Sprinkler watering bright green grass.

Watering Wisely During Drought Conditions

Posted on May 26, 2026

As Colorado continues to experience warmer temperatures, below-average snowpack, and ongoing drought conditions, water conservation remains more important than ever. In March 2026, Denver Water declared a Stage 1 Drought and implemented mandatory watering restrictions across the metro area, including district customers.

The goal is to reduce overall water use by 20% and help preserve water supplies for the months ahead.

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

Trees, shrubs, flower beds, and vegetable gardens may still be watered using drip irrigation or a hand-held hose during allowed hours.

Lawns are often a household’s largest water consumer. By making sure your sprinkler system is running efficiently and only giving your lawn the water it needs, you can have a healthy lawn while cutting down on your water consumption. Find out more on watering during a drought on Denver Water’ website.

By working together and using water wisely, district customers can help preserve water supplies, protect our environment, and reduce the need for stricter restrictions later this summer.