Drought Resources

Be Good Stewards of Water Resources

Water distribution is often a complex undertaking, with miles of pipes, canals and water treatment facilities designed to ensure residents have the cleanest drinking water possible. In Colorado, this process is especially challenging, with about 85 percent of the state’s population living on the East Slope, and 80 percent of Colorado’s water originating west of the Continental Divide. Even if your local area is not experiencing dry weather conditions, drought in other regions can have ripple effects throughout the state. 

Due to the interconnected nature of Colorado’s water resources, good stewardship of water is universally needed to ensure adequate supplies for all. Though this goal may seem daunting, the links below can help Colorado municipal providers, residents and businesses efficiently manage water during times of both drought and plentiful water supplies. Sound water efficiency practices not only saves water and money, but can also help preempt the need for significant watering restrictions in times of drought.

Drought Management Planning

The following links provide helpful resources for drought contingency planning.    

  • The National Integrated Drought Information System coordinates drought monitoring, forecasting and planning. This site contains a list of links with drought resources specific to water providers.  
  • The Colorado Water Conservation Board provides a Municipal Drought Management Plan guidance document and accompanying worksheets to assist municipal water providers and local governments in developing local-specific drought management plans.
  • The Colorado Drought Mitigation and Response Plan was drafted by the Colorado Water Conservation Board in 2018 and outlines a mechanism for drought monitoring, impact assessment, response and mitigation.

Model Drought Plans

Northern Water has compiled several example allottee drought response plans below for Colorado water providers seeking to develop drought management plans.