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Council refines water-use rules: registration for new sod, large-parcel exceptions, winter-watering allowance included
Summary
Council adopted amendments to Broomfield’s water-use and drought ordinance that add an exception and a registration process for new seed or sod, create a path for large irrigated parcels to demonstrate compliance, require repairs within 10 days, and add limited winter-watering exceptions; the vote on first reading was unanimous.
The City and County of Broomfield voted 9–0 on first reading to amend water-use and drought restrictions, adopting a package of operational clarifications and limited exceptions intended to address enforcement and equity concerns identified after the 2024 ordinance rollout.
Deputy Director of Water Utilities Mark Lohrey reviewed the city’s 2024 irrigation rules — including the limit of three irrigation days per week, an odd/even address schedule, and restricted irrigation hours — and described the outreach and enforcement procedures used in 2025. Lohrey said staff saw a year-over-year reduction in water use and instituted a stepped enforcement approach (educational outreach for initial reports, on-site verification, warnings, and fines starting on the third verified violation per account).
Based on stakeholder feedback, staff proposed six changes for non-drought conditions. Key changes adopted on first reading include: • A large-parcel pathway: parcels or accounts with more than 100,000 square feet of irrigated turf may qualify for separate scheduling requirements provided they verify system efficiency (a required system audit within five years and other verification steps). • Leak and repair timing: properties with damaged irrigation systems must repair leaks or visible runoff within 10 days of notification. • New sod/seed exception and registration: property owners installing new seed or sod may register with Water Utilities and receive a three-week exception to water daily during establishment; staff will provide a simple online form or shared email for registration and track exceptions by account. • Reuse-season adjustment: the allowable reuse irrigation season was extended to accommodate spring athletic-field needs. • Winter-watering exception: a narrowly tailored exception for irrigation during prolonged dry winter spells was added for residents who need it; staff cautioned that winter sprinkler use can risk freeze damage and recommended communication about blow-out practices.
Council members asked for clarity on how the large-parcel threshold will be determined and whether communications and staffing are sufficient for the new registry and outreach. Lohrey said the threshold applies to irrigated turf area (not total parcel area), that parcel measurements will rely on parcel data and desktop tools, and that staff plans a targeted communications rollout including bill inserts and website materials. He also reiterated that the enforcement process uses warnings before fines.
If adopted on final reading, the amendments will take effect seven days after publication to align with the 2026 irrigation season. Staff said they will incorporate lessons from 2025’s outreach and enforcement and provide additional guidance to residents on registration and irrigation best practices.
