April 26, 2021

Dear fellow Lafayette residents, 

I hope this message finds you all safe, sound, and healthy.
 
While we’re officially in spring, it may not seem that way. Don’t let the cooler weather or recent snow events fool you - the Front Range region is still in a drought situation. Snowpack levels are down, snowmelt has started early, streamflow levels are expected to be low, and last year’s wildfires may negatively impact water runoff, which is one of many critical ways we collect water. Lafayette has joined with 13 other water providers to urge residents to reduce water use and be prepared for possible drought restrictions.
 
Did you know residential irrigation is the primary source of summer water usage? In the winter, Lafayette residents typically use about 2 million gallons of water a day (MGD), but that figure surges to over 10 MGD during the summer irrigation season. Summertime is where we need to make an impact. Water providers are asking residents to delay charging and using your sprinkler systems until May or early June. Allowing lawns to stay dormant for an extra month does not have a negative effect on the longevity of your grass. Read more tips on how you can reduce water use as we move into the summer months.
 
The City is also doing our part to reduce water use. We are delaying the start of the irrigation season for all City facilities and streetscapes, the cemetery, and parks. As more information becomes available, we may implement additional restraints on some municipal assets.

Some specialized turf cannot bounce back from extended dormancy, so it’s necessary for us to properly irrigate the golf course, high use parks, and sports fields. Only critical areas of the golf course will be irrigated for now. These areas includes golf greens, tees and fairways (short-grasses). All intermediate rough, surrounds, Clubhouse grounds, and native grass areas will be shut off or significantly reduced. When the City receives more definitive information on the snowpack amounts and if the drought develops into severe status, the golf course will participate in a very concise water restriction plan.
The Great Outdoors Waterpark will open next month. This amenity benefits a large number of residents and the overall water use per visitor is low compared to other uses.
 
I’m asking each fellow resident of our wonderful community to please do your part to conserve one of our most precious resources as we head into the summer months. The unity of action and spirit of our community have always impressed me, and it will be called upon as we navigate through this challenge – and we’ll do it together.
 
COVID dial and vaccinations
On April 16, Boulder County moved into Level Blue. Based on increasing vaccinations, particularly among vulnerable populations, Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE) and Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) have removed the requirement to wear masks outdoors, but still recommend them outdoors whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. (Under Level Blue, restaurants are allowed to operate at 100% capacity while maintaining 6-foot distancing. It is anticipated that on May 16, the State and County will remove the COVID Dial altogether and place residents into Level Clear).
 
Over 60% of Boulder County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Everyone 16 years and older is now eligible and encouraged to get vaccinated. Vaccines are free and available at many places, and walk-up/no reservation clinics are starting to operate. Find a location and register for an appointment at bouldercounty.org/families/disease/covid-19/vaccines.
 
Tell us what you think about the City – 2021 Resident Survey
Last week, a random sampling of Lafayette residents was invited to participate in the 2021 Resident Survey. This survey will help provide guidance to staff and City Council regarding City services, Lafayette as a place to live, and priorities for the future. From May 3-17 the survey will be available, in English and Spanish, for all residents to participate. A phone number will also be provided if phone is your preferred method of participation. I’d like to thank everyone in advance for taking 30 minutes of your time to provide us with valuable input. Your participation will provide needed community representation and will be used to inform future decisions. The survey link will be available beginning on May 3 at lafayetteco.gov/ResidentSurvey.
 
Shop local – support Lafayette businesses
The past 12 months have been difficult for all of us. Many local businesses owners have been hit especially hard by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and need our continued support to keep businesses thriving. There are many ways to support our local economy, including taking advantage of dedicated curbside pickup zones in Old Town. Join me in making a point to dine and shop Lafayette and strengthen our business community.
 
It remains a distinct honor to serve you as your City Administrator

Fritz Sprague 
Lafayette City Administrator