Water supply is keeping pace with growth in Douglas County. Partnerships remain key to water resiliency.

Pictured: Board of Douglas County Commissioners alongside members of the Douglas County Water Commission

You turn on the tap, and a steady stream of clean water flows. It feels simple. But behind that everyday moment are decades of planning by water providers and experts across Douglas County.

On Monday, Sept. 28, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners formally adopted the 2050 Douglas County Comprehensive Water Plan. Developed by the Douglas County Water Commission in collaboration with local water providers and the community, the plan establishes a countywide framework for aligning growth, land use and long-term water reliability.

“This plan gives us a clear, data-driven picture of Douglas County’s water future,” said Commissioner George Teal. “It shows that we have enough water to support our projected growth through 2050, while also reminding us that continued conservation, investment and regional collaboration are essential. This is an active guide that will help current and future Commissioners make informed decisions for generations to come.”

Key Findings

• Approximately 60% of Douglas County’s current water supply comes from renewable sources — and through the planning and partnership of water providers, renewable water resource supplies continue to expand.
• Available groundwater supplies are estimated to be 30% greater than previous state estimates, while the county’s reliance on groundwater is slowing.
• The county’s water supply is expected to continue exceeding demand through 2050. However, that margin is projected to narrow from approximately 56% today to 37% by 2050. The plan recommends continued conservation efforts.

Key Policy Recommendations
Douglas County is not a water provider. Instead, its principal roles are land use planning, coordination, public education and support for the more than 30 utilities and districts that secure and deliver water countywide.

One of the plan’s central land-use recommendations is to prohibit – or subject to heightened review – urban-level development that relies solely on nonrenewable groundwater, particularly when that reliance could affect shallow aquifers or nearby rural well users.

“The most essential and precious resource that we have is water, and if we’re not planning, we’re failing,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “I’m thankful for my colleagues for saying ‘yes’ to a Water Commission and for the Commission for not just being a team of rivals that debates water but actually has a tangible product for the people of this county to rely on. Having a 2050 Comprehensive Water Plan provides peace of mind to our citizens that the leadership in our community is aware of our water needs and is paying attention to our water needs.”

Most urban development is concentrated in northern Douglas County, where water providers serving areas such as Sterling Ranch, Castle Rock, Parker and Highlands Ranch have been proactive about planning for future supply through their own water plans. All are committed to continuing to increase renewable water supplies by 2050 – with goals to reach at least 70-85% renewable in the coming years.

The plan also recommends Douglas County:

• Promote reliable supplies through water reuse, conservation and renewable water development.
• Guide new development toward existing water providers and centralized water and wastewater systems whenever feasible.
• Improve efficiency through updated building codes, water-wise landscaping standards and supporting turf-replacement programs.
• Continue working with regional partners and local providers on infrastructure, water-supply planning and coordinated groundwater monitoring.
• Keep residents and policymakers informed through conservation education and regular implementation updates.

The Water Plan is one of several long-range plans the County uses to prepare for future needs. Douglas County also maintains a Comprehensive Master Plan, Transportation Plan and Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan. The Transportation Plan was updated in 2026, and the Comprehensive Master Plan is scheduled for an update in 2027.

“Good government looks beyond today and prepares for what is ahead,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “This plan – alongside our Comprehensive Master Plan, Transportation Plan and other master plans – gives Douglas County a framework for intentional decision-making as our community grows.”

Additional Resources

About the Douglas County Water Commission
Established by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners in November 2023, the Douglas County Water Commission is an 11-member advisory board that brings together expertise and perspectives from across the county to help guide long-term water planning. Its work centers on integrating existing water-provider plans into a comprehensive, countywide view of water needs and opportunities.

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