These spruces are native to the mountains so, as you mentioned, they can be less vigorous in hot, dry times.   Try to keep it on a regular watering schedule during the dry months.  You may also want to mulch the area below the tree out to its drip line to help conserve water, suppress weeds that could compete for water, improve soil quality, and enhance tree growth.

To try to prevent any needle cast fungal disease, prune out any dead or diseased branches, maintain good air circulation, clean up downed needles below the tree in the fall.   The fungus can overwinter in these needles and then spores can possibly be splashed onto new needles starting new infections.

Thank you.  I had assumed that water was not an issue due to its mountainous origins.  I’ll start right away.