Home / Environment / Colorado Town Faces Drought Pricing
Colorado Town Faces Drought Pricing
9 May
Summary
- Highlands Ranch water reservoirs are at 60% capacity.
- Water usage must be reduced by 15% to 20%.
- Drought pricing will charge more for excessive water use.
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is enacting drought pricing and stringent water restrictions due to critically low reservoir levels. The community's water utility reports that current reservoir capacity stands at approximately 60%, with projections indicating a potential drop to as low as 35% by the close of summer.
To combat the ongoing warm, dry conditions and increasing demand, water usage must be reduced by an estimated 15% to 20%. These measures include limiting outdoor irrigation to two days per week, with specific days assigned based on address. Higher rates will be applied to customers who exceed their allocated water budgets, a move intended to encourage conservation.
Officials emphasize the need for early action to preserve water supplies for the future, especially as snowpack levels remain significantly below average. Despite recent snowfall, the water utility anticipates a dry year and seeks community cooperation in adhering to conservation efforts. Rebates are available for residents who opt for drought-tolerant landscaping.
