Two communities in the Colorado Springs region moved to curb water use this week, each responding to distinct pressures on local water infrastructure. Manitou Springs called on residents to temporarily pull back on water consumption through Wednesday, while Colorado City escalated to Level 4 restrictions.
Monday marked the start of work by Manitou Springs water treatment crews to begin restoring water to the city's primary two-million-gallon Mesa storage tank. That effort followed a significant infrastructure undertaking: a new 1.1-million-gallon tank was constructed and brought online in April 2025 to serve the community while the older structure was being overhauled. The intention was for the two tanks to operate together, lifting the city's total finished water storage capacity beyond 3.5 million gallons.
The original Mesa tank has been part of Manitou's water system since 1965. Its restoration was financed through two separate sources: a grant of $577,726 drawn from the Department of Local Affairs' Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund, paired with $622,274 borrowed through the city's Drinking Water Revolving Loan, bringing the combined project cost to $1.2 million.
The city described the refilling work as a critical operation that heightens demand on its water treatment system and requires close coordination among specialized staff. To ease that burden, officials asked residents to cut back through Wednesday, Aug. 5, delaying all irrigation and confining water use to essential needs. "Community cooperation is vital during this process," said John Elwell, the Water Treatment Plant ORC, adding that residents who reduce use can help keep the system stable and allow the tank to fill smoothly and on schedule.
Once the Mesa tank reaches its capacity, normal usage may resume under the city's existing Stage I restrictions, and officials said they would continue monitoring the situation and issuing updates as needed.
About 35 miles to the south, Colorado City took considerably more forceful action. The Colorado City Metropolitan District moved to Level 4 restrictions Wednesday afternoon, under which general outdoor watering is now prohibited. Any hand-watering of plants, gardens, or landscaping is confined to two daily windows — 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. — and only by watering can or by hose fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
The penalty structure grows steeper with each offense. A first violation draws a written notice along with a $100 fine, while a second offense brings a written notice and a $250 charge. Beyond two violations, a District Manager may suspend service to the property and impose a fine of $500.
Both communities have signaled they are monitoring conditions closely, and residents in each area should watch for further announcements as officials assess whether current measures can be lifted or must be extended.