Southeast Colorado Town of La Veta Faces Severe Water Shortage Amidst Historic Drought
The town of La Veta in southeast Colorado is grappling with a severe water crisis as its primary water source, the Cucharas River, ran dry in early June. Mayor Doug Brgoch confirmed that while the town's two reservoirs are approximately 60% full, the significantly reduced flow from the Cucharas River means they cannot replenish their supply as usual. This year, the town can only draw a fraction of the water it typically would from the river. Huerfano County, where La Veta is located, is experiencing its second-worst drought year in 132 years, classified as extreme to exceptional. The drought has led to widespread drying of wells and creek beds, with the Wahatoya and Daigre reservoirs, state wildlife areas, being drained to supply downstream users, leaving behind cracked lakebeds and stranded aquatic life. La Veta has escalated its water restrictions to Stage Four, prohibiting all outdoor water use. 
