Many of us who subscribe to notifications from the Town of Carbondale recently received a public service announcement concerning water usage.
We’ve been in touch with the Town about this issue and thought it would be helpful to share a message tailored specifically to the River Valley Ranch (RVR) community—highlighting key points that apply uniquely to us.
The “Nettle Creek Transmission Line” referenced in the Town’s announcement supplies treated (chlorinated) water to homes. While many homes within Carbondale irrigate their landscaping with this treated water, all homes in RVR use raw (untreated) water for turf and landscaping irrigation. The Town’s message is primarily aimed at reducing the use of treated water for landscaping, which represents a significant portion of summer water demand.
That said, we encourage RVR residents to continue being mindful of overall water use—including raw water. Conserving water helps maintain healthier flows in the Crystal River, which benefits the entire ecosystem. We’re proud that several water-wise landscaping projects have been undertaken within the RVR community, and the Design Review Committee welcomes and encourages such efforts.
To support the Town’s most immediate goals, the most effective action RVR residents can take is to limit domestic (treated) water usage. This includes activities such as washing vehicles, filling outdoor water features, or using a hose connected to your home’s drinking water supply for irrigation. Reducing these uses helps lessen the demand on the Nettle Creek Transmission Line.
As we face a dry year marked by high temperatures and limited rainfall, the need for landscaping irrigation grows just as river flows diminish. Please stay informed about the Town’s water restrictions and do your part to reduce domestic water consumption.
In recent weeks, we’ve adjusted irrigation on RVR common areas to align with these guidelines. We hope this message helps clarify how the Town’s water usage announcement relates specifically to our community.
Thank you for your continued efforts to be water-wise.
— RVR Staff
