Department of Utilities
Reference: Drought and Watering Restrictions Update
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Scott Olsen, Director of Utilities
Date Prepared: March 26, 2026
PURPOSE
Requesting Council approve a resolution declaring Stage 1 Moderate to Severe Drought Conditions for the City and for lands outside of the City served by the City's water utility system and authorizing the City Manager to promulgate rules and regulations in response to the drought conditions.
BACKGROUND
As of March 26, snowpack in the South Platte River Basin is 48% of median, which is a percentile of zero. In other words, 100% of the 30-year historical data shows more favorable snowpack that 2026.
Due to the high temperatures and lack of precipitation this year, the water system demand continues to rapidly increase faster than the last several years. As of March 26, water demand is 14.2% over the monthly average since 2017.
The City's reservoirs are currently about 74% full, which is typical for this time of year due to releasing augmentation water all winter. City staff do not anticipate filling the reservoirs any further with snowmelt (which typically leads to free river). The City will have to rely on senior water rights later in the season to fill reservoirs as much as possible.
The City of Brighton received treated water from both the City of Thornton and Denver water via South Adams County Water and Sanitation District. Both Thornton and Denver water have implemented stage 1 drought restrictions which reduces water deliveries to Brighton by 10% and 20%, respectively.
Lastly, the City does not have the increased treatment capacity of the new water treatment plant for this season.
Considering all the above data and information, City staff are proposing implementation of Stage 1 drought restrictions, effective immediately.
Stage 1 drought restrictions will limit watering to two days per week ...
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