Colorado Springs Watering Rules: Allowed Days, Hours and 2026 Drought Restrictions
Colorado Springs Utilities customers may water lawns with sprinklers up to three days per week, choosing their own days. From May 1 through October 15, sprinkler watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. You must also prevent irrigation runoff, repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days and follow the city’s other Water Wise Rules.
Colorado Springs entered Water Shortage Preparation on March 18, 2026, following unusually low mountain snowpack. This preliminary drought-response stage did not introduce additional mandatory restrictions beyond the existing Water Wise Rules.
Official water conservation information: Colorado Springs Utilities Water Wise Rules
Water conservation questions: 719-448-4800
Latest drought status: Water Supply Watch
Rules reviewed October 23, 2026. Additional drought restrictions can be introduced if water-supply conditions change.
Quick Answer: When Can You Water Your Lawn?
| Question | Colorado Springs Utilities Rule |
|---|---|
| How many days per week? | Maximum three days, Sunday through Saturday. |
| Which days? | You choose the days under normal Water Wise Rules. |
| Allowed sprinkler hours, May 1–Oct. 15 | Before 10 AM or after 6 PM. |
| Restricted hours, May 1–Oct. 15 | 10 AM–6 PM. |
| Hand watering | Allowed at any time with a handheld container or hose fitted with a shut-off nozzle. |
| Drip irrigation | Allowed at any time under the Water Wise Rules. |
| New sod or grass seed | A temporary establishment permit may allow additional sprinkler watering. |
| Leaking sprinklers | Repair or disable within 10 calendar days. |
| Water running into streets | Not permitted. |
| Violation penalty | Written warning for the first observed violation; subsequent violations may result in charges. |
The restrictions are part of Colorado Springs City Code section 12.4.1304. Read the officially published water-waste provisions for legal details.
How to Set a Legal Sprinkler Schedule in 2026
You do not need to request approval simply to choose your three regular watering days. A homeowner with a standard sprinkler system can follow these steps.
- Check for new drought restrictions. Open the official Water Supply Watch and confirm that the regular three-day rules still apply.
- Choose up to three days each week. For example, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. These are example days, not mandatory city-assigned days.
- Set the sprinkler start time. Between May 1 and October 15, select a schedule that finishes before 10 AM or begins after 6 PM.
- Choose morning or evening operation. Use a consistent schedule that waters the landscape efficiently without unnecessary repeat cycles.
- Adjust each irrigation zone. Grass, shrubs and shaded areas may need different runtimes. Reduce the duration of zones where water begins pooling.
- Check the sprinklers while running. Make sure water reaches plants rather than sidewalks, roads or driveways.
- Review the controller after rainfall. Skip watering when the ground is already wet and adjust seasonal settings as necessary.
Example Residential Watering Schedule
| Day | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| Monday | Morning watering, finishing before 10 AM |
| Tuesday | No scheduled sprinkler watering |
| Wednesday | Morning watering, finishing before 10 AM |
| Thursday | No scheduled sprinkler watering |
| Friday | No scheduled sprinkler watering |
| Saturday | Evening watering, beginning after 6 PM |
| Sunday | No scheduled sprinkler watering |
This example uses three watering days. It does not mean your lawn needs watering on every scheduled day. Skip a session after meaningful rainfall or when soil moisture is sufficient.
The Six Water Wise Rules Explained
1. Water Lawns No More Than Three Days Each Week
The three-day limit applies to ordinary potable-water landscape irrigation. You can choose the days that suit your yard rather than following a fixed odd/even address schedule.
Approved establishment permits and water allocation plans may provide exceptions. Some limited activities, such as permitted irrigation maintenance, are also treated differently under the city’s water code.
2. Avoid Sprinkler Watering From 10 AM to 6 PM
From May 1 through October 15, run conventional lawn sprinklers before 10 AM or after 6 PM. Midday irrigation loses more water to evaporation, particularly during hot, windy Front Range weather.
The time-of-day rule is seasonal. However, other water-waste restrictions continue beyond October 15.
3. Prevent Water From Reaching Streets and Gutters
Water should soak into landscaped areas rather than collect on sidewalks, driveways, parking lots or roads.
Common causes of runoff include misaligned sprinkler heads, excessive watering duration, compacted soil and watering on steep slopes.
Try shorter irrigation cycles separated by soaking periods when the soil cannot absorb water quickly.
