Severe drought declared for Highlands Ranch Water service area

The U.S. Drought Monitor on Jan. 8 classified Highlands Ranch Water’s service area as experiencing severe drought, a designation that carries immediate implications for Douglas County landscapes, reservoirs and wildfire risk. Local officials say the maps will continue to guide reporting and planning as the season progresses.

Highlands Ranch Water emphasized that drought is a normal part of Colorado’s climate but still one that strains local water supplies and can stress community green spaces. Reduced reservoir levels and prolonged dry soils increase the vulnerability of lawns, trees and shrubs, and can raise the fire danger across open space and residential areas alike.

For homeowners and property managers the timing matters. Even in winter, trees and established shrubs can suffer from dry soil. Highlands Ranch Water is urging residents to maintain root health by continuing to monitor and, when necessary, water during prolonged dry periods. The district also notes that its drought maps will be used to guide local reporting and water management decisions throughout the season.

Practical consequences for Douglas County include slower recovery of municipal and private reservoirs if dry conditions persist, greater reliance on conservation measures when flows are low, and elevated wildfire risk in the spring if soils and fuels remain dry. Landscapes that typically depend on spring melt and snowpack to recharge root zones may not receive sufficient moisture, making pre-spring care and focused watering more important than usual.

How residents can respond starts with awareness. Check soil moisture around trees and shrubs during thaw periods rather than assuming snow cover equals hydration. Mulch and properly timed, moderate watering can protect root systems through a dry winter spell. Pay attention to local updates from Highlands Ranch Water and monitor the U.S. Drought Monitor maps that are being used to guide reporting and operational planning.

The takeaway? Treat this like a slow-moving emergency for plants and water supplies: keep an eye on soil, prioritize deep watering for established trees when conditions allow, and stay tuned to Highlands Ranch Water updates so small actions now help prevent larger problems in spring. Our two cents? A little winter care goes a long way toward keeping yards, trees and the community safer when drought shows up.