As reservoir storage declines, efforts to reduce water use or to add to water supplies increase.

Denver Water’s Drought Response Plan consists of two components—the triggers that signal which stage of drought should be declared and the corresponding responses recommended for each stage. The plan delineates four stages of drought severity; each stage is based on the percentage of storage expected in Denver Water’s reservoirs at the end of the runoff season on July 1. For each stage, progressively more stringent responses are recommended.

As reservoir storage declines, efforts to reduce water use or to add to water supplies increase. Some drought response measures, particularly those designated for mild episodes of drought, require minimal customer effort. Measures become mandatory, more costly, and sometimes intrusive as drought progresses. Basically, the recommended response to a Stage 1 drought is voluntary measures; to a Stage 2 drought, mandatory restrictions; to a Stage 3 drought, prohibitions on lawn watering; and to a Stage 4 drought, rationing of water supplies for essential uses.

To activate a particular drought response, the Board of Water Commissioners declares a drought of specific severity and adopts an effective date for imposing applicable restrictions. Because Stage 2 and Stage 3 droughts involve mandatory restrictions, they are incorporated into Denver Water’s Operating Rules and become enforceable pursuant to the Denver Charter, the Denver Revised Municipal Code and provisions in Denver Water’s water service agreements and water leases. Chapter 19 of the Operating Rules contains the restrictions that apply during a Stage 2 or Stage 3 drought, as declared by the Board.

In September 2003, Denver Water commissioned a survey to gauge customer attitudes toward the drought. This survey, conducted by a professional marketing company, is included in the technical appendix. Results of this survey were used to refine Denver Water’s response to drought. The drought measures discussed in this section reflect the attitudes and current conditions of customers, as documented in the customer survey.

Drought Response Within Master Meter Districts
Water service provided by Denver Water within master meter districts is governed by the Operating Rules, including Chapter 19. Under master meter water service agreements, master meter districts retain the right to make and enforce their own rules that are not inconsistent with the Operating Rules; these districts also agree to exercise their powers to assist Denver Water in enforcing the Operating Rules.

In addition to managing water use during a drought, Denver Water will try to augment its supplies by gaining access to other sources. Each augmentation option presents unique intergovernmental and technical issues and must be considered individually. Some of the possible options are described here.

Call back water rights that we allow others to use. Under contract, Denver Water allows ranchers to divert its Williams Fork water rights into the Big Lake Ditch. Under certain contract conditions, Denver Water may prevent the ranchers from diverting this water, allowing more water to flow into Williams Fork Reservoir and increasing the yield from Dillon Reservoir.

Pay another water user downstream of a Denver Water diversion point to not place a river "call." A river call is an administrative mechanism used by the owner of a senior downstream water right to prevent or reduce water use by the owner of a junior upstream water right. One example of this alternative is Denver Water's contractual option to pay Xcel Energy, the public service company, to not place its Shoshone Power Plant "call" on the Colorado River. Without the Shoshone call in effect, Denver Water might be able to divert more water during a prolonged drought.

Seek waivers of minimum bypass requirements. Denver Water must allow minimum amounts of water to pass beyond some of the locations where it takes water out of a river or stream. By contract, some of these minimum amounts can be reduced during a drought.

Develop Groundwater. Denver Water is in the process of obtaining the legal right to use the nontributary groundwater (groundwater not hydraulically connected to a stream) that is stored in aquifers deep beneath our city. Once this right is granted, Denver Water could drill wells to gain access to this water. This well water is not available for current supply needs.

Pump water not available through gravity flow. Normally, water flows from reservoirs and other water storage facilities by means of gravity. Sometimes water in the lower portions of these facilities is at a level below the pipe that carries the water to a treatment plant. Pumps could be used to pull this water up and into the transmission pipe.

Implement legal clauses allowing reservoir storage to be drawn below minimum levels. At Chatfield Reservoir, for example, Denver Water is legally permitted to draw the water level below its normal minimum during a drought that is considered severe.

Denver Water’s primary response to drought is to manage water use so that supplies will be available for the most essential uses during the drought’s duration. During the 2002 and 2003 periods of water restrictions, we learned that no single approach was effective at encouraging all customers to reduce their water use. The concept of a “basket of programs” proved more effective at creating an overall atmosphere that promotes water savings. These five programs include restrictions, surcharges, enforcement, incentives, and monitoring and evaluation.

