City of Farmington Enacts Stage 1 Water Advisory

Lake Farmington is the city’s public drinking water system supplied by surface water from the Animas and San Juan Rivers. The lake is currently at 97.98% of its capacity. However, low stream flows, combined with the prospect for continuing drought conditions and the lack of snow pack from last winter, prevents the City from replenishing the water supply. The City of Farmington is asking residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption to lower the overall demand on the system and preserve the water in storage.

From the City of Farmington

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

The Farmington City Council passed a resolution during last night’s council meeting enacting a stage one water shortage advisory urging citizens to reduce water usage by 10%. The advisory goes into effect today and will remain in place until further notice.

The water advisory is a result of recent drought conditions. Lake Farmington is the city’s public drinking water system supplied by surface water from the Animas and San Juan Rivers. The lake is currently at 97.98% of its capacity. However, low stream flows, combined with the prospect for continuing drought conditions and the lack of snow pack from last winter, prevents the City from replenishing the water supply.

The City of Farmington is asking residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption to lower the overall demand on the system and preserve the water in storage by practicing the following:  

·         Landscape or lawn watering should be limited in such a manner so as to reduce overall water usage by at least 10%

·         Landscape or lawn watering with automated sprinkler systems between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. is discouraged. Landscape or lawn watering with manual sprinkler systems between the hours of 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. is discouraged.

·         Watering early in the morning is recommended to avoid excess evaporation and discourage fungus growth, and lawns should be aerated to improve absorption and reduce runoff. Lawn watering should be done only when the lawn needs watering.

·         Sprinkler systems should be shut off when it is raining.

·         Installation of new landscaping is discouraged and if any new plant material is installed, only drought resistant or low-water-use plants should be used. Mulch should be placed around all existing plants, trees, shrubs, or flower gardens to hold moisture in the soil.

·         Washing of hard surfaces, such as parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, is discouraged.

·         Indoor and outdoor leaks should be repaired immediately upon discovery.

·         Restaurants should be encouraged to provide water to customers only upon request.

·         Car washing at residences is discouraged. All hoses used for landscape watering, car washing or other uses should be equipped with a shut off nozzle.

·         Water users are encouraged to replace old plumbing fixtures with low flow fixtures.

·         Water users are encouraged to take shorter showers; not to let the water run continuously while brushing teeth or shaving; and to flush only when necessary.

·         Appliances which use water, such as dishwashers and clothes washers, should be run only with full loads.

·         Hot water heaters should be insulated; the temperature set appropriately; and partially drained once per year.

For additional tips on reducing water consumption, visit fmtn.org/drought.