Colorado Declares Statewide Drought Emergency and Activates Phase 3

Officials may allocate emergency funds, request federal disaster aid, reduce outdoor watering at state facilities, expand task force coordination to address record-warm, low-snow conditions.

Overview

Governor Jared Polis activated Phase 3 and declared a statewide drought emergency on June 4, 2026, citing the U.S. Drought Monitor and state assessments.
State data show this water year has been the warmest on record for Colorado, producing record-low mountain snowpack, early snowmelt, low river flows and dry soils.
Phase 3 authorizes the Drought Task Force to meet regularly, identify unmet needs, coordinate agencies and make emergency moves such as directing funds and seeking a federal disaster declaration.
Officials have already imposed water restrictions across parts of the state, including most of the Denver metro, and warned that farms, municipal supplies and wildfire response face heightened strain this summer.
Residents should expect tighter water rules, more frequent public updates from the task force and possible federal aid requests as state leaders track worsening conditions and shortfalls in reservoir and streamflow recharges.