**Steamboat Springs, Colorado-October 22, 2026-**The City of Steamboat Springs and Mount Werner Water and Sanitation District (MWW) are ending Stage 2 drought restrictions following the 2026 irrigation season and thanking customers for reducing water use during a hot, dry summer.
“Thank you to everyone who took meaningful steps to reduce outdoor water use during an exceptionally challenging summer,” said Julie Baxter, Water Resources Manager for the city. “Our community’s commitment helped safeguard our water supply, and it sets us up for even stronger conservation efforts and drought resiliency in the years ahead.”
In response to unprecedented drought conditions, water customers delayed starting irrigation systems until June 1, limited watering to three days per week and moved to a two-day schedule in July.
The efforts paid off. The Fish Creek Filtration Plant, which supplies drinking water to all customers, recorded lower demand each month from June through September compared with 2025. Demand fell 11% in June (13.9 million gallons), 2% in July (3.3 million gallons), 23% in August (34.7 million gallons) and 17% in September (16.9 million gallons).
Residential water use also declined in the third quarter. MWW customers reduced consumption by 4.1 million gallons, or 3%, while city customers cut use by 8.6 million gallons, or 14%, compared with the same period in 2025.
Outdoor irrigation accounts for approximately 30% of overall water use in Steamboat Springs, with waste often caused by overspray, misting, overwatering and leaks. Reaching second-home owners remains a challenge, making communication from landscapers, irrigation professionals and property managers especially important.
Looking ahead to 2027, customers are reminded that our regular outdoor watering schedule- limited to three days per week and based on property address- is mandatory at all times; stricter watering restrictions may be announced if warranted by continued drought conditions.
To build on this summer’s progress, the city and MWW are updating the joint 2020 Water Conservation Plan in 2027, adding new conservation strategies, and updating their Drought Response Plan to incorporate lessons learned in 2026. In addition, both entities will launch an updated water conservation website in early 2027 and bring Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) training and certification to Steamboat Springs in May to help landscape professionals improve irrigation efficiency.
Customers can find conservation information and seasonal updates at steamboatsprings.net/waterwise, through water bills, local media and on social media channels. The city and MWW encourage homeowners, homeowners’ associations, landscapers and property managers to stay informed, communicate regularly, and work together to help keep water use efficient in the seasons ahead.
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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