Restrictions
Once the Board has declared a drought, Denver Water will activate the corresponding set of recommended responses. Denver Water’s goal for drought response is to preserve the quality of public life and economic activity to the extent possible in the face of water shortage. In 2002, the Board adopted policy guidelines for developing a drought restriction program. Denver Water will follow these principles in restricting water use during a drought.

Avoid irretrievable loss of natural resources.

• Allow watering of irreplaceable trees.
• Avoid killing perennial landscaping if possible.
• Tailor water restrictions as much as possible to known landscape needs.

Restrict less essential uses before essential uses.

• Restrict water use for misters, fountains and other aesthetic water features first.
• Avoid using water as a substitute for something else (for example, cleaning impervious surfaces or washing personal vehicles).
• Curtail outdoor water use (except for watering trees and shrubs), along with restrictions on commercial use, before restricting domestic indoor use.

Affect individuals or small groups before affecting large groups or the public as a whole, allowing as much public activity as possible to be unaffected.

• Preserve community pools rather than residential pools.
• Restrict golf courses before public parks.
• Restrict water use on less heavily used areas of parks where grass can go dormant before restricting use on formal and informal playing fields, where recreational activity would either kill the grass or have to be prohibited.

Minimize adverse financial effects.

• Try not to put people out of business, although businesses that depend on purely discretionary water use will be affected.
• Restrict seasonal commercial use, which is likely to be outdoors.
• Restrict nonessential uses of water in businesses before affecting fundamental business functions.
• Work with large-volume water users to reduce use in the least disruptive manner.
• Engage in ongoing dialogue with the green industry to obtain input and allow these businesses to plan for future months.

Eliminate waste.

• Enforce restrictions and permit limitations in an effective manner.
• Adopt restrictive criteria for exemptions from restrictions.
• Discourage or prohibit irrigation of medians.
• Prohibit installation of new landscaping if its survival next season is in doubt.
• Develop incentive programs to promote savings.
• Perform audits to identify water waste and recommend solutions.

Adopt extensive public information and media relations programs.

• Inform customers about the problems caused by drought and what they can do to help.
• Hold and attend public meetings as necessary to receive input.

Surcharges
During drought conditions, Denver Water will be forced to confront three potentially conflicting objectives: (1) to quickly reduce the volume of water used by its customers, (2) to maintain adequate revenues to meet its financial obligations, and (3) to address the opposing needs of existing demand and growth. Drought pricing can be an effective tool in managing these objectives, and drought surcharges must be considered as part of an overall demand reduction and financial stabilization program. Denver Water will consider several guiding principles in developing surcharges.

There is a relationship between price and demand. In theory, customers respond to an increase in price by reducing demand. The question is at what price level will the customer respond? The answer varies based on a number of factors.

Surcharges will be incorporated into an overall program to increase customer awareness of the drought’s severity and the importance of saving water. Customers respond to the “basket of programs” concept, which includes surcharges. Drought pricing plays a role in creating an environment in which customers recognize the importance of reducing water use.

Surcharges may apply to current water demands, new taps, or other demands on the water supply. There is concern about issuing new taps when existing customers are subject to surcharges. Applying various forms of surcharges to different types of demands on the water supply provides an equitable method allowing all customers to share the burden of the reduced supply.

Surcharges are less effective by themselves. Industry studies and Denver Water’s own customer surveys indicate that surcharges are more effective at reducing water use when combined with other restrictions to create an atmosphere that promotes water savings. Customer response to price signals varies depending on several factors such as affluence, billing frequency, and the normal cost of water. Empirical data show that customers respond to temporary water pricing strategies as part of a water savings environment.

Surcharges are separate from rates. Rates are based on cost. They are established to recover particular kinds of costs specified by the Denver City Charter. The purpose of drought surcharges, on the other hand, is to raise awareness of the value of water, to reduce water use, and to penalize those who don’t comply with drought restrictions. These goals are better accomplished when surcharges are implemented as a temporary measure outside the cost-of-service rate structure.

Surcharges should match the severity of the drought. Because every drought is different, each one may require a different set of responses. Surcharges must be structured to help create an atmosphere of appropriate water savings.

Surcharges must be feasible for computer systems to handle. Denver Water must be able to respond to drought conditions quickly and efficiently. Any change in water use charges must be manageable with only moderate modifications to existing computer systems. Substantial changes reduce response times and contribute to errors. Because internal coordination is critical, staff members from Customer Care, Information Technology, Accounting, and other relevant sections will be included in discussions of surcharge options.

