Recent rain only a drop in the bucket

Posted: Jun 20, 2011 8:56 PM by Jeannette Hynes
Updated: Jul 8, 2011 4:00 PM

Southern Colorado is under severe to extreme drought conditions, making the recent rain feel like a small drop in the bucket.

Since January 1, Colorado Springs has received 2.42 inches of precipitation. Normally, Colorado Springs receives 7.24 inches by this time. In Pueblo, the year-to-date total is 3.23 inches with 5.13 as the normal number.

So far this month, Colorado Springs has received 0.26 inches of precipitation with 1.54 inches as normal. Pueblo received 0.80 inches so far this month, just shy of the normal 0.83 inches.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says in its latest drought report, while southeastern Colorado is experiencing severe drought conditions, it predicts some improvement over the next three months.

Colorado Springs Utilities says to save your plants and conserve water, adopt a long-term, year-round watering strategy, and when you water, water in smaller, concentrated areas.

"That deep soaking is really what's going to get your landscaping sprouting up again," explains Patrice Quintero, spokesperson for Colorado Springs Utilities.

Also, keep the sprinkles off the sidewalk and water early in the morning or late in the evening to get the most out of every drop.

If your plants have already succumbed to the drought, consider xeriscaping, so you'll have nice landscaping no matter how much or how little precipitation falls.
Colorado Springs Utilities offers xeriscape classes and water rebates for installing water-saving devices around the home.