Mandatory Water Restrictions Implemented in Ridgway, alongside Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Mayor John Clark has promulgated mandatory water restrictions within the Town of Ridgway, effective immediately. The restrictions shall remain in effect until modified or revoked by further order of the Town Council.

According to the U.S. Drought Portal, accessible at www.drought.gov, areas in southwestern Colorado, and particularly Ouray County, are experiencing either severe or extreme drought conditions. The Town Council has continually expressed a desire to conserve water in times of need to ensure effective and safe delivery of water to the Ridgway community during all times, including in times of restricted or limited water supply and drought. The following Mandatory Water Restrictions, as described in the Town’s Water Conservation and Management Plan, shall remain in effect until modified or revoked by further order of the Town Council:

• No irrigating between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., or when windy, in order to minimize evaporation, and anytime on Mondays.
• Properties located on the SOUTH side of Hwy 62 & Hunter Parkway – irrigate only on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• Properties located on the NORTH side of Hwy 62 & Hunter Parkway – irrigate only on Wednesdays and Sundays.
• Town Parks irrigation limited to the minimum needed to keep grass alive.

Earlier today, the Town Manager formally promulgated emergency restrictions on burning and fires within the Town and the restrictions shall remain in effect until modified or revoked by further order of the Town Council. The following activities are currently prohibited in the Town of Ridgway:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a campfire except in designated and signed campgrounds or developed recreation sites with provided fire grates;
• Open burning of any kind including burning of trash or debris, burning of ditches, open charcoal or wood fires​
• Fireworks or the use of explosives;
• Smoking on public property, except in an enclosed vehicle or building;
• Disposal of any cigarette anywhere outdoors;
• Operating any chainsaw, except with a fire extinguisher and shovel kept within immediate reach;
• Welding or use of torch with open flame, unless inside an enclosed structure and as an allowable use in the zoning district;
• Other activities determined to be of high risk in creating a wildfire and potential for loss of life or significant damage to personal property.

For more information, please email pneill@town.ridgway.co.us or call 970-626-5308.