Due to current drought conditions and decreasing water supply levels, the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) Board has voted to implement ‘Level 1’ water use restrictions, beginning immediately.
Below is an abridged summary of the levels of water use restrictions. A full and detailed explanation of forthcoming water use restrictions will be mailed to all PAWSD customers.
It is expected that all affected customers will become familiar with the requirements and employ the demand reduction mandates so as to preserve the current water supply.
Voluntary
Drought conditions are such that PAWSD is encouraging customers to voluntarily reduce the amount of water they use. There are no mandatory water use restrictions in place.
Level 1 – Low
Irrigation of landscapes may occur only from 6pm to 9am. Gardens (edible and ornamental) may be hand watered or watered through drip irrigation. Restaurants will serve water to customers only when requested. Hotels should only change bedding and wash towels during client turnover or upon request. Acts of water wastefulness are discouraged. Standard rate structure will not be modified.
Level 2 – Moderate
Includes all the water conservation measures found in Level Two with some modifications. Odd numbered addresses may irrigate on odd numbered calendar days while even numbered addresses may irrigate on even numbered days. Irrigation is permitted Monday through Fridays Only. Weekend watering is prohibited. Standard rate structure will not be modified.
Level 3 – Serious
Includes all of the water conservation measures found in Level 1 and 2 with some modifications. Irrigation is permitted on Mondays for even numbered addresses and Thursday for odd numbered addresses. The standard rate structure will increase by 2x for residential flows over 4,000 and commercial flows over 6,000 gallons. The addition of a drought surcharge of $17.23 per equivalent unit (EU) shall be applied.
Level 4 – Severe
This is the most critical stage and includes all of the water conservation measures found in Level 3 with some modifications. Watering of landscapes which include trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers, turf, lawn and sod is strictly prohibited. All non-essential uses of water is prohibited (i.e. car washing) except in cases of health and safety. The standard rate structure will increase by 3x for residential flows over 4,000 and commercial flows over 6,000 gallons. The drought surcharge will increase to $21.53 per equivalent unit.
Violations of these restrictions may result in fines.
The 2020 PAWSD Drought Management Plan is available on the PAWSD website or at the PAWSD office located at 100 Lyn Avenue.