Grand Valley businesses conserve water any way they can

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO/KJCT)-- The drought here in Colorado and on Western Slope isn't going away, and some businesses are doing what they can to conserve water.

The Drought Response Information Project, or DRIP, came up with an award that recognizes local businesses for conserving water. Sprigs and Sprouts got the first award Tuesday, but they're not the only one's conserving water around the Valley.

Sprigs and Sprouts are known for their lavender, and it’s sweet scent drifts down Highway 6. They grow other crops like tomatoes too, which are a good thing to grow right now. Tomatoes are a fairly drought-resistant crop.

"I think we try to do everything to conserve water," said Ruth Elkins, co-owner of Sprigs and Sprouts.

They use a fabric and plastic that covers the ground and keeps moisture in the soil for longer. They’ve also kept to a strict watering schedule.

“(We water) predominantly at night in six-hour cycles every two weeks on a lot of these perennials," said Elkins.

They got the Tributary award from DRIP for their conservation efforts. The group will be awarding these every Tuesday into August or even September.

Ute water said their customers have used nearly 20 million more gallons in June 2018 than they did in June 2017.

"We're really contributing that to the increase in temperatures," said Joseph Burtard, of Ute Water Conservancy District.

The biggest user of water is the hospitality industry, with hotels and restaurants like Kannah Creek.

"We really value our resource of water," said Jim Jeffryes, owner Kannah Creek Brewing Company.

Kannah Creek recently started making customers ask for water, instead of being served it initially. They said by doing this, their water usage has gone down 10 percent. Jeffryes also said they’ve cut out a day of watering their lawns.

When it comes to conserving water in the Grand Valley, it’s a group effort, and every little bit helps.

“We all have a vote in water usage, and what's hard by the yard is a cinch by the inch," said Elkins.
