Effective immediately: No new special irrigation permits.
In response to low stream flows, the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District will no longer issue special irrigation permits, which are normally available for newly-seeded areas.
Local streams are the source water for the district to supply customers with water for indoor and outdoor uses. Ongoing drought conditions are having serious impacts on local rivers and the fish and wildlife that depend on them. Special irrigation permits allow for extra water use beyond the normal Water Use Regulations; with current conditions, the extra use will negatively impact local waterways so no new permits will be issued until further notice. Should streamflows continue to drop, the district may rescind active permits.
Additionally, the district is asking all customers to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use to help keep water in local streams and minimize environmental damage.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife has already enacted voluntary fishing closures on the Eagle River due to high water temperatures. Leaving more water in the streams helps mitigate high temperatures that can kill aquatic life.
The district appreciates efforts to cut back on irrigation to help preserve stream flows and aquatic life during this especially dry period. All customers are reminded to adhere to the year-round Water Use Regulations and outdoor water use schedule.
Contact: Customer Service, 970-476-7480
