Denver Residents Face Higher Water Bills Due to Drought

Temporary drought pricing implemented as Colorado snowpack hits record lows

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:34am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a vast, frozen reservoir with minimal snowpack and ice cover, conveying the overwhelming scale and melancholy of the drought conditions in Colorado.The dramatic drop in Colorado's snowpack and reservoir levels underscores the severity of the ongoing drought crisis, posing significant challenges for water management in the region.Denver Today

Denver Water has announced that it will implement temporary drought pricing starting in May, leading to higher water bills for Denver residents through the rest of the outdoor watering season. This comes as Colorado snowpack levels have hit record lows, with the state experiencing a history-making warm and dry winter. Mandatory watering restrictions have also been ordered for Denver and surrounding areas due to the severe drought conditions.

Why it matters

The drought pricing and watering restrictions are necessary measures to encourage water conservation and protect the limited water supply in the region. With snowpack at 40-year lows and reservoir levels below average, Denver Water is taking proactive steps to manage the impacts of the drought on its customers and infrastructure.

The details

The drought pricing will add an additional $1.10 per 1,000 gallons for 'efficient outdoor water use' and $2.20 per 1,000 gallons for water use over 15,000 gallons per month. This is on top of the regular 2026 rate increases announced last fall. Denver Water says this is the first time they've used drought pricing since the 2002-2004 drought. The goal is to see a 20% decrease in water use through the mandatory watering restrictions and pricing measures.

  • The drought pricing will begin in May and be seen on bills for June through next April, or until the Denver Board of Water Commissioners takes further action.
  • Denver Water declared a Stage 1 drought last month, implementing mandatory outdoor watering restrictions.

The players

Denver Water

The public water utility that provides water to the city of Denver and surrounding areas. It is responsible for managing the region's water supply and infrastructure.

Alan Salazar

The CEO and Manager of Denver Water, who stated that implementing the temporary drought pricing is not a decision the utility takes lightly.

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What they’re saying

“Implementing temporary drought pricing is not a step we take lightly. It is one of many tools Denver Water has available — when needed — to respond to drought conditions, encourage customers to conserve our water supply, and ensure our ongoing ability to operate and maintain the system that delivers clean, safe water to 1.5 million people.”

— Alan Salazar, CEO/Manager, Denver Water

What’s next

Denver Water will continue to monitor the drought conditions and snowpack levels, and may take further action such as increasing the drought pricing or implementing additional water use restrictions if the situation does not improve.

The takeaway

The severe drought conditions in Colorado have forced Denver Water to take unprecedented measures to conserve its limited water supply, including implementing temporary drought pricing and mandatory watering restrictions. These actions highlight the growing challenges that cities and utilities face in managing water resources amid the impacts of climate change.