Drought Response
Staying more than a few drops ahead.
Because we live in a semi-arid climate, we must expect and prepare for periods of drought. The city continuously monitors water supply and balances storage levels with demand. Storage levels are affected by weather, the amount of snowpack and rainfall, stream flow levels, and other factors.
Drought status:
Drought Watch (restrictions pending)
Updated March 3, 2026
The city of Thornton is currently in “Drought Watch” due to drought conditions persisting in Colorado. Snowpack in the South Platte and Clear Creek watersheds, which bring water to the Thornton community, is tracking well below the historical average. Thornton City Council is currently assessing the need to declare Stage 1 Drought, which would result in asking water customers to limit outdoor watering to help maintain the water supply throughout the summer. If the drought status changes, it will be posted on this page. Check back or sign up for our newsletter for updates. Drought updates are scheduled at the City Council Planning Session on March 3 and the City Council Meeting on March 10.
Customers are always encouraged to be efficient with their water usage by waiting to start watering outdoors until May or June, watering less frequently, and identifying and repairing leaks quickly. Now is a great time to evaluate your overall water use and identify ways to save water and money year-round. Start by tracking your daily water use through WaterSmart. Learn more and sign up on the Track Your Use page and take steps to be more water-wise on the saving indoors and saving outdoors pages.
Thornton’s Drought Management Plan:
Securing our water now, and for years to come
Thornton’s Drought Management Plan provides action-based guidance to respond to drought in ways that equal the severity of conditions. During droughts, Thornton can experience a water shortage that could require the community to reduce its water use. The plan also includes additional steps for reducing water demand and acquiring additional water supplies. Read the Drought Management Plan.
Water Use Rules and Watering Guide:
Water lean and still green
In 2021, Thornton incorporated permanent Water Use Rules into the City Code. Our new Watering Guide contains some of the new rules and provides a guide for watering up to three days per week. For complete Water Use Rules visit our Saving Outdoors page and get your Watering Guide.
Additional Drought Resources:
