The Denver Post reports that Boulder will avoid mandatory water restrictions for now, despite hot and dry conditions, while continuing what the city calls a “drought watch.” The city entered that drought watch on April 1 and is asking residents to conserve water through the summer, including reducing lawn watering to twice per week and avoiding watering during cooler, wet periods.
The city also has a new rule barring residents from running sprinklers to water lawns from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents are also being encouraged to take shorter showers and only run dishwashers and washing machines when full. The article notes that all of Boulder County, like much of Colorado, is experiencing extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The Bullet Point Brief
- Boulder is not imposing mandatory water restrictions yet, but it is continuing a “drought watch.” First question: what the hell is a drought watch? It sounds like government found a way to stand near a dry creek with a clipboard.
- Residents are being asked to water lawns only twice per week. Asked, not required. So Boulder gets the moral glow of sacrifice without the awkward part where sacrifice actually happens.
- The city now prohibits lawn sprinkler use from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. That is something, technically. It is also the municipal equivalent of declaring war on damp sidewalks at noon.
- Boulder is encouraging shorter showers and fuller loads of dishes and laundry. Fine advice. Also the same advice your grandmother gave without needing a press release, a drought label, and a sustainability logo.
- The article says much of Colorado, including all of Boulder County, is in extreme drought. So Boulder is facing a serious condition with a very Boulder response: sound urgent, act cautious, and make sure everyone knows how much you care.
My Bottom Line
First, “drought watch” sounds like an urgent phrase invented so government can pretend it is doing something while mostly asking politely and hoping people clap. It has the same energy as “strategic awareness framework,” which is bureaucrat for “we noticed a problem and scheduled a meeting.”
Second, this move is classic Boulder. Virtue signal about everything. Lecture everyone. Signal moral superiority from the compostable balcony. Then when the moment arrives to actually do something hard, suddenly it is all requests, encouragement, and voluntary restraint. Boulder loves conservation as a lifestyle brand. Accountability, not so much.
Renewable energy? Absolutely. Just put those icky solar panels in Weld County where the peasants and cattle can look at them. Water restrictions? Of course. Other people should conserve water while Boulder lawns stay green enough for a yoga influencer to photograph her oat-milk enlightenment. It is the same old routine: principles for thee, tasteful exemptions for me.
This is why Boulder is so easy to mock. They do not just invite it. They roll out a welcome mat woven from recycled smugness. If the drought is serious, then be serious. If it is not, stop dressing up half-measures like moral courage. Colorado needs grown-up water policy, not another Boulder performance piece with sprinklers off during lunch.
Source: The Denver Post
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