4. Repair Broken Sprinklers Within 10 Days
Colorado Springs requires leaking or damaged irrigation components to be repaired or disabled within 10 calendar days.
If a broken sprinkler head creates a continuous leak, shut off the affected irrigation zone while arranging repairs. A broken underground irrigation line can waste substantial water without being visible from inside the house.
5. Use a Hose With an Automatic Shut-Off Nozzle
When washing vehicles or other equipment with a hose, use an active shut-off nozzle that stops water flow when released.
A continuously running, unattended hose is not an acceptable substitute.
6. Do Not Hose Down Hard Surfaces for Routine Cleaning
Using water to clean sidewalks, patios and driveways is generally prohibited unless necessary for public health or safety, or another applicable legal exception.
For ordinary dust, leaves and dirt, use a broom, brush or other suitable dry-cleaning method instead of a garden hose.
Official source: Colorado Springs Utilities Water Wise Rules.
Can You Hand-Water Flowers, Trees and Vegetable Gardens Every Day?
Yes. Colorado Springs Utilities allows watering trees, shrubs, flower beds and vegetable gardens at any time using qualifying low-volume methods.
| Watering Method | What the Rules Allow |
|---|---|
| Handheld watering can | Allowed at any time. |
| Handheld hose with shut-off nozzle | Allowed at any time for qualifying plants and landscape watering. |
| Drip irrigation | Allowed at any time. |
| Automatic overhead lawn sprinklers | Three days per week, subject to seasonal time restrictions. |
| New landscaping with sprinklers | May qualify for a temporary establishment permit. |
This distinction is particularly useful for residents growing vegetables or maintaining recently planted shrubs. The rules encourage efficient, targeted watering instead of broad overhead irrigation.
New Sod or Grass Seed: How to Apply for an Establishment Permit
New lawns need more frequent watering during establishment than mature turf. Colorado Springs Utilities offers a free establishment permit allowing qualifying new landscaping to receive additional sprinkler watering.
The permit can temporarily allow watering more than three days per week and during hours when overhead sprinklers are normally prohibited.
Who Needs the Permit?
Residential or commercial customers establishing new sod, grass seed or landscape plants using overhead sprinklers may need an establishment permit.
You do not need this permit simply to water with a handheld watering can, drip irrigation or a hose fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
How to Apply
- Read the requirements. Open Colorado Springs Utilities Establishment Permits.
- Identify the planting project. Specify whether you are installing sod, grass seed, native grass or other plants.
- Prepare the soil when required. New sod and non-native grass seed projects require approved soil preparation or qualifying soil-test documentation.
- Keep receipts. Save the approved soil amendment or test records, along with proof of the grass mix or plant material purchased.
- Complete the permit application. Use the utility’s application process and provide the required project information and supporting documents.
- Follow the authorized watering schedule. Once approved, follow the dates, duration and other conditions associated with the permit.
How Long Does the Permit Last?
| Project | Published Permit Period |
|---|---|
| New sod | 28 days |
| Qualifying new grass seed | 42 days |
| Other new landscape plantings | Subject to establishment permit rules, generally within the four-to-six-week program |
These permit periods are based on the utility’s published establishment guidance. The actual approval controls what watering is permitted at your property.
Permit questions: estp@csu.org
Large Lawn, HOA or Commercial Landscape? Use a Water Allocation Plan
A property with many irrigation zones may not be able to water efficiently within three separate days. Colorado Springs Utilities offers a Water Allocation Plan for qualifying customers.
Instead of imposing a strict three-day frequency, an approved plan sets a total seasonal irrigation volume. It gives more flexibility in scheduling but does not provide additional water beyond the utility’s approved allocation.
Who Might Qualify?
- Properties with multiple water meters or irrigation controllers.
- Large landscapes requiring more than 12 hours to water all zones once.
- Landscapes with sandy soil that cannot absorb large amounts of water in one cycle.
- Commercial properties, HOAs and other customers with complex irrigation systems.
How to Request an Allocation Plan
- Visit the official Water Allocation Plan page.
- Review whether your landscape meets the program’s criteria.
- Prepare the service address, irrigated landscape area and irrigation-system details.
- Obtain the required consent form if you are applying for a property that you do not own.
- Complete the application and provide the requested site information.
- Follow the approved annual water allocation and scheduling conditions.
