Drought Conditions Increase In Arvada, Metro Denver: Monitor

ARVADA, CO — Mild drought conditions hit Arvada and the rest of metro Denver in mid-September, and since then, the drought has worsened, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought spread from western Colorado across Denver's metro area, which was classified as 'D0: Abnormally dry' in mid-September. By the end of the month, our region worsened to 'D1: Moderate Drought,' where it remains, according to the monitor, which is published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

U.S. Drought Monitor Scale:

• D0: Abnormally Dry
• D1: Moderate Drought - current conditions in Arvada
• D2: Severe Drought
• D3: Extreme Drought
• D4: Exceptional Drought

Rainfall kept Arvada drought-free throughout the summer, but recent dry conditions have increased, weather officials said.

Western Colorado has battled extreme drought for several months. Moffat, Routt, Rio Blanco and Montezuma counties remain under 'extreme' or 'exceptional' drought conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Denver Water issued the following water conservation guidance:

• Water during cooler times of day. Lawn watering should not occur between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Water no more than three days per week.
• Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys
• Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
• Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.
• Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing cars.

>> View the full NOAA Drought Monitor map for Colorado here.