Mandatory water restrictions for Spring 2013 discussed

Troubling signs point to the possibility of water restrictions for Colorado Springs Utilities users in 2013.

The continuing drought is one concern but now utilities leaders are warning the Utilities Board and customers water use habits could also force the company to enforce restrictions for the first time since 2005.

“The community’s water use is currently higher than expected,” someone tweeted from the Colorado Springs Utilities Twitter account during the regular board meeting Wednesday. “Mandatory restrictions possible in 2013.”

Yearly water usage was last measured by CSU in July. It found that 2,733.2 million gallons of water had been used by customers. In 2011 at the same time of year, water consumption was 2,509.1 million gallons.

Despite the increase, the Colorado Springs Utilities points out that the city’s water usage is down considerably when compared to the days before conservation education kicked in. Comparing 2012 with 2001, the customer base has grown by 26 percent but water usage is down 22 percent.

Unfortunately, rainfall is also down compared with 2001 and 2011. As of July, 4.27 inches had fallen. That’s down about 2.5 inches compared with 2011 and down close to 7 inches since 2001.

As of October 2012, CSU customers are on voluntary water restrictions due to drought conditions.