On March 25, 2026 the Denver Water Board has adopted a resolution declaring a Stage 1 drought. The drought declaration seeks to reduce water use by 20% to preserve reservoir storage in the case the drought persists into 2027. In light of the restrictions taking immediate effect, we recommend that customers postpone activating automatic systems until mid-to late May. This is will help save water as well. Please keep in mind that conditions and restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions.
Stage 1 drought response includes the following restrictions on water use:
Outdoor watering is restricted to no more than two days a week based on the following schedule:
Single Family Homes
• Addresses ending in even numbers: Sunday and Thursday.
• Addresses ending in odd numbers: Wednesday and Saturday.
All other customers, including multifamily properties, commercial properties, homeowners’ associations and government properties, may water only on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Customers must also follow the annual summer watering rules:
• Water only during cooler times of the day, between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
• Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
• Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
• Repair leaking sprinkler systems in 10 days.
• Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.
• Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car
Trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and vegetables may be watered any day by means of hand-held hose or low volume spray irrigation, but not between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.