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2012 Drought Response: Rules for Outdoor Water Use

Stage 1 Drought Declared

A dry winter across Colorado has led to low snowpack, and mountain streamflows are expected to be well below normal. Denver Water has declared a Stage 1 drought, which is the first response to drought conditions. The goal of this drought declaration is to preserve reservoir storage going into 2013, in case next year’s snowpack is also below normal. Prolonged dryness may lead to a more severe drought declaration (Stage 2). Denver Water will continue to monitor weather conditions and impacts on our water system, and will alert customers to any changes. Depending on weather conditions, Denver Water’s response could change at any time.

What You Need to Do

Now, more than ever, Denver Water needs its customers to use only what they need. In a Stage 1 drought, customers are asked to voluntarily cut back outdoor water use to help reduce the risk of more severe watering restrictions, including limited watering times and days. Denver Water’s annual summer watering rules will be in effect May 1 to Oct. 1 and are mandatory.

Learn more about the different stages of drought.


  • Rules for outdoor water use

    Denver Water is enforcing its annual watering rules (May 1 to Oct. 1), so please use water wisely.

    • Water during cooler times of the day — lawn watering is NOT allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
    • Water no more than three days per week.
    • Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
    • Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
    • Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
    • Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.
    • Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car.

    *Please note, there are some exceptions to watering rules and how the rules apply to gardening.

    Rules for watering new seed and sod

    With the dry conditions, think twice about laying new seed and sod. If you do need to plant, please note these rules.

    • Denver Water customers with newly planted seed or sod may water new turf as necessary, for up to 21 days.
    • After 21 days, routine watering is limited to no more than three days per week and not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
    • To submit your request for a 21-day watering exemption, call 303-628-6343, option 3, or email conservation@denverwater.org.

    These rules are mandatory. Penalties are:

    • 1st violation — warning.
    • 2nd violation — $50 fine. 
    • 3rd violation — $100 fine.
    • Continued violations can result in suspension of service.
  • Watering times and tips for drought conditions

    The watering times in the chart have been reduced from Denver Water’s standard recommended times.

    As part of the Stage 1 drought, customers are asked to use less water. Please water only areas in your landscapes that are truly dry. To test for soil moisture, probe your lawn with a screwdriver. If it goes into the soil easily, that indicates sufficient moisture, but if the screwdriver can’t probe the soil, you want to apply water to that area.

    Adjust your watering minutes based on rainfall, type of grass or plants, sunny or shady locations and other characteristics like soil type.

    Water trees and shrubs as needed, but not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Shrubs and perennials need half as much water as lawns.

    There are no assigned watering days, but never water a zone more than three days a week.

      Minutes to water per zone (for lawns, based on three days per week)
    Fixed spray head
    Fixed spray heads    		 Rotor head
    Rotor heads    		 Rotary nozzle
    Rotary nozzles    		 Manual sprinkler
    Manual sprinklers
    January – April Water trees and shrubs as needed.
    May 14 29 33 21
    June 16 35 41 24
    July 18 39 45 27
    August 14 31 36 22
    September 11 23 27 16
    October – December Water trees and shrubs as needed.

    Remember, no watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to avoid water loss from evaporation. Never water a sprinkler system zone or area more than three days per week.

    Read more information and tips for watering your lawn. Keep track of your water use (past and present) and customize a water budget or irrigation schedule for your landscape needs.

  • Report waste!
    • If you see water waste in Denver parks (water use that doesn’t meet the rules above), call 3-1-1 to report the waste.
    • To report water waste anywhere else, call Denver Water at 303-628-6343, option 2 or report it online.
  • The more you use, the more you pay

    Outdoor watering accounts for more than 50 percent of residential water use. You can manage your water bill by managing how you water your landscapes. Learn more about Denver Water’s rates.