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Vail Implements Water Reduction Plan
In response to water shortages resulting from the extremely dry winter of 2025/26, the Town of Vail has implemented an outdoor water use reduction plan for the summer of 2026. Approved by the Vail Town Council on June 2, the purpose of the plan is to help keep as much water as possible in Gore Creek and the Eagle River, thereby protecting riparian and wetland habitat, fish, insects and other wildlife. In addition, reducing outdoor water use will help ensure adequate domestic water supply for residents and guests.
The Eagle River Water and Sanitation District (ERWSD) has established a two-day per week watering schedule for outdoor landscape watering, which generally equates to a 33% watering reduction from a normal three-day per week schedule. Goals of the town’s plan are to reduce outdoor water use in town parks, landscape areas and water features beyond the 33% reduction established by the ERWSD; to ensure water use falls within the ERWSD’s water use Tiers 1, 2 and 3 and eliminate Tier 4- and 5-level watering; and to protect the town’s turf and landscape assets to the extent possible.
The most significant changes will impact town-owned turf areas, water features and the annual flower program, as well as amenities operated by town partners:
Turf Grass
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Eliminate irrigation in non-functional and out-of-the-way locations.
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Reduce turf irrigation to one or two days per week in town parks as conditions allow, per ERWSD guidelines.
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Anticipate the elimination of turf irrigation in neighborhood parks if weather conditions require further cuts.
Note that turning off irrigation to any turf area will require the closure of that area to allow dormant grass to survive.
Water Features
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Potentially eliminate all water use in five of the town’s six water features.
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Operate the Sunbird Park splash pad on a limited basis, Friday-Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The fountain uses minimal water and does not fill when not in use.
The town’s other water features are not designed to drain down when not in use. Staff is evaluating whether any fountain in Vail Village can be run while still meeting the town’s water reduction goals.
Annual Flower Program
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Plant a selection of the most visible annual flower beds in Vail Village and Lionshead pedestrian areas, while leaving several unplanted. Staff will use the most drought-tolerant annuals from the town’s overall order, which was placed in September of 2025. These will be watered on the two-day per week schedule and will represent 15% of normal plantings and water use. No annuals will be planted in “drive-by” areas. Undelivered annuals are being released to a retail market in Denver.
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Eliminate hanging baskets in Vail Village.
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Install the Lionshead hanging baskets, which use a more water efficient liner and can survive on a two-day per week watering schedule.
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Use succulents and other low-water plants in some pedestrian areas.
The program will result in an approximate 85% reduction in typical water use for flowers. Any flowers or baskets not able to survive by following ERWSD guidelines will be removed.
Partner Reductions
Vail Recreation District
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Eliminate water use and close the soccer field located at Red Sandstone Elementary School.
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Eliminate turf irrigation in non-functional and out-of-the-way locations in Ford Park.
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Operate the recreation fields at a level to sustain the special events during the summer, adjusting the amount of irrigation for event size and level of use.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
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The Garden’s collection of plants can survive on the two-day per week schedule.
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The Garden will not operate the waterfall feature.
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Operate three smaller water features that use minimal water (weeping wall, children’s garden and newly rebuilt ponds.
Vail Valley Foundation
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The Ford Amphitheater lawn area sees significant use during the summer. The VVF will operate within the parameters set by ERWSD.
In addition to the above, the town will delay landscaping as needed around the Dobson Arena and the 10th Mountain Division memorial renovations and will wait to lay sod at the Gore Creek Promenade. Town crews will not conduct the annual power wash of parking structures but will only use what is needed for maintenance and restriping. Finally, washing of town vehicles, including buses, will be significantly reduced.
In total, the town is expecting to realize a 45 to 50% reduction in outdoor water use. Review the full plan and watch for updates at www.vail.gov/drought. View the ERWSD’s water shortage response plan and restrictions at https://www.erwsd.org/water-shortage-response-planning.