Denver Water’s Annual Summer Watering Rules will be in effect starting May 1 through October 1.
The watering rules incorporate best practices for efficient outdoor water use that will help keep your landscape healthy. It’s a simple way for you to help protect our water supply now and in the future.
- Water during cooler times of the day — lawn watering is NOT allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Water no more than three days per week.
- Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
- Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
- Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
- Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.
- Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car.
The chart below is a starting point for the number of minutes to water each sprinkler zone on the days you determine watering is needed. These times are averages. Adjust your watering minutes based on rainfall, type of grass or plants, sunny or shady locations and other characteristics.
Watering two days a week should be sufficient during most of the summer. If needed, water a third day during extreme heat or dry periods. Water trees and shrubs as needed, but not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Shrubs and perennials need half as much water as lawns.
Lawn watering times by month and sprinkler type
Minutes to water per zone based on sprinkler type| Watering months | Fixed spray heads | Rotor heads | Rotary/high-efficiency nozzles | Manual sprinklers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January - April | Water trees/shrubs as needed | |||
| May | 12 | 24 | 30 | 18 |
| June | 17 | 35 | 43 | 26 |
| July | 18 | 36 | 45 | 27 |
| August | 14 | 27 | 34 | 20 |
| September | 11 | 23 | 28 | 17 |
| October - December | Water trees/shrubs as needed | |||
The above information and watering times were provided by Denver Water.
Wait to Irrigate!
It is still early in the season to turn on automatic sprinklers. There is still the possibility of freezing temperatures that can ruin your sprinkler system if turned on too early, as well as the possibility of late spring/early summer snowfall. Irrigate your lawn using a hose and nozzle until the hotter summer months approach. Now is a great time to aerate!