Colorado Springs Water Restrictions 2026
El Paso County · Colorado
Published:
Stage 1 Drought Response
We have not independently verified this city’s watering schedule. Rules change with drought stage and can be updated at short notice. Confirm your assigned watering days on the Colorado Springs Utilities official page before watering. Following the wrong schedule can result in a municipal fine.
Verification needed
Check with utility
Before 10:00 AM
Allowed Hours
Verification needed
Check with utility
Check Your Watering Day With Colorado Springs
We have not verified Colorado Springs’s current watering schedule against an official source. Watering rules are set by your city and change with drought stage.
Confirm your assigned days on Colorado Springs’s official water page: Colorado Springs Utilities.
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor watering between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Colorado Springs Utilities Stage 1 active April 2026.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day with a shut-off nozzle.
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
$75 first · $200 repeat
Colorado Springs Utilities operates independently from Denver Water and sources primarily from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. Stage 1 activated in response to Palmer Divide watershed conditions.
🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
HOAs cannot enforce lawn-appearance standards that would require homeowners to violate active municipal water ordinances. Document compliance if your HOA sends a violation notice.
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 Colorado Springs Utilities'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
Colorado Springs Utilities operates independently from Denver Water and sources primarily from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. Stage 1 activated in response to Palmer Divide watershed conditions.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Colorado Springs area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Colorado Springs Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Colorado Springs homeowners during Stage 1 Drought Response restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue dominate Colorado Springs lawns.
Mow at the upper end of the recommended range to shade soil and reduce evaporation.
Cycle-and-soak: split irrigation runs into 2 short cycles 30 minutes apart to prevent runoff.
Skip cycles after any 0.25 inch or greater rainfall.
Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles, saves 30% water.
Drip-irrigate vegetable beds and fruit trees.
Replace parkway strips with region-appropriate natives.
Fix leaks within 48 hours.
Group plants by hydrozone to match irrigation to need.
Audit your sprinkler system annually, broken heads waste 20% of usage.
Track monthly use at www.csu.org/Pages/water-conservation-restrictions.aspx.
Colorado Springs Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Colorado Springs?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Colorado Springs?
What are the fines for water violations in Colorado Springs?
Can I install new sod or seed in Colorado Springs during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Colorado Springs?
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