Durango WCPlan 1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. Low water-use landscapes and efficient irrigation. Possible measures include efficient irrigation systems, xeriscaping, and the use of evapotranspiration data for irrigation scheduling purposes. Current outdoor water use in the City is approximately 70 gpcd which is 35% of the total treated water demand of200 gpcd. The majority of water used outdoors is for irrigation purposes. Water requirements can be reduced by using more efficient irrigation methods such as automatic sprinkler systems, drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs and soil moisture sensors. During normal conditions, the City does not have a policy which restricts the times when residents are allowed to irrigate or the quantity of water that can be used for irrigation. Xeriscaping is a term originally coined by the Denver Water Board in 1981. Xeriscape landscaping programs usually feature the use of drought-tolerant plants to decrease the amount of water used to maintain attractive landscaping. The xeriscape concept involves a seven step process that conserves water and protects the environment. The steps are: I. Plan and design - A good site plan depicting existing features and a scaled planting plan should be developed. Various climatic conditions on the property should be considered to determine where different plants will thrive. 2. Limit turf and use appropriate grasses - Grass is a hardy plant that should be placed where it is practical, such as a play area for children or pets, or in a swale to control erosion. Grass is usually a landscape's largest user of irrigation water and should be separated from other plants which have lower water needs. Consider grasses that need less water than Kentucky bluegrass. In little-used areas, alternatives to grass such as mulched walkways, ground covers or beds of drought-tolerant plants should be considered. 3. Proper plant selection - Xeriscape does not mean landscaping with rocks and cactus. Lush and colorful plants are a big part of a successful xeriscape project. Native and drought-tolerant plants work best in xeriscape plans, but almost any plant is a "xeriscape plant" if it is placed where it can thrive without a lot of help. When choosing a plant, consider its growth rate, mature size, light, water needs, temperature needs, and salt tolerance. It is critical to match these needs with a suitable spot in the landscape. Group plants with similar needs and separate water-thrifty plants from those that depend heavily on irrigation. 4. Improve the soil- Add organic material to the soil before planting. Also, have the soil analyzed to determine the pH and choose appropriate plants or amend the soil as necessary. 5. Use mulches - Mulch holds moisture in soil, reduces weed growth, slows erosion and beautifies the landscape. Spread several inches of mulch around shrubs, trees and flower beds. Remuleh as needed. 6. Irrigate efficiently - Use proper irrigation system design. Well-maintained sprinkler heads work best for lawns, and drip-tubing and other low-volume irrigation work best for shrub beds and ground covers. Water the appropriate amount at the right time. Learn when plants need water, don't rely on a rigid irrigation schedule that doesn't consider rainfall. Water throughly, not frequently. Install a rain sensor or shut-off switch on existing automatic irrigation systems to prevenst unnecessary watering when it rains. 7. Maintain the landscape appropriately - Xeriscape landscapes are low maintenance, but not zero maintenance. Mow, weed, prune, irrigate, fertilize and use pest controls properly to keep the landscape beautiful. Annual precipitation averages 19.4 inches in Durango, yet, Kentucky bluegrass, commonly used for lawns in the area, requires about 39 inches of water to look good, or about half an inch of water three times per week in hot weather. In contrast, drought-tolerant grasses, junipers, and certain other ground covers require only half an inch of water every other week in hot weather. Therefore, the City should encourage low water-use landscaping in future developments of the City. Possible applications include using drought-tolerant vegetation in landscapes and the use of drought-tolerant grasses in common areas. A small xeriscape demonstration garden will be planted in the spring of 1998 at the Compost Demonstration Site adjacent to the City Pool. Information will be provided on site about the plantings and their water needs. Xeric gardens at other City owned locations should be initiated as models for the general public. 9