For Immediate Release
PUEBLO WEST, Colo. — The Pueblo West Metropolitan District Water and Wastewater Department announced Pueblo West will lift water restrictions. Pueblo West had been in Stage One Voluntary Water Restrictions since 2021.
“Demand for water is usually highest in the summer months, but the high amounts of precipitation this summer has led to a decrease in the amount of residential outdoor watering,” Pueblo West Utilities Director Jim Blasing said. “As a result, our water storage levels have risen, which allows us to lift Stage One Water Restrictions.”
Water restrictions are triggered when a community’s two-year water storage levels fall below 90%. Pueblo West’s water storage has been less than 90% since 2021, which had prompted water restrictions. However, unseasonably wet weather has been a contributing factor to the increase in Pueblo West’s water storage.
According to the National Weather Service, Pueblo County has received nearly four inches of rainfall in June 2023, more than three times higher than average. As a result, many residents have demonstrated responsible conservation practices by watering their lawns less. This has led to a system-wide decrease in water usage. So far in June 2023, water usage is down compared to June 2022.
However, drought conditions persist in the western United States and dry months will likely follow, and water consumption habits are still important. “We’re still in a 20-year drought and it’s important that water conservation be a daily habit if you live in our prairie climate in Pueblo West,” Blasing said.
About the Pueblo West Metropolitan District:
The Pueblo West Metropolitan District serves approximately 33,000 citizens living in a 50-square-mile unincorporated portion of Pueblo County located approximately eight miles west of the City of Pueblo. Unlike municipalities, Pueblo West is a special district that is authorized to provide four services to residents – limited covenant enforcement, fire protection, parks and recreation, and water and wastewater utilities.
The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors who are elected by registered voters consisting of Pueblo West residents and property owners.
