Governor of Colorado Activates Phase 3 of Colorado’s Drought Response Plan
The Governor officially activated Phase 3 of Colorado’s Drought Response Plan and issued a statewide Drought Emergency declaration in response to worsening drought conditions driven by record-low snowpack and prolonged warm temperatures across Colorado. The Drought Task Force will meet regularly to monitor conditions, coordinate interagency response efforts, identify unmet needs, elevate local impacts, and share drought resources and support available to Colorado communities and water users.
Below are the contents of the Press Release issued by the office of Governor Jared Polis:
Governor Polis Activates Phase 3 of Colorado’s Drought Response Plan, Declares Statewide Drought Emergency
DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis activated Phase 3 of Colorado’s Drought Response Plan and issued a statewide Drought Emergency declaration in response to worsening drought conditions driven by record-low snowpack and prolonged warm temperatures across Colorado.
The declaration follows recommendations from the Colorado Drought Task Force and the Water Conditions Monitoring Committee after months of monitoring water and worsening drought conditions statewide.
“Today I am issuing a statewide drought emergency to support Coloradans, our economy, farmers and ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the face of one of the most severe droughts in Colorado’s recorded history. With every county in the state experiencing drought conditions, activating Phase 3 of our Drought Response Plan allows us to better coordinate agencies, prepare for worsening conditions, and support Colorado communities, agriculture, water users, and our environment. State agencies will do their part to reduce water usage at state facilities and I encourage every Coloradan to use water wisely,” said Governor Polis.
Phase 2 of Colorado’s Drought Response Plan, activated in March 2026, formally convened the statewide Drought Task Force. Phase 3 activation includes an official Drought Emergency declaration by the Governor and allows the state to take additional emergency response actions, such as potential emergency funding for unmet response needs, a potential request for a federal disaster declaration, and reductions in outdoor water usage at state facilities.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor released on June 4, 2026, all 64 counties in Colorado are currently experiencing at least Abnormally Dry conditions (D0), while nearly 93% of the state is in Moderate to Exceptional Drought (D1-D4). Following the lowest snowpack accumulation season on record, May 1 streamflow forecasts project runoff ranging from only 21% to 37% of median across Colorado river basins. Additionally, this water year (October 2025 – Present) has been the warmest on record in Colorado, contributing to early snowmelt, extremely low river flows, diminished soil moisture conditions, and elevated wildfire risk statewide.
“While our ongoing conditions are challenging, state agencies, water managers, and local partners across Colorado have been working closely together for months to prepare, coordinate resources, and respond proactively,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Activating Phase 3 is a message to Coloradans that our drought conditions are serious and gives the state additional flexibility to address unmet needs and continue supporting communities as conditions evolve.”
Under Phase 3, any requests for additional support or funding must be tied to specific needs and response actions, and will be evaluated by the Drought Task Force and elevated to the Governor as necessary.
“The state has been actively preparing for evolving drought conditions throughout the season, and for the last decade has supported Colorado communities and water users in becoming more drought resilient,” said Lauren Ris, Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board. “This declaration is an important step that ensures Colorado remains prepared, coordinated, and responsive as drought impacts continue to intensify across the state.”
In Phase 3, the Drought Task Force will meet regularly to monitor conditions, coordinate interagency response efforts, identify unmet needs, elevate local impacts, and share drought resources and support available to Colorado communities and water users.
