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Water Shortage Preparation

We’re facing drought conditions across Colorado, especially in our mountain watersheds.

Our water system is designed with drought in mind. Our extensive reservoir storage system has enough supply to help us get through. However, with less than half our normal water yield expected from our mountain watersheds this year, we could use those supplies quickly.

With Utilities Board approval on March 18, 2026, we entered Water Shortage Preparation, a preliminary stage of the city’s Water Shortage Ordinance. This means that our current water restrictions—the Water Wise Rules—continue, with no more than three days per week watering and no watering allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Additionally, Water Shortage Preparation encourages everyone to work together to increase our water efficiency and help stretch our storage supplies.

Our customers already do a great job of using water wisely. This year, we’re asking you to consider additional ways to reduce water use. Small actions can really add up in terms of water savings—with the additional benefit of lowering your water bill.

Our top tips to save water

Water Wise Rules Mascot Dewey, an animated water droplet with shoes, stands near a pop up sprinkler spraying water on a green lawn.

Follow the Water Wise Rules

The rules are in place year-round, with time-of-day watering in effect May 1-Oct. 15 to reduce evaporation loss.

Learn more
A broken sprinkler nozzle shoots water into the air on a green lawn.

Fix leaks promptly

Leaks are a major cause of water waste. Learn how to check for leaks in your home and outside in the link below.

Find and fix water leaks
A person holds their phone with the screen visible. It shows a usage graph of blue lines in a bar chart, indicating water usage information and a red line that shows temperature.

Monitor your use

Check your water usage patterns on My Account and look for changes over time, which could indicate a leak.

Log in to My Account
A garden sprinkler in operation, spraying water in multiple streams over various plants and a ground cover of small rocks or gravel.

Review your sprinkler schedule

Water up to three days a week. Complete your full cycle-and-soak schedule once per watering day, either before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., so enough water reaches the roots.

More information
Silver showerhead spraying a wide fan of water in a shower  enclosure.

Upgrade your indoor fixtures

Install efficient toilets, shower heads, faucet aerators and hot water shower shutoffs. We offer rebates and replacement programs to help.

Browse rebates and programs
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Transition your landscape

Consider Water Wise plants, trees and native grasses. Explore landscape demonstrations, programs, and resources at the Conservation Center.

More information