City of Aurora declares Stage 1 drought

At its April 6 meeting, the Aurora City Council passed a resolution declaring a Stage 1 Drought effective immediately. Continuing drought, low snowpack and reservoir levels have resulted in City Council approving a drought declaration for Aurora Water customers.

To help protect Aurora's water supply, City Council has set a target of a 20% reduction in water usage by all residents, businesses and city facilities. "We are asking our Aurora community to come together and help us achieve this 20% savings by taking water restrictions seriously," said Marshall Brown, General Manager of Aurora Water. "Our proactive response to these water restrictions is a vital contribution towards protecting our water supply for the future."

Under the Stage 1 Drought restrictions

• Outdoor watering is limited to two days per week on assigned days, with no watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Customers can review the watering times schedule at AuroraGov.org/Drought.
• For residential, multi-family and commercial users, drought surcharges of $2.15 per 1,000 gallons will apply to water use above 110% of a customer's winter quarter average, after normal tiered rates are applied.
• Outdoor water features may not be operated.
• Installation of new cool-season turf (like Kentucky bluegrass), including sod and traditional grass seeding, is not allowed.
• No filling of private swimming pools is allowed; however, topping off is allowed.
• Water at restaurants is only served by request.

To report water wasting, use the form at AuroraGov.org/ContactUs or download the Access Aurora app on a mobile device.

Enforcement of water restrictions begins with customers receiving a violation notice followed by escalating fines if the problem is not remedied within the designated timeframe.

Aurora Water will host two drought community meetings to explain what a Stage 1 Drought means, including restrictions and enforcement, provide resources for successful outdoor water conservation and answer questions from the public. The meetings will be hosted live and can be attended in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

• Tuesday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Paul Tauer City Council Chamber, Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, or online via Microsoft Teams.
• Wednesday, April 15, from 6 to7 p.m. at Aurora Water, 26791 E. Quincy Ave., or online via Microsoft Teams.

Customers are encouraged to stay informed about their water usage by signing up for the water customer portal that allows them to monitor and manage water use, review detailed water usage insights and set up leak alerts.