2022 was also a dry year for Colorado, as it was for other states in the western United States. Colorado gets most of its water from the Colorado River Basin. During the past 22 years, the Colorado River System reservoirs have reduced from 95 percent to 39 percent in terms of water. Tunnels and pipelines running through mountains drain water from the Colorado River into reservoirs in cities like Colorado Springs and Denver. Colorado Springs gets 70 percent of its water from the Colorado River. Water is precious in the western United States, not only in view of the increasing population numbers. The dry periods that often occur in this area are also a concern for the cities. Forest fires also affect the quality of the water in the reservoirs. Interestingly, the founder of Colorado Springs, General William Jackson Palmer, purposely named the city “Colorado Springs” to attract potential land buyers in other parts of the United States and the world. There are no significant springs or rivers in the city.
water reuse project
We have had “water restrictions” for gardens for years. From May to October, the sprinkler system may only be switched on three times a week, before 10 a.m. and following 6 p.m. Last year, our municipal utility, C/S Utilities, started a water reuse project that recycled water purified by sewage treatment plants and then even exceeded drinking water quality. The project gives hope.
Colorado public utilities also recommend drought-resistant plants, grasses, and trees for gardens and parks. This is called “Xeriscape” here. To show their customers how attractive a “Xeriscape” garden can look, C/S Utilities created their own Xeriscape Demonstration Garden years ago, which is accessible at all times and has been extended several times. The term “Xeriscape” was coined in 1981 by an employee of the Denver Water Company. Because of our location – Colorado Springs is 6,000 feet – we have extreme temperature swings and successful planting is difficult. I threw my gardening experiences from Germany overboard here many years ago.
Finally, due to a 2016 law change, you can now collect up to 110 gallons of rainwater to water lawns and gardens. Before the change, it was actually banned. Because rain that falls on private property in Colorado and seeps into the ground does not belong to the property owners, but to other residents of the Colorado River. We actually got a bit more humidity in Colorado Springs compared to other areas. After weeks of drought in spring, there was welcome precipitation in the form of snow at the end of May. Many trees have been damaged by the snow masses. We also had a lot of broken branches and were busy for several days with the clean-up work. Luckily we also had a lot of rain in the summer, during the monsoon season.
Visit from Florida
This year we had visitors from Florida once more. Son Daniel and grandson Mason and also daughter Michelle were here. They too have had a few exciting days, but came through Hurricane Ian well. Initial predictions were for a direct hit on Tampa Bay. Children and grandchildren live not far away in Sarasota and Bradenton. Shortly before landfall, the storm shifted slightly south, causing devastating damage in and around Fort Myers. The children’s neighborhoods were not under forced evacuation and there was little damage to their homes.
Time for new adventures
In closing, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and good luck for the New Year, a time for new adventures, contentment and health. Kind regards to Birgit and Horst Brauckhof. We wish you lots of fun and relaxation on the island! Many greetings also go to Sabine and to Sandra, Jörn and Helga in Bremen. Greetings to our friends Ute and Michael, Christa and Manne, Mattis and Hannah, Barbara and Peter as well as Nina, Mehmet, Emily and Sophie. Keep your ears stiff and stay healthy.
Sigrid & Dan Alexander
Colorado Springs, CO
