On August 27, 2026 the Board of Directors adopted Resolution 2026-0827, this is a resolution adopting Denver Water Amended Drought Resolution #002A-2026, in its entirety.

What this means is that implementation of further drought response measures is needed to conserve and manage water resources and protect public health and safety due to the severity of the current drought.

The Board takes the following actions effective on October 1, 2026, through and until further action of the Board:

 

Water Use Restrictions

Irrigation –

·         Grass Watering Restrictions – Watering all grass is prohibited after September 30,2026 unless one of the following written exceptions apply.

  High Traffic, Active Use Area - High-traffic, active-use areas (public parks, school grounds, athletic & playing fields, tee boxes, greens) may only be watered after September 30 pursuant to an approved variance.

  Grass Establishment Variance – Grass Establishment is not allowed after September 30 except under specific circumstances pursuant to an approved variance.

·         Irrigation of Trees, Shrubs, & Perennials – Trees, shrubs, & perennials may not be watered by spray irrigation, but may continue to be watered any day by means of a hand-held hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle or low volume non-spray irrigation.

·         Irrigation of Annuals & Vegetables - Annuals & Vegetables may not be watered by spray irrigation but may continue to be watered any day until the first frost after September 30by means of hand-held hose with automatic shutoff nozzle or low-volume non-spray irrigation.

·         Irrigation System Installation, Operation, & Repair – An irrigation system may be operated for installation, repair, or reasonable maintenance, so long as the system is attended throughout the period of operation and water waste does not occur. All irrigation control systems must be reprogrammed for operation in compliance with this resolution.

 

Washing of Vehicles –

·         Personal Vehicles – At locations other than commercial car washes, washing of personal vehicles must be done using a bucket or a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut off nozzle.

·         Fleet Vehicles – Vehicles in commercial operations or fleets may be washed no more than once a week, unless public health or safety requires more frequent washing.

·         Commercial Car Washes – Commercial car washes shall practice efficient use of water.

 

Washing of Impervious Surfaces –

·         Power Washing by Individuals – Power washing must not occur, except for immediate health or safety reasons.

·         Commercial Power Washing – Commercial enterprises for whom cleaning with water is an essential element of their business may power wash only as necessary, but they must clean without water prior to power washing, use only high-efficiency equipment, and assure that water waste does not occur.

 

Food Establishments –

·         Restaurants & Food Service Operations – Restaurants & catering businesses shall serve water only upon request.

Compliance –

Grass watering after September 30 is an unauthorized use of water and a willful violation of the District water use restrictions and District rules & regulations. Violations will be subject to standard enforcement mechanisms, including but not limited to, administrative fines, progressive penalties, and potential suspension of water service.

 

For more information on the Drought Response please visit the District Website or Denver Water’s website.

 

 

DROUGHT FAQ’S

 

1.    Is the drought really that bad?

Yes. This year's drought is a combination of record-low snowpack over the winter and record-high temperatures during what is traditionally the snowiest month of the year for Colorado. Conditions are significantly worse than past drought years.

 

2.    If I have a well system that I use for irrigation, am I subject to the same drought restrictions?

Customers who have a private well for irrigation and also have a District/Denver Water tap are expected to comply with District & Denver Water regulations, including all applicable drought restrictions.

While the use of water from a private well is not under the District’s direct control, all property owners subject to this rule shall strictly comply with any and all drought declarations, stage restrictions, watering schedules, and conservation measures enacted by the District. Properties using wells for irrigation should also display prominent signage indicating that the water is not supplied by the District or Denver Water.

 

3.    Can HOAs fine members for not having green lawns?

HOAs cannot penalize homeowners for failing to water their lawns if the homeowners are acting in compliance with our drought restrictions. See C.R.S. § 37-60-126 (11)(c)(1). Please note that if asked, the District and/or Denver Water cannot provide legal advice to customers, and anyone seeking guidance on this statute should seek independent legal counsel.

The statute reads:

“No enforcement action shall require that a unit owner water in violation of water use restrictions declared by the jurisdiction in which the common interest community is located, in which case the unit owner shall water his or her landscaping appropriately but not in excess of any watering restrictions imposed by the water provider for the common interest community.”

 

4.    How do I conserve water?

Here are some actions you can take to meet the 20% reduction requested from customers:

 

·         Sign up for EyeOnWater to help you track your indoor & outdoor water use.

·         Visit Denver Water’s website for resources on how to save water and for the latest tips and guidance.

·         Consider remodeling your yard for drought with water-wise ColoradoScape options.