Every summer, Denver Water enforces watering restrictions that limit when and how often you can water your lawn. Understanding these rules is essential for keeping your landscape healthy without risking fines or wasting water.
Denver Water's Summer Watering Rules
From June through October (dates vary slightly each year), Denver Water limits residential watering to specific days based on your address. The typical schedule allows watering two to three days per week, and watering is prohibited between 10 AM and 6 PM to reduce evaporation.
How to Water Effectively Within Restrictions
Water Deep, Not Often
The biggest mistake we see is homeowners watering lightly every allowed day instead of deeply on fewer days. Your lawn needs about 1 inch of water per week. Apply half an inch per session on your assigned days, watering early in the morning (5 to 8 AM) for best absorption.
Know Your Soil
Denver's clay soil absorbs water slowly. If you see runoff after 10 to 15 minutes of watering, use cycle-and-soak: run each zone for 10 minutes, wait 30 minutes, then run again. This lets the water penetrate instead of running off.
Adjust by Season
Your lawn needs less water in spring and fall than in July and August. Smart controllers adjust automatically based on weather data. If you're using a basic timer, reduce run times by 30 to 40 percent in spring and fall.
Smart Irrigation Options
Upgrading to a smart irrigation controller is one of the best investments for Denver homeowners. These controllers use local weather data to adjust watering automatically, ensuring compliance with restrictions while optimizing water use. Many Denver-area water utilities offer rebates of $50 to $150 for installing WaterSense-certified controllers.
Xeriscape Exemptions
Properties with established xeriscaping or drip-only irrigation may qualify for modified watering schedules. If you've converted to xeriscape, contact your water provider about adjusted rates and schedules.
Need Help?
Summit Landscaping programs every irrigation system we install or service to comply with Denver's watering restrictions. We also offer irrigation audits to identify waste and optimize your existing system. Contact us for a free consultation.
