Lawn watering ends Oct. 1. Turn off spray irrigation
Given the ongoing drought conditions, Denver Water has prohibited lawn watering and all spray irrigation beginning Oct. 1, until further action by the Denver Board of Water Commissioners.
While lawn watering is ending, it remains important to keep trees healthy. Trees, shrubs and gardens may still be watered during dry spells, using a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation, such as a drip system.
Drought enforcement is in effect, and any violation will result in charges up to $2,000 and further enforcement action, including suspending water service.
Your top questions, answered.
What happens Oct. 1?
Watering with spray irrigation system is not permitted on or after Oct. 1. Customers who repeatedly violate the watering rules are subject to charges of up to $2,000 and enforcement actions, including the installation of a device that limits water flow to the property or, in severe cases, disconnection of water service.
Trees, shrubs and perennials may be watered any day with a hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation (such as a drip system). They may not be watered by spray irrigation.
Annuals and vegetables may be watered any day with a hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation, until the first frost. They may not be watered by spray irrigation.
Hand-watering grass is not permitted on or after Oct. 1.
Watering any type of grass is not permitted on or after Oct. 1 unless a watering establishment permit is issued by Denver Water.
You can plant native or low-water plants and water with spray irrigation after Oct. 1 only with a watering establishment permit issued by Denver Water.
Grass establishment is not allowed after Oct. 1 except under special circumstances with an approved watering establishment permit. Permits may consider factors such as plant type, area of disturbance, need, time of year, soil type, irrigation type, and other relevant factors (e.g., landscape restoration projects, landscaping that is required for certificates of occupancy, remediation, water-wise landscaping).
You must request this permit by going to Watering Establishment Permits or calling Customer Care at 303-893-2444.
If Denver Water replaced your lead service line and restored your landscaping, you are allowed a 21-day watering establishment permit. You must request this permit by going to Watering Establishment Permits or calling Customer Care at 303-893-2444.
Yes, but only with a watering establishment permit issued by Denver Water.
Denver Water will honor all existing Water Budget contracts through Oct. 31. However, customers are being asked to support the community's water conservation efforts by limiting irrigation to areas necessary for health and safety. Watering remains appropriate for high-traffic, active-use turf areas, such as public parks, school grounds, athletic fields, tee boxes and greens.
Drought conditions
While many customers are doing a great job conserving water, Denver Water has not yet reached its overall 20% water savings target. We need everyone to continue reducing indoor and outdoor water use and following drought restrictions.
Every drop saved today helps stretch our water supplies as we head into another potentially challenging year. Denver Water is increasing outreach and enforcement in areas where excessive water use continues, but customer conservation remains our most important tool for responding to drought.
No. Drought recovery often takes multiple years because reservoirs depend on winter snowpack and spring runoff to refill.
Current reservoir levels are low enough that recovery will likely require more than a single winter and spring season. Conservation remains important even after irrigation season ends.
Yes. Denver Water plans for a future that includes hotter temperatures, more frequent droughts and more extreme weather conditions.
These challenges are shaping long-term efforts such as water conservation programs, landscape transformation initiatives, partnerships that reduce non-essential turfgrass and infrastructure projects designed to strengthen water supply reliability during future droughts.
Yes. This year's drought is a combination of record-low snowpack over the winter and record-high temperatures during what is traditionally the snowiest month of the year for Colorado. Conditions are significantly worse than past drought years.
Get the full story on TAP.
The Stage 1 drought declaration is in effect from March 25, 2026 through April 30, 2027, or until further notice. Conditions and customer response will determine whether additional actions are needed.
Watering restrictions and rules
There are currently no near-term plans to move to Stage 2 drought restrictions.
Denver Water continually evaluates reservoir levels, weather conditions and customer water use. Any changes to current drought restrictions would be considered by the Denver Board of Water Commissioners.
The best way to help avoid additional restrictions is for customers to continue meeting conservation goals and following current drought rules.
Denver Water closely monitors water use, weather conditions and reservoir storage levels.
If conservation goals are not met and drought conditions continue to worsen, Denver Water may consider additional conservation measures in the future. Any changes would be reviewed and approved by the Denver Board of Water Commissioners.
Our current focus is helping customers save water now and help avoid the need for stronger restrictions later.
Restaurants in the Denver Water service area are required to serve water only upon request. This requirement is an opportunity to reduce unnecessary water waste. Restaurants are to serve water only when requested, or should ask if customers want water before providing it to them. This avoids pouring out unused water and having to wash glasses unnecessarily.
Using water at home
During a drought, vehicle washing and power washing are still allowed — with some important limits to reduce water waste.
Vehicle washing
- Personal vehicles may be washed any day using a bucket or a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Fleet and commercial vehicles may be washed no more than once per week, unless more frequent washing is needed for public health or safety.
- Commercial car washes may continue operating but must use water efficiently.
Power washing hard surfaces
- Power washing of fences or other outdoor surfaces is only allowed if it is necessary for immediate health or safety reasons.
- Routine or cosmetic power washing is not permitted after Sept. 30.
Watering establishment permits will not be available after Sept. 30 until further notice. Watering your grass or using overhead spray irrigation not in accordance with your permit is a willful violation of Denver Water Board Resolution 002a-2026 and may result in fines.
During a drought, trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and vegetables may be watered any day using a hand-held hose or low-volume, non-spray irrigation (such as drip systems).