Boulder's water supply hangs on for now amid historic drought conditions

9 hours ago

Boulder's water system may avoid mandatory restrictions this year if conditions don't worsen, but remains in a drought watch with voluntary conservation urged.
Snowpack in key river basins supplying Boulder is extremely low (25-32% of normal), similar to historic drought years, with Middle Boulder Creek snowpack melting six weeks early.
Reservoirs are currently at typical levels but may not fully refill due to low snowpack; the final assessment for mandatory restrictions will be in early May.
Boulder's water supply is diversified: two-thirds from local watersheds and one-third from the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, which helps maintain stability.
Drought conditions in Boulder County are extreme, comparable to 2012, with statewide snowpack at or below 25% of normal and record-high temperatures exacerbating dryness.
Voluntary conservation measures include daytime watering restrictions, fixing leaks, reducing lawn watering, and indoor water-saving practices, aiming for a 10% reduction in use.
Concerns were raised about water usage by the University of Colorado, highlighting potential inefficiencies like excessive irrigation on campus.

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