In response to historically low snowpack levels, the City of Thornton has declared a Stage 1 Drought Response, effective March 15, 2026. This decision comes after a dry winter that resulted in the lowest recorded snowpack in 20 years, significantly impacting the city’s water supply.
Under the Stage 1 restrictions, residents are encouraged to adopt the following water conservation measures:
- Delay activating sprinkler systems until May 1.
- Water trees, shrubs, and garden beds as needed using hand watering, drip irrigation, or deep-root watering methods.
- Limit outdoor lawn or turf watering to no more than two days per week, with residents selecting their preferred days.
- Avoid outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Monitor water usage through the WaterSmart portal to promptly detect and repair leaks.
These measures aim to preserve the city’s water resources during the ongoing drought conditions. For more information on the restrictions and water conservation tips, residents can visit the city’s official water page.