Water Conservation and Protection

Lake Nighthorse waterThe City of Durango Public Works Department oversees water, wastewater, and stormwater management.

Be Water Smart

  • Install WaterSense certified fixtures and appliances - the EPA WaterSense website has a lot of great additional information on how to save water.
  • The City of Durango Utilities Division offers saving tips and to find out what steps you can take to be Water Smart.
  • Fix drips and leaks in your home.
  • Re-consider and reduce wasteful water habits like running the faucet continually to defrost frozen meat, while washing dishes, or brushing your teeth.
  • Run full loads in your dishwasher and clothes washing machine.

Water-Wise Landscaping and Smart Irrigation

For many homes, more than half of total water consumption is related to outdoor irrigation and water use.

  • Utilize water-wise landscaping or xeriscaping. While there is some up-front cost associated with converting, this switch can save thousands of gallons of water and hundreds of dollars a year in water costs. The CSU Extension Master Gardener site has excellent resources on water-wise and drought tolerant landscaping.
  • Water plants and lawns in the late evening or early morning - this saves water and is better for the plants.
  • Adjust sprinklers to minimize water landing on sidewalks, the driveway, or street.
  • The City of Durango Water Utilities page has information on smart irrigation systems.
  • Durango's water-efficient landscape ordinance

Water Quality

Additional Information & Resources