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Suggested Lawn Watering Times

A garden sprinkler watering grass, with water spraying in multiple directions under sunlight.

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.

Check out Denver Water’s creative approach to reminding customers of the Summer Watering Rules with their ‘I Water That Way,’ new music video from the Splashstreet Boys.

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.

Minutes to water per zone by month and 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.

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