Aurora asks largest water user to cut back as Stage 2 restrictions loom in the Colorado city

Aurora officials are taking steps to manage the city's dwindling water supply as drought conditions intensify. With reservoir levels sitting at approximately 51 percent, the city is preparing for Stage 2 restrictions. As part of this effort, Aurora Water has formally asked Niagara Bottling, the city's largest single water customer, to decrease its usage by 20 percent.

Niagara Bottling processes nearly 200 million gallons of water annually. While this total accounts for about 1 percent of the city's overall demand, the city notes that the water used by the bottling plant leaves the municipal system entirely. Unlike residential or commercial wastewater, which can be treated and recycled, bottled water is shipped out of the service area, impacting the city's total water reserves.

Company representatives state that Niagara is not in violation of any city regulations and is operating within its permitted allocation. Management points to a $67 million investment in the Aurora facility and the implementation of an in-plant recovery system expected to save 20 million gallons of water annually in the coming years. They are also partnering with the city on turf replacement and other efficiency projects.

City officials acknowledge the business challenges involved in a rapid shift for the company, noting that production contracts are often set months in advance. While the current request remains voluntary, the city continues to monitor the situation. Leaders indicate that discussions regarding potential future mandates are ongoing as they aim to avoid stricter conservation measures for the broader community.

Residents and businesses across the city are currently being asked to limit outdoor irrigation, which remains the single largest consumer of water in the region. Aurora Water continues to assess reservoir levels as it weighs the necessity of advancing to more restrictive drought protocols throughout the summer months.