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Water Wise Rules

Water Wise Rules help us use water responsibly. We live in a semi-arid climate. By following these rules, we can keep our landscapes vibrant and healthy while also being good stewards of our water.

2026: Water shortage preparation

Low snowpack, warmer-than-normal temperatures and faster snowmelt will reduce the amount of water flowing into our system by about half this year.

Efficient use of water will help stretch our current reservoir storage supplies. Let’s work together to use water wisely for the benefit of our community, neighbors, and rivers.

The 6 key Water Wise Rules

1. You may water up to three days a week (Sunday to Saturday). You choose the days.

2. From May 1 to Oct. 15, water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation.

3. Don't let water pool on hard surfaces or flow down gutters.

4. Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.

5. Use a shut-off nozzle when washing anything with a hose.

6. Clean hard surfaces (such as driveways, sidewalks and patios) with water only if there is a public health and safety concern.

Resources for residential & business customers

We're committed to providing our customers with resources to help manage water use efficiently. We offer a variety of resources to help you maintain attractive landscaping.

Residential Business
A decorative grass with shades of orange grows in a landscape
Residential resources

Water Wise plants

Find a plant
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Person adjusting a sprinkler on a lawn next to a sign that reads "Landscape establishment permit."
Residential resources

Establishment permits

Learn more
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Garden spraying water over a garden bed filled with shorter plants and flowers.
Residential resources

Rebates & incentives

Browse rebates
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Person uses a manual push reel lawn mower in a garden with lush grass, shrubs, and trees.
Residential resources

Water Wise landscape tips

Learn more
Read now
Two sprinkler heads spray water on a lush green lawn.
Residential resources

Water allocation plans

Learn more
Read now
Video thumbnail with a play button and a Colorado Springs Utilities logo behind it. Text on the image reads "Smart watering practices for Colorado Springs"
Residential resources

Water Wise webinars

Watch now
Read now
Close-up of sprinklers watering a grassy field with overlapping arcs of water droplets.
“” Business resources

Request an irrigation audit

Learn more
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Person adjusting a sprinkler on a lawn next to a sign that reads "Landscape establishment permit."
“” Business resources

Establishment permits

Learn more
Read now
Well-maintained backyard with higher green grass and a garden with flowers in the background.
“” Business resources

Water Wise landscaping tips

Learn more
Read now
Sprinkler head watering a lawn near a border of rocks and a concrete curb.
“” Business resources

Water allocation plans

Learn more & apply
Read now

Questions & answers

Why do we need Water Wise Rules?

We live in a semi-arid climate where water is a precious resource. As our community continues to grow, building our conservation ethic with Water Wise Rules protects our water supply while saving water for tomorrow.

Colorado Springs Utilities 

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