Posted Aug. 14, 2025

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Highlands Ranch Water’s service area is currently experiencing moderate drought conditions as of Aug. 14, 2025. While strict watering restrictions are not in place at the moment, understanding what this means and why it matters can help us make smarter choices about how we use our water.

Moderate drought is more than just a dry spell. It means our region has received less precipitation than normal, soils are drier, and higher temperatures are pulling more moisture from the ground. This combination can put stress on our water supply, landscapes, and even local wildlife habitats. When conditions like these persist, they can impact the long-term sustainability of the water we rely on every day.

While one person’s water use may seem small, the choices we make as a community add up. A little extra mindfulness now can reduce strain on our water system and help ensure there is enough to meet essential needs today and in the future.

Five simple ways to make a difference during periods of drought

1. Limit outdoor watering to two days per week.
   • Lawns DO NOT need daily watering to thrive. Fewer, deeper watering sessions encourage roots to grow stronger and reach deeper into the soil, making grass more resilient in dry weather.
2. Do not use sprinklers between 10 am and 6 pm.
   • The heat of the day can cause up to half of your water to evaporate before it even reaches plant roots. Watering in the cooler morning or evening hours means more of your effort (and water) goes to nourishing your landscape, not into thin air.
3. Hand water trees and shrubs.
   • Trees and shrubs are long-term investments for your yard, and targeted hand watering ensures their roots get the moisture they need without overwatering other areas.
4. Check the efficiency of your irrigation system.
   • Through Resource Central’s Slow the Flow program, you can schedule a FREE sprinkler evaluation with a trained technician. They will test the efficiency of your system, identify problem areas, make on-the-spot adjustments, share maintenance tips, and create a custom watering schedule. With these adjustments, you can save up to 5,000 gallons of water per year.
5. Prevent runoff into the street.
   • Runoff can be easy to miss, especially if your sprinklers run during the early morning or late-night hours when you are not outside to see it. Take a few minutes at least once a season to watch your system in action. If you notice water flowing into the street, adjust your sprinklers so they are aimed only at your lawn and plants, and shorten watering times if the soil cannot absorb all the water before it runs off.

Outdoor water budgets declining

This is also a great time to take a closer look at your water budget. Outdoor water budgets end on October 15, which means the water allocated for irrigation will not be available after that date. Now is the perfect opportunity to start scaling back your watering and giving your landscape only what it truly needs to stay healthy.

Stay informed

Sign up for Highlands Ranch Water’s eNewsletter to get monthly updates, news, and practical tips for conservation. By staying informed and taking small, intentional steps, we can keep our community water-wise and resilient, even during times of drought