La Junta and Pueblo Water Use

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Amidst drought conditions across the state, many cities are evaluating options for spring and summer water usage.

While Colorado Springs and La Junta’s city councils consider mandatory water restrictions, Pueblo officials aren’t too concerned yet. Spokesman for the Pueblo Board of Water Paul Fanning says they’ve been usuing nearly 20% less water annually since 2003, when they started a conservation program.

"If we remain at this insane level of drought for another year, a year from now our storage may get down to point where it would trigger a declaration of a higher level of drought response. Which would work into some mandatory restrictions."

La Junta hasn’t implemented mandatory water restrictions since 2005 and Pueblo since 2003. Much of south eastern Colorado falls under exceptional drought conditions, which are expected to persist at least through April. For KRCC news, I’m Katherine-Claire O’Connor.