Published on April 30, 2026
Contact: Alice Conovitz, Water Conservation Specialist, Utilities, aconovitz@fortcollins.gov
Fort Collins City Manager Kelly DiMartino signed a Declaration and Order for a Water Shortage Watch pursuant to Fort Collins City Code and the Water Shortage Action Plan (WSAP). The Water Shortage Watch and corresponding voluntary water reduction actions go into effect Friday, May 1, 2026 for Fort Collins Utilities water customers.
There are no water rate increases or citations associated with a watch. However, all Utilities residential and business customers are encouraged to use less water based on efficiency best practices. By taking voluntary measures now to reduce water use, Utilities customers can actively help lower the chance of mandatory water restrictions if conditions worsen. Voluntary water-saving actions include:
Visit FortCollins.gov/WaterRestrictions to see a full list of voluntary measures and to stay up to date on Utilities’ water status. Fort Collins Utilities customers can take advantage of conservation programs at FortCollins.gov/SaveWater.
“The Water Shortage Watch underscores the importance of working together to lower water use during this dry year,” Water Conservation Specialist Alice Conovitz said. “People or businesses with landscapes should limit turf irrigation while prioritizing keeping trees and shrubs healthy. They can do that through careful hand or drip watering. These plants provide numerous benefits such as shade and can take much longer than turf to regrow if damaged during drought.”
A Water Shortage Watch is an action level in the WSAP that can be declared when water supply and demand conditions may lead to a water shortage. This year’s declaration is due to the ongoing drought in Larimer County and the historic low snowpack in our source watersheds. If demand is projected to exceed available supply, the City Manager would declare water restrictions, requiring water customers to follow mandatory actions outlined in the WSAP. Upon determination that a watch is no longer needed or if conditions worsen, the City Manager will publish another Declaration and Order.
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