Denver Parks and Recreation is taking steps to reduce water use across the city as drought conditions persist along Colorado’s Front Range. The department announced a water reduction strategy in response to Denver Water’s Stage 1 Drought declaration, which calls for voluntary conservation efforts to help protect water supplies. As part of the plan, Denver Parks and Recreation will reduce irrigation at select parks, medians and other landscaped areas. Officials said watering schedules will be adjusted to focus on maintaining the health and safety of trees and high-use recreational spaces while allowing some turf areas to go dormant. … City officials said they will continue monitoring drought conditions and could implement additional conservation measures if conditions worsen.

Other drought impact and response news:

• WaterWorld: Colorado River coalition urges Congress to approve $2B drought response funding
• Post Independent (Glenwood Springs, Colo.): Colorado is likely to see drought emergency declared to address widespread impacts  
• CBS Colorado: Residents requested to report water waste, violations to Denver Water amid drought
• Westword (Denver, Colo.): Running Dry: Colorado’s drought is reshaping Denver’s farm-to-table dining
• Nevada Public Radio: Water conservation in agriculture could have a significant impact with ongoing drought conditions