The utility calculates the allocation using qualifying irrigated landscape area multiplied by a 24-inch water-depth allowance. Allocation plans apply to the May 1–October 15 period and may remain valid for up to five years or until water service ends, subject to program rules.
The seasonal ban on sprinkler watering between 10 AM and 6 PM continues under these plans unless a critical-need exception is specifically approved.
Are Colorado Springs Water Restrictions Stricter in 2026?
Colorado Springs experienced a difficult snowpack and water-supply year in 2026. However, it is important to distinguish Water Shortage Preparation from a formal drought stage that imposes additional mandatory limitations.
On March 18, 2026, the Utilities Board approved Water Shortage Preparation. At that point, the regular Water Wise Rules remained in place, and the utility emphasized conservation rather than announcing an additional fixed-day watering schedule.
What the September 2026 Water Supply Report Shows
| Water Supply Indicator | September 2026 Report |
|---|---|
| Local reservoir storage | 53% full |
| Local reservoir demand coverage | Approximately 190 days |
| System-wide storage | 61% full |
| System-wide supply coverage | Approximately 2.4 years of customer demand |
| Average daily customer water use | 87.5 million gallons |
| Demand compared with September 2025 | Approximately 10% higher |
These figures come from Colorado Springs Utilities’ September 2026 Water Supply Watch update. They describe that reporting period, not real-time reservoir levels.
Check Water Supply Watch for a newer report or change in restriction stage.
What Happens Under Stage II or More Severe Restrictions?
Colorado Springs has separate drought-response provisions in its city water code. These are not automatically activated merely because the city enters Water Shortage Preparation.
Under Stage II, the city can impose designated watering days and additional restrictions.
Stage II, Level A: Designated Days
| Customer Type | Designated Days Under Stage II Level A |
|---|---|
| Even-numbered residential address | Sunday and Wednesday |
| Odd-numbered residential address | Tuesday and Saturday |
| Commercial property | Monday and Thursday |
These address-based days are provided in the city’s Stage II shortage ordinance. They are not the standard three-day watering schedule currently described under the Water Wise Rules.
More severe stages may impose tighter outdoor watering limits, restrictions on nonessential water use and other measures.
Official legal reference: Colorado Springs Water Code and Shortage Restrictions.
Watering Violation Fines and Enforcement
Colorado Springs Utilities says its primary approach is education and helping residents comply. However, repeated violations can result in financial penalties.
| Violation | Possible Enforcement |
|---|---|
| First observed violation during a calendar year | Written warning |
| Subsequent violation of ordinary water-waste rules | $100 charge |
| Subsequent violation of Stage I or Stage II Level A requirements | $300 charge |
| Subsequent violation of Stage II Level B requirements | $500 charge |
| Subsequent Stage III or IV violations | Up to $1,000 under the applicable provisions |
| Repeated shortage-stage violations | Possible water-flow restriction or service disconnection, subject to applicable rules |
Specific penalties depend on the actual restriction violated, the declared stage and applicable enforcement provisions.
If you receive a warning, correct the watering schedule or malfunction immediately. For a disputed notice, contact Colorado Springs Utilities with the service address, observed date and any relevant irrigation records.
See the city’s water-waste and drought enforcement provisions.
Practical Water-Saving Tips for Colorado Springs Homes
Colorado Springs has a semi-arid climate. Bright sunshine, dry air, wind and periods of limited rainfall can increase outdoor water demand. The best watering schedule depends on the yard’s soil, slope, shade and plant types.
Use Short Watering Cycles on Sloped Yards
Properties near foothill neighborhoods or on sloped terrain may experience runoff before soil absorbs the full watering amount.
Instead of running a sprinkler zone continuously for a long period, divide watering into shorter cycles with time between them for water to soak into the soil. Keep all cycles within the permitted day and time window.
Do Not Water Just Because the Controller Says So
After thunderstorms or meaningful rainfall, check soil moisture and skip the next unnecessary irrigation cycle. A smart controller or rain sensor can reduce wasted water.
Check Sprinkler Heads After Winter
Freezing conditions and spring maintenance can leave sprinkler heads damaged or misaligned. Run a controlled system check and repair any leaks promptly.
Choose Plants That Suit the Front Range
Native and drought-tolerant landscaping can reduce irrigation demand after establishment. Some plants need careful watering when first installed but much less frequent irrigation once rooted.
Colorado Springs Utilities publishes Water Wise landscaping resources, including plant information and irrigation guidance.
