Denver Water has begun issuing fines to customers who violate watering restrictions as a prolonged drought continues to strain the region’s water supply with no signs of improvement. Denver Water customers are currently limited to watering lawns two days a week. Despite those restrictions being in place for most of the summer, the measures have not made a significant difference, according to the agency. Last week, Denver Water issued more than 50 warnings and six or seven fines to customers who did not follow watering rules. The agency said it has shifted from educating customers about restrictions to actively enforcing them.

Other drought impact and response news around the West:

• KUNC (Greeley, Colo.): Northwestern Colorado has seen a massive jump in bear activity amid historic drought
• Steamboat Pilot & Today (Steamboat Springs, Colo.): Drought conditions putting Colorado fish at risk
• KSJD (Cortez, Colo.): Farm finances tighten as drought and high costs pressure rural economies​
• Rocky Mountain PBS (Denver, Colo.): Lake Dillon down 25% from typical levels amid ongoing drought​
• Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Opinion: Don’t blame growth for Arizona’s water crisis