Colorado’s 2026 Drought & What It Means for Your Home

Colorado is experiencing historically low snowpack and the Front Range’s first drought declaration since 2013. Mandatory water restrictions are in effect — and homeowners should take action now to find and fix leaks, conserve water, and protect their homes.

THE SITUATION

Colorado’s Historic Snow Drought

Winter never really arrived in Colorado this year. Temperatures surged 20 to 30 degrees above average during March — normally one of the state’s snowiest months — capping off an unusually warm and dry winter across the American Southwest. Snowpack across Colorado sits at roughly 40% of normal levels, among the lowest since comprehensive modern records began about four decades ago.

In Denver Water’s two primary watersheds, the numbers are even more alarming. The Colorado River Basin stands at 55% of normal snowpack and the South Platte River Basin at just 42% — both the worst on record. Denver Water’s reservoir storage stood at 80% as of late March 2026, against an average of 85% for this time of year, and the gap is expected to widen as summer approaches.

On March 25, 2026, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners declared a Stage 1 drought — the first drought alert the city has issued since 2013 — and implemented mandatory watering restrictions seeking a 20% reduction in water use. Other Front Range communities are considering similar measures.

Sources: Denver Water, CU Boulder Today

2013

Last time Denver declared a drought alert

~40%

Colorado snowpack as a percentage of normal levels

42%

South Platte Basin snowpack — worst on record

20%

Water use reduction sought by Denver Wate

HOW WE CAN HELP

Plumbing Solutions for Water Conservation

During a drought, every gallon counts. These are the most impactful steps a homeowner can take — and they’re all services our master plumbers provide.

Whole-Home Leak Inspection

Hidden leaks are one of the biggest sources of wasted water in residential homes. A single dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons per year, and a running toilet can waste far more. Our plumbers inspect your entire plumbing system — supply lines, fixtures, water heater connections, hose bibbs, and irrigation tie-ins — to find and fix leaks you may not even know exist.

Smart Water Shut-Off Valves

Smart water shutoff valves monitor your home’s water flow in real time and can automatically shut off the water supply when abnormal usage is detected — like a burst pipe or a continuously running toilet. You receive alerts on your phone and can shut off your home’s water remotely. It’s leak protection and water conservation in one device.

High-Efficiency Toilet Upgrades

Older toilets can use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. Modern high-efficiency toilets use just 1.28 gallons or less — reducing water consumption by 60% or more per flush. For a family of four, replacing old toilets can save 10,000+ gallons per year. This is one of the most cost-effective water conservation upgrades a homeowner can make.

Low-Flow Fixture Installation

Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can cut water usage by 30–50% without sacrificing water pressure or comfort. Modern designs deliver a satisfying flow while using significantly less water — helping you conserve without compromise.

Plumbing Inspection & Maintenance

Many homes have aging supply lines, valve connections, and water heater components that are slowly leaking or at risk of failure. A comprehensive plumbing inspection identifies these issues before they become costly emergencies — saving water and preventing damage.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Indoor & Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

01

Check Toilets for Small Leaks

Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, you have a leak. This is one of the most common — and most wasteful — household leaks.

02

Run Full Loads Only

Wait until your dishwasher and washing machine are full before running them. Each partial load wastes both water and energy.

03

Shorten Showers

Reducing shower time by just two minutes can save 5+ gallons per shower. A low-flow showerhead can save even more without reducing comfort.

04

Fix Drips Immediately

A faucet dripping at one drop per second wastes over 3,000 gallons per year. Don’t ignore it — call us for a repair.

05

Delay Turning On Sprinklers

Denver Water urges homeowners to keep automatic systems off until mid- to late-May. There is no benefit to watering dormant grass in early spring.

06

Water Early or Late

Watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. is prohibited under current restrictions — and for good reason. Watering during cool hours reduces evaporation by up to 50%.

07

Inspect Your Irrigation System

Before you turn sprinklers on for the season, have your system inspected for broken heads, cracked pipes, and misaligned zones. Leaks must be fixed within 10 days under current rules.

08

Use Commercial Car Washes

Commercial car washes recycle their water. Washing your car at home with a hose can use 80–140 gallons. If you do wash at home, a shut-off nozzle is now required.

Let’s Work Together to Save Water!

Schedule with Southside Plumbing today.