Aurora restricts water use amid severe Colorado drought
Aurora, Colorado, is taking significant steps to address water conservation during a severe drought. On Monday night, the Aurora City Council passed two ordinances aimed at reducing water usage. The first measure bans evaporative cooling systems, which are commonly used in water-intensive data centers. These systems rely on evaporated water to cool servers and computers, consuming large amounts of water. The second ordinance tightens turf rules, prohibiting the installation of cool-weather grass like Kentucky bluegrass without city manager approval. Residents are encouraged to plant warm-season turf, which uses significantly less water. Additional restrictions include banning ornamental water features and limiting spray irrigation during specific months. Both measures require final approval at the next council meeting to become law. [Denver Post, 2026]
