Colorado continues to face significant drought conditions following an exceptionally dry winter, record-low snowpack and a hot, dry summer. As of early September, drought and abnormal dryness still cover nearly 90% of Colorado.

Denver Water reports that its collection system experienced its lowest April-through-July streamflow in 110 years of recordkeeping—just 22% of normal. Reservoir storage also remains well below average, at about 71% full at the end of August compared with a historic average of 93% for that time of year.

Because of these conditions, Denver Water remains under a Stage 1 drought declaration, which includes mandatory outdoor watering restrictions and a goal of reducing overall water use by 20%. Customers should continue following the assigned watering schedules and watering only during permitted hours through Sept. 30.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, lawn watering and irrigation will be prohibited under Denver Water's amended drought restrictions. Trees, shrubs, gardens and other plants may still be watered by hand when needed.

While the temperatures will eventually cool, the need to conserve water doesn't end with summer. Colorado's water supplies depend heavily on winter snowpack and spring runoff, and the effects of this year's exceptionally dry conditions will continue into the coming months. Every gallon saved now helps protect our available supplies and prepare for the next water year.