Loveland CO Water Restrictions 2026
Published:
Larimer County· Colorado
Loveland is served by Fort Collins-Loveland Water District (FCLWD), which shares the same Horsetooth Reservoir supply as Fort Collins Utilities. As of April 2026, FCLWD has not declared mandatory water restrictions — but the district is coordinating with Fort Collins on a joint decision expected in April or May 2026. FCLWD is waiting for April water allocation data from the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District before acting. FCLWD serves both the City of Loveland and parts of unincorporated Larimer County. If mandatory restrictions are declared, the framework is expected to mirror Denver Water’s Stage 1: 2 days per week on an address-based even/odd schedule.
Current Status
Loveland is on Drought Watch — there are no mandatory watering restrictions under FCLWD as of April 2026. The district recommends voluntary conservation of no more than 3 days per week and keeping automatic sprinkler systems off until May. FCLWD and Fort Collins Utilities share a water supply and coordinate drought response — when Fort Collins decides on mandatory restrictions, FCLWD’s decision follows closely. The trigger for both districts is the April allocation from the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District.
Watering Schedule by Address
No mandatory schedule is active. FCLWD’s voluntary guidance is maximum 3 days per week, only outside the 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. blackout window. If mandatory restrictions are declared, expect the same framework as Denver Water Stage 1 (2 days per week, even/odd).
| