The reduced snowpack and declining water flows pose risks to Carbondale's water supply, particularly for residents relying on Nettle Creek and the Crystal River. A wildfire near the Nettle Creek treatment plant could further jeopardize water quality by introducing ash and debris. The town's reliance on real-time water availability without reservoir storage increases vulnerability to climate variability. However, investments in the Roaring Fork River and conservation efforts aim to mitigate these risks. The situation underscores the broader challenges of climate change for water management in the region.