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Board hears drought overview; staff to develop formal drought-response plan
Summary
Public Works Director Shawn Williams briefed trustees on below-average snowpack, reduced streamflows and the absence of 2026 project water allocations; staff outlined a staged drought-response framework and trustees encouraged public education and trigger-level development.
Public Works Director Shawn Williams told the Buena Vista Board of Trustees on June 9 that below-average snowpack, reduced streamflows and the absence of 2026 project water allocations are the primary drought concerns for the Town.
Williams said the Town's water system — including the infiltration gallery, Wells No. 2 and No. 3 and stored water resources — is currently meeting demand and benefits from the Town's senior water-rights portfolio. He outlined components of a proposed drought-response framework: monitoring supply and demand, establishing trigger levels for action, creating staged conservation measures and coordinating with regional water partners.
Staff described conservation steps already in place such as recommended watering schedules, leak detection, system monitoring and public education. Trustees voiced support for continued drought planning and emphasized proactive community education to limit new landscaping and unnecessary water use while conditions persist.
Trustees encouraged staff to continue development of a formal drought response plan, including identification of trigger levels and specific response actions should conditions worsen.