Surcharges should be tailored for different customer groups and monitored for effect. A one-size surcharge does not fit all. Commercial and industrial customers use water differently from residential customers. Large-volume public use customers may need some accommodation. The surcharge structure must be flexible enough to promote water savings while still addressing diverse customer needs.

Surcharges should reflect overall drought response philosophies. Because all surcharge structures divide customers into groups, no surcharge structure is 100 percent “fair.” Some customers may pay a surcharge even if they comply with the other restrictions. In addition to raising awareness of the value of water and encouraging temporary reductions in use, surcharges can supplement revenues if necessary.

Surcharges may need to be seasonally adjusted. In Colorado’s semi-arid climate, water use is greater in summer than in winter. Outdoor use is more discretionary than indoor use, and surcharges should be adjusted to assist in maintaining a water savings environment. Because restrictions to reduce indoor use are difficult to design, adjusting surcharge thresholds can be more effective at monitoring and reducing indoor water demand in winter.

Public input and information are key to customer understanding of surcharges. When surcharges are designed and implemented, the public must have adequate opportunities for input, the surcharge must help create an atmosphere of water savings, and the public must receive adequate information to fully understand the surcharge program.

Surcharges are temporary measures. The criteria that determine when surcharges will be lifted should be specified before the surcharges are imposed. This will reinforce the temporary nature of the surcharge in the minds of customers.

Equity issues related to removing the surcharge should be addressed in advance. The specified conditions leading to termination of surcharges do not always occur at the end of a billing period. Criteria for lifting the surcharge once the specified conditions occur should be considered ahead of time.

Enforcement
The enforcement program is designed to support the water use and drought restriction rules, as described in Chapters 12 and 19 of the Operating Rules. Drought monitoring staff will patrol Denver Water’s service area to identify customers who are not complying with the rules. The primary mission of the drought monitors is to help customers comply. Drought monitors will hand out educational materials, help customers operate their irrigation systems, and answer questions about the drought response measures. Violators may receive written warnings and may be fined for repeat violations. Flow restrictors may be installed at properties with serious repeat violations.

Philosophy: Drought monitors want to help customers comply, not just penalize violators. The goal is to use education to help customers save water.

Recruitment. A drought monitor’s only responsibility is to enforce the drought response measures. Temporary employees will be recruited for this function, and those hired must be able to interact with the public and communicate the drought restrictions. Thorough background checks are required.

Training. Drought monitors will undergo an intense training program to prepare them to patrol the service area. Dispatchers and data entry staff will participate in the training program, which will address:

• Dealing with irate customers
• Reading meters
• Understanding the drought restrictions
• Operating irrigation systems
• Passing driving tests
• Knowing the boundaries of their patrol area
• Understanding the data entry equipment

Documentation. Drought monitors will use hand-held data entry devices that allow them to issue tickets in the field. This system will keep track of the number of violations for each customer and enable the drought monitor to ascertain the appropriate-level violation. Drought monitors will also keep track of stops that did not result in a ticket or written warning but were merely educational in nature.

Appeals. Any person subject to a charge for violating a drought restriction may appeal, as stipulated in Chapter 19 of the Operating Rules. Although the customer must pay the water bill by its due date, the disputed charge will be credited on the next bill if the appeal is approved.

Incentives
A program of incentives will be designed to encourage immediate reductions in water consumption. This program may or may not be an extension of Denver Water’s long-term water conservation program and may include such features as:

• Rebates
• Contests
• Drought Hero Awards
• Landscape clinics
• Conservation kits.

Monitoring and Evaluation
When the Denver Water Board declares a drought, the staff will intensify its monitoring and evaluation activities. The monitoring and evaluation program will track water savings and compare them with normal use and weather-adjusted expected use. If water use is not being reduced, modifications to the Drought Response Plan may be recommended.

Historical demand. Denver Water will compare water use during the drought with historical, population-adjusted average use. Comparing water use trends helps Denver Water plan for water use during various seasonal periods. These comparisons can also be used to predict expected water savings.

Weather-adjusted demand. Customers’ water use patterns during the irrigation season are significantly correlated with weather. Denver Water has developed a weather model to track typical water use under actual weather conditions and in the absence of restrictions.

Reservoir levels. Denver Water always monitors its reservoir levels. During a drought, reservoir storage levels are included in weekly reports because they are the determining factor when the status of a drought is evaluated.

