Background
During a Stage 1 drought, outdoor watering restrictions are in effect. Denver Water is required to enforce these rules. Customers who do not comply may receive violations that include monetary charges and, in some cases, suspension of water service. Repeat violations may result in monetary charges of up to $1,000. If you believe a charge was issued in error, you may submit an appeal (see informal appeals process below). Violations that do not include a monetary charge, such as warnings, cannot be appealed.
Submit Your Appeal
If you receive a violation with a monetary charge, you may submit an appeal to the Sales Administration Customer Relations Manager through the online form.
Appeal Review
The Sales Administration Customer Relations Manager will review the appeal and any supporting information.
Decision Notification
You will be notified of the decision by email within 15 business days after the review is complete.
Final Decision (Informal Appeal)
Unless you request a formal hearing (after the informal appeal decision), the decision made through this informal appeal constitutes the final decision of Denver Water.
Requesting a Formal Hearing (Optional)
If you disagree with the informal appeal decision, you may request a formal hearing.
Your request must be submitted to the Sales Administration Customer Relations Manager within 15 business days after the email date of the Customer Relations Manager’s decision.
Your request for formal hearing must include:
- A brief explanation of why you believe the informal decision was incorrect.
- Supporting facts and information that support your position regarding the interpretation, application or enforcement of Denver Water’s Operating Rules.
Hearing Officer Assigned
If a formal appeal is requested, a Hearing Officer will be appointed to review the case and conduct the hearing.
- The Hearing Officer may be a Denver Water employee or representative.
- The Hearing Officer will not be someone who was involved in the original decision or enforcement action being appealed.
Hearing Scheduled
The Hearing Officer will either:
- Hold a hearing within 30 business days after receiving the appeal from the Customer Relations Manager, or
- Schedule the hearing for a date that works for both parties.
Hearing Notice
You will be notified of the hearing details by email at least 5 business days before the hearing date, unless you request or agree to a shorter notice period.
If You Have an Attorney
- You must notify Denver Water that you have legal representation at least 2 business days before the hearing.
- Please include your legal representative’s:
- Name
- Email address
- Contact information
- Once representation is confirmed, Denver Water will send all hearing‑related communications and decisions to both you and your legal representative by email.
Hearing Procedures
The formal hearing will be conducted according to Denver Water’s Operating Rules, Chapter 16.
- The hearing will follow Denver Water’s governing regulations.
- It may not follow traditional court rules of procedure or rules of evidence.
Final Decision (Formal Hearing)
The formal hearing provides an independent review of your appeal and is the final step in the water waste monetary charge appeal process.
*Formal appeals will not be considered until the informal appeals process is concluded.