The town of Palmer Lake last week declared a Stage 1 Water Emergency, citing nonexistent flows in the town’s surface water source.

In a memo, Palmer Lake Water Supervisor Charles Roubidoux said Monument Creek has been “completely dry” since June 19, forcing the town to rely solely on its groundwater wells.

“The town has observed a significant decline in well performance and increasing aquifer drawdown,” Roubidoux wrote.

The resolution declaring the emergency also cites a lack of flow from Glen Park Reservoir and a possible leak in the town’s distribution system, which has not been located. It says the town’s surface water treatment plant is now offline.

The new water rule limits outdoor watering to a specific one-hour period each week — Wednesdays between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Only watering by hand with a bucket or watering can of less than five gallons is permitted; sprinklers and hoses are no longer allowed.

Palmer Lake Police Chief Glen Smith said in a meeting last week that the emergency restrictions would be enforced with citations.

“Don’t put on your sprinklers in the middle of the night,” he said.

Town staff anticipates restrictions will last until water flow returns to Monument Creek, which could be next spring, according to Palmer Lake Town Clerk Erica Romero.

Palmer Lake is one of many municipalities in Colorado to enact water restrictions this year as the state grapples with a historically low snowpack and widespread drought. Since the spring, cities with mandatory water restrictions on the Front Range include Denver, Aurora, Cañon City, Golden and Woodland Park, among others.

Romero urged cooperation from residents.

“We really need them to help us ensure that we’re taking all measures to secure our water,” she said.