Beginning October 1, 2026, Denver Water customers must stop watering all grass and discontinue the use of spray irrigation systems. Unlike the typical end of the summer watering season, this year’s October 1 deadline is mandatory and is part of Denver Water’s response to worsening drought conditions across the region.
For commercial properties, HOAs, offices and community spaces, the new Denver Water restrictions require careful planning. Conserving water is essential, but so is protecting the trees, shrubs and other plants that represent a significant investment in a property’s appearance, function and long-term value.
What Denver Water Restrictions Change on October 1
Denver Water remains under Stage 1 drought restrictions and is asking customers to reduce their overall water use by at least 20%.
Effective October 1, 2026:
- Watering any type of grass is prohibited, including hand-watering.
- Spray irrigation systems may not be used to water lawns, trees, shrubs or planting beds.
- Trees, shrubs and perennials may be watered as needed with a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle or with low-volume, non-spray irrigation, such as drip irrigation.
- Annual flowers and vegetable gardens may be watered using these approved methods until the first frost.
- New landscape establishment and certain active-use turf areas may require an approved permit, variance or Denver Water water budget.
Irrigation systems may still be operated briefly for installation, repairs or reasonable maintenance when the system is attended and water waste does not occur.
Denver Water has also stated that the lawn-watering ban will remain in effect until the Board of Water Commissioners determines when watering may resume. Property owners and managers should not assume irrigation systems can automatically be turned back on in spring 2027.
Why Protecting Your Landscape Investment Still Matters
Landscapes are an important part of a property’s value and identity. Healthy trees provide shade, help cool buildings and paved areas, and contribute to the character of a community. Shrubs and perennial beds create structure, color and curb appeal.
These living assets often take years to mature and can be costly to replace if they are lost to drought stress.
While established turf may enter dormancy and lose its green color without water, trees and shrubs, especially young, newly planted or already stressed plants, may suffer lasting damage when dry conditions continue into fall and winter.
Drought stress can weaken plants, increase their vulnerability to insects and disease, and affect their health for years.
Thoughtful, targeted watering can help protect the most valuable parts of the landscape without wasting water. The goal is not to keep every area looking lush during a historic drought. Rather, it is to use water responsibly where it can make the greatest long-term difference.
How Keesen Can Help During the Watering Restrictions
Keesen Landscape offers hand-watering services for eligible plant material, including trees, shrubs, perennials and seasonal flowers. Our teams can focus water where it is most needed while following Denver Water’s approved watering methods and current restrictions.
This service can be especially valuable for:
- Newly planted or young trees and shrubs
- High-value or prominent landscape areas
- Plants showing signs of drought stress
- Sites without functioning drip irrigation
- Properties that need ongoing monitoring and targeted care
We can work with property managers and HOA boards to prioritize plant material based on age, condition, visibility and replacement value.
This targeted approach supports water conservation while helping preserve the landscape investment that contributes to a property’s appearance and the pride people feel in their community.
Plan Before the October 1 Restrictions Begin
Before September 30, property teams should:
- Confirm that turf receives appropriate watering on its assigned days.
- Inspect irrigation systems for leaks or inefficient coverage.
- Identify trees and shrubs that may need supplemental care after spray irrigation is shut down.
- Determine which plants and landscape areas should receive priority.
- Schedule hand-watering services where they will provide the greatest benefit.
Planning early will help property teams use the remaining watering period responsibly and prepare for ongoing landscape care after spray irrigation ends.
These restrictions apply to properties served by Denver Water. Requirements may differ for properties served by other water providers, using recycled water or operating under an approved water budget or variance. Always confirm the rules that apply to your specific property.
By working together, we can respond responsibly to Colorado’s drought, protect valuable landscapes and continue creating properties and communities people are proud to call their own.
To discuss a hand-watering plan for your property, contact your Keesen Landscape representative.
Information is based on Denver Water guidance available August 27, 2026. Because drought requirements may change, visit Denver Water’s drought information page for the latest rules and updates.