Highlands Ranch Water's Drought Response Plan guides the Board's decisions regarding drought conditions. The plan is designed to maximize available water supplies and reduce water use during times of water shortage caused by drought.

What is a Drought Watch?

A Drought Watch is the first step in Highlands Ranch Water’s Drought Response Plan. It means we are seeing early signs of dry conditions and want customers to start being more water-wise.

Why are we in a Drought Watch?

We are in a Drought Watch due to the ongoing warm and dry conditions in the region, below-normal snowpack, and an increase in water demand.

What’s the goal of a Drought Watch?

The goal is to reduce water use by 5–10% through voluntary conservation and awareness, helping protect water supply for the summer season.

Does Drought Watch mean water restrictions are in place?

A Drought Watch primarily involves increasing communication and public education efforts. When irrigation season begins, a Drought Watch limits outdoor watering to three days per week. If dry conditions continue, the district could move to Stage 1, which may include additional outdoor watering restrictions and drought rates.

Is Highlands Ranch running out of water?

No. Highlands Ranch Water has multiple water sources and plans ahead for drought. A Drought Watch is a proactive step to protect water reserves and reduce the chance of stricter drought stages later.

What happens if conditions get worse?

If drought indicators worsen, Highlands Ranch Water could move to:

• Stage 1 (mandatory restrictions, limited outdoor watering, drought rates)
• Stage 2 (more severe restrictions, drought rates)
• Stage 3 (prohibition of outdoor watering and possible rationing, drought rates)

Will I be paying more for water?

No, drought pricing is not part of a Drought Watch. Even during normal conditions, customers who exceed their water budget pay more for water. Drought pricing may be considered in later drought stages if needed, but would still only affect customers who exceed their water budgets. Find out about water rates during normal and drought conditions on the rate page of our website.

Should I turn on my sprinkler system now?

No. Outdoor water budgets begin in April. There is no need to run sprinkler systems before then. Turning on your sprinklers early risks damage from overnight freezes.

Can I still water my trees, shrubs and landscape in winter?

Yes, limited winter watering may be appropriate during extended dry periods, especially to protect trees and shrubs. During winter, customers are allocated 1,000 gallons of water per billing cycle for watering during extended dry periods.

What is Highlands Ranch Water doing during Drought Watch?

During Drought Watch, we increase communication and encourage voluntary conservation. We are also beginning to prepare in case mandatory restrictions become necessary.

What should I do now ahead of irrigation season? Customers can help by:

• Checking for leaks
• Using water efficiently indoors – check out the district’s new rebate for high-efficiency toilets
• Delaying sprinkler start-up until needed
• Learning their water budget
• Planning smart upgrades like rain sensors or efficient spray heads

Where can I get updates and drought information?

Visit the Drought Resource Center for current drought stage information, tips and resources. Subscribe to receive the district’s eNewsletter.

I’m worried my landscape isn’t going to survive the winter. What can I do?

During winter, residential customers are allocated 1,000 gallons of water per billing cycle for watering during extended dry periods. Trees and shrubs should be watered once per month if we haven’t received sufficient precipitation. Trees need water throughout the whole root system, so avoid watering just at the base of the trunk. Invest in a hose-end sprinkler attachment or a deep root watering device and water the drip zone of the tree (this is the area directly under the outer circumference of the tree's branches).

Kentucky bluegrass is surprisingly resilient, but if we haven’t received sufficient precipitation in six weeks and temperatures remain above 40 degrees, it may be time to water sunny, windy, and/or exposed areas of your lawn. Newly planted lawns should also be prioritized. Use a hose-end sprinkler attachment to water your lawn and trees at the same time. Water slowly and deeply during the day, allowing time for water to soak in. Remember that water use exceeding your allocated budget will be charged at a higher rate.

Learn more winter watering tips on our website.

I was going to plant trees and new landscape this spring, can I still plan to do that?

Yes. Under normal and Drought Watch conditions, we offer temporary water budget increases and exemptions from daytime watering restrictions during April and May for customers installing new landscaping.

Water budget increases and exemptions from daytime watering restrictions are not available during the summer months or under Stage 1, 2, or 3 drought conditions.

Customers participating in our turf replacement rebate are exempt from Stage 1 Drought restrictions. The turf replacement rebate is not available during Stage 2 or 3 Drought conditions.

I see Metro District watering the parks and parkways right now. Why are they allowed to do this?

Select areas of Metro District irrigation will be turned on early. This is being done to address unusually dry conditions and begin seasonal system maintenance. This early activation helps staff strategically water areas in need and identify any necessary repairs.

Residents may notice some portions of sprinklers running, but it’s important to know irrigation will not be widespread or running on regular programs.

The Metro District is not being allocated additional water budget to irrigate the parks and parkways. For more information, visit the Metro District’s website.

Highlands Ranch Water provides residential customers an additional 1,000 gallons of water per billing period during the winter to support responsible winter watering and help protect your landscape investment.

DO:

• Water by hand or with a hose end sprinkler attachment.
• Water slowly and deeply once every two weeks during extended dry periods when air temperatures are above 40 degrees with no snow cover.
• The best time to water is mid-day so water can soak into the soil before potential freezing at night.
• Apply a layer of mulch to your perennial gardens and trees. This helps the soil retain moisture and protects the root system.

