Buckhorn Valley Metropolitan District No. 1

Irrigation Spring Start-up

Irrigation preparation activities have begun. The District operators anticipate system "turn on" for customers by early May.  Updates to this timeline will be posted on the District’s website.

Thanks to the significant repairs completed in 2025, the start-up is going well! Water is being moved into the pond for use this spring and summer. Please read on for important updates related to the District Operations for this 2026 irrigation season!

 

Drought Updates

Owners and residents of the community are encouraged to plan for a very dry season given the unprecendented drought the area is experiencing. Neighboring water and irrrigation water providers in the Eagle Valley, along the Eagle River and Colorado River are instituting their own conservation measures.

Please note that Buckhorn Valley Metro District 1 is the irrigation water provider to the Buckhorn Community.  The Town of Gypsum provides indoor treated water for the Buckhorn Valley Community. 

Please note: Using treated Town of Gypsum water for outdoor irrigation (such as lawns, gardens, or landscaping) is illegal in the Buckhorn community and can result in significant fines under the Gypsum Municipal Code. We appreciate your help in protecting our local water resources and staying in compliance with town regulations. Information related to the Town's indoor water supply is available on their website: www.townofgypsum.com/water-and-sewer, https://www.townofgypsum.com/drought-information, https://www.townofgypsum.com/drought-information?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery (see Water and Irrigation dropdown information).

You may have received informational communications from your HOA noting other Water and Irrigation Districts that are implementing conservation measures or drought restrictions. Again, please note that the only irrigation water service provider in the Buckhorn Valley Community is the Buckhorn Valley Metropolitan District No. 1.

Neighborhood HOAs and owners are responsible for maintenance of their segments of the irrigation system in common areas and backyards after the connection to the system. However the District's Operators  and management are happy to help if you have questions about these details. Read further down for more about irrigation techincal support.

Additional information related to the historic drought is available through various organizations and in numerous articles, as well as plans and declarations from neighboring water suppliers.

Some examples are below:

Water Education Colorado: https://watereducationcolorado.org/

Colorado River Water Conservation District Water News: https://www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/water-news/

Heat Wipes Out Western Snowpack, Raising Fears of Drought, Wildfire, Article, New York Times

Eagle County Drought Information: https://www.drought.gov/states/colorado/county/eagle

Town of Gypsum: https://www.townofgypsum.com/drought-information

Town of Eagle: https://www.townofeagle.org/580/Current-Restrictions

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District's water conservation policy and article

 

Water Conservation

We appreciate everyone's efforts to maintain your landscaping while conserving water. The Conservation Plan, which is under development, aims to ensure the entire community can access water throughout the season. Thanks for helping us make the water last all season!

Research-based tips on watering your landscaping to keep plants and lawns alive and more resilient, even if they are in a dormant phase during a drought cycle, as well as planting, watering, maintenance and low-water landscaping information can be found on the CSU Extension website: 

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic/garden-landscape/

The Colorado State Forest Service Fire Prevention website has additional information about wildfire preparation and safety, including landscape maintenance tips:  csfs.colostate.edu/wildfire-mitigation/protect-your-home-property-from-wildfire/

 

Technical Assistance Program and Leak/Damage Reporting

If you would like the District's Operation team to assist you in programming your backyard irrigation, please reach out to us at info@ccrider.us to schedule a visit.

NEW this year: The District now has an enhanced damage reporting system. To report irrigation damages or leaks 24/7 during the watering season, TEXT (970) 519-5444. For more information vist the District's contact us page. Please note this new number can only receive texts. Other questions or communications should be directed to us via email or the District's general phone during regular business hours.

New home irrigation systems are subject to an Inspection by the District's Operator and payment of the Irrigation Tap Fee prior to irrigation water being turned on. For questions email info@ccrider.us.

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Water Conservation Policy Planning 

The Continued Public Hearing for the District's Water Conservation Plan and the joint meeting between Buckhorn Valley Metro District No. 1 Board and the Buckhorn Valley Metro District No. 2 Board is scheduled for May 5th, 2026 at 6pm via Zoom. Meeting information is posted on the District's meeting page. An updated version of the Conservation Plan will be posted soon. Comments and questions on the current draft are welcomed prior to the meeting.

Please join us at the Joint board meeting or email questions or input to the plan to info@ccrider.us.