Update June 4, 2026:
Drought Update - Irrigation Headgates
As drought conditions continue across the Grand Valley, we want to remind residents that every effort to conserve water makes a difference.
Community irrigation systems are controlled by headgates managed by Grand Valley Irrigation Company (GVIC). Residents may begin noticing red tags on certain headgates throughout the community. These tags mean GVIC has inspected and adjusted the headgate to help ensure the correct amount of water is being delivered according to the current allocation.
Please do not change, remove, or adjust a red-tagged headgate without authorization from Grand Valley Irrigation Company. These adjustments are an important part of helping manage limited water supplies fairly and responsibly across the system.
If you see a red tag and have questions, please contact Grand Valley Irrigation Company directly at 970-242-2762.
When watering, residents are encouraged to water only when needed and, when possible, limit outdoor watering to two days per week during the early morning or late evening hours. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day or when it is windy, and check sprinkler systems regularly for leaks, runoff, or overspray. Small adjustments can make a big difference during drought conditions.
You can also learn more from GVIC drought response in their newsletter:
https://www.grandvalleyirrigation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Newsletter-2.pdf
For more information about the City of Fruita’s drought response and water conservation efforts, visit:
https://www.fruita.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/62
Update May 19, 2026:
From Ute Water: Historic drought conditions across western Colorado have prompted the Ute Water Conservancy District (District) Board of Directors to implement drought water rates for the first time since 1977. These rates will begin to appear on bills sent in July for water used in June. A copy of the full press release is attached.
Customers can visit utewater.org/rates for more information and to use the rate calculator to see how these rates will impact their water bill.
In response to current drought conditions, the City is taking steps to reduce water use throughout our parks system while continuing to protect trees, shrubs, and high-use community spaces. Parks staff have reduced watering times at City parks by approximately 50 percent. Most City irrigation systems are managed through Rain Bird IQ4 software, allowing staff to adjust run times, turn water on or off remotely, and respond quickly to issues such as leaks, broken sprinklers, wind, or rain. The only areas that use domestic water are the downtown planters. Residents may notice daytime watering as irrigation systems are started for the season. This is part of the normal startup process and allows staff to test each zone, identify repairs, and make sure systems are working properly. After the start up, parks are typically watered overnight to reduce evaporation and make the most efficient use of irrigation water. Watering during cooler nighttime hours helps more water reach the turf and landscaping, while also reducing waste caused by heat, sun, and wind. The City has also created an irrigation priority list for parks and landscaped areas. Parks are ranked from Priority 1 to Priority 4 based on use, rentals, location, and community function. If additional water reductions are needed, lower-priority areas will be cut back first, beginning with Priority 4 areas, followed by Priority 3, and so on. If water is turned off in certain areas, grass may be allowed to dry out, but trees and shrubs will be protected and watered by hand when needed. Newly planted trees at Snooks Bottom and along the Kokopelli Trail will also continue to be watered by hand throughout the summer while they become established. The City will continue monitoring conditions and adjusting irrigation practices to help conserve water while maintaining safe, usable parks for the community.
We have also been in communication with our partners at Ute Water for updates on the drought and best practices for help with the drought. To receive updates about the drought, please visit Ute Water’s website at utewater.org/droughtresponse. Please also follow the suggested watering schedule outlined below: