What Homeowners Need to Know Before Summer Watering Starts
Jennifer Trinco
I’m a proud fourth-generation Colorado native, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather live...
I’m a proud fourth-generation Colorado native, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather live...
With 2026 snowpack at record lows, Denver Water on March 25, 2026, declared a Stage 1 drought, seeking a 20% reduction in water use and mandatory two-days-per-week outdoor watering restrictions (read more here). Temporary drought charges have been implemented on outdoor water use , starting with May water use and reflected on June bills, to incentivize customers to save water and help stretch existing water supplies (read more here). Find water-saving tips and stay up to date on drought restrictions at denverwater.org/Conserve.
Summer is coming and it's time to brush up on the details of Denver Water’s annual summer watering rules, which run from May 1 to Oct. 1.
The utility’s summer watering rules have been a regular part of the summer season in the metro area since 2005. And following the watering rules for the lawn are more important than ever as Colorado’s climate warms and the types of landscapes that thrive in our area change.
In this new era, follow the summer watering rules to care for the lawn you use, while mapping where your water-wise, more diverse ColoradoScape can take root and fit naturally into our climate, needing little to no additional water.
The watering rules incorporate best practices for efficient outdoor water use that will help keep your landscape healthy. It's a simple way for you to help protect our water supply now and in the future.
- Water during cooler times of the day — lawn watering is NOT allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Due to the 2026 drought, Denver Water has mandatory watering restrictions of two days per week. (Find your assigned days here.)
- 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.
Lawn watering times
These times are based on a sprinkler system running at an efficient level. Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The chart below is a starting point for the number of minutes to water each sprinkler zone on the days you determine watering is needed. These times are averages. Adjust your watering minutes based on rainfall, type of grass or plants, sunny or shady locations and other characteristics.
Understanding your "zone run times."
Watering two days a week should be sufficient for bluegrass lawns during most of the summer, and during the 2026 drought customers have mandatory two-days-per-week watering restrictions on assigned days. (Read more here.) Water trees and shrubs as needed, but not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. And, water-wise ColoradoScaped shrubs, perennials and native grasses need far less water than bluegrass lawns.
Suggested outdoor cycle-and-soak watering times for bluegrass, ColoradoScapes and native grasses:
TIP: Use “cycle and soak,” or water-rest-water, to help the water you use sink into your lawn.
Planting new landscape seed, sod, trees or native grasses in 2026
Under Denver Water's 2026 drought restrictions, Denver Water customers planting new landscape seed, sod, trees, plants or native grasses may apply for a "Watering Establishment Permit" to water new bluegrass seed, sod, trees or plants up to 3 weeks and new native grass seed up to 8 weeks. Note that watering rules and normal water rates (including drought pricing) still apply.
After the permit expires, the new landscape is subject to all outdoor watering rules, drought restrictions and drought pricing. Your water bill, including your normal water rates and drought pricing, will reflect the water used during the billing period.
Tip: Amending the soil with compost prior to planting will help to establish new plant material more successfully. Denver Water recommends that you till compost into the areas that you are planting. Learn more about the benefits of compost.
To submit your request for a 3-week or 8-week watering exemption, fill out the Watering Establishment Permit Form (available 24/7), chat with us during business hours using the blue chat icon found on the lower right corner of denverwater.org/SummerWatering, or call 303-893-2444.
Please note: Public parks and other large irrigators are required to reduce use by 20%, but their watering schedules may be different from other customers.
If you see water waste in Denver parks (water use that does not meet the rules) call 3-1-1.
To report water waste anywhere else, do one of the following:
- Fill out our Report Water Waste form online (available 24/7).
- Chat with us during business hours using the blue chat icon found on the lower right corner of denverwater.org/SummerWatering.
- Call Denver Water at 303-893-2444.
Be water-aware: Make sure you know the details of Denver Water's outdoor watering rules and drought restrictions.
Summer is coming and it's time to brush up on the details of Denver Water’s annual summer watering rules, which run from May 1 to Oct. 1.
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