The City’s priority is to ensure there is sufficient water supply stored and available for essential indoor uses for the community. The melting of snow in the mountains, also known as runoff, typically occurs from early May through late June and is a key time of the year to replenish Front Range storage reservoirs for current and future use. The availability of regional water this spring due to snowpack levels, a slow and steady melting of snow, and added precipitation has enabled the City to replenish its storage reservoirs and deliver water to Waneka Lake and Greenlee Wildlife Preserve.
This spring has seen unusually high precipitation levels. While rain does add water to the reservoirs, the biggest impact of a wet spring comes from residents postponing turning on and using sprinkler systems. In Lafayette, up to eight million gallons of water a day is used for lawn irrigation, so delaying turning on sprinklers has a tremendous impact on water conservation.
Water conservation
While Lafayette and the region are in favorable water positions today, climate conditions this summer, winter, and next spring can quickly change the situation. Conservation and reducing outdoor irrigation are key factors to shift habits to reduce demand and move to more sustainable water usage.
With all the spring rain, residents can keep sprinklers off for another couple weeks which will conserve substantial amounts of water and save money on utility bills.
The City offers a number of water conservation programs like turf removal discounts, garden in a box, irrigation system evaluations, water efficiency seminars, and water efficiency rebates. Information can be found at lafayetteco.gov/WaterConservation.
A reminder of Lafayette’s year-round water restrictions
- Outdoor irrigation is limited to a maximum of three (3) days per week.
- No watering of outdoor landscaping between the hours of 10am and 6pm except:
- Watering by hand with a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off valve
- City-owned facilities: golf course, high traffic parks, and athletic fields
- Commercial agriculture
- No overrun of water onto any area not covered by vegetation such as sidewalks, curbs, driveways, streets, and other paved areas
- No washing of paved areas such as driveways with a hose
Additional water conservation efforts are also encouraged and may be found on the City’s website lafayetteco.gov/WaterConservation.
Waneka Lake Boathouse Information
Boathouse operations, including paddleboat, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals, will resume on Thursday, June 22. For additional information visit lafayetteco.gov/Boathouse.
Hours of operations beginning June 22, 2023
Tuesdays and Thursdays
1-7pm
Saturdays and Sundays
10am-4pm
Summer Solstice Party at Waneka Lake on June 21
Set sail with the Recreation Department for the Summer Solstice Party at Waneka Lake. Cast off on a character boat decorated with lights, play games on land, make a craft, and cool off with a frozen treat! SUPs, canoes, and kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The boathouse will not be open for public rentals on June 21.
June 21 | 7-8:45pm | $10 Residents / Nonresidents
Register through WebTrac