Our Utilities Board took an important step to protect our community’s water supply when they approved a resolution to enter Water Shortage Preparation at the March 18 Board meeting. This stage of the city’s Water Shortage Ordinance gives our water team extra tools to manage our water system through drought conditions this year. It also directs us to help our customers increase their water efficiency.
Low snowpack, warmer-than-normal temperatures, and faster snowmelt are expected to reduce the amount of water flowing into our system by about half this year. Across Colorado, many communities are facing similar concerns. Any rain we get locally in the coming months will provide a welcome respite, but it can’t make up for snowpack, which is the source of most of our water.
While these conditions are serious, they are not new to us. Our water system is designed with drought in mind. Long-term planning and system resiliency help ensure we can continue meeting customer needs, even during dry years. One of the most important parts of that planning is the storage our reservoirs provide.
Our system-wide storage currently has enough supplies to meet about three years of customer demand. Because of this, we don’t meet the criteria to enact mandatory water restrictions this year under the city’s Water Shortage Ordinance. As one condition of enacting water restrictions, storage must be projected to fall below 1.5 years of demand on April 1 of the year. We want to prevent being in that position next year.
It can take multiple years to recover storage following a drought year. Our customers already do a good job of using water efficiently. We’re asking everyone to consider one or two additional ways to help stretch our storage supplies.
In addition to following the Water Wise Rules, there are many ways to reduce water waste that really add up in terms of water savings—with the additional benefit of lowering your water bill. Here are a few we recommend:
Check out our programs and rebates at csu.org. If you haven’t visited the Conservation and Environmental Center on Mesa Drive, this is a great year to explore the gardens and talk with our water experts. Our Saturday morning Coffee & Conservation series begins May 2 and provides a great opportunity to talk to our horticulture, irrigation and indoor water use specialists on staff.
Water Shortage Preparation is about working together to use water efficiently. Being thoughtful with our water today, will help protect this vital resource for tomorrow.