Aurora residents fight new plan to drill oil wells near homes amid local drought concerns

With local water restrictions in place, Aurora Reservoir neighbors are pushing back against a Civitas plan that would require millions of gallons of water per well.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:53pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal oil drum, a cracked and weathered wooden plank, and a glass of clear water, symbolizing the tension between energy, drought, and community in Aurora, Colorado.A conceptual still life representing the conflict between energy development and community concerns over water scarcity in drought-stricken Aurora, Colorado.Aurora Today

Residents living near the Aurora Reservoir are continuing their fight against a nearby oil drilling project, with Civitas Resources and its subsidiary, Crestone, seeking approval to drill 156 new wells as part of its Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan. Some of the well pads would sit less than a mile from homes and the Aurora Reservoir, raising concerns about public health risks, threats to the water supply, and the impact on the local drought situation.

Why it matters

The proposed oil drilling project has sparked significant community opposition due to its proximity to residential areas and the Aurora Reservoir, which is a critical water source for the region. Residents are concerned about the potential environmental and public health impacts, as well as the strain on the already limited water resources during a severe drought.

The details

Civitas Resources and Crestone are seeking approval to drill 156 new wells as part of the Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan. Some of the well pads would be located less than a mile from homes and the Aurora Reservoir. Residents have raised concerns about the public health risks, threats to the water supply, and the impact on the local drought situation. In December, state regulators paused the approval of a different well pad in the area, the State Sunlight-Long Development Plan, and directed Civitas and Crestone to consider alternative locations further away from residential areas and the reservoir. The State Blanca West Development Plan is the next well pad in the pipeline, to be discussed at a public hearing on April 7.

  • In December, state regulators paused the approval of the State Sunlight-Long Development Plan.
  • The State Blanca West Development Plan is the next well pad in the pipeline, to be discussed at a public hearing on April 7, 2026.

The players

Civitas Resources

One of Colorado's largest oil and gas operators, seeking approval to drill 156 new wells as part of its Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan.

Crestone

A subsidiary of Civitas Resources, also involved in the Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan.

Randy Willard

President of Save the Aurora Reservoir, a group of residents fighting against the oil drilling project.

Shonnie Cline

Deputy director of internal and external affairs for Aurora Water, providing information on the current drought conditions and reservoir levels.

Rich Coolidge

Civitas senior advisor, who stated the company plans to resubmit the State Sunlight Long development plan with clarifying information.

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What they’re saying

“It's a concern that our state residents really should grab onto.”

— Randy Willard, President of Save the Aurora Reservoir

“Even groups like ours doing what we're doing are not having the impact to stop things, and so we continue to have the water issues that we have.”

— Randy Willard, President of Save the Aurora Reservoir

“Our reservoir levels right this minute are at 58%. We have a total of 12 reservoirs that we store water in, and so cumulatively, they're at 58%. Some reservoirs, like the Aurora Reservoir, slightly higher than that right now.”

— Shonnie Cline, Deputy director of internal and external affairs for Aurora Water

“The State Sunlight Long development plan is undoubtedly the most vetted site in the state, if not the country. We appreciate the engagement and cooperation from the professionals at the State Land Board, the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Arapahoe County, the City of Aurora and many others who helped to develop what we all agreed minimizes impacts and is protective of public health, safety, welfare, environment and wildlife. While the decision was postponed, we have direction on re-submitting clarifying information that will garner support from a majority of the ECMC Commissioners, who largely agree the site is approvable under the state's protective rules.”

— Rich Coolidge, Civitas senior advisor

What’s next

The State Blanca West Development Plan is the next well pad in the pipeline, to be discussed at a public hearing on April 7, 2026, where neighbors will once again get the chance to bring their concerns and comments to the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission.

The takeaway

This ongoing battle between the oil and gas industry and local residents highlights the complex challenges surrounding resource extraction and environmental protection, especially in the face of severe drought conditions. The community's persistent efforts to voice their concerns and push for alternative solutions demonstrate the importance of civic engagement in shaping the future of their local environment.