Despite a dry winter, Boulder is not instituting watering restrictions -- at least for now.
However, Boulder officials are asking residents to not turn on their irrigation systems until May.
"Last year, we had a remarkably dry spring and we started seeing people turn on their sprinkler systems very early," Boulder Water Conservation Program Manager Russ Sands said in a news release. "We want to remind people that even in a dry year, lawns can stay dormant until later in the year and will still green-up.
"Luckily, the recent snow will help your lawn remain healthy well into the beginning of summer without irrigating early."
Denver and several other Front Range cities already have announced watering restrictions beginning April 1.
The Denver Board of Water Commissioners declared a Stage 2 drought earlier this month
"We've never seen conditions like this, and we are concerned about our water supply," Denver Water CEO and manager Jim Lochhead said in a news release. "Our reservoirs haven't been full since July 2011."
City spokeswoman Jody Jacobson said Boulder has different water sources than some other Front Range cities, and officials don't see a need yet for watering restrictions. They'll continue to assess the situation as spring continues.
Though customers are encouraged to not turn on irrigation systems, hand-watering of trees is recommended. Irrigation techniques that are cost-effective, target tree roots and conserve water include filling gallon jugs with water and poking small holes in the bottom, the use of soaker hoses and deep-root watering with soil needles.
The city's Parks and Recreation Department will be doing some irrigation of fields, which see more foot traffic than private lawns.
This week is "Fix a Leak Week," and the city will be mailing postcards to water customers whose accounts show 24-hour water use, which can indicate a leak. That level of monitoring is made possible by new water meters. A leaky toilet, for example, can waste up to 500 gallons of water per day.
Boulder will have outreach tables at local hardware stores with information about water saving tips.
The city also is offering water use assessments to commercial customers.