DON'T:

• Do not turn on your irrigation system. Sudden freezes can result in damaged pipes and valves.
• Don’t water when temperatures are below 40 degrees.

How much snow falls in the high country over the winter, and how much water is in the snow, provides Highlands Ranch Water with a clue as to what the district can expect come spring and summer. Highlands Ranch Water’s water resources staff keeps a close eye on snowpack reports all winter long.

In Colorado, snowpack and the resulting snow water equivalent is tracked during winter months because it can assist planning for spring and summer water supply. Snowpack impacts how much streams flow and how much water may be available to water utilities like Highlands Ranch Water.

“Most of our water supply comes from snowpack that melts and makes its way to streams, known as runoff. This runoff flows downstream and is captured in reservoirs. How much we are able to capture is determined by water rights at any given time,” said Swithin Dick, Water Rights Administrator.

Snowpack is the total amount of snow on the ground. Throughout the winter, experts regularly measure the snow water equivalent in the mountain snowpack. Snow water equivalent is the amount of water contained in snow. This translates into the amount of runoff Highlands Ranch Water may be able to capture.

Tracking the amount of water in snow is not as easy as looking at how much snow there is. Twelve inches of snow does not equal 12 inches of water. The amount of water released by snowmelt varies based on how dense the snowpack is. According to the National Weather Service, there can be one inch of water produced for every 10 to 12 inches of snow.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) releases a statewide map displaying Colorado snowpack conditions and snow water equivalent. The map is what is frequently shared by meteorologists on local news stations. The percentage reported represents the current snowpack in each basin compared to the historical average for the same day. Above 100 means snowpack is above-normal; below 100 means snowpack is below normal for that date.

Highlands Ranch Water’s watershed is located in the South Platte River Basin. 

Conservation is always important, no matter the season. It's important to keep an eye on conservation throughout the year and make strides to reduce consumption to help balance the demand during peak summer months.

Reducing water use both inside and outside the home leads to a successful game plan for long-term conservation.

Keys to the game:

• Take a shower instead of a bath. Taking a shower uses about one-third the amount of water compared to a bath.
• Don't use the toilet as a trash can. Discard wipes, dental floss and wrappers in a trash can and keep them out of the toilet.
• Limit showers to five minutes. Every minute you cut off your shower time can save two gallons of water.
• Check for leaks. Fixing leaky faucets or toilets can save up to 20 gallons of water per day.
• Install a high-efficiency shower head. This simple step can save you 2,900 gallons of water annually.

1. Sign up for a free Slow the Flow sprinkler audit. It is one of the best things you can do to make our community more resilient against drought. The free Slow the Flow irrigation inspection includes a visit by a sprinkler pro to make sure you're giving your landscape what it needs, but not more. Slow the Flow is operated by Highlands Ranch Water's partner, Resource Central. Schedule your appointment today.
2. Keep an eye on your water budget. Highlands Ranch Water sets individual water budgets for customers based on their yard size and provides enough water for healthy landscapes. If you went over your budget last summer, consider adjusting your irrigation system to reduce water waste.
3. Reduce waste. Adjust your sprinklers so they're watering your lawn and garden, and not the street or sidewalk.
4. Adjust with the seasons. The water needs for your landscape changes with the weather. Refer to Highlands Ranch Water's Water Wise guide for monthly run times.
5. Take advantage of discounts and rebates. Highlands Ranch Water has several Water Wise incentive programs in place. Sign up today.
6. Adjust your mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so your lawn requires less water.
7. Inspect your irrigation system. Check for leaks, broken lines or blockages in the lines. A well-maintained system will save you money, water and time.

Water supply is not strictly a matter of how much precipitation falls. There are a lot of things that come together to impact the amount of water in our storage reservoirs.

Most of our water comes from snowmelt that runs downstream into storage reservoirs. After months of statewide drought conditions, dry mountain soils absorb much of the runoff before water can reach reservoirs. On sunny days, more moisture is lost to sublimation and evaporation, compared to runoff that occurs on cloudy days.

The runoff that flows from the mountains is then diverted to storage reservoirs for a number of different water providers in Colorado. Water rights dictate who gets how much water and when.

A combination of dry mountain soils, sublimation and water rights impact the amount of water in Highlands Ranch Water's storage reservoirs and directly impacts drought conditions for our service area.

Customers who are in violation of our Rules and Regulations may be subject to a fine. Example of violations may include: 

• Watering during restricted hours
• Broken irrigation system
• Open hose
• Excessive water waste
• Leaks

Fines are added to the water bill.

Residential Customer Violations

Commercial Customer Violations

• Limit outdoor watering to two days per week. A third day is only necessary during extreme heat or lengthy dry periods.
• No outdoor irrigation is allowed from 10 am until 6 pm
• Hand watering trees and shrubs is allowed any time if a hose is held or a watering can is used.
• Irrigation using water conserving methods such as drip irrigation or a deep root watering device is allowed any time.
• Washing cars is allowed any time as long as a hose end shut-off device is used.
• Wasteful watering practices are prohibited. This includes allowing excess water to flow into the street, and neglecting to repair leaks.