Click the link to read the article on the Colorado Public Radio website (Tegan Wendland). Here’s an excerpt:
July 24, 2026
Despite recent rains, most of Colorado remains in deep drought and a governor’s task force has now put forward four recommendations to help deal with the problem. State climatologist Russ Schumacher said the monsoon rains were welcome, and certainly bringing some relief — increasing stream flows on the Western Slope and helping control widespread wildfires — but it’s unclear that the rain will continue in the fall or reduce the risk of another snow drought next winter…
The four recommendations
The first was to reduce onsite water consumption at all state facilities. This would require the state to develop water efficiency and drought plans, including water use audits, leak detection, landscape evaluations and other efficiency measures. It’s an expansion of Colorado’s “Greening Government” framework, which requires state facilities to proactively address water use.
The second is to direct state facilities to shift outdoor water management practices and reduce lawn watering and irrigation use. Kat Weismiller, section chief at the Colorado Conservation Water Board, said the goal was to “advance efficiency and conservation efforts on state facilities through long-term planning that can reduce onsite water consumption and build drought resilience.” It directs the state to evaluate outdoor water use at state facilities and make recommendations to reduce that water use or change landscaping.
The third recommendation directs the state to reduce washing state-owned vehicles. The goal is to reduce water waste by reducing the frequency of washing vehicles, while maintaining essential safety and health standards.
The fourth recommendation is to extend state tax deadlines for small businesses impacted by the drought. This temporary administrative waiver, which is similar to the wildfire tax relief already being offered in 2026, would apply to all eligible taxpayers, including agricultural producers and recreational businesses, which could apply for extensions.