Longmont 1996 WCPlan

• Project Type: Water Conservation Plan
• Project Name: City of Longmont Water Conservation Plan
• Title: Water Conservation Plan
• Date: 7/3/1996
• County: Boulder
• County: Weld
• Water Conservation - Doc Type: Complete Plan

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sprinkler heads, and will shut down the entire system in the event of a mainline break.
All of the irrigation systems hooked into the computer can be set to compensate for
weather and evapotranspiration (ET) rates. Other municipalities using central control
systems report a water use savings of 15-20%. The system can also be connected to a
series of weather stations which will allow it to adjust itself to all weather conditions and
ET rates. There is currently one weather station located at the Parks and Forestry office.
Additional weather stations would monitor weather conditions in different areas of the
City.

Currently 12 arterial systems are connected to the central computer. The Parks Division
has identified 62 potential sites to be connected to central control. In 1995, the Parks
Division used 221,220 thousand gallons of potable water. It is estimated they could save
33,183 thousand gallons of water per year with a total retrofit to central control. Every
year since 1993, Parks' capital improvement program request to change five sites per year
to central control has not been funded.

Implementation: Dependent on funding. Funding is approved for five sites to be
connected to central control in 1996.

7.

Select irrigation and maintenance systems with water conservation benefits for
medians, parks and plaving fields

Status: Medians, parks and playing fields have different landscaping, irrigation and
maintenance requirements based on their use and location. The City uses maintenance
practices which encourage the development of deep root systems. Deep root systems
produce more drought-tolerant turfs, require less water during normal precipitation
periods, and help to maintain aesthetically pleasing and functional turf. Watering
throughout the City is done in two to three short cycles instead of one long cycle. This
gives the water a chance to soak in and encourages deeper root growth. Turf is
maintained a height of 2-1/2-3 inches. The higher cut retains moisture and protects the
crown of the plant.

Implementation: On-going.

8.

Contract for periOdic comprehensive audit of irrigation system efficiency (all stations
and clocks)

Status: An irrigation system efficiency audit measures the portion of the water applied
by the system that benefits the intended plants. No independent audit currently done.

Implementation: Dependent on funding.

9.

Citv shall comply with any voluntary or mandated watering restrictions

Status: Ordinance 14.04.450. Water restrictions. does not address City facilities.

Implementatiun: Revise Ordinance 14.04.450 to include City facilities in 1996.

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