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Water Conservation
Water is essential for human survival and well-being, and important to many sectors of the economy. While water used inside a home is for drinking, cooking and bathing, water usage outside of our homes for lawns and recreation is a precious resource. It's important that people remember to conserve water where they can to make this resource last for the future.
The Town of Firestone relies on the Colorado Big Thompson (CBT) project for all of its raw water. CBT water is in high demand due to a rapid shift from agricultural to municipal and industrial ownership. This competition has made CBT water more expensive with time. Like other municipalities along the Colorado Front Range, Firestone is faced with the challenges of meeting water demands that accompany the large growth it is experiencing. This growth, coupled with the fact that water is becoming less available and more expensive, places a premium on water conservation. The Town recognizes the need to conserve water in order to maximize the effectiveness of its currently owned water resources and infrastructure and to delay the need for investments in water purchases and infrastructure expansions.
The Town of Firestone has developed a Municipal Water Efficiency Plan Update to assist with maximizing its current water supplies via water conservation. It outlines water savings goals and develops a detailed strategy to achieve these goals over a 10-year planning horizon.
Current Conservation Measures and Programs
While the Town of Firestone has enough water to use for normal operating conditions, the Town still requests voluntary water conservation for outside use.
Toilet Leak Detection
The Town of Firestone provides free toilet leak detection kits for residents. Feel free to stop by Town Hall at 9950 Park Avenue or call 303-833-3291.
Water Conservation Resources
WaterSense, a partnership program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products, new homes, and services.
Water Conservation Tips:
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Rusti Roberto
Water Resource CoordinatorPhone: 303-531-6272
- Inside the Home
- Outside the Home
- Vehicle & Garage
- Home Repair & Improvement
- Septic System Use & Maintenance
- Consider installing a WaterSense labeled toilet, which uses 20 percent less water while offering equal or superior performance
- Check for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank, or stop by Firestone Town Hall for a free toilet leak detection kit. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 15 minutes.
- Installing a WaterSense labeled aerator is one of the most cost effective ways to save water.
- Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
- Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons of water per day.
- Wash only full loads of clothes or dishes or lower the water settings for smaller loads.
- Water your lawn or garden during the cool morning hours to reduce evaporation. Don't over water.
- Look for sprinklers that produce droplets, not mist, and use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation for trees and shrubs.
- Don't over fertilize your lawn as it will increase the need for water.
- Raise your lawn mower blade to at least 3 inches. Taller grass promotes deeper roots, shades the root system, and holds moisture better.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream.
- Select native plants and grasses that are drought and pest resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
- Sweep up yard debris rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
- Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local water bodies. Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.
- Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on your lawn or other unpaved surfaces to minimize the amount of dirty water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local water body.
- Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don't dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.
- Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.
- Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donated unused paint to local organizations.
- Have your septic system inspected by a professional at least every three years, and have the septic tank pumped as necessary (usually every three to five years).
- Flush responsibly. Flushing household chemicals like paint, pesticides, oil, and antifreeze can destroy the biological treatment taking place in your system. Other items, such as diapers, paper towels, and cat litter, can clog the septic system and potentially damage components.