Colorado Springs avoids new drought restrictions for now
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As Front Range communities tighten drought restrictions, Colorado Springs utilities officials say the city has roughly three years of water supply in reserve.
Between the lines: Springs residents already live under year-round "Water Wise Rules," which resemble many of the new drought restrictions rolling out in nearby cities.
Why it matters: Even with this week's rainy forecast, the regional drought persists.
- But Colorado Springs residents may avoid some of the rule changes taking effect in nearby cities.
Driving the news: Front Range cities, including Denver and Aurora, have imposed drought restrictions in recent months after a historically dry, warmer-than-average winter deepened statewide drought conditions.
- Manitou Springs, which relies on one reservoir at the foot of Pikes Peak for its water, entered Stage I drought restrictions last month.
State of play: The Springs' permanent Water Wise Rules are enforced by a potential $100 fine.
- The guidance already limits watering to three days a week, prohibits automated watering onto sidewalks and requires residents to repair leaking sprinkler systems.
- From May 1 to Oct. 15, residents are allowed to water only before 10am or after 6pm to reduce evaporation.
Zoom in: The Springs' conservation approach is backed by decades of acquisition work, including expanding pipelines and high-country reservoirs across 11 counties to stay ahead of water demand.
- The city draws from as far west as Aspen and downstream sources such as Pueblo.
What we're watching: The federal government last week threatened to cut Colorado's allocation of Colorado River water if western states fail to reach their own water-sharing agreement — a move that would directly affect about half of Colorado Springs' water supply.
Threat level: Things could get worse.
- Drought forecasts show Colorado's conditions are unlikely to improve in the coming months, so the city's water rules could tighten, including enforcing the Stage II rule that water would be served at restaurants only upon request, as Denver is already doing.
- At Stage III, all turf watering would be outlawed. At Stage IV, trees and shrubs can be hand-watered only once a month.