Fort Collins officials are targeting a 20 percent reduction in water use this summer, and existing restrictions might tighten depending on spring snowfall and the city's success in renting water.

With the city in its fourth year of drought, officials have drawn up a four-level drought response plan with water restrictions that differ depending on supply scenarios.

Restrictions the city deems most likely, Level 2, are similar to those in place that limit households to one day of lawn watering a week. Trees, shrubs and gardens would be exempt from such restrictions, as would new grass sod and seed.

Outdoor water use accounts for about 40 percent of the city's total annual consumption.

The restriction scenarios are the latest chapter in a Fort Collins water saga that began in mid-July when City Council passed mandatory restrictions on lawn watering. The goal for last summer was to cut usage by 10 percent. City officials would like to double those savings this summer.

"I don't think we have a choice about it. We have to do it," said Mike Smith, director of Fort Collins Utilities. "No doubt there will be more brown lawns this coming year than last year."

More serious restrictions loom, however, if the city isn't able to rent 2,000 to 3,000 acre-feet of water for this summer. Such rental water probably will cost between $350 and $400 an acre-foot and come with a total price tag of around $1 million, Smith said. The city has rented 40 acre-feet so far and hopes to rent the rest by the end of March.

"We're probably about 60 percent confident we can get it done," Smith said.

If not, and mountain snowpack remains anemic, the city could be forced to adopt tighter Level 3 restrictions.

That would mean an additional 10 percent reduction in water use. Households likely would be allowed one day of lawn watering per week, but for no more than two hours. No exemptions would be given for new grass sod or seed, and other outdoor watering would be allowed only with a drip system or hose with a shutoff nozzle.

Even personal car washing and charity car wash events would be banned under such restrictions.

Fines for watering violations also could increase this summer.

Violations of the current ordinance carry a fine ranging from $50 to $1,000, though warnings are issued at the discretion of the enforcement officer. Fines would remain the same under the Level 2 restrictions. Under Level 3, however, fines would jump to a range of $100 to $1,000 per offense for residential violations. Businesses would be fined $500 to $1,000.

No warnings would be given.

If conditions warrant, Councilwoman Karen Weitkunat said she has no qualms about ratcheting up restrictions.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," she said.

Mayor Ray Martinez said he's happy the city has drawn up a plan so the council is prepared to act -- regardless of fickle spring snows and the water rental market.

The council is scheduled to vote on the drought response plan in March.

Originally published Tuesday, February 18, 2003