SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Declaring a Stage 2 - Watch Condition under Erie’s Drought and Water Supply Shortage Plan
Department
DEPARTMENT: Utilities
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Todd Fessenden, Utilities Director
Dylan King, Sustainability & Water Conservation Specialist
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Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 20 minutes
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For time estimate: please put 0 for Consent items.
Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY:
N/A
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
Declaring Stage 2 for the Town of Erie will formalize the current voluntary two-day-per-week watering schedule, align messaging with regional partners, and position Erie to responsibly steward water as a natural resource as well as work proactively to manage system resiliency and demand through the 2026 irrigation season. The final authority of a Drought Stage rests with Erie’s Town Council.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend the Town of Erie declare Stage 2 (Watch) conditions under the Drought and Water Supply Shortage Plan.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• March was the hottest and dryest March on record since record keeping began in Colorado.
• 2025/2026 was very warm and dry across the board, setting records for low precipitation totals and high temperatures.
• 89% of Colorado is currently in D2 (Severe Drought) drought conditions.
• 58% of Colorado is currently in D3 (Extreme Drought) drought conditions
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Staff are preparing proactive communication and asking for voluntary conservation efforts as conditions have remained dry since the Town experienced a water shortage emergency at the end of March.
A multi-departmental team was created to ensure coordinated monitoring, response actions, and messaging as we move through the irrigation season and beyond. This group will continue to provide recommendations and background information to Council and residents as necessary.
The Drought and Water Shortage Plan is designed to be flexible to adapt to the needs of the Town. The water shortage index and associated indicators serve as guidelines rather than prescriptive triggers, and staff may recommend a Stage declaration based on professional judgement, knowledge, and current conditions. While the current water shortage index may not independently trigger a Stage 2 declaration, observed conditions including a historically low snowpack, expected high irrigation demand, as well as regional conditions and actions warrant the Stage 2 declaration. The final authority of a Drought Stage rests with Erie’s Town Council.
priorities
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attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Memo