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Aurora Faces Worst Drought in Decades
6 Apr
Summary
- Aurora water supply is facing its worst drought in decades.
- City council is considering phase one water restrictions.
- Restrictions include watering only two days a week.

Aurora's water supply is facing a drought described as potentially the worst in decades, with officials noting it could be more severe than the 2002 event. This crisis has prompted the Aurora City Council to consider implementing phase one water restrictions. These measures are crucial for mitigating the impact on the city's water reserves.
The proposed restrictions include watering lawns only two days a week, a significant reduction from the current allowance. Additionally, new turf installations will be prohibited, and water features will be temporarily shut down. Restaurants will only serve water upon request to further conserve resources. Watering will also be restricted between 10 AM and 6 PM to prevent evaporation and waste.
Aurora Water has outlined two additional phases of restrictions that could be enacted if the drought conditions worsen. These would involve more stringent limitations, such as prohibiting pool top-offs and limiting car washing at home. While these are not immediate plans, a major fire event, similar to the 2002 Hayman Fire, could necessitate such drastic measures, impacting the city's water supply significantly. Residents are urged to be mindful of fire risks, including maintaining yards and safe grill operation, as small sparks can lead to large fires that consume vital water resources.