With snowpack at a 30-year low, Tim Pierce, of Mustang Water Authority, told the Forum the repercussions are less water in the river. He said that means significantly less water this year, so much so that it’s a serious concern statewide.
Pierce said the State of Colorado is approving a drought contingency plan; he’s not sure if Montrose County is drafting one, but he said there is a county meeting scheduled for May to discuss water, mainly water rights.
Last year, the Town of Nucla did some water restrictions, and Pierce said he has a feeling that will happen again for 2026.
“The consensus in the state and everywhere is that it’s going to be an ugly year,” he said.
The Colorado Cooperative Company, he said, is “pretty in tune” with potential problems, if things get more concerning. Both municipal and ag water come out of the same river. Pierce said there could be a back and forth with the ditch company and the Town of Nucla, only because producers want their stock water, and the town wants its potable water.
“Obviously, the starting point is no watering of lawns and then increasing restrictions, on up to no water,” he said.
Naturita has already approved its drought contingency plan. Pierce, who is also mayor pro tem for Nucla, said Nucla’s is more complicated because of the raw water system. He said it’s about how Nucla handles raw water in conjunction with treated water.
“But we are working on it,” he said. “We should have it done in the next week or so. It will be in place, so if it gets slim on water, we can do something.”
Pierce said it’s important for the public to understand restrictions, and that education is important in the current situation. Part of Nucla’s restrictions include watering late evening or at night, or possibly early morning. He said people should be careful about how they water, since watering in the hottest part of the day wastes water, as it evaporates and doesn’t make as big of an impact. He said sprinklers can be programmed to do this, and Nucla will make sure the park water follows the guidelines.
Right now, the reservoir is full. He said the Colorado Cooperative Company had talked about not having their spring pond run, but they started a week early and the board said Pierce could put water in the reservoir, which he did.
Currently, Mustang Water Authority is pumping from the river. Unfortunately, Pierce is having trouble with one of the pumps though. He said one needs rebuilt, and he’s down to just one at the pump station at the river. There is funding, as much as $100,000 saved however, part of which could help pay for the other pump’s rebuild.
Pierce wants all to be responsible with their water this season. He said Town Clerk Jessica Davis is also communicating that to water users.
Yes, he said the summer monsoons, if they come, could help. The recent snow on the Uncompahgre also helped.
In the March 31 meeting held at Nucla Community Center regarding workforce housing, Pierce and Naturita Mayor Gene Greenwood both told the county anybody trying to establish a workforce facility would have to have plans to be able to supply water and not draw off local water, in light of drought. He said the county listened, and Commissioner Sue Hansen remarked afterward she was well aware of the problem.
