Colorado Springs Utilities Activates Drought Response Plan Amid Record-Low Snowpack

A combination of historically low snowpack, unseasonably high winter temperatures and expected accelerated snowmelt this spring means many Colorado communities are preparing for drought conditions this summer. Much of the state is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions and low snowpack, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Snowpack is the primary source of water for most Coloradans, as well as for many in downstream states. Southeastern Colorado communities sit in the Arkansas River Basin, which officials expect to have less than half its normal snowpack this year. Leaning into proactive plans to collaboratively manage through a hot, dry summer will be important across the basin. Colorado Springs, the basin’s largest municipality, sources about one-third of its water supply from Arkansas Basin sources, but most of its supply originates in the Colorado River Basin, which is experiencing one of the lowest snowpacks on record. Anticipating low water yields this year, Colorado Springs Utilities has enacted its drought response plan to help guide the city through enhanced planning and conservation actions. “Our system was designed to be resilient in dry years, and our planning and water management reflects that,” says Abby Ortega, the utility’s general manager of infrastructure and resource planning. “Our storage reservoirs are a large component of that resiliency, but our customers’ proactive efforts to use water wisely have been equally important.” Colorado Springs operates 25 reservoirs across its system that store water for the city and help it navigate through years when water yields are expected to be reduced. Despite a few reservoirs that have been down for maintenance, the system-wide storage is at about 77% capacity. Although it’s a good position to be in going into a drought year, the utility requested a formal declaration of Water Shortage Preparation this year as a proactive measure to help reduce risks to water supplies. In addition to optimizing water system operational tools this year, the utility is asking customers to help. “Our customers already do a good job of using water efficiently, including following the city’s Water Wise Rules, which allow outdoor watering up to three days a week,” said Ortega. “Between May and October, watering must be done before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation loss. As part of Water Shortage Preparations, we will suggest additional ways customers can conserve and help us stretch our supplies, which will go a long way toward helping us minimize loss in storage and preparing our system for next year.”