The City of Westminster will enact a Drought Watch effective Wednesday, April 15, in response to Colorado’s dry conditions and record-low snowpack, and its impact to the City’s projected water supply. Residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water to help protect the community’s supply as the region heads into the summer months. Mandatory watering restrictions are not currently in place.
A Drought Watch is an early signal that voluntary water conservation will be needed to extend our community’s water supply. Residents can help by taking a few simple steps:
- Limit lawn watering to no more than three days per week
- Water before 10 am or after 6 pm to reduce evaporation
- Check irrigation systems for leaks or overspray
- Stay informed about drought updates from the City
During the summer, three out of every four gallons of water are used to water a home’s lawn and garden, so making small adjustments to time and amount of use is especially impactful.
“Westminster is a community that values water,” said City Manager Jody Andrews. “Thanks to decades of conservation by our residents and businesses, our community has reduced water use by more than 20 percent since 2000. That commitment matters during dry years like this one, and continued conservation now can help reduce the need for stricter measures later.”
In response to the record-low snowpack in the Clear Creek Basin — Westminster’s primary water source — the City is closely monitoring snowpack levels, streamflow forecasting, coordinating with regional water partners, and optimizing operations to maximize available water supply.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to further conserve water heading into the summer by taking advantage of the City’s conservation programs with Resource Central, including free sprinkler audits through Slow the Flow, Lawn Replacement assistance, Garden in a Box discounts, and water-wise landscaping education.
The City has also taken significant steps to conserve water across City operations, facilities, and parks. The City previously removed 21 acres of non-essential turf, upgraded to high-efficiency irrigation systems in parks and golf courses, and expanded the use of reclaimed water — highly treated wastewater that is reused for irrigation only — to preserve drinking water supplies for homes and businesses.
Westminster will continue monitoring conditions throughout the spring and summer and will provide updates if the drought status changes.
Learn more about drought conditions and conservation programs at:
www.westminsterco.gov/drought.