Denver, CO
Water prices increase for outdoor use in Denver due to drought conditions
DENVER (KDVR) — Those who use outdoor water in Denver may have higher bills through the rest of the outdoor watering season as temporary drought prices will be implemented by Denver Water due to severe drought conditions.
Denver Water said that the Denver Board of Water Commissioners approved temporary drought pricing Wednesday morning, to begin in May and be seen on bills for June through next April, or until the board takes further action.
This means there will be an additional “drought charge” for outdoor water use only on top of the price increases for 2026 Denver Water announced last fall. All outdoor water use in Denver and some other metro area cities like Aurora and Arvada will be subject to mandatory restrictions due to Stage 1 drought declarations.
What Denver water prices will look like amid 2026 drought
Water rates per 1,000 gallons are different for three different service areas, each with three tiers: the first being for regular indoor household water use for things like bathing and drinking (less than 5,000 gallons per month), the second for “efficient outdoor water use” (Up to 15,000 gallons), and the third for additional water use over 15,000 gallons.
The drought pricing adds $1.10 per 1,000 gallons in tier two and $2.20 per 1,000 gallons in tier three.
The tier 1 rate for Denver proper was $2.90 in 2025 and is $3.02 for 2026, and that price will not be impacted by the drought pricing, nor will the monthly fixed charge, which increased by $1.85 for a total of $20.91 each month in 2026 for 95% of customers.
Denver Water CEO Alan Salazar said this is the first time the company has used drought pricing since the drought from 2002 to 2004. He said the historic low snowpacks and potential lack of runoff could make this year even worse than those years.
“Implementing temporary drought pricing is not a step we take lightly. It is one of many tools Denver Water has available — when needed — to respond to drought conditions, encourage customers to conserve our water supply, and ensure our ongoing ability to operate and maintain the system that delivers clean, safe water to 1.5 million people,” said Alan Salazar, Denver Water’s CEO/Manager.
How snowpacks, reservoirs are looking
Despite recent storms, a history-making warm and dry winter in Colorado has snowpack levels at an all-time low. Denver Water said the snowpack for its water collection system is at the lowest level seen in 40 years.
As of Tuesday, the Colorado River Basin was at 26% of average snow-water equivalent for this time, and the South Platte River Basin was at 34% of average, which is based on median levels from 1991-2020, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Denver Water said reservoirs are below average but in “reasonably good shape for the time being” at 80% full versus the average of 85% for this time of the year. Runoff may not help much, though, with forecasts calling for levels to be 10-40% of average.
The reservoir water depends on mountain snowpack levels, which were already low before they took a nosedive melting in statewide record-breaking heat last month. Statewide, snowpack levels range from 12-40% of normal.
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Snowpack levels in Colorado amid 2026 drought as of April 7. (USDA National Resources Conservation Service) -
Black line shows snowpack levels for 2026 below the minimum recorded for the state. (National Resources Conservation Service) -
Snow has melted off the west facing side of the mountains on Loveland Pass on the west side of the Continental Divide on April 5, 2026. A sign of the early snow melt, low snowpack and warm temps this year. (Denver Water) -
Dillon Reservoir on April 5, 2026 amid historic drought conditions in Colorado. (Denver Water) -
Record low snowpack in Summit County east of Keystone on March 21, 2026. Snowpack 65%. This is snow along the Snake River, mostly melted out. This is at 9,600 feet (Denver Water) -
This photo shows the rapid snowmelt in Summit County. On February 25, Denver Water crews measured the snowpack east of Keystone. The snowpack was at a near record low in February, and when they returned on March 27, to measure the snow, it had all melted away due to unseasonably warm weather. This is at an elevation around 9,600 feet above sea level. The snowpack typically peaks on April 23 in this area. (Denver Water) -
Snowpack comparison between 2019 and 2026 in Summit County from March. Photos are Dillon Reservoir, Dillon HQ and Snake River east of Keystone. 2019 snowpack for the date was 147% compared to 65% for 2019. (Denver Water) -
March 21, 2026. 76% capacity before runoff. Average for this date is 86%. Note how think the ice is due to lack of snow and record warm temps. (Denver Water) -
Frisco Marina on March 9, 2026. Dillon Reservoir 76% full. Boat ramp and docks not expected to be accessible this year due to low water. (Denver Water)
Water conservation urged amid drought
The board last month declared Stage 1 drought, implementing a mandatory schedule to limit outdoor water use. Violators could face fines of $250 or more. The goal, Denver Water said, is to see a 20% decrease in water use.
Denver Water said that customers need to conserve water to protect the supply that there is now.
