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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Denver officials have enacted mandatory water restrictions for the first time since 2013 after the Colorado capital's Board of Water Commissioners declared a Stage 1 drought on Wednesday morning, citing historically low snowpack and severe drought conditions.
The Mile High City's Stage 1 drought declaration underscores the severity of the water crisis, following an exceptionally warm, dry winter that left snowpack at historic lows and reservoirs below normal capacity. The move is necessary to protect limited supplies and avoid harsher restrictions later in the year. The emergency measure, which seeks an immediate 20 percent reduction in water use, marks the city’s most significant conservation action in more than a decade.
In the coming months, the restrictions could cause water bills to rise.
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"In response to historic dry conditions across the region, Denver Water has implemented Stage 1 drought restrictions and is exploring drought charges that would place a temporary premium on higher-volume water use while keeping the cost per gallon for essential indoor water use, such as drinking, cooking and bathing — unchanged," a Denver Water spokesperson told Newsweek.
"While no final decisions have been made, Denver Water is preparing now to ensure it can respond effectively if conditions warrant — protecting affordability for essential water use, encouraging conservation, and maintaining the financial health of the water collection, treatment, and delivery system as the region heads into the summer months."
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What Water Restrictions Were Imposed in Denver?
Under the Stage 1 drought declaration, Denver Water is implementing mandatory limits on outdoor watering across the region. Single-family homes are restricted to watering lawns just two days per week on assigned schedules, while multifamily buildings, commercial properties, homeowners' associations and government sites may water only on Tuesdays and Fridays. All customers must follow summer watering rules, including avoiding irrigation during the hottest hours of the day, preventing runoff, fixing leaks within 10 days and refraining from watering during rainfall or high winds.
Officials say automatic sprinkler systems should remain off until at least mid‑ to late-May due to the warm, dry winter and exceptionally low snowpack that failed to replenish the system. Occasional hand-watering for trees and shrubs is permitted in the meantime.
How Denver Water Customers' Water Bills Could Change
Denver Water will enforce the water restrictions and is developing plans to do so. Customers were encouraged to report water waste with an online form on the utility's website.
Drought pricing also has been proposed, which would "place a premium on higher-volume outdoor water use, while keeping the cost per gallon for essential indoor water use, such as for drinking, cooking and bathing, unchanged," the press release said. "Information about drought pricing and enforcement will be shared in the coming weeks."
Who Is Affected by Denver Water Restrictions?
The restrictions apply to all 1.5 million people served by Denver Water, extending beyond city limits to the entire regional customer base. The limits affect residences, businesses, restaurants, hotels, parks, car washes and other facilities that rely on Denver Water's system. Officials warn that without swift conservation efforts, deeper restrictions could be necessary during the summer if drought conditions continue.
Update 3/25/26, 5:42 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Denver Water.
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