Click the link to read the article on the 9News website (Matt Renoux, Alexander Kirk). Here’s an excerpt:
October 20, 2026
Customers of the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District in western Colorado cut their water usage by 30% this summer. The savings is more than triple the 9% reduction achieved by Denver Water customers, thanks to a strong messaging campaign, strict fines, and a sharp drop in outdoor watering. Denver Water had asked customers to reduce use by 20%. Many Colorado water districts statewide saw drops of 10% to 20%…Vail Valley customers saved more than 1,000 acre-feet of water…Officials say the district faced an uphill battle because many residents are part-time, especially in summer, and may not know about restrictions. Staff took their message on the road, speaking with people face-to-face at events and festivals. Despite the savings, the district remains at high risk for low water storage and is keeping restrictions in place. Reservoirs and rivers will need help filling in the spring.