According to the May 26 update from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 94% of the state is currently experiencing some level of drought with 16% in the Moderate Drought category, 37% in a Severe Drought, 31% in the Extreme Drought category, and 9.5% of Colorado is in an Exceptional Drought. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on May 26.
Due to ongoing drought conditions and significantly below-average snowpack, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners declared a Stage 1 Drought on March 25, 2026. The declaration includes a goal of reducing water use by 20% to help preserve reservoir levels and avoid more severe restrictions later this summer. To further encourage conservation, the board approved temporary drought pricing on April 8, 2026. The pricing adjustment took effect with May water use and first appeared on customers’ June water bills, reflecting the increased value of limited water supplies during drought conditions.
As part of the Stage 1 Drought response, Denver Water customers are required to follow mandatory outdoor watering restrictions, limiting irrigation to two assigned days per week. If rainfall provides sufficient moisture, customers are encouraged to skip one or both of their scheduled watering days.
The 2025–2026 snowpack season was one of the driest and earliest-melting seasons on record in Denver Water’s collection system. Snowpack levels peaked more than a month earlier than normal and at some of the lowest levels observed in the past 40 years.
In the Colorado River Basin, snowpack peaked on March 18 at just 58% of normal, making it the second-earliest peak and second-lowest peak on record. The typical peak date is April 24. In the South Platte River Basin, snowpack peaked on March 17 at only 42% of normal, marking the earliest and lowest peak ever recorded. The normal peak date is April 26.
Reservoir storage levels are also below average. As of June 1, 2026, Denver Water’s reservoirs were approximately 80% full, compared to the historical average of 91% for this time of year. With reduced snowpack and limited spring runoff, water conservation efforts are essential to help stretch available supplies through the summer months.
| Reservoir | Percent Full: Current | Percent Full: Historical Median |
|---|---|---|
| Antero | 19% | 80% |
| Chatfield | 91% | 88% |
| Cheesman | 86% | 90% |
| Dillon | 78% | 91% |
| Eleven Mile | 101% | 102% |
| Gross | 61% | 79% |
| Marston | 75% | 85% |
| Ralston | 66% | 88% |
| Strontia Springs | 89% | 91% |