Highlands Ranch Water Issues Early Drought Watch
By Connor Tien, DougCo Social
Highlands Ranch Metro District has issued an early drought watch due to below-normal snowpack and warm, dry conditions this spring.
What This Means
A drought watch is a heads-up, not a mandate. The district is asking residents to voluntarily conserve water now to help avoid mandatory restrictions later.
Voluntary conservation measures:
- Water lawns in the early morning or evening (less evaporation)
- Fix leaky faucets and irrigation systems
- Limit car washing and driveway hosing
- Consider delaying new landscaping projects
Why So Early?
Colorado's snowpack feeds the reservoirs and aquifers that supply Douglas County's water. When snowpack is below normal heading into spring, water managers start planning for a dry summer.
Issuing an early watch gives residents time to adjust habits before peak irrigation season hits in May and June.
What's Next
If conditions don't improve, the district may move to a drought warning (stronger conservation requests) or drought emergency (mandatory restrictions).
More Information
Highlands Ranch Metro District: highlandsranchmetro.com
Source: Highlands Ranch Metro District, March 2026