Due to the recent rains, improved river flows and other factors, the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) is lowering its drought restrictions to stage one, District Engineer Justin Ramsey explains in a Sept. 21 press release.
He states that September has been a “welcome wet month” so far, with precipitation at 108 percent of the median for the month, although annual precipitation is only at 58 percent of the median.
“While drought conditions are improving, continued diligence in water conservation remains important,” he states.
The San Juan River, one of the key determinants for the PAWSD’s drought stage, is currently flowing at 113 cubic feet per second (cfs), above the median flow of 88 cfs for Sept. 21 and higher than the 79 cfs flows on Sept. 21, 2025.
The National Integrated Drought Information System has also downgraded all of Archuleta County from extreme to severe drought, according to Ramsey.
He also stated that Hatcher Reservoir, one of PAWSD’s main drinking water sources, is currently 43 inches below full pool.
Drought stage one restrictions only permit outdoor irrigation between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. on weekdays, with weekend watering prohibited.
Edible and ornamental gardens can still be hand-watered using a hose or through drip irrigation.
Under the restrictions, restaurants shall serve water only on the request of customers, and hotels are encouraged to replace towels and bed linens only for new guests or on the request of current guests.
Water use above 5,000 gallons per month for residential users will also be subject to a 1.5 times rate multiplier.
Ramsey states that the goal of stage one drought restrictions is to reduce district wide water use by 10 to 20 percent.
“In our area, it’s most effective to irrigate between evening and early morning because the cooler, calmer conditions allow water to soak into the soil instead of being lost to the sun and wind,” he said. “During the day, high temperatures, low humidity, and frequent afternoon winds drive up evapotranspiration, meaning much of the sprayed water evaporates or drifts away before it can benefit plants. By irrigating from about 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., more water reaches the root zone, coverage is more uniform, and plants are better able to absorb moisture, making the process both more efficient and healthier for vegetation.”
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