April’s snowstorms along the Front Range and in our mountain watersheds have helped a lot with our dire water supply situation. But this is the second year in a row of below-average snowpack and drier-than-normal conditions in our watersheds.

Denver Water’s reservoirs haven’t been full since July 2011, and reservoir levels are still well below normal. We never know what future weather is going to be like, so it’s always important to manage water supplies carefully. Even if the next couple of weeks bring us back to average snowpack levels, Denver Water and several other local water providers still expect to have the Stage 2 mandatory drought restrictions in place to save as much water as possible this summer.

Utilities will know more about their water supply situation in July after the runoff. Two ways to save water in May:

• Aerate your yard. Aeration reduces soil compaction and helps water and nutrients access the roots.
• Use the cycle and soak irrigation method to ensure your grass absorbs the water