While the original Colorado’s Drought Mitigation and Response Plan (DMRP) has been nationally recognized as a model for state government to assess and respond to drought, it was not originally intended to address local water supply and demand management issues. In 2007, the DMRP was updated to comply with revised FEMA guidelines. In 2010, the CWCB will revise the DMRP to merge the 2002 state plan with the 2007 update. The 2010 revised plan also will include recommendations and resources related to local water providers’ drought planning.

What Is a Drought Mitigation Plan?
A drought mitigation plan defines when a drought-induced water supply shortage exists and specifies the actions that should be taken in response. The main objective is to preserve essential public services and minimize the adverse effects of a water supply emergency on public health and safety, economic activity, environmental resources and individual lifestyles. Most important in developing a drought plan is to determine the actions and procedures for responding to a drought-related water supply shortage before an actual water supply emergency occurs.

What Is the Difference between Drought Mitigation Planning and Water Conservation Planning?
It is common for the public, and even for water providers, to confuse drought mitigation planning and water conservation planning. ­

• The goal of drought mitigation planning is to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water in an amount sufficient to satisfy essential needs. Drought response measures can include mandatory restrictions on certain water uses, water allocation or the temporary use of an alternative water supply. These measures are intended to be temporary responses to water supply shortages. ­
• The goal of water conservation planning is to achieve lasting, long-term improvements in water use efficiency. Water conservation measures can include managing landscape irrigation, implementing conservation water rate structures, replacing or retrofitting water fixtures and similar efforts.