**Steamboat Springs, Colorado-July 22, 2026-**The City of Steamboat Springs, Mount Werner Water District (MWW) and Steamboat II Metro District will implement a mandatory two-day-per-week outdoor watering schedule beginning immediately, as ongoing drought conditions, extreme heat, and declining streamflows continue to impact the region.
"The combination of prolonged drought, record heat, and extremely low streamflows has created unprecedented stress on our local water resources," said Water Resources Manager Julie Baxter. "Moving to a two-day watering schedule is a necessary step to reduce outdoor water use and help protect the Yampa River while ensuring we continue to provide a reliable water supply for our community."
As part of the existing Stage 2 Drought Restrictions, customers must water on two non-consecutive days each week based on their address. Properties with odd-numbered addresses may water on Monday and Thursday, while even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday and Friday. Outdoor irrigation is prohibited between 10am and 6pm to reduce evaporation, and irrigation may not be split between consecutive days, i.e. starting at 11pm and running past midnight.
Watering deeply but less frequently promotes stronger, drought-resistant root systems. Brown or dormant lawns are expected during prolonged drought and will recover when conditions improve. Residents and businesses should work with their landscaping or irrigation providers to ensure systems comply with current restrictions.
"A healthy lawn doesn't have to be perfectly green during a drought," said Water Quality & Conservation Specialist Jenny Frithsen. "Lawns may turn brown or go dormant, but that's a natural survival response. By following the watering schedule and adjusting irrigation systems, residents can help conserve water and still have healthy landscapes when conditions improve."
The mandatory schedule comes after weeks of record heat and dry conditions. On July 13, Steamboat Springs reached 98 degrees, setting a daily temperature record, while streamflows in the Yampa River are fluctuating between 40-55 cfs and water temperatures climbed to 85 degrees, creating critical conditions for fish and other aquatic life. River closures have remained in effect since July 1 under the Stage 2 drought response.
Despite releases from Stagecoach Reservoir by the Colorado Water Trust to 45 cfs, river conditions remain critically low. Releases were increased this week in coordination with Colorado Parks and Wildlife following reports of significant fish kills in the Elk and Yampa rivers.
Water staff have contacted more than 100 customers this year regarding watering violations, with an emphasis on education and voluntary compliance. Customers who fail to follow mandatory watering restrictions may be subject to fines under municipal code or MWW Rules and Regulations. Water waste can be reported through the online Report Water Waste form.
The water districts appreciate the community's continued efforts to conserve water and protect local water resources during this critical time. Additional resources can be found online.
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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