Tracking forecasts. Denver Water has developed a model to predict spring runoff based on factors that affect supply (weather, snowpack, soil moisture, runoff, water rights, bypass requirements, collection system limitations, and water use). Denver Water tracks three forecasts: one for average conditions, one for wet conditions, and one for dry conditions. The wet and dry conditions used in the model have a 10 percent probability of being exceeded.

Snowpack readings. When first snow falls in Denver Water’s watersheds, staff members begin to collect snowpack readings. These readings convert snowfall depth into equivalent measurements of water.

Precipitation. Spring weather has a significant impact on runoff into reservoirs and thus on the health of landscapes in Denver Water’s service area. Denver Water continuously collects precipitation data from weather stations in its watersheds and in its service area.

Monthly Financial Updates. The Finance Division will provide monthly updates on Denver Water’s billed revenue and budget status.

Some customers may have access to water sources that are not owned, controlled or provided by Denver Water. Though the use of such water during a Stage 2, 3, or 4 Drought is not under the direct control of Denver Water, the following rules apply to the owner or occupant of a licensed premise using non-Denver water. Failure to comply with these rules will be deemed a violation of drought restrictions under Denver Water’s Operating Rules.

To ensure that the water is, in fact, not Denver Water’s, the customer shall provide certification of the source of the water and demonstrate that the water is being used in compliance with any legal restrictions on the use of water from that source.

To avoid confusing the public, any premises where non-Denver water is being applied shall display prominent signage indicating that Denver Water is not supplying the water.

To avoid potential contamination of Denver Water’s potable water supply system, any irrigation or other system using non-Denver water shall be physically disconnected from Denver Water’s potable system. In addition, the Denver Water service line providing potable water to the premises must include an approved backflow prevention device, and the customer must execute a Dual Water Supply Agreement with Denver Water.

To prevent water waste, which could increase the customer’s need for Denver Water’s supplies, irrigation with non-Denver water shall be prohibited during the hours from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

July 1 Storage Trigger: Reservoirs less than 80% full
Use Reduction Target: 10%

Description
A Stage 1 Drought is triggered by actual or forecast July 1 reservoir storage of 80 percent. This stage is meant to warn customers that water levels are significantly below average and continued dry weather could trigger a Stage 2 Drought. Recommended responses to a Stage 1 Drought include:

• Set the tone for a dry irrigation season.
• Reduce water demand to prevent progression to a Stage 2 Drought.
• Request that customers voluntarily reduce their water use by 10 percent.
• Enact the Stage 1 Drought restriction clause in contracts.
• Warn of and prepare for a Stage 2 Drought.

As a part of responding to a Stage 1 Drought, Denver Water will:

• Acquaint customers with measures they can expect if the drought continues or intensifies.
• Invite public discussion on water use priorities and ways to cut water use.
• Contact special interest groups that use large volumes of water (for example, water recreation groups) to get their ideas and support.
• Publish suggestions for temporarily reducing water use.
• Require master meter water distributors to activate similar programs with their customers.

Denver Water’s Drought Response Committee will monitor drought conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of the Stage 1 Drought response. Recommendations for adjusting the response will be submitted to the Board of Water Commissioners.

Voluntary Restrictions
Restaurants
Restaurants and catering businesses will be asked to voluntarily restrict serving water with meals except at the customer’s request.

Lodging
Lodging establishments will be asked to voluntarily reduce the frequency of sheet changing for guests staying more than one night, except for health or safety reasons. Food service operations in lodging establishments will be asked to voluntarily restrict serving water with meals except at the customer’s request.

Irrigation
Customers will be asked to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use, using their own methods and Denver Water’s suggestions.

Watering during the heat of the day is less efficient than watering during the morning and evening hours because of water losses through evaporation. To minimize water waste, watering is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. In addition, all permissible watering shall be conducted without any water waste (for example, avoid runoff on driveways or sidewalks).

Water Budgets for Large-Volume Users
Customers in the High Public Use category shall manage water use in a way that reduces their seasonal water use by 10 percent.

Surcharges
A surcharge program may be designed to help achieve overall water reduction goals.

