A Quick Note from the High Desert
Durango’s a good place to spend some time, no question. But it’s also high desert, and water’s always part of the conversation out here. This year especially.
The City of Durango is asking residents to be water-wise this summer, after a light winter has left us with about 50% of our average annual snowpack—the lowest in over 30 years. That snowpack feeds everything from rivers to drinking water, so when it comes up short, folks take notice.
If you’re visiting, you’re part of the community while you’re here. A little awareness goes a long way.
Why It Matters
Water supports rafting, fishing, wildlife, and a good share of the local economy. Water also keeps a lot of Durango running behind the scenes. It powers snowmaking up at the ski area, keeps the river moving for outfitters, supports local farms and ranches, and shows up on your plate at restaurants across town. When water runs low, it touches just about everything.
Get to Know Your Water Source
While the Animas River flows right through our backyard (literally in some cases), most of Durango’s drinking water actually comes from the Florida River—and around here, it’s pronounced “Flo-REE-da,” not “Flor-id-a.” Say it wrong, and you might get a look or two. The name comes from Spanish, meaning “little flower.”
The river starts high up at Lillie Lake in the Weminuche Wilderness, then flows down to Lemon Dam, forming Lemon Reservoir about fifteen miles northeast of town. From there, it continues south and eventually meets the Animas River on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation near the New Mexico line.
It’s a straightforward system, but in a dry year, it doesn’t have much margin. That’s why being mindful with water while you’re here actually makes a difference.
Easy Ways to Be Waterwise While You’re Here
You don’t have to change much. Just be a little more intentional.
Keep showers short
A quick rinse does the job. Cutting a few minutes helps more than you’d think.
Turn off the tap
Brushing your teeth or shaving doesn’t need a running faucet the whole time.
Reuse towels and linens
Most places offer it. Hang them up and skip the daily wash.
Go easy on the flush
You might hear “yellow, let it mellow” around here, and folks aren’t joking. Toilets use a lot of water, so cutting back when you can is one of the easiest ways to help.
Report leaks
If something’s dripping or running, let your host or front desk know. Small fixes add up fast.
Carry a reusable bottle
Durango’s tap water is solid. Bring a bottle, fill up, and skip the extra waste.
Choose Places That Are Doing It Right
A lot of local hotels and businesses are already making an effort. You’ll see low-flow fixtures, efficient landscaping, and linen reuse programs built in.
Booking with places that take conservation seriously helps cut down overall water use and supports businesses thinking long-term about this place.
Eat and Explore with Water in Mind
Water use shows up in more places than you’d expect.
Choosing local, seasonal food helps lower the footprint behind your meals. Supporting local farms and restaurants keeps dollars in the community while using fewer resources to get food to your plate.
When it comes to activities, there’s no shortage of ways to explore without putting extra strain on water. Hiking, biking, fishing, and guided nature trips all let you experience Durango in a way that lines up with the landscape.
Take Care of the Land
Stick to marked trails when you’re out hiking or biking. Cutting across open areas damages plants and soil that help hold moisture in place. Once that’s gone, it takes time to come back.
If you’re near the river, keep it clean. Pack out what you bring in and leave soaps and chemicals out of the water. Even the mild stuff can cause problems.
For more information on how to do it right, visit Leave No Trace’s website.
It Adds Up
Nobody’s asking you to be perfect. But when enough people make a few small changes, it adds up fast, especially in a year like this.
Durango runs on a mix of good water, working landscapes, and people who care about both. Being water-wise while you’re here is just part of respecting the place and its people.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip here, though. Get out on the trails. Spend time along the river. Grab a good meal in town. That’s Durango, and what you came for.
Just keep water in mind while you’re at it. Around here, it’s something we don’t take lightly—and it’s worth taking care of.
