Lakewood Water Restrictions 2026
Jefferson County · Colorado
Published: Updated:
Restrictions Active - Stage 1 Drought Response
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 March 25, 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
Lakewood is served by Denver Water and is fully subject to the district’s Stage 1 restrictions. Jefferson County’s western communities sit at higher elevations where soils are thinner and clay-heavy, making efficient irrigation critical. Lakewood’s Bear Creek watershed has seen significantly reduced flows, impacting the creek’s riparian habitat. The city has partnered with Denver Water on a turf replacement rebate program offering $2 per square foot for qualifying conversions.
Drought surcharge effective May 2026: Denver Water customers will see an additional $1.10 per 1,000 gallons added to water bills for outdoor usage during the drought period. This surcharge applies to all Denver Water service area customers including Lakewood, Littleton, Centennial, Wheat Ridge, Greenwood Village, Sheridan, Glendale, and Edgewater.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Lakewood area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Lakewood Water Restrictions
9 tips tailored for Lakewood homeowners during Stage 1 Drought Response restrictions.
Lakewood’s clay soils are prone to runoff – use the cycle-and-soak method (two short runs) to maximize water penetration.
Consider core aeration in September to break up Lakewood’s heavy clay and allow water to reach the root zone.
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.
Lakewood Water Restriction FAQs
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What hours can I run my sprinklers in Lakewood?
What are the fines for water violations in Lakewood?
Can I install new sod or seed in Lakewood during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Lakewood?
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