waterbycounty

Last checked May 13, 2026

Denver Water Restrictions

Current watering rules, allowed hours, official source links, and a compliant lawn-watering setup for Denver homeowners.

Current status

Stage 1 Drought

Last checked May 13, 2026

Denver Water has declared a Stage 1 drought and is enforcing two assigned outdoor watering days per week, with watering only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Outdoor watering

Two assigned days per week: even-numbered single-family addresses Sunday and Thursday; odd-numbered single-family addresses Wednesday and Saturday; all others Tuesday and Friday.

Allowed hours

Before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Hand watering

Allowed where official rules permit

Drip or soaker irrigation

Allowed where official rules permit

Assigned days

Required; see the official schedule

Official source

Denver Water

Current Denver Watering Rules

Based on the official sources we reviewed, these are the published outdoor watering rules for Denver Water. Confirm the current status with the official source before watering, especially during drought stages or emergency conditions.

What You Can Usually Do

  • Water on the published schedule: Two assigned days per week: even-numbered single-family addresses Sunday and Thursday; odd-numbered single-family addresses Wednesday and Saturday; all others Tuesday and Friday.
  • Use cooler hours: Before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
  • Hand water where the official rules allow it, using a shut-off nozzle.
  • Use drip or soaker watering for beds, shrubs, or trees when the official source allows it.
  • New native grass seed may receive up to eight weeks of temporary allowance; new sod, trees, or shrubs may receive up to three weeks with a watering establishment permit.

What to Avoid

  • Keep water off pavement, sidewalks, and streets.
  • Fix leaking or broken sprinkler systems within 10 days.
  • Personal vehicles may be washed any day using a bucket or a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
  • Repeated single-family residential violations can result in charges after an initial warning.
  • Denver Water lists warning, $250, $500, and $1,000 steps for repeated single-family residential violations.

Recommended Compliant Watering Setup for Denver

These tools are matched to verified rule conditions such as time-of-day windows, assigned watering days, runoff prevention, hand-watering nozzle requirements, and leak repair. They do not replace the official rules.

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Watering windows

Basic Hose Timer

Product research required

A hose timer can help homeowners water during allowed morning or evening windows without leaving the hose running.

Why it fits

A hose timer helps hit the allowed watering window without leaving a sprinkler running.

timer Type
mechanical or digital
requires Wifi
false
zones
1

Pros

  • Helps avoid accidentally watering outside allowed hours
  • Works with standard hose-end sprinklers

Watch-outs

  • Does not verify city watering days
  • May need manual changes when restrictions change

Amazon product research is still in progress for this recommendation.

Two-day schedules

Oscillating Sprinkler for Small and Medium Lawns

Product research required

An even-coverage hose-end sprinkler can help homeowners make limited watering days count.

Why it fits

Even coverage helps make limited watering days count without soaking one area too long.

pattern
oscillating
coverage
research required

Pros

  • Good fit for many suburban lawns
  • Pairs well with a hose timer

Watch-outs

  • Can cause runoff if left too long
  • Wind can reduce coverage accuracy

Amazon product research is still in progress for this recommendation.

Runoff prevention

Soil Moisture Meter for Lawn Watering

Product research required

A soil moisture meter can help homeowners avoid watering when the soil already has enough moisture.

Why it fits

A soil moisture meter helps avoid watering when the root zone is already damp.

battery Required
research required
probe Type
research required

Pros

  • Helps avoid unnecessary watering
  • Useful after rain

Watch-outs

  • Does not replace official watering rules
  • Readings vary by soil type

Amazon product research is still in progress for this recommendation.

Beds and shrubs

Drip Irrigation Starter Kit

Product research required

A drip kit can deliver low-volume water to beds, shrubs, and trees when local rules allow drip irrigation.

Why it fits

Drip irrigation targets beds, shrubs, and gardens with less evaporation than spray irrigation.

layout
starter kit
best Use
beds and shrubs

Pros

  • Targets root zones
  • Reduces overspray

Watch-outs

  • Requires setup and periodic checks
  • Rules can vary by provider

Amazon product research is still in progress for this recommendation.

Shrubs

Soaker Hose for Beds and Shrubs

Product research required

A soaker hose waters slowly at soil level and can help keep shrubs and beds alive with less runoff.

Why it fits

A soaker hose keeps water low and slow around beds, shrubs, and young trees.

flow
low-volume
best Use
non-turf landscape

Pros

  • Easy to reposition
  • Simple fit for beds and shrubs

Watch-outs

  • Not ideal for broad turf
  • Can clog or kink over time

Amazon product research is still in progress for this recommendation.

A Simple Watering Plan for Denver

  1. Confirm your official watering days or schedule symbol before setting any timer.
  2. Water during the allowed cooler window listed by your provider.
  3. Use short cycle-and-soak runs if water starts to pool or reach pavement.
  4. Skip or shorten watering after rain, high wind, or when soil is already damp.
  5. Repair leaking hoses, sprinkler heads, and overspray before the next watering day.

Official Sources

Related Pages

Colorado water restrictionsDenver County water qualityWater Restriction Lawn Survival KitBest Hose Timers for Water RestrictionsBest Sprinklers for Water Restrictions

Denver Water Restrictions FAQ

Can I water my lawn in Denver today?

Check the current status card and the official Denver Water source. Some rules depend on assigned days, address type, or current drought stage.

What time of day can I water in Denver?

Use the allowed-hours summary above and confirm with the official source before watering. Time-of-day rules often change during seasonal or drought conditions.

Can I use a hose-end sprinkler in Denver?

A hose-end sprinkler should follow the same official day and time limits that apply to outdoor sprinkler watering unless your provider says otherwise.

Are drip irrigation and soaker hoses allowed in Denver?

Many providers treat low-volume watering differently from turf sprinklers, but permission varies. Check the status card and official source before using drip or soaker systems.

What happens if water runs onto the sidewalk or street?

Most city rules treat runoff as water waste. Shorter cycle-and-soak sessions, repaired sprinkler heads, and better sprinkler placement can help reduce runoff.

Nearby Verified City Rules

Aurora

Stage 1 Drought

Boulder

Drought Watch

Castle Rock

Mandatory Summer Schedule

Colorado Springs

Water Wise Rules