The consequences of Colorado’s unprecedented hot, dry winter will begin to show this week. Denver Water is expected to declare a Stage 1 drought on Wednesday, March 25, which would immediately implement mandatory watering restrictions for customers. This would be the first time since 2013 that Denver Water has set use limits beyond the typical summer rules for outdoor watering. The move comes after Colorado’s warmest winter in recorded state history, resulting in one of the worst snowpacks on record. … The proposed water restrictions will impact all of the 1.5 million people served by Denver Water, extending beyond just outdoor watering and into restaurants, hotels, parks and car washes.

Other water restriction and conservation news:

• FOX31 (Denver, Colo.): Aurora considers water restrictions, and officials say enforcement will be stricter than ever
• KSL (Salt Lake City): Switch to turf, save water! Here are all the reasons you’ll love a turf lawn