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Highlands Ranch water provider moves to Drought Watch as snowpack falls to about 59% of normal
Summary
Sam Calkins of the Highlands Ranch Water and Sanitation District told the board the system has entered "Drought Watch" and urged voluntary customer reductions of 5–10% after South Platte Basin snowpack measured about 59% of average and reservoir storage sits near 60% capacity.
Sam Calkins, General Manager of the Highlands Ranch Water and Sanitation District, told the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District board that the water board has moved to “Drought Watch,” the second of five stages in its drought-response plan and urged voluntary customer reductions of 5–10% in water use.
Calkins said snowpack in the South Platte River Basin is approximately 59% of average for this time of year and current reservoir storage is roughly 60% full. He cautioned that while storage is adequate today, low inflows and increased demand pose risks later in the year.
To reduce risk, Calkins outlined Drought Watch actions including expanded public outreach, a new drought resource center, coordination with the Metro District, and rebates and incentives for water-efficiency measures such as turf replacement and high‑efficiency fixtures. He said the district is not implementing new enforcement measures at this stage and is relying primarily on education, tiered water rates and voluntary compliance.
Board members asked questions about timing, supply monitoring and customer outreach; Calkins responded that the move to Drought Watch is proactive to encourage conservation ahead of the summer season.
The presentation concluded with board thanks; no formal policy action or new restrictions were adopted at the meeting. The district said it will continue monitoring hydrologic conditions and may advance to additional response stages if conditions deteriorate.
