The Highlands Ranch Water Board of Directors declared a Drought Watch at its Feb. 23 meeting due to ongoing warm and dry conditions in the region, below-normal snowpack, and an increase in water demand. The Drought Watch will begin March 1.

A Drought Watch is the first step in the district’s Drought Response Plan. A Drought Watch signals the need for increased awareness and preparation ahead of the upcoming irrigation season. When irrigation season begins, a Drought Watch limits outdoor watering to three days per week. If dry conditions continue, the district could move to Stage 1, which may include additional outdoor watering restrictions and drought rates.

“Our goal is to get ahead of the season by helping customers understand current conditions and take simple steps now that can make a difference later,” said General Manager Sam Calkins. “Water demand is already running about 7% higher than expected, which puts added strain on our supply. We’re asking customers to use water wisely now, so we can protect reservoir storage for the summer.”

Highlands Ranch Water monitors water supply year-round, including customer demand, storage levels, and mountain snowpack. Snowpack is the source of much of the district’s water supply. As of Feb. 24, snowpack in the South Platte River Basin was 59% of normal, raising concern about water supply availability later this spring and summer.

Outdoor irrigation water budgets for Highlands Ranch Water customers begin in April, and there is typically no need to turn on sprinkler systems before then. However, the district recognizes customers may be concerned about their landscapes following a dry winter. Residential customers receive an additional 1,000 gallons of water per billing period during winter months to support occasional winter watering when needed.

During extended dry periods, customers can help protect their landscape investment by following these guidelines:

• Water by hand or with a hose-end sprinkler attachment
• Water slowly and deeply once every two weeks during dry stretches
• Only water when temperatures are above 40 degrees and there is no snow cover
• Water mid-day so moisture can soak into the soil before nighttime freezing

Highlands Ranch Water wants to remind customers that conservation can start now, and small changes can have a big impact on the community’s shared water supply. Customers can help by:

• Checking for leaks inside and outside the home
• Using available discounts and rebates for water-saving upgrades, including rain sensors, smart controllers, efficient spray heads, turf conversion, and high-efficiency toilets
• Signing up for a free Slow the Flow irrigation inspection to ensure sprinkler systems are running efficiently
• Getting familiar with their water budget, which is based on yard size and provides enough water for a healthy landscape
• Making smart improvements before summer, such as installing an automatic rain shutoff device or upgrading to water-efficient equipment

“As our climate continues to warm and drought conditions become more common, incorporating water wise practices into everyday routines is more important than ever,” Calkins added.

For more information about drought stages and conservation resources, visit Highlands Ranch Water’s Drought Resource Center online at highlandsranchwater.org/drought-resource-center. To stay up to date on current conditions and get water conservation tips and information, customers are encouraged to sign up to receive a monthly Water eNewsletter. To sign up, send an email to contactus@hrwater.org.