Posted July 21, 2026

As Smart Irrigation Month continues, the district would like to remind customers that Denver Water's mandatory drought restrictions and annual Summer Watering Rules are in effect. 

Mandatory outdoor watering is restricted to two days per week on assigned days and only allowed before 10 am or after 6 pm.

• Water only on your two assigned watering days.
• Water only during cooler hours — before 10 am or after 6 pm.
• Don’t water during rain or high winds.
• Fix leaking or broken sprinkler systems within 10 days.
• Keep water off of pavement, sidewalks and streets.
• Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when hand-watering or washing your car. 

During a drought, making every drop count matters more than ever. It's possible to have a yard when following the mandatory restrictions. On Denver Water's website, you can find helpful tips on watering and using the cycle-and-soak method. Instead of running a sprinkler zone all at once, the cycle-and-soak method breaks total watering time into two or three shorter segments with rest time. 

Public parks and other large irrigators are required to reduce use by 20% but their watering schedules may be different than other customers. You can report water waste you observe at denverwater.org/reportwaste.  The link will also help you determine whether an area is operating under Denver Water approved water budgets or not. 

This summer, make every drop count and remember: Use Only What You Need!