At a recent Cortez City Council meeting, members addressed the pressing issue of water conservation in response to the ongoing drought affecting Montezuma County. The Dolores Water Conservancy District’s General Manager, Ken Curtis, provided an update on the current water supply and its implications for both municipal and agricultural needs.
Curtis highlighted the challenges posed by limited snowpack and warm temperatures, which have resulted in low water levels at McPhee Reservoir. This situation has significantly impacted local farmers and ranchers who rely on consistent irrigation for their crops and livestock.
In response, the City of Cortez has launched a voluntary water conservation initiative aimed at encouraging residents to reduce water usage. Simple measures such as watering lawns during cooler parts of the day, fixing leaks, and choosing drought-tolerant landscaping can collectively make a substantial difference. The city emphasizes that community-wide efforts are essential to support the agricultural sector during these challenging times.
Residents interested in participating or learning more about water conservation strategies can visit the city’s official website for resources and guidelines.