Denver Homeowners Stoked About Decline to Stage 1 Drought Conditions!

Living in the Front Range of Colorado means you get to enjoy some of the most beautiful weather the country has to offer, not to mention endless opportunities of outdoor fun.  Boasting over 300 days of sunshine, it’s no wonder why communities in and around Denver are so popular for homebuyers.  It is also no wonder why, during the driest months of the year the majority of Denver’s suburbs are under strict drought conditions.  

Typically in Colorado our wettest months come in the form of spring snow and hail showers, which if we are lucky, makes for a lush green spring and early summer.  However, during the scorching months of the summer, Colorado’s landscape dries out, significantly turning much of the green to brown. As a result, come mid-June and early July we are usually in one drought stage or another depending on the status of our reservoirs and snowmelt.  Of course, with strict watering restrictions in place, most lawns feel the wrath of Mother Nature while tons of Denver property owners get to deal with trying to revive a dead lawn. The good news is, the Denver Water Administration has officially declared a drop in our drought status from Stage 2 to Stage 1, which means homeowners all over Denver County are getting their water on!

Back in the beginning of April, Denver Water supply mandated Stage 2 drought restrictions, but by the end of June our situation was downgraded to a Stage 1.  The new classification allows homeowners living within Denver County to water their lawns up to three times a week as opposed to two. Although set watering days are mandated, Denver homeowners must adhere to Denver Water’s annual watering rules.  These rules and guidelines are enforced in Denver County and do carry fines if not followed. 

Getting to Know Denver’s Drought Stages

• Stage 1 – Tells consumers that water supplies are below average and they are asked to voluntarily reduce their water use.

• Stage 2 – Mandates water use restrictions and initiates a surcharge program aimed at encouraging people to use less. Offenders of Stage 2 drought restrictions can be subject to additional penalties, an installment of a flow restrictor or suspension of water service for a given time.

• Stage 3 – Mandatory water restrictions are strictly enforced. This stage typically coincides with significant amounts of landscape damage and high fire risks. Violators of Stage 3 drought rules are subject increasingly higher penalties, in addition to flow restrictions and service suspension.

• Stage 4 – Implements a strict water rotation program for the duration of the crisis. 

Using Denver’s watering chart to set your sprinkler’s timers in accordance to their guidelines is the best way for homeowners to make sure they follow the current watering rules for their area.  According to the Denver Water Administration’s website, watering is not permitted regardless of stage declaration between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm due to significant water loss by evaporation. Enforceable violations include wasting water by allowing it to pool in your home’s gutters, allowing it to continually spray concrete and asphalt, and a broken or leaking sprinkler in excess of 10 days. 

There are two main exceptions to the drought stage rules like watering vegetable gardens and the Denver Water’s new plant exemption. These new exemptions have been made with the clear understanding that real estate owners invest significant amounts of money into landscaping and gardening, and rely on them to retain their value. 

The following exemption requirements must be met before contacting Denver Water in order to receive your exemption sign.

• Area must be greater than 250 square feet.

• Soil has been “amended with compost and prepared.”

• Efficient irrigation system is in place and “best practices” are being used.

Denver Water also allows residents with new landscaping, such as turf sod, to water using an overhead spray for up to 21 consecutive days. Likewise new turf seed can receive 30 consecutive days of watering.  If you believe you qualify for a watering exemption, you are advised to contact the Denver Water’s customer care line within 48 hours of planting. 

Denver Water Conservation Video