Fixed-Amount Water Contracts
Water deliveries to customers who receive untreated water, nonpotable water or potable water under fixed-amount contracts will be restricted as follows:

• For agreements with provisions allowing reduced deliveries under drought conditions, the amount delivered shall be reduced by 10 percent.
• For agreements with provisions requiring the lessee to adopt the same or similar water use restrictions as Denver Water, the lessee shall implement the water use restrictions adopted by the Board.
• For agreements without these provisions, the Board may adopt drought surcharges or other methods to reduce water consumption outside Denver as necessary to provide an adequate supply of water to the people of Denver.

July 1 Storage Trigger: Reservoirs less than 65% full
Use Reduction Target: 30%

Description
A Stage 2 Drought is triggered by actual or forecast July 1 reservoir storage of 65 percent. When July 1 reservoir levels are forecast at or below 70 percent, Denver Water will begin planning for a potential Stage 2 Drought. The staff may recommend activating a Stage 2 Drought response at a reservoir storage level of higher than 65 percent, depending on drought conditions and other indicators. A Stage 2 Drought imposes mandatory water use restrictions and requires a significant effort on the part of customers.

Mandatory Restrictions
Restaurants
Restaurants and catering businesses shall not automatically serve water with meals but may serve water when a customer requests it. Restaurants must comply with Denver Water’s signage requirements to explain this restriction.

Lodging
Lodging establishments shall not change sheets more often than every four days for guests staying more than one night, except for health or safety reasons. Food service operations in lodging establishments shall not automatically serve water with meals but may serve water when customers request it. Lodging establishments must comply with Denver Water’s signage requirements to explain these restrictions.

Turf Irrigation
Assigned times. Each turf zone shall receive no more than 15 minutes of irrigation on average on the assigned watering day. All irrigation control systems must be programmed or operated manually to limit irrigation to 15 minutes per zone on average. Any area irrigated by a sprinkler attached to a movable hose shall also be limited to 15 minutes of watering on average on the assigned watering day. The Board of Water Commissioners may by formal action establish a maximum total amount of time during which irrigation may occur at a single property.

Watering during the heat of the day is less efficient than watering during the morning and evening hours because of water losses through evaporation. To minimize water waste, watering is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. In addition, all permissible watering shall be conducted without any water waste.

Assigned days. Watering shall be limited to two days per week in accordance with the schedule outlined in Table 3.

Irrigation of New Turf Sod
Denver Water will work cooperatively with the landscape industry and customers to achieve compliance with recommended new turf sod installation guidelines. Denver Water staff may also conduct spot inspections of point-of-purchase sites and installations to ensure adequate education of customers and appropriate soil preparation.
New turf sod installations may be watered daily for up to 21 days, but not between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Irrigation of New Turf Seed
New turf seed applications may be watered daily at any time for up to 28 days. This exemption does not apply to over-seeding of existing lawns.

Water Budgets for Large-Volume Users
Customers in the High Public Use category will be required to manage water use in a way that reduces their seasonal water use by 30 percent. Turf watering restrictions will not apply to them, so long as they accomplish irrigation without water waste.

Irrigation of Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs may be watered by means of a hand-held hose or low-volume nonspray irrigation on assigned watering days. From May 1 to October 1, trees and shrubs may not be watered between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Irrigation of Flowers and Vegetables
Flowers, vegetables, and plantings in community gardens may be watered any day except Monday by means of a hand-held hose or low-volume nonspray irrigation. From May 1 to October 1, nonspray irrigation may not occur between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Irrigation System Installation, Operation and Repair
An irrigation system may be operated outside the watering schedule for installation, repair or reasonable maintenance, so long as the system is attended throughout the period of operation and water waste does not occur. All irrigation control systems must be reprogrammed or operated manually to operate in compliance with the watering calendar.

Early Winterization and Spring Watch Programs
Outdoor lawn watering shall be prohibited between October 1 and May 1. Watering turf areas that are heavily used by the community—for example, athletic and playing fields, tees and greens at golf courses—is not prohibited but must be conducted without water waste.

Outdoor Nonirrigation Uses
Fountains and waterfalls. Customers shall be prohibited from operating any existing outdoor fountain or waterfall that sprays water into the air.
Outdoor misting devices. Operating outdoor misting devices shall be prohibited.

