When the going gets tough, the tough get creative. It worked for growers at Rosedale Community Garden. Not content to let the drought dry up their piece of paradise, the group gathered together to battle parched conditions threatening the gardens. 

In the fall of 2002, 30 Rosedale gardeners held a market on Logan Street outside their garden gates. Selling produce, flowers and baked goods, they raised nearly $800 in just five hours. 

The proceeds were earmarked for water conservation efforts. Specifically, the group purchased 60 drip hoses and 50 bales of straw (for use as mulch) which gardeners purchased for half the retail price. 

In addition, Rosedale has implemented mandatory water conservation workshops for all gardeners, from first-timers to veteran growers. 

“The emphasis is on communication, interaction and sharing what works in water conservation,” explains garden leader, Dave Conant. 

Water Watch 2006
Colorado’s current snow pack is above average. At the present, Denver watersheds stand at about 140 percent average snow pack west and 105 percent east of the Continental Divide. But how does this weigh against Denver reservoirs? According to officials, our reservoirs are typically 82 percent full at this time of year. Currently, they are at 85 percent capacity. In 2003, the height of the drought, reservoirs were a scary 43 percent full this time of year.

Denver Water permanently enacted the no watering restriction between 10 am and 6 pm. Denver Water also approved a 2006 rate increase resulting in a predicted $2.92 to $4.14 increase in residential bi-monthly billing. Use in excess of 80,000 gallons in one billing period will be charged at a higher rate per thousand gallons. The previous top level was 60,000 gallons.

The City of Aurora’s watering restrictions are in effect from May 1 to Oct. 31.  The watering time restriction, between the hours of 10 am to 6 pm, will be lifted on Oct. 1.

Denver is a dry region, geographically classified as high desert. Front Range precipitation totals are below normal, leading to concerns that spring water use by Denver residents could be above average.

DUG expects community gardeners to continue to set an example in the stewardship of one of our most precious resources. It is DUG’s expectation that gardeners employ the same water conservation techniques used during the drought. Given the natural ecologically of Denver, water conservation just makes sense.

Download Entire DUG Drought Guide Here