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Denver Water Drought Restrictions: Water-Wise Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners

Denver Water’s drought restrictions and outdoor watering rules have many homeowners searching for ways to reduce water use, maintain their yards and plan more sustainable landscaping projects.

If your lawn has been looking a little different this summer, you’re not the only one thinking about water. Denver Water declared a Stage 1 drought in March 2026 and introduced mandatory outdoor watering restrictions for its customers. Temporary drought pricing was also added to higher levels of residential water use.

For Denver homeowners, these changes may be a good reason to consider water-wise landscaping, drought-tolerant plants and more efficient irrigation.

What are Denver Water’s drought restrictions?

Denver Water’s Stage 1 drought declaration includes restrictions on outdoor watering for its customers. During the watering season, residential customers are limited to watering outdoors two days per week.

Denver Water also added temporary drought charges to higher tiers of residential water use. These charges apply to Tier 2 and Tier 3 usage, while essential indoor Tier 1 use is exempt.

Because Denver Water’s rules apply specifically to its customers, homeowners in other parts of the Denver metro area should check with their local water provider for current drought restrictions, watering schedules and rates.

Why consider water-wise landscaping in Denver?

Traditional Kentucky bluegrass lawns can require significant water to stay green during Colorado’s hot, dry summers. Water-wise landscaping can help homeowners reduce outdoor water use while creating a yard that is better suited to Denver’s climate.

Water-wise landscaping may include:

  • Replacing portions of grass with native or drought-tolerant plants
  • Adding mulch or low-water groundcover
  • Installing drip irrigation
  • Updating an older sprinkler system
  • Adjusting sprinkler heads and watering zones
  • Creating garden areas that require less water
  • Improving drainage or grading
  • Reducing the amount of turfgrass in your yard

You do not necessarily have to replace your entire lawn. Starting with one section of your yard can be a practical way to test water-wise landscaping and gradually reduce the amount of grass you need to maintain.

How much water can a water-wise garden save?

Denver Water offers resources to help homeowners plan water-efficient landscaping. Through its partnership with Resource Central, the Garden In A Box program provides professionally designed garden kits featuring water-wise plants.

Denver Water estimates that converting an area of Kentucky bluegrass to one of these water-wise gardens can save at least 7,000 gallons of water over the garden’s lifetime.

Potential water savings depend on factors such as the size of the project, plant selection, irrigation system, soil conditions and how the landscape is maintained. Homeowners should review current program details, eligibility requirements and available rebates directly with Denver Water or their local water provider.

How much does water-wise landscaping cost?

Water-wise landscaping costs vary widely depending on the size and scope of the project.

Expenses may include:

  • Native or drought-tolerant plants
  • Landscape design
  • Soil preparation
  • Mulch or groundcover
  • Irrigation repairs or replacement
  • Drip irrigation
  • Hardscaping
  • Drainage or grading work
  • Professional installation
  • Ongoing maintenance

A smaller project may be manageable with savings. Larger renovations can require more planning, especially when landscaping, irrigation and hardscaping are completed in stages.

Before starting, consider creating a project budget that includes both installation costs and future maintenance. You may also want to compare contractor estimates, research available water-saving programs and determine which improvements are most important for your home.

Can a HELOC help pay for landscaping?

A Home Equity Line of Credit, commonly called a HELOC, is one financing option homeowners may consider for a larger landscaping or home improvement project.

A HELOC allows qualified homeowners to borrow against some of the equity they have built in their home. Unlike a traditional loan that provides one lump sum, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit. During the draw period, borrowers can access available funds as needed, up to their approved credit limit.

That flexibility may be useful for projects completed in stages. For example, you might pay for landscape design first, update your irrigation system later and purchase plants or materials as the project progresses.

However, a HELOC is secured by your home. Interest rates may be variable, and approval depends on factors such as your home equity, credit history, income, employment and the loan program. Borrowing costs and monthly payments should be considered carefully before applying.

When is the best time to plan a water-wise yard in Denver?

Fall can be a useful time to begin planning a water-wise landscaping project for the following spring.

During the fall and winter, you can:

  • Review Denver Water’s current watering rules
  • Research native and drought-tolerant plants
  • Measure the areas you want to change
  • Compare landscaping and irrigation estimates
  • Look for available rebates or conservation programs
  • Create a project budget
  • Explore financing options
  • Decide whether to complete the project all at once or in stages

Planning ahead may give you more time to compare options before the next outdoor watering season begins.

Frequently asked questions about Denver Water drought restrictions

Is Denver currently in a drought?

Denver Water declared a Stage 1 drought in March 2026. Drought conditions and restrictions can change, so homeowners should check Denver Water’s website for the latest updates.

How often can Denver Water customers water their lawns?

Denver Water customers are limited to outdoor watering two days per week during the applicable watering season. Watering schedules and restrictions may vary by address or customer type.

Do Denver Water drought restrictions apply to all Denver metro residents?

No. Denver Water’s restrictions apply to its customers. Other communities in the Denver metro area may be served by different water providers with their own rules, schedules and rates.

What is water-wise landscaping?

Water-wise landscaping uses plants, irrigation methods and landscape designs that require less water than a traditional high-water lawn. It may include native plants, drought-tolerant plants, mulch, drip irrigation and reduced turfgrass.

Can replacing grass reduce water use?

Replacing some grass with water-wise plants or other low-water landscaping may reduce outdoor water use. Actual savings depend on the size of the area, plant selection, irrigation practices and maintenance.

What is a HELOC?

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by the equity in your home. Qualified homeowners can generally access funds during a draw period, up to an approved credit limit. A HELOC may be used for eligible home improvement projects, including landscaping and irrigation, subject to loan terms and approval.

Plan your Denver landscaping project

Denver’s drought restrictions may have you thinking differently about your lawn, irrigation system and outdoor space. Whether you start with a small garden area or plan a larger landscaping renovation, water-wise improvements can help you create a yard that is better suited to Colorado’s climate.

If financing is part of your plan, a Zing HELOC may provide qualified homeowners with flexible access to funds using the equity they have built in their home.

Learn more about Zing HELOCs

NMLS #441717

All loans are subject to credit and collateral approval, as well as income verification and employment verification. HELOCs only available on primary dwellings. Not available on rental or investment properties. Max line of credit is $250,000. Property must be in Colorado.

Federally insured by NCUA.

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