The city of Durango hopes to avoid restricting residents’ water usage this summer and instead work with its four largest water users if the drought worsens.
Florida River flows drop because Lemon Reservoir managers start holding back water, which it does every year as part of its management strategy.
At that point, the city relies more on water from the Animas River.
Asking for voluntary water conservation from residents doesn’t work as a water management practice, Lloyd said.
“People immediately start watering their lawns more,” he said.
The city is also working with its 10 largest commercial users on similar conservation measures, which could save an additional 700,000 gallons a day, he said.
“Our hope is that gets us through the bulk of the dry season,” Lloyd said.
The measure will prevent a potential run on the city’s system as residents across the county face dry conditions, he said.
Next year, the city could invest in some upgrades to the water dock system to improve the pavement, add a new filling station and improve technology that lets the city limit purchases, Lloyd said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com