Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declares statewide drought emergency

Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post on Jun 4, 2026

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DENVER — Colorado’s state leadership on Thursday declared a drought emergency as this winter’s record-low snowpack and an abnormally warm spring fuel one of the worst statewide droughts on record.

The emergency declaration opens the door for a future request for a federal disaster declaration and aid. It also mandates that state agencies reduce outdoor watering.

“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,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a news release announcing the declaration.

“With every county in the state experiencing drought conditions,” he continued, “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.”

All of Colorado’s 64 counties are ranked as abnormally dry, and 93% of the state is considered to be in moderate or exceptional drought, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The central mountains are experiencing the most severe drought in the state, the data show. The entirety of Eagle and Pitkin counties, as well as large portions of Rio Blanco, Garfield, Lake, Routt and Grand counties, are considered to be in exceptional drought — the most severe category tracked by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The state Drought Task Force will continue to meet to coordinate the state’s response to the lack of water. At the local and regional level, many water utilities — including Denver Water — have enacted outdoor watering restrictions for the spring and summer.

The state’s emergency declaration is the most extreme state action outlined in Colorado’s Drought Response Plan.