Lawn watering and spray irrigation must stop beginning October 1, 2026, except as permitted below.

As drought conditions worsen, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners has amended its Stage 1 drought restrictions to formally end the lawn watering season on October 1.

By contract, North Washington Street Water and Sanitation District and its customers are required to follow Denver Water’s watering restrictions.

Beginning October 1

The following rules apply after September 30:

• High-traffic, active-use grass areas, such as parks and school fields, may be watered only under a Denver Water-approved water budget or variance.
• Recycled water users may continue to irrigate any day of the week while following standard watering rules.
• Trees, shrubs and perennials may be watered any day with a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation, such as a drip system. Spray irrigation is not permitted.
• Annuals and vegetables may be watered any day until the first frost with a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation. Spray irrigation is not permitted.
• Grass establishment is not allowed except under special circumstances outlined in an approved variance.
• Irrigation systems may be operated for installation, repair or reasonable maintenance, provided someone attends the system throughout its operation and no water is wasted.

The lawn watering ban includes hand-watering grass and remains in effect until the board authorizes watering to resume. Sprinklers must remain off in spring 2027 until an official resolution permits their use. Read Denver Water’s announcement for additional details.

Watering schedule through September 30

Customers may water no more than two days per week on their assigned days:

• Single-family homes with even-numbered addresses: Sunday and Thursday only.
• Single-family homes with odd-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Saturday only.
• All other customers, including multifamily properties, commercial properties, HOAs and government properties: Tuesday and Friday only.

Customers must also follow these watering rules:

• Water only between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
• Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets or alleys.
• Do not waste water by letting sprinklers spray concrete or 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.