Drought
Current Drought Status: Level 2 – Severe Drought
Baca Grande Water & Sanitation District implemented its Drought Procedures on June 17, 2026. The District is currently operating under Drought Level 2 – Severe Drought based on drought conditions identified by the U.S. Drought Monitor for Saguache County. The District reviews drought conditions regularly and adjusts drought response measures in accordance with its adopted Drought Procedures.
Drought Regulations.pdf
Level 2 – Severe Drought
Under Level 2 conditions, the District is asking all customers to practice maximum water conservation and reduce outdoor irrigation whenever possible.
Indoor Water Conservation Tips
- Check faucets, toilets, and plumbing fixtures for leaks and repair them promptly.
- Run only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.
- Install faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads to reduce water use.
- Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving.
- Take shorter showers.
- Monitor your monthly water use and look for unexpected increases.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
- Reduce irrigation as much as possible.
- Water before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. to minimize evaporation.
- Use automatic irrigation timers.
- Water at night whenever practical.
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses instead of sprinklers.
- Add mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds to retain moisture.
- Repair leaking irrigation lines and broken sprinkler heads promptly.
- Adjust sprinklers so they water landscaping—not sidewalks, driveways, or roads.
- Choose native and drought-tolerant plants that require less water.
- Report water waste when you observe it.
Future Drought Response Levels
Level 3 – Extreme Drought
If drought conditions worsen and remain at Level 3 for the required period, the District may implement additional measures, including:
- Mandatory irrigation restrictions.
- Even-numbered properties watering only on even calendar days.
- Odd-numbered properties watering only on odd calendar days.
- Commercial irrigation limited to three days per week between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Increased Tiers water rates through a temporary drought surcharge.
- Monitoring of high-water-use accounts and conservation notices to customers.
Level 4 – Exceptional Drought
If drought conditions reach Level 4 and remain at that level for the required period, the District may implement emergency drought measures, including:
- Water use limited to indoor purposes only.
- Suspension of bulk water sales.
- Prohibition of commercial irrigation.
- Increased monitoring of high-water-use accounts.
- Potential drought fines for excessive water use.
- Potential service disconnection for continued non-compliance.
The U.S. Drought Monitor can be viewed at:
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/
Colorado Division of Water Resources
The Colorado Division of Water Resources provides information on groundwater levels, streamflow conditions, water administration, and water supply resources throughout the state.
Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB)
The CWCB provides statewide drought information, water supply outlooks, climate data, and drought response resources.
Colorado Decision Support System (CDSS)
The CDSS website provides access to streamflow, reservoir, snowpack, climate, and groundwater data used by water managers throughout Colorado.