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Highlands Ranch water district moves to Drought Watch as snowpack and reservoir levels lag
Summary
Highlands Ranch Water and Sanitation District officials reported the South Platte Basin snowpack at about 59% of average and reservoir storage near 60%, prompting a move to Drought Watch and voluntary conservation measures including a 5–10% reduction request and expanded outreach and rebates.
Sam Calkins, General Manager of the Highlands Ranch Water and Sanitation District, told the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District board on Feb. 24 that snowpack in the South Platte River Basin is approximately 59% of average and current reservoir storage is about 60% full, prompting the water district to enter “Drought Watch,” the second of five formal response stages.
Calkins said Drought Watch emphasizes increased public outreach and voluntary customer reductions of 5–10 percent rather than new enforcement. The district will expand communications, open a drought resource center, coordinate with the Metro District, and offer rebates and incentives for water-efficiency measures such as turf replacement and high-efficiency fixtures.
Board members asked questions about supply risks and staff responses; Calkins noted that while storage is adequate now, low inflows and higher demand could pose risks later in the year. He described the action as proactive: ‘‘We’re encouraging voluntary conservation to reduce risk ahead of summer,’’ according to the presentation summary provided to the board.
The board did not adopt mandatory restrictions at the meeting. Next steps include continued public education and targeted communications to high water users; staff will monitor conditions and return with updates if levels decline or conditions worsen.
