Under the new City rules, residents that use sprinklers and other irrigation systems to water lawns and gardens may only do so three times a week. From May 1 to Oct. 15, landscape watering must take place before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Residents may still water gardens or potted plants more than three times a week if they are using a handheld hose with a nozzle, a watering can or other handheld container or a low pressure, low volume “drip irrigation” system, such as a bubbler, drip emitter, in-line tubing or soaker hose.

Water customers can apply for a permit if they must break the rules to establish new grass or plants. They can seek a water allocation plan, as well, if they need more flexibility.

The rules will also prohibit residents from using water to clean sidewalks, driveways and patios, “except when cleaning with water is necessary for public health or safety reasons or when other cleaning methods are impractical or inappropriate.” Utilities customers will be barred from allowing water that’s meant for irrigation to pool on paved surfaces or accumulate in gutters and drains.

Those who break Utilities new Water-Wise Rules will be subject to a range of penalties. First-time violators will be issued a written warning, and any subsequent violations within a year will result in Utilities adding an additional $100 charge to that customers’ water bill.

Learn more and see the The Integrated Water Resource Plan at www.csu.org/Pages/waterwiserules.aspx

Read the Gazette article at gazette.com/life/new-lawn-watering-limits-coming-in-colorado-springs/article_6ad833b6-2378-11ea-a862-9b700d281858.html

The wet snow and normal growth have pushed a lot of tree branches onto stucco walls. The Association’s arborists and landscapers are working their way through the community and we need homeowners to also prune branches up and off the walls. No homeowner branches should be on the walls or extend into common areas below the height of the wall.  The Association cannot cut homeowner trees. 

Several homeowners received a notice about tree branches and a clarification will be sent: branches should be off the walls and above the height of walls in common areas.

​As always, no branches should be restrict walking on sidewalks.

The modifications committee has taken aspen trees off the PCVA plant list because they only live 10 to 15 years and then the homeowner has to replace it.  They also create unwanted saplings in both your and your neighbor’s yards.   You can kill the saplings with a spray called ‘sucker stopper’. 

View a booklet about how to identify local noxious weeds and help eradicate them at communityservices.elpasoco.com/environmental-division/forestry-noxious-weeds/

You are responsible for all trees on your property.  Please check the ones close to the stucco walls, and cut off any branches that are touching the walls.  They can damage the wall, increasing the yearly amount the grounds committee uses your money to pay for repairs.