Arvada Water Restrictions 2026
Jefferson County · Colorado
Published:
Restrictions Active - Stage 1 Drought Response: mandatory from April 15
2
Days/Week
6:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$45–$76 seasonal surcharge + $250–$500 per off-schedule violation
Max Fine
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Even | Sunday & Thursday |
| Odd | Wednesday & Saturday |
| Multi-family / HOA common areas | Tuesday & Friday |
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor watering between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Do not water while it is raining or during high winds.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day during allowed hours (6:00 PM – 10:00 AM).
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
$45–$76 seasonal surcharge + $250–$500 per off-schedule violation
Stage 1 surcharges locked in for 2026 season. Non-conservers (fail to cut use 20%) pay ~$45 extra inside Denver, ~$52 in suburbs. Super-conservers pay just $7–$8 more. High users pay up to $76 extra ($1,126 seasonal bill in suburbs). Tier structure: $1.10/1,000 gal in Tier 1 (up to 15K gal/mo); $2.20/1,000 gal in Tier 2 above that. Off-schedule violations: warning → $250 → $500 per occurrence. Leaking irrigation systems must be repaired within 10 days (enforceable). Denver Water serves 1.5 million people across the City/County of Denver, Lakewood, Centennial, Littleton, Sheridan, and surrounding communities.
Citations begin April 15, 2026🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Colorado law (HB 21-1229) prohibits HOAs from requiring cool-season turf or penalizing homeowners for xeriscaping or drought-tolerant landscaping.
If your homeowners association sends a violation notice for a dormant or brown lawn during the current restriction period, respond in writing citing the applicable law and include a copy of the Denver Water's current restriction order. Most HOAs will rescind the notice once they are made aware of the legal protections in place. If the issue persists, contact your county’s code enforcement division for assistance.
Why These Restrictions Exist
Arvada declared its own Stage 1 drought response effective April 15, 2026, aligning with Denver Water’s framework. The city encouraged residents to voluntarily follow the schedule from March 25, when Denver Water declared district-wide, but mandatory enforcement in Arvada begins April 15. Ralston Creek and Leyden Lake, which run through Arvada, are at unusually low levels for spring, reflecting the poor snowpack year. The city’s rapid growth over the past decade has increased water demand while available supply has not kept pace. Arvada’s Water Efficiency Plan calls for a 10% reduction in per-capita use by 2028, and the current restrictions accelerate that timeline.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Arvada area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Arvada Water Restrictions
9 tips tailored for Arvada homeowners during Stage 1 Drought Response: mandatory from April 15 restrictions.
Arvada hosts free “Water-Wise Landscaping” workshops each spring through the Arvada Garden Club – check the city events calendar.
Arvada’s Olde Town area has smaller lots where converting even a portion of the lawn to native plantings can significantly reduce water bills.
Overseed with a drought-tolerant fescue blend instead of Kentucky Bluegrass to cut water needs by 30–40%.
Water between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM to minimize evaporation; early morning (before 10 AM) is the next best window.
Set mower height to 3–3.5 inches – taller cool-season grass develops deeper roots and tolerates drought better.
Convert ornamental turf areas to xeriscape using native Colorado plants like Blue Grama or Buffalo Grass.
Apply a slow-release organic fertilizer in early fall (not summer) to strengthen roots without stimulating water-hungry top growth.
Use a cycle-and-soak method: run each irrigation zone for 5 minutes, wait 30 minutes, then repeat to prevent runoff on Colorado’s clay soils.
Audit your sprinkler system for overspray onto sidewalks and driveways – Denver Water issues citations for visible waste.
Arvada Water Restriction FAQs
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