Drought happens when there is not enough water in our streams and reservoirs due to low precipitation. Reduced water supplies cause lower storage levels, so there is less water for Westminster residents, businesses, and agriculture.
To ensure water supplies are available for our customer’s most critical needs, water providers must anticipate and plan for drought. Westminster City Council approved an updated Drought Management Plan in April 2019.
Drought is a common natural occurrence in western states like Colorado, which significantly reduces water supplies for cities, farms and rivers. Colorado is arid, receiving less than a fourth of the precipitation compared to a tropical, coastal city like Miami. By using our water more wisely and carefully all the time, but especially during drought, we can help make our water supply last through severe droughts.
Stay up to date with statewide drought conditions with the Drought Monitor. Keep in mind these are current climactic conditions, and do not necessarily equate to utility-specific drought declarations. However, it’s a useful tool for viewing the current drought situation regionally.
The most recent severe drought in which Westminster and much of the Denver-Metro area enacted drought restrictions was in 2002. • Colorado drought hits farms, forests and fish, CNN • Denver Adjusts to Drought With Expertise and a Little Humor, NY Times
What this stage means: Abnormally dry conditions. Westminster's allocation of Standley Lake Reservoir is projected to be below 17,000 acre-feet by June 1. Watershed characteristics (precipitation, snowpack, streamflow and soil moisture) indicate prolonged dryness.
What we ask you to do: To reduce the risk of progression to mandatory restrictions, please limit watering your lawn to 3 days a week before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. only. Use only what you need on new seed, sod, plants, shrubs, and gardens. Do not waste water and stay alert to drought status changes.
Actions for Residents
Actions for Businesses
Actions for the City of Westminster
What this stage means: Severely dry conditions. Westminster's allocation of Standley Lake Reservoir is projected to be below 14,000 acre-feet by June 1. Watershed characteristics (precipitation, snowpack, streamflow and soil moisture) indicate severe and prolonged dryness.
What we ask you to do: All customers are required to limit watering lawns to 2 days a week before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. according to a rotational watering schedule. This schedule is listed in a table below. Watering of new seed, sod and plantings only allowed with a permit.
Rotational Watering Schedule
What this stage means: Extremely dry conditions. Westminster's allocation of Standley Lake Reservoir is projected to be below 8,000 acre-feet by June 1. Watershed characteristics (precipitation, snowpack, streamflow and soil moisture) indicate extreme dryness.
What we ask you to do: No watering of turf grass is allowed. Only established or mature trees and perennial plants may be watered using a low-volume method once per week following the rotational watering schedule below.
What this stage means: Exceptionally dry conditions. Westminster's allocation of Standley Lake Reservoir is projected to be below 3,000 acre-feet by June 1. Watershed characteristics (precipitation, snowpack, streamflow and soil moisture) indicate exceptional and prolonged dryness.
What we ask you to do: Customers are required to ration water to protect public health and safety, support essential water uses, and avoid unnecessary economic impacts. Existing trees may be watered no more than once per month using a low-volume method following the schedule below.
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