FRIDAY, July 17, 2026|
Photo – Tap water – Bigfoot99 file photo
Elk Mountain officials are asking residents to voluntarily conserve water to avoid future restrictions.
Last winter, the University of Wyoming’s Elk Mountain Observatory recorded less than 51 inches of snowfall, 48 inches below average. Moisture has been scarce through the spring and into the summer. The continuing drought has left the county at risk for wildfires and towns scrambling to manage low water reserves.
During the July 13th Elk Mountain Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Will Redmond said he will begin urging residents not to waste water because the town’s wells are being used faster than they can recover.
To conserve water, Redmond said residents should avoid midday lawn watering, run dishwashers only when full, and be mindful of how long they shower.
The public works director said he doesn’t expect the weather to change in the near future. Mayor Morgan Irene noted that forecasters are predicting monsoon rains at the end of the month, but Redmond said long‑term projections still show another dry winter. He added that conservation efforts now can help the town avoid future water restrictions.
Redmond said he will print flyers asking residents to voluntarily conserve water throughout the summer. Town Clerk Heidi Hess will also include the information in residents’ municipal utility bills.
