Municipal Drought Response

In June 2020, Governor Polis activated Phase 2 of the State's Drought Mitigation and Response Plan (PDF) which initiated the Drought Task Force and the Agricultural Impact Task Force.

On November 30th, 2020, Governor Polis expanded activation to Phase 3 of the State Drought Plan and enacted the Municipal Water Task Force. The objective of this task force is to coordinate with over 700 water providers across the state to prepare for anticipated drought-related challenges in 2021. The task force is co-chaired by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and Colorado Water Conservation Board.

To explore current conditions and active watering restrictions, visit the CWCB drought app, the US Drought Monitor for Colorado, or for more detail, the Colorado Climate Center's outlook maps.

In June 2020, Governor Polis activated Phase 2 of the State's Drought Mitigation and Response Plan (PDF) which initiated the Drought Task Force and the Agricultural Impact Task Force.

To explore current conditions and active watering restrictions, visit the CWCB drought app, the US Drought Monitor for Colorado, or for more detail, the Colorado Climate Center's outlook maps.

Submit Urban Drought Stories

The State of Colorado and Municipal Water Task Force representatives are listening for stories of drought IMPACTS and drought RESILIENCE throughout 2021. These stories can be personal accounts and observations or public news media (e.g. links from local reporting). Stories may be added to and featured on the COLORADO DROUGHT STORY PROJECT at bit.ly/codroughtreport. Currently this resource features agriculture stories from 2020. As drought conditions continue for our state, impacts extend to our urban and residential landscapes, necessitating conversations about how our urban environments are adapting to (or struggling to cope with) limited water availability statewide. Your participation can directly inform current and future statewide drought response efforts. Thank you for your willingness to engage!
Please submit your story links or summaries to DROUGHT@STATE.CO.US
NOTE: The primary audience for drought impact reports and success stories are the four interagency drought teams that collectively report to legislators and the Governor on recommended actions. Activity here is closely monitored by CWCB staff. Please note that all stories submitted will be part of the state's official record and subject to the Colorado Open Records Act.
Drought planning: An updated guide for water providers
The CWCB has recently updated the "2010 Municipal Drought Management Plan Guidance" and supporting worksheets to assist water providers and local governments in developing drought management plans. These resources can be found on the CWCB website and are linked here for convenience.
- 2020 Drought Management Planning: A Guide for Water Providers (PDF)
- 2020 Drought Management Planning: Worksheet template for drought response action plans (Excel doc)
Needs Survey: Help identify water provider needs and anticipated impacts

With over 700 community water providers in Colorado, the water provider needs survey offers an opportunity for input on how to best focus the efforts of the Municipal Water Task Force. Water providers and interested parties are invited to share concerns related to drought planning and associated impacts from fire, COVID-19, and other compounding issues. Survey results will be shared with the Task Force and will be used to support statewide drought coordination.

THIS SURVEY CLOSED ON JAN. 26th. We received 121 responses statewide (marked on map above). Responses will be reviewed and inform the Municipal Water Task Force on Feb. 3rd.
Municipal Water Task Force Activated

On November 30th, 2020, Governor Polis declared Phase 3 of the State Drought Plan and enacted the Municipal Water Task Force. The task force's objective is to coordinate with water providers to prepare for anticipated drought-related challenges in 2021.