Conservation
Outdoor Water Use
Stage 1 Drought
The Denver Board of Water Commissioners has declared a Stage 1 drought due to record‑low snowpack in collection areas and below‑average reservoir levels. As a master‑meter district, Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District follows all Denver Water watering restrictions.
Under Stage 1 drought conditions, Denver Water is asking all customers to reduce total water use (indoor and outdoor) by at least 20%. This conservation effort will help maintain reservoir levels and may prevent the need for stricter restrictions later this summer.
Stage 1 Drought: Restrictions
- Keep automatic sprinkler systems OFF until mid‑ to late May, or later depending on spring weather.
- Hand‑water trees and shrubs, if needed, during the spring.
- Customers must follow their assigned watering days. Lawns may be watered no more than two days per week.
- Lawn watering is only allowed before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Restrictions apply through October 1
| 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). — Non-residential, large irrigation customers may be eligible for our 2026 Water Budget Program. | Tuesday and Friday |
Watering outside of your assigned days or hours is a violation and may result in enforcement action.
Summer Watering Rules
These rules apply every summer, regardless of drought conditions:
- 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 within 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.
Denver Water’s approach is education focused, but repeat violations may result in fines and additional action.
Single-family residential customers
- First violation: Warning
- Second: $250
- Third: $500
- Report online or;
- Call 303-893-2444.
Before reporting water waste at parks, schools or golf courses …
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.
Use the link below to visit Denver Waters Outdoor Water Use page.
Indoor Water Use
Even a small leak can waste a significant amount of water over time. Indoor self-audits are easy to perform and can help you find ways to conserve water and save money!