City of Aspen enacts stage two water shortage 

After Aspen City Council voted Aug. 12 to enact a stage two water shortage, applicable to residents and businesses residing within city limits, the stage two water shortage will go into effect Sept. 1. 

“Drought conditions in Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork watershed have continued to deteriorate due to above normal temperatures and below average precipitation,” a press release states.

Pitkin County and adjacent counties are currently categorized as extreme (D3) and exceptional (D4) drought categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Aspen and Pitkin County are also under stage two fire restrictions as of early August.

The city of Aspen requests that residents and businesses adhere to the watering schedule and guidelines — those who fail to adhere to the requirements will be subject to the actions and penalties as outlined in Section 25.28.040 of Aspen Municipal Code.

“Stage two water shortage measures are designed to keep Aspen’s municipal water demand within the limits of the utility’s available supply, while safeguarding the health of Castle and Maroon creeks,” the press release states. “Ensuring reliable service for all Aspen water customers during this stage relies on the active participation of the community in practicing water conservation.”

Mandatory irrigation schedule

This mandatory irrigation schedule requires any person or entity using water from the city water system or any system connected thereto to adhere to the following schedule: 

• There can be no irrigation or outdoor water use between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. 
• Customers whose property address ends in an odd number can only irrigate outdoors on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• Customers whose property address ends in an even number, including 0, can only irrigate outdoors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 
• No outside irrigation shall be allowed on Mondays. 

More information can be found in the city of Aspen’s municipal code, section 25.28.021.

Outdoor water use

Washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, and other paved surfaces is only allowed on the property’s designated watering days and must take place outside 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Residential pools

There can be no refilling of residential swimming pools with water furnished by the city.  

For more information and support on reducing water use, go to https://aspen.gov/1157/Drought-Watch, email watersave@aspen.gov, or call 970-920-5110.