Several local agencies, including the City of Grand Junction, Clifton Water District, National Weather Service, Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, Town of Palisade, and Ute Water Conservancy District, will give an update on drought and water supply conditions during a press conference scheduled for April 9 at Harky’s Boat Launch in Palisade.
The event comes as Colorado faces its lowest recorded snowpack for 2026. This situation is affecting both regional and statewide water supplies. The Upper Colorado River Basin currently holds about 24% of its average snowpack from the past thirty years. As of April 7, drought levels across Mesa County are classified between Extreme (D3) and Exceptional (D4).
During the press conference, agency representatives plan to discuss the spring weather outlook and current forecasts for each local provider’s water supply. They will also outline steps that residents can take to help conserve water during this period of historic drought.
Media members are invited to attend the event at 11:00 a.m., where officials will be available afterward for individual interviews and questions.
For further information about the press conference or media inquiries, Andrea Lopez can be contacted at (970) 712-2071 or alopez@utewater.org.
