Colorado Drought Pushes Water Districts Toward Higher Rates

By Dan Grossman | Denver7

DENVER — Colorado’s drought has intensified dramatically this year, and Front Range water districts warning that rate hikes may soon follow.

More than 90% of Colorado is under some level of drought, which is up from 62% at this point last year, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. Perhaps most alarming is that 95% of Eagle County is in a drought, up from 0% at this time last year.

Drought MonitorThis map shows Summit County — in bold above — which is currently experiencing a drought of D3 or higher across the entire area. D3 is extreme drought. About 15% of the county is under D4, or exceptional drought.

The drought has water districts along the Front Range between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, they need to conserve water so reservoirs don’t deplete to critically low levels, but by doing so, they’re hurting their bottom line, since so many rely on the money you pay on your monthly water bill as one of the few revenue streams.

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