Here's how much Fort Collins water usage dropped due to rain - Coloradoan

Here's how much Fort Collins water usage dropped due to rain

Fort Collins water usage dropped dramatically thanks to all that spring, early summer rain
Miles Blumhardt

All that rain in May and June has had a major impact on water use in Fort Collins.

Here's a look at the abundant rain's impact, according to Fort Collins Utilities:

How much have spring and early summer rains reduced water use in Fort Collins?

- The April through June total in average gallons used per person per day was 101.2 gallons. The average in recent years ranged from 111 gallons per person per day in 2019 to 139 in 2022.
- The city's average total water demand for June was projected to be 31 million gallons per day, but actual demand was 21.1 million gallons per day.

Where is the city seeing the most water reduction?

- Single-family residential and irrigation-only taps best exemplify categories to evaluate changes in outdoor use, including watering lawns and gardens, according to Utilities.
- For May and June combined, total water use for single-family residential was 19% less than the average for the previous five years.
- Water use for irrigation-only taps was 69% less than the average for the previous five years.

What entities consume the most water?

Fort Collins Utilities told the Coloradoan via email that residential customers used about 53% of water in 2022, while commercial customers used about 47%.

The Fort Collins Water Conservation 2022 Annual Report provides a monthly breakdown of residential and commercial water use for the year.

How is Fort Collins' water supply looking for this year?

The city expects to have an ample water supply without the need for water restrictions. Utilities cautions that we live in a semiarid climate, meaning it’s always important to use water wisely.

Here are ways to save money and water: fcgov.com/save-water.

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How much rain has Fort Collins received this year compared to its average?

- Fort Collins has received 14.04 inches of precipitation this year, which is nearly 5 inches above average for this time of year
- That is 88% of average annual precipitation based on the 1991-2020 period. The city's official reporting station is located on the main Colorado State University campus. Other sites around the area have seen considerably more rain.
- The city averages 1.63 inches of rain in July. This July, the city has recorded 1.48 inches of rain with rain occurring on seven of the first 10 days.
- June saw 5.61 inches of rain, compared to an average of 1.9 inches.
- May saw 3.33 inches of rain, compared to an average of 2.72 inches.

What a difference a year makes when it comes to drought in Colorado

- The entire state of Colorado is officially out of drought designation for the first time since July 2019, according to the Colorado Drought Monitor.
- Last year at this time, only 1.5% of the state had no drought designation.
- Three months ago, 52.5% of the state had no drought designation.