Colorado Drought Communications

As drought conditions continue to challenge Colorado’s water systems, the Colorado Drought Coordination Group (CDCG) is working to ensure that communities are better prepared, connected and informed.

In 2023, recognizing the need for more focused guidance on public communication within the water provider community, CDCG members established a voluntary Drought Communications Work Group. This collaborative effort aimed to build transparency, trust and consistency among communities involved in drought and water shortage communications. 

This subcommittee identified and compiled successful communication practices from across Colorado, resulting in a new, practical resource for water providers of all sizes. The document, 2025 Colorado Drought Communications Current Practices and Resources, offers comprehensive overview of communication strategies that have proven effective in communicating drought and water shortages. The guide includes recommended outreach programs, helpful tools and lessons learned. 

The free guidebook is now available through Colorado Water Wise. Consider how it might support your community’s drought communication efforts. 

As part of this initiative, new drought-focused materials are also being developed for the Colorado WaterWise Live Like You Love It® Toolkit, expanding public outreach tools available to water providers statewide.