COLORADO NEWS

Colorado’s Drought Is Coming for Your Beer 

Sep 9, 2026, 9:09 AM | Updated: 9:15 am

Summer is officially over, Colorado. And apparently, it’s taking our beer with it.

Labor Day may have marked the unofficial end of the season, but the severe drought gripping our state is leaving a much bigger hangover — and not the fun kind.

Local brewers are feeling it hard. Kat Hess and other Colorado craft beer makers are sounding the alarm: no water, no beer. Simple math, devastating consequences.

Here’s what’s actually happening:

Reservoir water levels are dropping fast
Lower water levels mean pH changes and calcium buildup — which messes with the brewing process
That affects barley and other raw materials, which means…
Higher beer prices could be heading your way

The good news? Colorado brewers are nothing if not scrappy and creative, finding ways to adapt and keep the taps flowing as long as possible.

The bad news? Ski resorts are sweating this drought too — so we may be looking at a rough winter on the slopes AND at happy hour.

Maybe send some rain dances into the universe. Drink responsibly.

Colorado News

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)...

Jenny D

Denver Broncos Introduce New Menu Items To Enjoy at Home Games

Empower Field at Mile High is rolling out over 120 new menu items for the 2026 season, thanks to 11 new vendors

15 minutes ago

(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)...

Jenny D

A Colorado Man Took A Nap Outside And A Bear Scratched Him. A Bear.

A Steamboat Springs resident was recently scratched by a bear while snoozing in a patio chair — and honestly, this is why I nap on the couch like a normal person.

21 hours ago

(Matt Stroshane/Disney via Getty Images)...

Jenny D

A Colorado Castle Just Hit the Market and, Yes, It Has an Indoor Pool

A stunning, one-of-a-kind Colorado castle just dropped on the market for $985,000 — and it's already going viral for good reason.

21 hours ago

(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)...

Steve Marshall

Alterra Mountain Co. Is Moving Into Old Denver Post Building, and the Irony Is Delicious

The ski resort empire is taking over a building that once churned out the news — and city officials are hoping it’s just the first run down a much longer […]

1 day ago

DIA...

Big Mic

Denver International Airport expects over 360,000 travelers Labor Day weekend

A three-day Labor Day holiday weekend is sending a lot of people on some last-minute summer trips, which means a lot of travelers making their way through Denver International Airport. […]

5 days ago

Photo credit: Tammy Oakland...

Tammy Oakland

Colorado’s leaf peeping season brings more enforcement and Breckenridge shuttle

Colorado’s favorite fall show is almost here, and this year, it may arrive a little earlier than usual.  Because of our hot, dry summer, leaf peeping season could start as […]

5 days ago

Colorado’s Drought Is Coming for Your Beer