Teller County commissioners Bob Campbell, Erik Stone and Dan Williams moved forward last week to develop an emergency water support plan to submit to the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

According to a press release from the county, the plan is a response to reports of inadequate well production and diminished storage capacity by area water districts.

The commissioners intend to seek expedited approval from the natural resources department for variances and exceptions related to existing water rights, well usage, and augmentation procedures.

“These temporary measures are intended to provide relief to districts experiencing acute shortages while supporting responsible long-term water management,” the commissioners said in the release.

With the ongoing drought and regional fires continuing to burn, with no end in sight, the commissioners called a special meeting July 14 to develop the plan and alert the public.

Two hours after the meeting, the commissioners held a press conference about their opposition to the city of Colorado Springs’ intention to drop out of the regional El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority. During the conference, Williams highlighted the threat to regional water supplies, the ongoing danger of fighting wildfires and the efficacy of a collaborative response to 911 calls.

In addition to developing the supply plan, the county seeks more information from the water districts facing urgent water availability, to identify and request specific exceptions or operational flexibilities.

The release addresses past as well as present concerns. For instance, districts managing long-standing water challenges predating the current drought are encouraged to inform the county about immediate and future mitigation strategies.

Once the initial request is submitted to the state, county officials will review and update the plan every two weeks—or as conditions require—throughout the summer.

“Additional requests may be submitted as needed to ensure continued support for local water providers and the residents they serve,” the commissioners said in the release.