Effective immediately (8/18/25) Aldasoro is implementing water restrictions for outdoor irrigation.  We also request that owners monitor their regular water use to preserve and protect this important natural resource.  This move is prompted by two things: severe drought in our immediate area and a “Call” for water restrictions by the state. 

WATER CONSERVATION AND DROUGHT 

During times of drought, conserving water is essential to protect both community needs and the long-term health of local ecosystems. When natural water supplies run low, every gallon becomes more valuable, not only for household and agricultural use, but also for wildlife, rivers, and reservoirs that depend on consistent flows to survive. Overuse during drought can accelerate depletion, leaving less water available for critical needs such as drinking, sanitation, and fire protection. Conservation helps extend limited supplies, reduce the strain on storage ponds and reservoirs, and ensure that we meet legal obligations tied to senior water rights. By using water wisely and cutting back where possible, individuals and communities can help prevent severe restrictions later. 

According to the US Drought Monitor, San Miguel County is now classified as severe drought.  The San Miguel River, measured at the Placerville gauge, is 62% of normal total streamflow volume at the end of July, and local reservoirs are tracking the same.  Forecasts predict severe drought will persist worsening water shortages and wildfire danger.   

An article published last week in the Telluride Planet describes local stream flows as significantly below normal.  Mountain Village and Telluride Ski & Golf have enacted outside water restrictions, and the Town of Telluride is expected to soon follow suit as continued dryness is anticipated through at least October. 

The HOC spoke to the Water Commissioner last week, who advised that the State Engineer’s Office has issued a “Call” on the San Miguel River that traces back to senior water rights established in 1911.  Under Colorado’s “first in time, first in right” system of water allocation, these senior rights holders are entitled to their full allocations before junior rights holders can divert water.   

While the HOC owns certain senior water rights, we may be subject to a second “Call” later this month. If that occurs, we would be required to further reduce water consumption and make “reparation” releases from Wald Pond to account for all irrigation use over the previous 30 days. To prepare, we must take steps to lower current consumption and minimize the potential volume that may need to be released from Wald Pond. 

ALDASORO RESTRICTIONS, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY 

Pursuant to Section 11.1 of the Water Operations Rules and Regulations, the HOC Board of Directors is implementing a mandatory water usage restriction for all outdoor irrigation effective immediately (August 18, 2025). 

What This Means for You: 

• Outdoor water use must be reduced to 75% of the normal monthly allowance. 

• Our community’s standard irrigation allocation is 4,000 gallons per month — this restriction means no more than 3,000 gallons per month may be used for outdoor irrigation purposes. 

• Water usage will be strictly monitored. The HOC encourages owners to utilize the customer water portal to manage the designated outdoor irrigation watering days as follows: 

• Filing 1 & 3 (Aguirre, Aldasoro Blvd., Cristelli Trail, Cristelli Lane, Cristina’s Way, Joaquin Road, Last Dollar): Watering is allowed on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, from 4:00 am to 10:00 am OR 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm ONLY 

• Filing 2 (Basque Blvd, Josefa, Prudencio, Bernardo, Miguel, Albert J, Serapio, Francisco Way):  Watering is allowed on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, from 4:00 am to 8:00 am OR 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ONLY 

• Exception for new landscaping: Owners who have installed new landscaping may submit a written request for additional water allocation.  

• Failure to comply with this usage limitation may result in fines of up to $250.00 per day or $0.10 per gallon over the limit, whichever is greater. 

Please help preserve our shared water resources by protecting our community from potential shortages during this period of heightened drought and fire risk.   

Water restrictions remain in place for now, but if the area receives sufficient moisture, those restrictions will be lifted. Any changes will be communicated promptly, and we appreciate everyone’s efforts to conserve in the meantime. 

If you have questions about monitoring, usage reports, ways to reduce outdoor water consumption, how to sign-up for the water customer portal, or how to submit a landscaping water request, please contact Lynsey Wheeler at office@aldasororanch.com or 970-728-5191.   PLEASE communicate this message to your irrigation management companies.

Thank you,  

HOC Board of Directors