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.
Do your part to save water. Keep automatic sprinkler systems OFF until mid-to-late May. Hand-water trees and shrubs if needed.
Sign up for our monthly email newsletter to get drought updates and simple tips and resources to help you reduce water use and Use Only What You Need this summer.
Use Only What You Need Outdoors Newsletter
Outdoor Watering Rules and Restrictions
Stage 1 drought means mandatory outdoor watering is restricted to two days per week on assigned days and only allowed before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Water only on your two assigned watering days.
- Water only during cooler hours — before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Don’t water during rain or high winds.
- Fix leaking or broken sprinkler systems within 10 days.
- Keep water off of pavement, sidewalks and streets.
- Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when hand-watering or washing your car.
| Customer type | Assigned watering days |
|---|---|
| Single-family residential: Even-numbered addresses. | Sunday and Thursday |
| Single-family residential: Odd-numbered addresses. | Wednesday and Saturday |
| All others (including multifamily and commercial). Note: Nonresidential, large irrigation customers may be eligible for our 2026 Water Budget Program. | Tuesday and Friday |
Keeping your lawn healthy during a drought starts with watering the right way. Learn how often to water, how long to run your sprinklers, and how to use methods like cycle-and-soak to reduce runoff and waste — all while following Denver Water’s drought watering rules.
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.
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.
The Denver Board of Water Commissioners adopted a resolution approving the implementation of temporary drought pricing on outdoor water use. The drought pricing will apply starting with May water use (reflected in June bills) and will be in effect through April 30, 2027, or until further action by the board.
Learn more about drought pricing.
Before reporting water waste at parks, schools or golf courses …
Some large public landscapes — such as parks and recreation districts, public schools and golf courses — may water outside of the standard assigned days because they operate under Denver Water-approved water budgets. These customers are reducing water use by 20% and may water more than two days per week as long as they stay within their total allowed use, which Denver Water monitors.
Because these properties can span many acres, it isn’t practical to irrigate everything within the same limited windows required for smaller sites. Water budgets give them flexibility to keep public spaces safe and functional while still reducing overall use and helping stretch Denver Water’s supply during drought.
Report Online* — or — Call 303-893-2444
*Master Meter distributors
For the online map, you will not be able to place a pin on areas served by Master Meter distributors. Please report water waste directly to the distributor.
Denver Water’s Operating Rules (chapters 14 and 15) and the Denver Board of Water Commissioners’ Stage 1 Drought Declaration allow Denver Water to assess charges for watering violations. We aim to help customers understand and follow the rules; however, repeated violations will result in charges.
Violation charges for single-family residential customers:
- First violation: Warning.
- Second: $250.
- Third: $500.
- Fourth: $1,000.
Appeal Procedures
If you were assessed a charge for a watering rules violation and believe it was issued in error, you will have the option to appeal under Denver Water’s Operating Rules (chapter 16). Denver Water will only accept appeals for violations resulting in a charge; warnings and other educational outreach cannot be appealed.
New seed, sod or plant projects are exempt from two-day-a-week watering temporarily during establishment; however, watering rules and normal rates (including drought pricing) still apply.
| Plant Type | Temporary Allowance |
|---|---|
| New native grass seed | Up to 8 weeks |
| New sod, trees or shrubs | Up to 3 weeks |
Following the watering rules is critical during a drought — but it’s only the start. Many customers can save 20% or more by making a few smart changes indoors and outdoors.
From watering more efficiently and reducing outdoor use to earning rebates for high-efficiency fixtures and water-wise landscapes, small actions add up quickly — especially during drought conditions.