The Utilities Board approved a resolution on March 18 to enter the Water Shortage Preparation stage, aiming to protect the community’s water supply in anticipation of drought conditions this year. This decision gives the city’s water team additional tools to manage resources and encourages customers to increase their water efficiency.
The move comes as low snowpack, warmer-than-normal temperatures, and faster snowmelt are expected to reduce water inflow by about half this year. Similar challenges are being reported across Colorado, with local rainfall unable to compensate for the lack of snowpack, which is the primary source of water for many communities.
According to officials, while these conditions are serious, they are not unprecedented. The city’s water system has been designed with drought resilience in mind through long-term planning and storage capacity. Currently, system-wide storage is sufficient to meet about three years of customer demand. Because storage levels do not meet criteria for mandatory restrictions—specifically falling below 1.5 years’ demand by April 1—the board will not enact mandatory restrictions at this time but aims to avoid reaching that threshold next year.
Residents are encouraged to use supplies wisely since recovering reservoir storage after a drought can take several years. Suggestions include fixing leaks promptly, adjusting outdoor watering schedules, upgrading inefficient fixtures such as toilets and shower heads (with rebates available), using irrigation rebates for system upgrades, transitioning landscapes toward more water-wise plants or native grasses, and monitoring usage patterns online.
The Conservation and Environmental Center offers further resources including efficient fixtures and educational opportunities like the Coffee & Conservation series starting May 2. Officials emphasize that working together on voluntary conservation measures now will help protect vital resources for future needs.
