Dear ERWSD Customer,

Our community’s water supply comes from annual, mountain snowpack that feeds local rivers and streams. It’s no secret that this year’s snowpack is far below normal. The snow that didn’t fall this winter is water we will not have this summer.

Less snowpack means:

  • Less water flowing in our rivers
  • Greater demand on our reservoirs
  • Increased stress on our water system and our rivers

In response to these conditions, the Board approved fines and surcharges that are tied directly to water supply conditions. These surcharges and fines are designed to limit outdoor water use. While 95% of water used indoors is treated and returned directly to local waterways, roughly 80% of the water used outdoors is “lost” to evaporation, plant intake, and soil absorption. Reducing outdoor use is the fastest and most effective way to protect our water supply.

Many customers are already using water efficiently. During the summer months, our typical residential customer uses around 4,000 gallons per month, all within Tier 1 levels. In contrast, customers in Tier 4 use more than four times that amount, and those in Tier 5 use roughly eight times the typical residential usage.

The initial fines and surcharges are preventative and would apply to all customers in Tier 5, as well as residential and irrigation customers in Tier 4. They are designed to alert customers in Tier 4 and Tier 5 that immediate reductions in outdoor water use are needed.

Please take action now:

  • Aim to be in water use Tiers 1 or 2.
  • Remove non-functional turf.
  • Reduce sprinkler run times and eliminate sprinkler overspray and runoff.
  • Choose water-wise perennials instead of annuals.
  • Water only on your designated days and during permitted hours (2026 schedule forthcoming).
  • Tools and Resources for Customers

Here are some links to help you take action and make changes with your outdoor water use:

Customers who were in Tier 4 and Tier 5 last year will receive additional outreach and support to help reduce use and avoid penalties. To learn more about your water use, please log into your customer portal at mywater.erwsd.org.

Together we can reduce the risk of a water shortage this summer, but only if we all act now. Your choices this season directly impact our rivers, our community, and our shared water future. Thank you for doing your part.

 

Thank you,

Eagle River Water & Sanitation District
Customer Service