Erie Asks Residents to Delay Irrigation as Colorado Snowpack Hits Historic Lows

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The Town of Erie, Colorado is asking residents, homeowners associations, and businesses to keep sprinkler systems turned off through the end of March as water demand surges beyond what the town's winter system can supply. Officials say current water demand is about 30% higher than typical for this time of year, largely driven by residents turning on irrigation systems weeks earlier than normal. If irrigation continues, the town says it may shut off water service at property taps for those who do not comply.

Why it matters

Colorado is experiencing one of the warmest and driest starts to a year in more than a century, with snowpack across the state far below normal and drought conditions expanding across much of the Front Range. This has led to surging water demand that is straining the capacity of Erie's winter water system, raising concerns about water supply and fire protection.

The details

Erie's winter water system currently distributes about 3.5 million gallons per day, far less than what becomes available once summer water supplies come online. State data shows Colorado's snowpack currently sits well below normal, with several watersheds between roughly 38% and 65% of typical levels for this time of year. The dry winter is also raising concerns about early wildfire risk along the Front Range, as warm temperatures, strong winds, and dry vegetation can quickly turn small grass fires into fast-moving blazes.

• Erie is asking residents to keep sprinkler systems turned off through the end of March.
• The town's canal system is expected to open on April 1, after which Erie can begin transitioning toward normal irrigation schedules.
• Even numbered addresses can begin irrigation on April 4, and odd numbered addresses on April 6.

What they’re saying

What’s next

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