DENVER — Denver Water has enacted Stage 1 drought restrictions for all customers across the service area, effective immediately.
The Denver Water board approved the plan Wednesday morning, aiming to cut water use by 20% due to worsening drought. They warned that this year's low snowpack could impact supply.
In the video player below, Denver7 reporter Maggie Bryan breaks down what you need to know.
What does a Stage 1 drought declaration look like for you?
This summer, customers in single-family residential properties may water no more than two days per week and must follow a set schedule:
- Addresses ending in even numbers: Sunday and Thursday.
- Addresses ending in odd numbers: Wednesday and Saturday.
All other customers, including multifamily properties, commercial properties, homeowners associations, and government properties, may water only on Tuesdays and Fridays.
In addition, customers must follow Denver Water’s annual summer watering rules:
- Water only during cooler times of the day, between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
- 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.
Restrictions are in place across Denver Water's service area, shown in the map below.
Additionally, Denver Water is strongly urging customers to delay watering lawns until at least mid-May. The restrictions will remain in place through April of next year.
Denver Water has three levels of mandatory restrictions in its drought management plan, with Stage 3 being the most restrictive.
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This is the first time a level of restriction this high has been in place since 2013, according to Denver Water. Other areas, such as Thornton, Erie, and the mountain communities of Fairplay, Bailey, and Shawnee, are also under restrictions.
The move comes as drought conditions deepen across Colorado.
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Denver Water warns that snowpack levels in both the South Platte and Colorado River basins have plunged to historic lows, and supply reservoirs are only at 80% capacity, which is below the historic median for storage at this time of year.
Those numbers help explain why the utility is acting now, adding that its drought response aims to protect landscapes and ensure enough water for public health, safety, and the region’s economy.
Irene Andress, a Denver resident, said she believes the water restrictions are a responsible move. She recently started a low-water landscape in her backyard by removing turf and planting buffalo grass and blue grama grass instead.
"We wanted to lower our carbon footprint. Basically, we try to do that in everything that we do," said Andress. "I think it's something we have to do. Everybody has to become more conscious about our resources."
Large water users are also preparing for changes. Denver Water said all customers are being asked to cut water by 20%, including commercial businesses. A spokesperson for the utility said staff will be bringing recommendations on drought pricing to board members on April 8, which would ultimately send a price signal on higher water use. Commercial and industrial customers can avoid that premium by finding efficiencies and reducing water use.
Denver International Airport has implemented several water-saving measures in recent years.
A DIA spokesperson reported that improvements in restrooms and low-flow fixtures reduced annual water use by 25% from 2022 to 2024, despite a 19% increase in passenger traffic.
The airport will implement irrigation restrictions soon.
“Denver Water has not communicated specific restrictions that will impact the airport's day-to-day operations. DEN has a small irrigation system at our Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station 1 that will be put on restrictions,” a DIA spokesperson said.
Other businesses are also bracing for the ripple effects.
Hello Deluxe Car Wash manager Chris Heckle said the business uses 80% recycled water and recently made additional water-saving changes.
“We did reduce the amount of chemicals we're putting on cars, so we are putting them on a little bit later and turning them off a little bit sooner just to conserve that water,” Heckle said. “But when we do let our customers clean their mats, they're using fresh water, so we would ask them to use less."
NEW: Denver Water Board has unanimously approved a Stage 1 Drought Declaration.
— Maggie Bryan Denver7 (@MaggieB_TV) March 25, 2026
What this means:
-Lawn watering limited to two days per week (instead of three)
-Wait until mid to late May to begin outdoor watering
-Restaurants can only serve water upon request@DenverChannel
With restrictions now in place, the utility hopes early action will prevent deeper cuts later.
City Floral gardening center in Denver, which grows and sells plants, said it has always worked to conserve water by hand watering instead of using automated sprinklers. General Manager Trela Phelps said using mulch on top of soil can help retain water throughout the water restrictions. She said the business' inventory has shifted to include more drought-resistant plants as science advances.
"Now there's been a lot of changes in genetics in plants... and it's for the best on a lot of things, you know, they're stronger, they can tolerate heat. And so I think the plants are in better quality now," said Phelps.
Denver Water said violating Stage 1 Drought restrictions as a single-family residential customer will land you a warning on the first violation, a $250 fine on the second warning, and a $500 fine on the third violation. A spokesperson for Denver Water said officials are developing an enforcement approach ahead of irrigation season in late May, but will rely on some personnel in the field and online reports from the public.
