:

    • Odd number addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
    • Even number addresses: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
    • No watering lawns between 10AM and 6PM
    • No watering on Monday

    What the Data Is Showing: “To be this early and this dry… we need to keep an eye on what’s happening in the state and across the West.”

    Water decisions are being shaped by real-time conditions across the region:

    “Our water sources are in the ground.”

    Buena Vista’s system is unique, and that comes with both strengths and limitations.

    • “We don’t pull water from a reservoir. The water’s just moving through the ground and in the creeks”
    • “We’re limited in what we can produce… especially in the winter and depending on water rights.”

    Demand also changes dramatically:

    • “We can go from about 200 gallons a minute in the winter to over 800 gallons a minute in peak summer.”
    • “And we have to continually ensure we keep water in the tanks for fire protection.”

    “We want people to see what’s possible.”

    The Town’s Demonstration Garden at the Community Center is designed to help residents rethink landscaping: “It gives people a real idea of what grows here… and how to conserve water while still having something that looks nice.”

    • Lower-water turf alternatives
    • Efficient irrigation practices
    • Plant options based on water needs

    “What if you didn’t need water at all?”

    The Kinetic Art Garden (Joy Dupree dedication) pushes that idea even further: “It’s really an idea of what you could do with your property that doesn’t require any water.”

    “There’s no water use at all there… and that’s kind of the reality of where we’re at right now.”
    This kind of thinking, creative, low-water design, may become more important if drought conditions continue.

    Balancing Water and Community Value

    Not all water use is purely functional: “The benefit of a beautiful Main Street, Good vibes and community benefit are huge.”

    The Town is working to balance:

    • Conservation
    • Community identity
    • Smart, intentional water use

    “Looking out for each other.”

    Water in Colorado is shared. and local decisions matter: “If we’re not using water here, that means somebody else can use that water.”

    Learn more about the bigger picture:

    What We’re Watching: “We’re going to have to keep evaluating it as we go.”

    The Town is closely monitoring:

    • Snowpack and runoff
    • Groundwater levels
    • Regional drought conditions
    • State-level responses

    What You Can Do Right Now

    One inch of water per week is a good goal. Water, rest, water. To maximize efficiency and allow the soil time to soak up water, add multiple start times and reduce each zone’s watering time. For example, for a 14-minute run time, irrigate one zone for 7 minutes, turn off while another zone is irrigated, then irrigate the first zone again for 7 minutes to achieve the total 14-minute run time.

    • Delay turning on sprinklers: If you water during the heat of the day, you may lose up to 50% of the water to evaporation!
    • Water only when necessary
    • Consider low- or no-water landscaping
    • Stay informed using the links above

    Stay Engaged: “The reality of where we’re at right now… we all need to be thinking differently about water.”

    This update is part of the BV Water Conditions project: Spring temperatures can be misleading, it may feel warm, but it’s often too early to water lawns. Please take a moment to fill out our Quick Poll: Spring Watering Check

    Your response helps us understand community habits and tailor guidance!