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

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. 

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!

• Denver Water Indoor Self-Audit Guide