Douglas County is seeking public input on its 2050 Water Plan, a long-term roadmap that could guide water policy and management decisions across the county for the next two decades.

County commissioners unanimously approved the release of the draft plan in July, launching a public review period that includes online feedback and a public open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Lone Tree Library, 10055 Library Way.

The plan represents the county’s first comprehensive analysis of water resources across its 31 water providers. It concludes that countywide water supplies are expected to remain sufficient through 2050, even as population growth drives demand higher.

Current water demand is estimated at 67,434 acre-feet annually, compared with about 105,184 acre-feet of available supply, according to a survey of providers. 

By 2050, demand is projected to reach 98,791 acre-feet, a roughly 46% increase, while supplies are expected to grow to 135,657 acre-feet, an increase of about 29%.

Although supplies are projected to continue exceeding demand, Water Commission Chairman Don Langley said the gap between the two will narrow over time.

“We wanted to, most importantly, really understand the long-term supply needs of the county and match that up against what we see as the water supplies and identify if there’s any gaps,” Langley told The Denver Gazette in June.

Douglas County faces challenges that differ from many Colorado communities because it lacks major surface water sources within its boundaries. More than half of the county’s supply comes from the nonrenewable, Denver Basin aquifer system.

An analysis conducted for the county suggests groundwater availability could be as much as 36% greater than previous state estimates, although the resource is not evenly distributed throughout the county.

Despite these findings, the plan warns that long-term water security will depend on reducing reliance on nonrenewable groundwater supplies and expanding conservation efforts.

The draft plan also highlights several uncertainties that could affect future water availability. Citing state climate research, it notes Colorado has warmed significantly during the past 50 years and future temperature changes could increase water demand and contribute to more frequent droughts.

In addition, the plan’s projections assume major water projects are completed as planned, imported renewable water supplies become available, groundwater remains economically recoverable and prolonged drought does not significantly reduce available supplies.

To address those challenges, the plan recommends a range of policy and conservation measures.

For future development, it calls for prioritizing service from existing water providers, requiring long-term water supply strategies for new projects and limiting urban-scale developments that rely exclusively on nonrenewable groundwater sources.

Conservation is a central component of the strategy. 

The plan estimates conservation measures could reduce projected 2050 demand by roughly 12,000 acre-feet annually. It also recommends expanding the county’s existing water reuse program, which currently accounts for about 17% of the county’s water supply.

Commissioner George Teal said he hopes the plan ultimately leads to tangible policy changes.

“I would think that we will adopt countywide minimum standards,” Teal told The Denver Gazette in June. “I think that’s sound policymaking.”

Teal noted that the county’s direct authority is largely limited to unincorporated areas, while municipalities retain control of their own water policies. Still, officials view the document as a framework that can guide decision-making across jurisdictions.

“I think the water plan shouldn’t be sitting on a shelf,” Teal said during a July commissioner meeting.

County officials are encouraging residents to review the draft plan and submit feedback before it is finalized later this year.