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Mesa County presents drought plan to cut park irrigation, aims to save 7.5 million gallons
Summary
Mesa County parks manager Travis Haldeman outlined a drought response that will let some turf go dormant, prioritize trees and sports fields, and reduce irrigation at lower-use sites to target roughly an 80% reduction in domestic-water irrigation — about 7.5 million gallons saved this year.
Travis Haldeman, Mesa County parks and grounds manager, told commissioners on April 28 that the county has developed a drought-response plan to prioritize irrigation at high‑use parks and reduce overall water demand. "Mesa County facilities and parks manages 26 locations that rely on irrigation," Haldeman said, adding that 11 of those sites use domestic water and in a typical year together use about 9,000,000 gallons. "We're seeking a goal reduction of 80%, which will be 7,500,000 gallons of water," he said.
The plan would reduce or pause irrigation at some locations, allow turf in certain areas to go dormant, and prioritize water for trees, shrubs and high‑use spaces such as sports fields at Long Family Memorial Park. Haldeman described technical steps including adjusting sprinkler heads, shortening irrigation cycles and using soil‑moisture sensors at larger parks to water to exact turf demand.
Commissioners and staff thanked Haldeman and urged public communication. A commissioner called the effort "a start," and county staff encouraged residents to coordinate with irrigation districts and water providers on local watering standards. Haldeman said the changes may make some areas look brown or less green but emphasized the goal of protecting long‑term assets while conserving treated domestic water where agricultural needs are a higher community priority.
No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational. The plan is being implemented this year with the expectation the county may tighten restrictions further if drought conditions continue.