Ways to conserve water at home:
Denver Water offers some simple strategies to save water, including:
The provider said customers will need to follow its annual summer outdoor watering rules:
- Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car
- Water only during cooler times of the day, between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
- Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys
- Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt
- Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days
- Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds
Experts say impacts like water restrictions and increased pricing are some of the few outcomes that were expected, as snowpack levels being so low and peaking so early is unprecedented. April could bring some snow to the high country but is not expected to be significant in Denver.
The Denver Nuggets are running it back with at least one free agent from last year’s team. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Denver Nuggets have re-signed point guard Tyus Jones.
Free agent guard Tyus Jones has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. Jones played a reserve role after joining Denver on the buyout market last season, and enters his 12th NBA season as his agent Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management… pic.twitter.com/OxPTfX8C7l
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2026
Jones played 11 regular season games for Denver last year and got into 3 post-season contests as well. The Nuggets are desperately lacking in point guards who can handle the rock, especially after they decided not to pick up the fourth-year option on fellow point guard Jalen Pickett. Denver liked Jones and his ability to handle on-ball pressure better in the playoffs, and obviously feel there is utility in having him on the 15-man roster for his passing acumen and mistake avoidance despite being a target at just 6 feet tall. They did not draft a point guard, so it’s possible Jones is the first PG off the bench for the Nuggets – but in recent years they’ve relied on players like Bruce Brown to shoulder some of those duties as well even if they’re not pure point guards, so it remains to be seen just how much court time Jones is going to get.
His 5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio in his career points to his high floor in ball security though, and the Nuggets have proven time and again over the past several years that they can be truly great if they don’t have silly turnovers. Jones comes back to the Mile High looking to help the Nuggets minimize their mistakes so they can maximize their talent.
Welcome back, Tyus!
The Fourth of July weekend is one of the biggest celebrations of the summer, and Denver is delivering a packed lineup of events for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re looking to watch fireworks light up the Colorado sky, catch a live concert at Red Rocks, enjoy rooftop parties, indulge in seasonal food and drinks or explore the city’s thriving arts and culture scene, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day.
Here’s your guide to the best music, food, fireworks, nightlife, arts, and cultural events happening across Denver this Fourth of July weekend.
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Read: Best Rooftops to Watch 4th of July Fireworks + Sip Cocktails in Denver
Read: The Ultimate 4th of July Outdoor Colorado Music Guide
FASHION EVENTS
Denver Fashion Week Fall 2026 Second Model Auditions
Where: TBA
Cost: $10+
The Lowdown:
Following overwhelming demand from aspiring models across Colorado, Denver Fashion Week (DFW) has announced a second round of model auditions for its upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 runway season.
MUSIC EVENTS
Read: The Ultimate 4th of July Outdoor Colorado Music Guide
Gillian Grogan and EMMA ROSE
Where: Skylark Lounge – 140 S. Broadway
Cost: $18+
The Lowdown:
Zeds Dead with Sippy, Baauer, Holly, HYDRAULIX & LUMBERJVCK
Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre – 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Cost: $205+
The Lowdown:
Flobots
Where: Levitt Pavilion Denver – 1380 W Florida Ave
Cost: $0+
The Lowdown:
Don Toliver with SahBabii, SoFaygo, Chase B
Where: Ball Arena – 1000 Chopper Cir
Cost: $105+
The Lowdown:
FOOD EVENTS
Read: Best Rooftops to Watch 4th of July Fireworks + Sip Cocktails in Denver
Dumpling Love: Dim Sum Party
Where: Stir Cooking School Highlands – 3215 Zuni St.
Cost: $120 per person
The Lowdown:
Join the dumpling party and learn how to make pork bao buns, shrimp shumai, pan-fried gyoza, and crab cheese rangoons. All classes include a full bar with beer, wine, and house-curated cocktails for purchase.
Stars, Stripes, and Deck Nights
Where: Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar – 1999 Chestnut Pl.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Celebrate America’s 250th with our festive Bomb Pop Drinks, featuring real Bomb Pops and High Noon buckets!
4th of July Rooftop Fiesta at Cimera
Where: The Source Hotel – 3330 Brighton Blvd.
Cost: $60+
The Lowdown:
The experience is an open rooftop gathering featuring live-fire cooking, craft cocktails, and skyline views throughout the evening. Guests will enjoy Peruvian street skewers, duck & chorizo paella, and ceviche prepared live on-site.
Farmers Market Central Park
Where: Central Park – 29th Ave & Roslyn
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Local vendors provide Colorado-grown produce, tasty baked goods, specialty meats, gourmet food items and more!
LIFESTYLE EVENTS
Mystic Magnolias; A Southern Gothic Cabaret
Where: Colorado Sake Co – 3559 Larimer St
Cost: $25+
The Lowdown:
Saunter yourself out to The Mystic Magnolias, a Burlesque AND Drag Show with chilling charm and dripping in Southern Gothic atmosphere.
