Denver Ends Water Restrictions

Denver Water customers can now water their lawns and gardens without worrying about patrols looking for water wastrels.

The Denver Water Board is lifting restrictions in place since the summer of 2002, when one of the state’s worst-ever droughts depleted reservoirs. Denver Water’s reservoirs were 79.3 percent full Monday, Sept. 30, compared with 50.6 percent a year ago.

A huge blizzard in March and a rainy spring helped restore water supplies.

However, board member Richard Kirk has said restrictions will return if Colorado has a dry winter. Snowpack provides about 80 percent of the state’s water supply.

Utility officials said that customers decreased water use by an average of 51 gallons a day during the drought – enough water for a shower and two loads of dishes.

Source: Associated Press