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Watering Ban Enforcement and Penalties

A sprinkler spraying water is shown with a "no" symbol over it, indicating a prohibition against its use.

Posted September 29, 2026

Given the ongoing drought conditions, Denver Water has prohibited lawn watering and all spray irrigation beginning Oct. 1, until further action by the Denver Board of  Water Commissioners.

As Denver Water prepares to enforce a prohibition on lawn watering beginning October 1, customers are being reminded that violations may result in significant fines and other enforcement actions.

For single-family residential customers, penalties begin at $500 for the first violation and increase to $1,000 for a second violation. Subsequent violations may result in a $1,000 fine and disconnection of water service.

Multifamily and nonresidential customers face a $1,000 fine for a first violation and a $2,000 fine for a second violation. Subsequent violations may result in a $2,000 fine and disconnection of water service.

Denver Water has mailed postcards to property owners with information about the watering ban and associated penalties. These postcards serve as the first notice and warning to customers about the new restrictions and enforcement requirements.

While lawn watering is ending, it’s still important to keep trees, shrubs and gardens healthy. During dry spells, these plants may be watered using a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation, such as a drip system.

Learn more on how to maintain the health of your trees without the use of spray irrigation. 

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