Steamboat Springs, Colorado-March 26, 2026-The City of Steamboat Springs and Mt. Werner Water and Sanitation District have declared Stage 2 drought conditions under the joint Drought Response Plan. This winter was the warmest on record and produced the lowest snowpack ever measured in the Yampa/White/Green River basins.
“We’re asking everyone to do their part to help stretch our limited water supplies through the spring and summer,” said Julie Baxter, Water Resources Manager for the City of Steamboat Springs. “Early conservation makes a real difference later in the year.”
Typically, Steamboat Springs operates under Stage 1 annually, which sets specific criteria. Mandatory outdoor watering schedules still apply, and the city and district will increase education and enforcement this season. Water waste can be reported through the online Report Water Waste form.
Based on current conditions, new Stage 2 Restrictions will go into effect immediately. These include: no vehicle washing at homes; no washing driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, or outdoor dining areas; no running decorative outdoor water features, and no using treated water for dust control.
The city and district also encourage delaying irrigation system activation until June 1 and watering no more than two days per week. Hand watering is allowed. Permits for new lawns and trees are available by contacting your water provider: for Mt. Werner Water call 970-879-2424; for the city email Michelle Carr.
You’re asking - why outdoor water use matters to the Yampa Valley? Outdoor irrigation accounts for about one‑third of all treated water use in Steamboat Springs and is largely consumptive. Conserving early in the season helps delay releases from Fish Creek Reservoir, protecting supplies for late summer.
“A Stage 3 drought is a real possibility,” said Frank Alfone, General Manager of Mt. Werner Water. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation as we work to preserve essential water resources during an unusually dry year.”
Looking for ongoing conservation efforts and how you can help your community in saving this vital and limited resource? The city continues to invest in long‑term conservation measures, including an irrigation efficiency rebate program, proposed landscaping code updates, irrigation upgrades at parks and facilities, added staff support for conservation programs, and an ongoing partnership with the Garden-In-A-Box program.
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Contact
Email Julie Baxter, Water Resources Manager, City of Steamboat Springs or call 970-871-8267
Email Frank Alfone, General Manager, Mt. Werner Water, or call 970-879-2424
Email Michael Lane, Marketing & Communications Manager, City of Steamboat Springs or call 970-871-8220