Conservation
Outdoor Water Use
Stage 1 Drought Restrictions:
Stage 1 drought means Denver Water is asking customers to reduce their total water use (outdoors and indoors) by at least 20%, which will help stretch our water supplies and reduce the likelihood of increasing restrictions next year. As a distributor for Denver Water, Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District must comply with these watering restrictions.
As drought conditions have worsened, on Aug. 26, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners declared a formal end to lawn watering season beginning Oct. 1.
Enforcement of watering restrictions remains in place, and customers in violation of the restrictions are subject to water-waste violations and charges:
- Until Sept. 30: GMWSD will be enforcing mandatory outdoor watering restrictions of two days per week on assigned days, as well as normal summer watering rules.
- Beginning Oct. 1: Watering of grass or use of spray irrigation systems are prohibited and will be subject to water-waste violations and charges. Trees, shrubs and other plants may continue to be watered using a hand-held hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle or low-volume irrigation, such as a drip line.
| Customer type | Assigned watering days |
|---|---|
| Single-family residential: Addresses that end with an even number (including addresses that end in 0). | Sunday and Thursday |
| Single-family residential: Addresses that end with an odd number. | Wednesday and Saturday |
| All others (including multifamily and commercial). | Tuesday and Friday |
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.
- 1st Offense: Verbal warning
- 2nd Offense: Written warning
- 3rd Offense: $100 fine
- 4th Offense: $200 fine
- 5th Offense: Board of Directors review
Residential customers may apply for a 21-day exemption from the two-day-per-week watering schedule for new seed, sod, or planting projects. All other watering rules and standard rates still apply.
To apply, contact Customer Service at 303-985-1581.
For tips on watering your lawn and efficient outdoor water use, visit Denver Water’s website by clicking HERE.
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!