America 250 | Colorado 150 Drone Show presented by Visit Denver
Where: DPAC/Denver Performing Arts Complex – 1400 Curtis St.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Following Sunset Cinema’s showing of National Treasure on July 3rd at Sculpture Park, stay to enjoy the 4th of July Drone Show! This special event will be brought to you by Visit Denver, celebrating American 250 | Colorado 150, including an appearance by Mayor Mike Johnston.
Beat The Bomb Summer Mission: America250 Edition
Where: Beat The Bomb – 3863 Steele St, Unit 1273
Cost: $39+
The Lowdown:
Beat The Bomb announces the limited-time-only Summer Mission: America250 Edition – celebrating America’s 250th with five new games, a collectible beach towel, and a red, white, and blue Paint Blast!
Independence Day Concert with Denver Municipal Band (Cheesman Park)
Where: Cheesman Park – 1900 E. 11th Ave.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Price:Free
Join the Denver Municipal Band’s Concert Band for an Independence Day concert at Cheesman Park Pavilion with special guest Denver District 10 City Councilmember Chris Hinds narrating Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.
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Whether you’re dancing at a concert, enjoying a garden dinner, cheering on your favorite soccer team or exploring a new exhibition, Denver offers plenty of ways to fill your 4th of July weekend calendar. Gather your friends, support local businesses, and discover something new around the city.
After an extended wait of no activity from the Denver Nuggets in this year’s free agency period, the team has finally made its first new signing.
That signing just so happens to be the No. 2 pick from the 2018 NBA Draft, Marvin Bagley III.
According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, the Nuggets and Bagley have agreed to a one-year, veteran minimum deal for the 2026-27 season, effectively providing some solid depth in the frontcourt.
Free agent center Marvin Bagley III has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. A critical frontcourt addition for the Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/enHBVxgfYl
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2026
With Denver’s first free agency signing now officially in the books, here’s what the move to bring in Bagley might mean for the Nuggets moving forward into free agency and this offseason, as well as entering next season.
Marvin Bagley Brings Frontcourt Depth to Denver’s Lineup
Bagley split his time between the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks this past season to put together one of his better years of production in recent memory.
In the 60 combined games he played, Watson averaged 10.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting a career-high 61.8% from the field and 46.2% from three on a little less than one attempt per game.
Bagley’s a big who’s game centers more around his offensive skillset. He spent most of his time shooting last season at the rim or in the mid-range, shooting a stout 64.1% on two-pointers last season that can bring a bit of an interior presence into Denver’s frontcourt.
Defensively, he leaves a little bit more to be desired. And he’s still not quite the most impressive three-point shooter, even coming off his most efficient season from deep.
But for the cost of a veteran minimum contract, he acts as a nice budget-friendly addition who can shoulder some of the load offensively, and has shown value as an offensive rebounder as well. It’s tough to find much better for the price Denver’s paying.
While entering the league slotted in primarily as a power forward, it’s been in the past few seasons that Bagley’s settled in more as a full-time five; having spent 95% of his minutes during the 2025-26 campaign playing at the five.
That might give you a bit of a hint as to how the Nuggets plan to use him this next season, though they might also have some stretches where he’s placed alongside Nikola Jokic at the four for a bit of a larger frontcourt lineup.
The Writing’s On the Wall for Jonas Valanciunas
Looking at what Bagley’s addition might mean for the Nuggets’ current roster, no one in the picture gets more impacted by Jonas Valanciunas.
Valanciunas was Denver’s primary backup behind Jokic at the five last season following his trade from the Sacramento Kings, and entered this offseason with an uncertain future because of his contract situation.
The veteran big man has an expiring $10 million contract heading into the 2026-27 season, but one that’s not fully guaranteed, giving the Nuggets the opportunity to release him and save $8 million, while incurring a dead cap hit of $2 million that can be stretched over multiple years.
Such a move can give the Nuggets further cap flexibility that they’ll need this offseason to re-sign key pieces like Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones, which to this point haven’t been done, but becomes a bit easier now that Denver can take that next step in pivoting off of Valanciunas.
Perhaps Denver might also look deeper into a trade involving Zeke Nnaji, now that they’ve got a cheaper option in Bagley that might even sit ahead of him on the initial depth chart. However, it remains to be seen if the Nuggets have any takers on the two years remaining on his contract. To this point, they haven’t found anyone to bite.
When factoring in Valanciunas and Nnaji though, Bagley’s addition now brings the Nuggets to a total of 10 players signed onto traditional contracts for the 2026-27 season.
That leaves them with four open spots left to utilize in the days and weeks ahead. How they decide to use that space remains to be seen, but at the very least, the Nuggets’ long-awaited first offseason signing has now officially come to light.
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