About Water

Because water is a precious and finite resource that should be conserved and respected, South Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA) is committed to water resource conservation, reuse, efficiency and education through its affiliations with local and regional organizations including the Douglas County Water Resources Authority (DCWRA). All SMWSA members strive to identify, use and reuse water to the greatest extent permitted by law.

Water resources in the South Metro region are derived from a variety of sources including: non-renewable groundwater; stream flows from Cherry Creek, Plum Creek and the South Platte River; and water leases from Denver/Aurora Water. SMWSA is working to develop additional renewable water supplies and incorporate an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) program to decrease regional pressure on ground water resources.

Water Sources in Colorado

Use Source
Irrigation 81% rivers | 19% aquifers
Public supply 94% rivers | 6% aquifers
Self-served domestic
(i.e. wells, cisterns) 100% aquifers
Industrial 80% rivers | 20% aquifers
Hydroelectric 100% rivers

Information obtained from the Colorado Foundation for Water Education. Please note that all percentages are approximate and have a 10 percent margin of error.

Colorado Water Usage and Consumption

Agriculture uses approximately 85 to 90 percent of Colorado’s water. Municipalities use more than six percent. Recreation, fisheries and in-stream flows account for three percent of the Colorado water use and nearly four percent is split evenly between commercial, industrial, and institutional use.

Information obtained from the Colorado Foundation for Water Education. Please note that all percentages are approximate and have a 10 percent margin of error.