Vehicle Washing
Personal vehicles. Personal vehicles may be washed using only a bucket or a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle. From May 1 to October 1, personal vehicles may not be washed on Monday or between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. From October 1 to May 1, personal vehicles may be washed without day-of-the-week or time-of-day restrictions.
Fleet vehicles. Vehicles used in commercial operations or fleets may be washed no more often than once per week, unless public safety requires more frequent washing, and only by means of a car wash or washing equipment certified by Denver Water.
Commercial car washes. Commercial car washes are subject to a certification program requiring implementation of industry best management practices to achieve a 30 percent water savings compared with the water use of nonrecycling car washes. Any commercial car wash that is not certified or in the process of becoming certified shall be deemed in violation of this provision.

Power Washing
Power washing by individuals. Using water instead of a broom or mop to clean outdoor impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways and patios is prohibited, except when cleaning with water is necessary for public health or safety reasons or when other cleaning methods are impractical. Power washing that is permitted may occur only on the assigned watering days indicated in Chapter 19 of Denver Water’s Operating Rules and not between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except for immediate health or safety reasons.
Commercial power washing. Commercial enterprises for which cleaning with water is an essential element of business are not subject to day-of-the-week or time-of-day restrictions but shall use only high-efficiency equipment certified by Denver Water and must assure that water waste does not occur.

Swimming Pools
No restrictions will be imposed on the on use or operation of swimming pools.

Surcharges
A surcharge program will be designed to support the water use restrictions and to help achieve overall water use reduction goals.

Fixed-Amount Water Contracts
Water deliveries to customers who receive untreated water, nonpotable water or potable water under fixed-amount contracts will be restricted as follows:

• For agreements with provisions allowing reduced deliveries under drought conditions, the amount delivered shall be reduced by 30 percent.
• For agreements with provisions requiring the lessee to adopt the same or similar water use restrictions as Denver Water, the lessee shall implement the water use restrictions adopted by the Board.
• For agreements without these provisions, the Board may adopt drought surcharges or other methods to reduce water consumption outside Denver as necessary to provide an adequate supply of water to the people of Denver.
• Any water delivered by Denver Water between May 1 and October 1 shall not be used for spray irrigation between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Enforcement
The customer (owner or occupant of the property) shall be responsible for complying with drought restrictions and with the terms of any exemption granted. Those who violate any Stage 2 Drought restriction will be subject to penalties.

First Violation
The owner or occupant will be advised in writing that a monetary charge will be added to the water bill for subsequent violations.

Second Violation
The owner or occupant will be advised in writing, and a $250 charge may be added to the water bill.

Third Violation
The owner or occupant will be advised in writing, and a $500 charge may be added to the water bill.

Fourth and Subsequent Violations
The owner or occupant will be advised in writing, and a $1000 charge may be added to the water bill. In addition, Denver Water may install a flow restrictor on the service line to remain in place during the irrigation season or may temporarily suspend service until the cause of the violation is corrected and all outstanding penalty and water service charges have been paid.

July 1 Storage Trigger: Reservoirs less than 40% full
Use Reduction Target: 50%

Description
A Stage 3 Drought is triggered by actual or forecast July 1 reservoir storage of 40 percent. A Stage 3 Drought imposes mandatory water restrictions on Denver Water’s customers. Stage 3 Drought restrictions are severe and may result in significant damage to landscapes.

Mandatory Restrictions
Restaurants
Restaurants and catering businesses shall not automatically serve water with meals but may serve water when a customer requests it. Restaurants must comply with Denver Water’s signage requirements to explain this restriction.

Lodging
Lodging establishments shall not change sheets more often than every four days for guests staying more than one night, except for health or safety reasons. Food service operations in lodging establishments shall not automatically serve water with meals but may serve water if a customer requests it. Lodging establishments must comply with Denver Water’s signage requirements to explain these restrictions.

Turf Irrigation
Irrigation of turf shall be prohibited.

Irrigation of New Turf Sod
Irrigation of new turf sod shall be prohibited.

Irrigation of New Turf Seed
Irrigation of new turf seed shall be prohibited.

Water Budgets for Large-Volume Users
Customers in the High Public Use category will be required to manage water use in a way that reduces their seasonal water use by 50 percent. Turf watering restrictions will not apply to them so long as they accomplish irrigation without water waste.

Irrigation of Trees and Shrubs
Existing trees and shrubs may be watered by means of a hand-held hose or low-volume nonspray irrigation no more than once a week in accordance with the schedule outlined in Table 4. From May 1 to October 1, trees and shrubs may not be watered between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. No new trees or shrubs may be planted.

Assigned days. Irrigation of trees and shrubs shall be limited to one day per week in accordance with the schedule shown in Table 4.

