mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com 

MONTE VISTA- With hot temperatures and dry conditions persisting across the San Luis Valley, the Monte Vista City Council voted June 18 to amend the city's existing water restrictions, allowing weekend watering while designating Mondays as a no-watering day. 

Public Works Director Rob Vance brought the issue before the council during its regular meeting, which began at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Vance told council members that conditions remain extremely dry and temperatures continue to climb, prompting the need to revisit Resolution 2026-11, originally adopted in April. 

"We're still rather dry. Temperatures are increasing," Vance said. "I wanted to bring it back to City Council and first kind of brief you on how the current water restrictions are going." 

Under the original resolution, residents were limited to three watering days per address. Vance said most feedback received by his department has not focused on the three-day limitation itself, but rather on the days available for watering. According to Vance, residents have consistently requested that both Saturday and Sunday be available. 

"We've seen it almost consistently unanimously," Vance said. "People have requested both Saturday and Sunday as watering days." 

Vance explained that Public Works Staff have focused primarily on education rather than enforcement. Vance stated that some residents have adjusted their watering habits immediately after learning of the restrictions, while others have continued watering outside of their assigned times. 

"I give them kudos because as soon as they knew about it, there was an instant change," Vance said of residents who quickly complied. 

Enforcement remains difficult, he added, because Public Works personnel lack authority to issue citations and the city does not currently have a code enforcement officer. Staffing shortages within the police department also limit the city's ability to pursue stricter enforcement. 

"The strict law, especially with the fines, really becomes an enforcement issue," Vance said. "Under current staffing, I'm not convinced we could do it effectively." 

Vance recommended improving public education through utility bill notices, the city's website, social media, and other forms of media, to ensure residents are aware of the restrictions. He noted that while the city may never reach everyone, increased communication could help improve compliance. 

Council members also discussed the practical realities faced by residents who work varying shifts and schedules. Questions were raised regarding hand watering of gardens, flowers and trees, and officials agreed that flexibility would be important while still promoting conservation. 

Following the discussion, council members approved an amendment to Resolution 2026-11. The changes will allow sprinkler and lawn irrigation on Saturdays and Sundays, designate Monday as the city's no-watering day and permit the hand watering of flowers, gardens and trees using a garden hose. 

The amended resolution also changes watering times and is intended to provide residents with greater flexibility while maintaining the city's conservation efforts. 

The motion carried unanimously. 

Vance said the city plans to immediately begin informing residents of the changes through multiple channels, including the city's website.  

As temperatures continue to rise and neighboring communities implement fire restrictions, Vance emphasized that the purpose of the restrictions is not punishment, but responsible stewardship of the city's water resources during an exceptionally dry season.