Drought tightens its grip

Drought tightened its grip on San Juan County during the month of June as no measurable precipitation fell in the area.
It can’t get any drier than it was in June. The last precipitation of any size was on May 9, 54 days ago, when .13 inches of rain fell in Monticello.
Add the record-breaking high temperatures and low water levels in reservoirs, and you get a combustible and dangerous mix.
While fire crews were in the area earlier in June, their attention is focused on surrounding states in recent weeks. Area residents hope the monsoon season will arrive in mid-July, bringing relief from heat and drought.
Monticello City officials acknowledge that city residents have made cutbacks, but they remain below the 25 percent reduction goal set by the city. To date, city residents have used 16 percent less water than the multi-year average.
Water collections were strong in June. Since January 1, Monticello has collected 93.39 million gallons of water from the collection system and used 82.38 million gallons.
Recapture Reservoir is functionally empty, with water levels three feet below the conservation pool.