Full Breakdown
Colorado Declares Statewide Drought Emergency, Activates Phase 3 Response
6/6/2026, 12:46:04 AM
Statewide Drought Emergency Declaration and Phase 3 Activation
On June 4, 2026 Governor Jared Polis issued a statewide drought emergency and moved Colorado’s Drought Response Plan to Phase 3, the plan’s highest response level. The activation authorizes targeted emergency funding, state-agency water-use reductions, and the option to request a federal disaster declaration.
Background & Context
Colorado entered the 2026 water year with the lowest snowpack on record—peaking at roughly 51 % of median in early March and melting rapidly under the warmest temperatures ever recorded for the season. Early melt left soils dry and river flows low, prompting the Drought Task Force to recommend Phase 3 in June after Phase 2 was triggered in March.
Key Figures & Groups
- Jared Polis – Governor of Colorado, author of the emergency declaration.
- Colorado Drought Task Force – Inter-agency body coordinating response; includes the Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Local Affairs, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
- Lauren Ris – Director, Colorado Water Conservation Board and task-force member.
- Becky Bolinger – Former assistant state climatologist, providing scientific context.
- Brad Udall – Senior water and climate research scientist, Colorado State University.
Data & Statistics
- All 64 counties are classified as at least “Abnormally Dry” (D0); 93 % of the state falls in Moderate to Exceptional drought (D1-D4).
- Approximately 36 % of the state is in Extreme or Exceptional drought (D3-D4), concentrated in north-central counties.
- May 1 stream-flow forecasts project runoff at 21-37 % of the median across Colorado river basins.
- The Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch anticipates receiving less than 14 % of its normal water supply.
- Denver Water has closed and drained Antero Reservoir, avoiding evaporation losses of roughly 5,000 acre-feet.
Why It Matters / Impact
The drought threatens agricultural output, livestock grazing, municipal water supplies for over 1.5 million Denver residents, and recreation industries such as white-water rafting. Downstream, reduced Colorado River runoff jeopardizes water deliveries to nearly 20 states and Mexico, compounding stress on reservoirs like Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Polis emphasized that the emergency “supports Coloradans, our economy, farmers and ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts” and urged statewide water-wise behavior. The Drought Task Force will meet regularly to monitor conditions, identify unmet needs, and evaluate funding requests. Ris highlighted the unprecedented combination of low snowpack and extreme heat as the driver of current water-supply shortfalls.
Criticism & Opposition
Experts caution that anticipated monsoon storms and a developing El Niño may not offset the deficit. Udall noted the “almost no correlation between El Niño status and Colorado drought,” warning against reliance on seasonal weather patterns. Additionally, Phase 3 does not automatically unlock funding, limiting immediate relief for affected communities.
On-the-Ground Reports
Farmers and ranchers across the Front Range report halved water allocations; the Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch expects under 14 % of its usual supply. Denver Water’s demand-management program urges customers to shave one minute off daily faucet use, saving roughly 2 million gallons per day.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the extent of severe drought: the U.S. Drought Monitor lists 36 % in D3-D4, while other reports cite 77 % experiencing severe drought or worse as of late May. Runoff forecasts vary between 21 % and 37 % of median, reflecting uncertainty in seasonal precipitation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today I am issuing a statewide drought emergency to support Coloradans, our economy, farmers and ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the face of one of the most severe droughts in Colorado’s recorded history. With every county in the state experiencing drought conditions, activating Phase 3 of our Drought Response Plan allows us to better coordinate agencies, prepare for worsening conditions, and support Colorado communities, agriculture, water users, and our environment. State agencies will do their part to reduce water usage at state facilities and I encourage every Coloradan to use water wisely.” — Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado
- “This one is so unique, and I always want to say no two droughts are exactly the same, but the uniqueness of this one is so interesting to me,” — Becky Bolinger, former assistant state climatologist
- “We’ve seen the warmest temperatures and the lowest snowpack on record,” — Lauren Ris, Director, Colorado Water Conservation Board
- “It’s necessary and appropriate” for the Phase 3 declaration, he told Colorado Politics on Thursday. “There’s almost no correlation between El Niño status and Colorado drought. It’s not a great optimistic outlook.” — Brad Udall, Senior water and climate research scientist, Colorado State University
- “I think that moving into phase three and declaring a drought emergency is something we should do as soon as possible,” — Chris Sorensen, Colorado state emergency operations center manager
What’s Next
The governor may request a federal disaster declaration if state resources prove insufficient. Seasonal monsoon storms and a developing El Niño are expected to bring additional precipitation, though experts caution that runoff will likely remain far below historic averages. The Drought Task Force will continue weekly briefings, coordinate agency actions, and assess any further funding needs throughout the summer.
