Town of Paonia to Implement Stage one Water Restrictions Starting August 1st
Rehabilitation of 2MG Water Storage Tank to Get Underway
Paonia, Colorado — The Town of Paonia will enact Stage One Water Restrictions beginning August 1, 2025, as part of a critical infrastructure improvement project to rehabilitate the Town’s primary 2-million-gallon (2MG) finished water storage tank.
During the rehabilitation, the 2MG tank will be taken offline and temporarily replaced with a 725,000-gallon tank, significantly reducing storage capacity. The Town’s water system serves a broad and complex service area, including in-Town customers, out-of-town users, 24 consecutive water systems, and approximately 100 bulk water customers. To ensure continued reliable service for all users, the Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution establishing temporary, enforceable water use restrictions.
Key Details of the Restrictions:
Effective Date: August 1, 2025
Applies To: All in-Town, out-of-town, and consecutive water system customers
Irrigation Schedule:
Even-numbered addresses may irrigate only on even-numbered calendar days
Odd-numbered addresses may irrigate only on odd-numbered calendar days
No irrigation permitted on the 31st of any month
This measure is based on current average peak demand of approximately 250,000 gallons per day, which places considerable strain on the treatment plant and distribution network under reduced storage capacity. The alternating irrigation schedule is designed to evenly distribute usage and preserve system integrity during the project.
“Water conservation during this period is essential so that our water treatment plant doesn’t operate continuously to keep up with the smaller tank,” said Stefen Wynn, Paonia Town Administrator & Treasurer. “We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the community’s cooperation as we complete a vital upgrade that will support our long-term water reliability.”
Consecutive Water Systems Affected Include:
Apple Blossom Estates, Burgess Water Company, Cedar Hill Water Company, Chapin Pipeline Association, Creekside Domestic Water Association, Eastgate Waterline, Foothills Water Company, German Creek West Water Association, German Mesa Waterline, Hammond Pipeline, Hawks Haven Drive, Hidden Valley HOA, Jumbo Mountain Water Company, Lamborn Drive Water Association, Lamborn Mesa Water, Minnesota Domestic Pipeline, North Fork Trailer Park, Rusty Pipe Association, Shaft Water Company, South Lamborn Mesa Water, Stewart Mesa Waterline, West Paonia Domestic Water, Western Extension Domestic, and Whistling Acres/Minnesota Creek.
Customers served by irrigation ditch companies may continue to operate according to their existing agreements with their respective ditch systems. However, all treated municipal water users must comply with the restrictions.
Customers who use ditch water rather than treated domestic water for irrigation are asked to visit Town Hall and provide proof of ditch irrigation. Upon verification, they will receive a purple stake flag to display in their yard.
Violations of the restrictions are subject to fines up to $250 per offense, and repeat violations may result in water shutoff per Paonia Municipal Code §13-1-80.
The Stage One Water Restrictions will remain in effect until the tank rehabilitation is complete, or until lifted by further resolution of the Board of Trustees.
The Town of Paonia remains committed to transparent governance and the protection of its essential infrastructure, including the equitable administration of its municipal water system for all residents and customers.