Douglas County has its first-ever countywide water plan. The Board of Douglas County Commissioners formally adopted the 2050 Douglas County Comprehensive Water Plan on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
The County says the plan was developed by the Douglas County Water Commission in collaboration with local water providers and the community, and that it establishes a countywide framework for aligning growth, land use and long-term water reliability.
Commissioner George Teal: "This plan gives us a clear, data-driven picture of Douglas County's water future. It shows that we have enough water to support our projected growth through 2050, while also reminding us that continued conservation, investment and regional collaboration are essential. This is an active guide that will help current and future Commissioners make informed decisions for generations to come."
What the Plan Found
- About 60% of the county's current water supply comes from renewable sources, and the County says renewable supplies continue to expand through provider planning and partnership.
- Available groundwater supplies are estimated to be 30% greater than previous state estimates, while the county's reliance on groundwater is slowing.
- Supply is expected to keep exceeding demand through 2050 — but that margin is projected to narrow from about 56% today to 37% by 2050. The plan recommends continued conservation efforts.
What the County Is and Isn't Responsible For
Douglas County itself is not a water provider. Per the County, its roles are land use planning, coordination, public education and support for the more than 30 utilities and districts that actually secure and deliver water countywide, including providers serving Sterling Ranch, Castle Rock, Parker and Highlands Ranch.
One of the plan's central land-use recommendations: prohibit, or subject to heightened review, urban-level development that relies solely on nonrenewable groundwater — particularly where that reliance could affect shallow aquifers or nearby rural well users.
The County also says most urban development is concentrated in northern Douglas County, where providers serving Sterling Ranch, Castle Rock, Parker and Highlands Ranch have been proactive about their own water plans, with goals to reach at least 70-85% renewable water in the coming years.
The plan additionally recommends the County:
- Promote reliable supplies through water reuse, conservation and renewable water development.
- Guide new development toward existing water providers and centralized water and wastewater systems whenever feasible.
- Improve efficiency through updated building codes, water-wise landscaping standards and turf-replacement program support.
- Continue working with regional partners and local providers on infrastructure, water-supply planning and coordinated groundwater monitoring.
- Keep residents and policymakers informed through conservation education and regular implementation updates.
Commissioner Abe Laydon: "The most essential and precious resource that we have is water, and if we're not planning, we're failing. I'm thankful for my colleagues for saying 'yes' to a Water Commission and for the Commission for not just being a team of rivals that debates water but actually has a tangible product for the people of this county to rely on. Having a 2050 Comprehensive Water Plan provides peace of mind to our citizens that the leadership in our community is aware of our water needs and is paying attention to our water needs."
One of Several Long-Range Plans
The County says the Water Plan is one of several long-range plans it uses to prepare for future needs, alongside a Comprehensive Master Plan, Transportation Plan, and Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan. The Transportation Plan was updated in 2026, and the Comprehensive Master Plan is scheduled for an update in 2027.
Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle: "Real leadership isn't about the next year or two. It's about having the vision to plan for the next 25. Along with our long-range transportation and comprehensive master plans, this 2050 water plan delivers on that promise, ensuring Douglas County makes deliberate, proactive decisions that protect our resources for decades to come."
About the Water Commission
The Douglas County Water Commission was established by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners in November 2023. It's an 11-member advisory board that brings together expertise and perspectives from across the county to help guide long-term water planning, and its work centers on integrating existing water-provider plans into one comprehensive, countywide view of water needs and opportunities.
Sources: Douglas County, "Water supply is keeping pace with growth in Douglas County. Partnerships remain key to water resiliency," posted Sept. 28, 2026, checked Sept. 29, 2026.