2008 Summer Watering Rules and Tap+Smart Tips

Denver Water’s 2008 Summer Water Use program is effective May 1 to September 1.

Colorado’s snow-packed mountains will fill our reservoirs, but remember that we live in a semiarid climate and must use water wisely. By using only the water you need, you can help minimize impacts to reservoirs during the hottest months of summer when reservoir levels begin to drop. Below you will find watering rules, times, tips and tools to help you use only what you need.

Tap+Smart is the name of Denver Water’s plan to accelerate the pace of water conservation in its service area and reduce overall water use from pre-drought usage (2001) by at least 22 percent by 2016.

Join Denver Water and make efficient water use a normal way of life today. By joining our efforts and becoming Tap+Smart, you can help ensure sufficient water supplies for future generations.

Watering Rules

These rules are mandatory.
Penalties are:

  • 1st violation – warning
  • 2nd violation – $50 fine
  • 3rd violation – $100 fine

Continued violations can result in suspension of service.

In 2008 Denver Water will be stepping up enforcement of watering rules*, so please use water wisely.

*Please note, there are some exceptions to watering rules.

REPORT WATER WASTE
If you see water waste in Denver parks (water use that doesn’t meet the rules above),
call 3-1-1 to report the waste. To report water waste anywhere else, call Denver Water at 303-628-6343.

THE MORE YOU USE, THE MORE YOU PAY
Water rates increased for 2008. Follow these rules and guidelines and you’ll reduce waste and save money. For more information, visit our rates section.

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Watering Days & Times

Recommended watering times change as summer weather heats up and then cools down, so refer to the chart below. Watering grass two days a week should be sufficient during most of the summer. If needed, a third watering day can be added in extreme heat or during dry periods. Water trees and shrubs as needed, but not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

There are no assigned watering days, but never water more than three days a week.

Use the chart to help determine the number of minutes to water each zone on the days you water.

Keep in mind that these times are averages. Your water use should vary depending on rainfall and type of grass or plants, as well as shade and other characteristics of your yard.

Remember, no watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For more precise information, visit our Tap+Smart Irrigation for Homes Web page.

 

WATERING
MONTHS

WATERING TIMES (minutes per zone, no more than three days a week)
Fixed Spray Heads
Rotor Heads
Manual Sprinklers

JAN-APRIL

 Water as needed, especially trees and shrubs
MAY 13 29 20
JUNE 20 43 30
JULY 23 50 35
AUGUST 20 43 30
SEPTEMBER 13 29 20

OCTOBER

 Water as needed, especially trees and shrubs

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Tips & Tools

Denver Water has a wide variety of resources to help you use and conserve water efficiently.

Still Can't Find What You're Looking For?

Contact us with your questions. We can offer informed advice about landscaping and Xeriscape, fixing leaks, indoor water efficient fixtures, and more.

E-mail:conservation@denverwater.org
Phone: 303-628-6343 Conservation Hotline
Mail:Denver Water
Conservation Section
1600 W. 12th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
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