Visit the Conservation and Environmental Center
Colorado Springs Utilities maintains a Water Wise demonstration garden at:
Conservation and Environmental Center
2855 Mesa Road
Colorado Springs, CO
Visitors can explore examples of water-efficient landscaping and plant selections suitable for the region.
How to Confirm the Rules for Your Property
Different communities in the Colorado Springs area can have different water suppliers. A Colorado Springs mailing address does not necessarily mean Colorado Springs Utilities provides your water service.
For example, some nearby neighborhoods or developments may receive water from metropolitan districts or other local providers that publish their own watering rules.
- Find the water provider’s name on your latest utility bill.
- If it says Colorado Springs Utilities, open the official Water Wise Rules page.
- Review the current water shortage status.
- Determine whether you use ordinary sprinklers, drip irrigation or a qualifying permit.
- Set your schedule according to the applicable rules.
- If the provider is different, check that utility district’s own restrictions before watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days a week can I water my lawn in Colorado Springs in 2026?
Under Colorado Springs Utilities’ standard Water Wise Rules, you may water with sprinklers up to three days per week, Sunday through Saturday. You choose the days unless stricter shortage restrictions are declared.
What hours are sprinkler watering prohibited?
From May 1 through October 15, conventional sprinkler watering is prohibited between 10 AM and 6 PM. Water before 10 AM or after 6 PM.
Does Colorado Springs have odd and even watering days?
Not under the standard three-day Water Wise Rules. Customers choose their own watering days. Odd/even designated days can apply under a declared Stage II shortage.
Are Colorado Springs water restrictions mandatory?
The city’s Water Wise Rules are enforceable water-use requirements. Colorado Springs entered Water Shortage Preparation in March 2026, but the city did not impose additional mandatory limits beyond the regular rules at that time.
Can I water my vegetable garden every day?
Qualifying hand watering, drip irrigation and use of a handheld hose with a shut-off nozzle are allowed at any time. Standard automatic overhead sprinklers remain subject to the applicable day and hour restrictions.
Can I water new sod every day?
New sod established with sprinklers may qualify for a temporary establishment permit. The permit allows more frequent watering under approved conditions. Do not assume newly installed grass is automatically exempt.
How much does a Colorado Springs establishment permit cost?
Colorado Springs Utilities describes its establishment permit as free. Applicants must satisfy the documentation and project requirements.
Can I use drip irrigation during restricted hours?
Yes. Drip irrigation is permitted at any time under the regular Water Wise Rules. Other rules, including preventing water waste, still apply.
How long do I have to repair a leaking sprinkler?
Colorado Springs requires leaking or damaged irrigation systems to be repaired or disabled within 10 calendar days.
What is the fine for breaking Colorado Springs watering rules?
The city generally issues a written warning for the first observed violation in a calendar year. Subsequent ordinary water-waste violations can carry a $100 charge. Higher penalties apply under certain declared shortage stages.
Where can I check if the city has introduced stricter drought restrictions?
Use Colorado Springs Utilities Water Supply Watch and the official Water Wise Rules page for new shortage-stage announcements.
Do the summer watering hours continue after October 15?
The seasonal 10 AM–6 PM sprinkler restriction applies from May 1 through October 15. The three-day watering limit and other Water Wise requirements remain relevant outside those dates unless an exception or more restrictive rule applies.
Official Colorado Springs Water Restriction Resources
- Colorado Springs Utilities Water Wise Rules — the six restrictions, watering hours and exceptions.
- 2026 Water Shortage Preparation — why the drought preparation stage was introduced.
- Water Supply Watch — reservoir levels, drought conditions and supply monitoring.
- Establishment Permit Applications — new sod, seed and landscaping exemptions.
- Water Allocation Plans — flexible schedules for qualifying large landscapes.
- Colorado Springs Utilities Document Library — water conservation guides, forms and official documents.
- Colorado Springs City Water Code — legal water-waste provisions, shortage stages and penalties.
Information reviewed: October 23, 2026. The regular three-day watering rule and 2026 Water Shortage Preparation status were checked against Colorado Springs Utilities publications. Since drought conditions and official restrictions may change, verify the latest announcement before changing your irrigation schedule.
Independent information notice: WaterUtilities.org is not affiliated with Colorado Springs Utilities or the City of Colorado Springs. This guide explains publicly available watering rules and provides direct links to official utility resources.