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…