High demand leads to mandatory water restrictions in Monument

Mandatory outdoor water restrictions are in place for people living in Monument. Several signs are placed in neighborhoods warning of the restrictions.

“At the time it sounded like it was just going to be a short term couple day issue and it turned out that after a few days, they shut it off completely,” said Mark Stover.

People living in the district were first notified on June 17, and as of July 4, no outside watering is allowed with the exception of drip systems.

People like Stover have to rely on mother nature.

“It’s been OK for the last month because we’ve been getting rain the past few days, but now our green lawns are going to go brown,” said Stover.

The district said the restrictions are due to an unprecedented rise in demand for water in the town. In the past two weeks, demand has approached 2 million gallons a day.

KRDO tried calling and visting by the Triview Metropolitan District, however, they had no comment.

Another resident, Denyse Vanderham finished her landscaping two days before the water restrictions. While it’s inconvenient, she hopes it won’t impact her drinking water.

“The more I thought about it, yeah it was selfish, I wanted my grass to grow and plants to grow, but for the sake of people’s drinking water, it wasn’t worth it. Things can grow back,” said Vanderham.

In the last two years, demand for water in the district has increased by 7 percent because of residential growth.

“Why are they still allowing building here when we’re already under water restrictions? What’s really going on that caused the problem,” said Stover.

The increased demand is being investigated by both district and external engineering personnel.

Triview Metropolitan District said it hopes the restrictions can ensure that sufficient water tank storage can be maintained for critical household needs, as well as potential firefighting requirements.

There are fines and penalties for anyone who doesn’t follow the regulations.

First violation – a warning letter
Second violation – $50 penalty
Third violation – $500 penalty
Four or more – $750 per violation

The district hopes to get the problem resolved over the next few weeks. Anyone with questions should call the Monument Water Department at 719-424-0846. Fore more information click here.