Irrigation of Flowers and Vegetables
Existing flowers, vegetables, and plantings in community gardens may be watered any day by means of a hand-held hose or low-volume nonspray irrigation. From May 1 to October 1, these plants may not be watered between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. No new flowers or vegetables may be planted.

Irrigation System Installation, Operation and Repair
An irrigation system may be operated for installation or repair, so long as the system is attended throughout the period of operation and water waste does not occur.

Outdoor Nonirrigation Uses
Fountains and waterfalls. Customers shall be prohibited from operating any existing outdoor fountain or waterfall that sprays water into the air. No new outdoor fountain or waterfall may be put into operation during a Stage 3 Drought.
Misting devices. Operating outdoor misting devices shall be prohibited.

Vehicle Washing
Personal vehicles. Washing personal vehicles shall be prohibited except at commercial car washes certified by Denver Water.
Fleet vehicles. Vehicles used in commercial operations or fleets may be washed no more often than once a month, unless public safety requires more frequent washing. Fleet vehicles may be washed only by means of a car wash or washing equipment certified by Denver Water.
Commercial car washes. Commercial car washes are subject to a certification program requiring a 50 percent water savings compared with the water use of nonrecycling car washes. Any commercial car wash that is not certified or in the process of becoming certified shall close down its washing operations three days each week, as designated by Denver Water, in order to save water.

Power Washing
Power washing by individuals. Using water instead of a broom or mop to clean outdoor impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways and patios is prohibited, except when cleaning with water is necessary for immediate public health or safety reasons.
Commercial power washing. Commercial enterprises shall clean with water only for health or safety purposes and shall use only high-efficiency equipment certified by Denver Water and assure that water waste does not occur.

Swimming Pools
Single-family residential pools shall not be filled or refilled. Operation of other pools will be permitted.

Hydrant Permits
Water obtained by means of a hydrant permit shall not be used to clean equipment or for any other use prohibited during a Stage 3 Drought.

Surcharges
A surcharge program will be designed to support the water use restrictions and to help achieve overall water use reduction goals.

Fixed-Amount Water Contracts
Water deliveries to customers who receive untreated water, nonpotable water or potable water under fixed-amount contracts will be restricted as follows:

• For agreements with provisions allowing reduced deliveries under drought conditions, the amount delivered shall be reduced by 50 percent.
• For agreements with provisions requiring the lessee to adopt the same or similar water use restrictions as Denver Water, the lessee shall implement the water use restrictions adopted by the Board.
• For agreements without these provisions, the Board may adopt drought surcharges or other methods to reduce water consumption outside Denver as necessary to provide an adequate supply of water to the people of Denver.
• Any water delivered by Denver Water between May 1 and October 1 shall not be used for otherwise permissible irrigation between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Enforcement
The customer (owner or occupant of the property) shall be responsible for complying with the drought restrictions and with the terms of any exemption. Those who violate any Stage 3 Drought restriction will be subject to penalties.

First Violation
The owner or occupant will be advised in writing that a monetary charge will be added to the water bill for subsequent violations.

Second Violation
The owner or occupant will be advised in writing, and a $1000 charge may be added to the water bill.

Third and Subsequent Violations
The owner or occupant will be advised in writing, and a $1500 charge may be added to the water bill. In addition, Denver Water may install a flow restrictor on the service line to remain in place during the irrigation season or may temporarily suspend service until the cause of the violation is corrected and all outstanding penalty and water service charges have been paid.

July 1 Storage Trigger: Reservoirs are 25% full
Use Reduction Target: 66% reduction

Description
A Stage 4 Drought is triggered by actual or forecast July 1 reservoir storage of 25 percent. A Stage 4 Drought activates a rationing program for Denver Water’s customers. Conditions that would lead to a Stage 4 Drought are highly unlikely. However, if combined reservoir storage falls below 25% full, Denver Water will implement a rationing program to ensure that customers receive water for essential uses for an indefinite period of time. No outdoor watering will be allowed, and indoor water use will be restricted. Stage 4 Drought restrictions are severe and will probably result in long-term damage to landscapes.

Mandatory Restrictions
Turf Irrigation
Irrigation of turf shall be prohibited.

Irrigation of Trees and Shrubs
Outdoor watering shall be limited to monthly tree watering.

Outdoor Nonirrrigation Uses
Nonessential water uses shall be eliminated.

Indoor Water Use
A rationing program will be designed to minimize indoor water use.