The Utilities Board approved a resolution on March 18 to enter Water Shortage Preparation, a step designed to protect the community’s water supply as drought conditions are expected this year.
This move gives the city’s water team additional tools to manage the system during dry periods and directs efforts to help customers increase their water efficiency. The decision comes as low snowpack, warmer-than-normal temperatures, and faster snowmelt are projected to reduce water inflow by about half compared to typical years. Similar concerns are being faced by other communities across Colorado.
Despite these challenges, officials say that the city’s water system is built with drought resilience in mind. Long-term planning and reservoir storage play key roles in ensuring continued service during dry years. Current system-wide storage can meet about three years of customer demand, which means mandatory restrictions under the city’s Water Shortage Ordinance will not be enacted at this time. Under existing rules, such restrictions would only occur if storage were projected to fall below 1.5 years of demand by April 1.
Officials emphasize that wise use of supplies this year is critical because it can take multiple years for reservoirs to recover after a drought. Customers are encouraged to adopt further conservation practices beyond current Water Wise Rules, such as fixing leaks promptly, adjusting outdoor watering schedules, upgrading fixtures for efficiency, replacing older toilets with ultra-high efficiency models (with available rebates), installing efficient shower heads and faucet aerators from the Conservation and Environmental Center, using irrigation rebates for system upgrades, transitioning landscapes toward native plants or grasses, and monitoring usage patterns for possible leaks.
Residents are invited to learn more about programs and rebates at csu.org or visit the Conservation and Environmental Center on Mesa Drive. The Coffee & Conservation series begins May 2 offering opportunities for customers to consult with horticulture, irrigation, and indoor water use specialists on staff.
The Utilities Board said that Water Shortage Preparation is intended as a collaborative effort: “Being thoughtful with our water today will help protect this vital resource for tomorrow.”
