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Water Conservation and Protection
Durango's Water Sustainability Principles
- Durango has a resilient supply of affordable clean water, and individuals and organizations are empowered to use water efficiently.
- Water and wastewater treatment utilize sustainable practices and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Animas River and its watershed support healthy riparian ecosystems and recreation opportunities.
Durango's Water Sustainability Objectives
- Water Supply & Use: Manage Durango’s water sources and consumption through conservation and efficiency so our community and surrounding riparian ecosystems are resilient to the projected impacts of climate change.
- Water Quality: Maintain water quality levels, or improve where needed, in both supplied water and throughout the Animas River watershed.
The 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.
- 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.
Please visit the City's utility website for water saving tips and to find out what steps you can take to be Water Smart.
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.
Water Quality
- Be considerate of potential water runoff pollution from yard care, pet waste, and car washing. Visit the City of Durango Stormwater Management web page for more information.
- Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) deposits can cause backups in our sewer system that lead to sanitary issues and high maintenance costs. Never pour grease down the drain. For more information on what you can do, visit the City of Durango Wastewater web page.
- Contact the City of Durango Water Utilities department if you are concerned about the water quality at your home or business, or if you suspect you have a problem with backflow or cross connection contamination.
The City of Durango has taken various actions to promote the responsible use of water resources.
- The City of Durango Water Utilities website has information on where we get our drinking water, the community Water Master Plan, Drought Management Plan, water and sewer rate studies, and the Vulnerability, Consequences, and Adaptation Planning Scenarios (VCAPS) report.
- Stormwater Master Plan implementation and management of Colorado Discharge Permit System MS4 Permit.
- Adoption of a water-efficient landscape ordinance
- Ongoing water conservation efforts at city facilities, landscaping, and parks.
- Maintaining a conservation-oriented tiered rate structure
- Exploring options for the diversification of water supply, storage and treatment
- Implementing a Fats, Oils, and Grease program
- Offering education and tours of our new Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility (wastewater treatment).
- Installation of smart metering for water customers to improve management.