It’s a drought. Use Only What You Need.
Denver Water has declared a Stage 1 drought
Stage 1 drought means Denver Water is asking customers to reduce their total water use (outdoors and indoors) by at least 20%, which will help stretch our water supplies and reduce the likelihood of increasing restrictions later this summer.
To help reach that goal, we are enforcing summer outdoor watering rules, including mandatory outdoor watering restrictions of two days per week on assigned days.
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Your top questions, answered.
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.
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.
Yes, all Denver Water customers are being asked to cut water use by 20%. Additionally, drought charges will send a price signal on higher water use. Commercial and industrial customers can avoid that premium by finding efficiencies and answering our call to reduce their water use.
Every operation is different, and we encourage innovation in finding ways to reduce water use.
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
- Residential power washing is allowed only on your assigned watering day, unless there is an immediate health or safety need. Cleaning without water should be done first whenever possible.
- Commercial power washing businesses are not subject to day-of-the-week limits, but must clean without water first, use high-efficiency equipment, and prevent water waste.
HOAs cannot penalize homeowners for failing to water their lawns if the homeowners are acting in compliance with our drought restrictions.
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).
To reduce water loss from evaporation, watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
This helps keep essential plants alive while still conserving water during hot, dry conditions.
You may see watering outside standard days at large public spaces because they are operating under Denver Water-approved water budgets and are authorized to water more than two days a week while staying within their total allowed use.
Some large public landscapes — such as parks and recreation districts, public schools and golf courses — are exempt from standard watering days and time restrictions because they operate under Denver Water-approved water budgets. These customers are reducing water use by 20% and are accountable for staying within agreed upon consumption limits, which Denver Water closely monitors.
Because these sites can span many acres, it isn’t feasible to irrigate all landscaped areas within the same limited watering windows required for smaller properties. This flexibility helps maintain safe, functional public spaces while supporting systemwide conservation and protecting the reliability of Denver Water’s supply during drought conditions.