Dear Editor:
I want to share some urgent truths and ask a few important questions about the future of our water — the lifeblood of our town.
Snowpack’s Vanishing Act
As of April 2026, our mountain snowpack — the natural reservoir feeding our rivers and taps — is at record lows. Climatologist Russ Schumacher says snowpack should be peaking now, but it’s nearly gone. Andy Mueller, water manager for the Colorado River Water Conservation District, warns we have no buffer left — we’re in a crisis.
Why Snowpack Matters More Than Rain
Snowpack is nature’s slow-release water bank, melting gradually to sustain streams, farms, and homes through dry months. Unlike rain, which often runs off quickly, snow stores water frozen, allowing steady recharge. This slow melt is critical for our water supply.
Fire, No Snow, and Dry Streams
Wildfire risk is rising faster than expected, and many monitoring sites that never lost snow by April 1st now show none. This is a glaring warning sign for our water future.
Reservoirs Drying Up and Drought Deepening
Reservoirs are at historic lows. Snow water equivalent is less than 70% of normal here, and less than half in the Four Corners region. The situation is dire.
Early Warmth, Dryness, and What It Means for Us
This year’s combo of early warmth and dryness is especially troubling. Snowpack peaked a month early and held only half its usual water — like setting out on a road trip with half a tank of gas, way too soon.
The Worst Year Ever
This is the worst snowpack year in recorded history. Half of Colorado is in extreme drought. This spring is literally changing the landscape.
Water Stress, Aging Pipes, and More
Water stress here isn’t just less snow. It’s overused aquifers, drought, rising temps, and aging infrastructure all colliding. Our governors agree: we must prepare (with water storage) not just for this year, but for dry years ahead.
Drilling for Water? Not So Fast
Drilling groundwater in mountain towns is tricky. Our fractured rocks don’t hold water well — wells can quickly drain the little groundwater we have. Overpumping harms streams, degrades water quality, and risks land sinking. Pumping more isn’t a fix; it’s a gamble.
To Make Matters Worse: Data Centers
Massive data centers gulp water like small towns. By 2028, U.S. data centers could use as much water as 18.5 million households. That’s a huge strain on an already thirsty West.
The Climate Question
Climate change is here. The planet is warming — period. Whether humans caused it or not doesn’t change the fact that it’s happening fast, and we can’t rely on old weather patterns anymore. We must adapt — and quickly.
A Word to the PAWSD Board
Your actions should adapt just like the changing climate.
Robbing our children and grandchildren of reliable water isn’t an option.
Two questions:
1. Why is PAWSD suing to block building a reservoir? Experts and governors say we need it.
2. How much of my water bill funds this frivolous lawsuit?
Christa Chagra
>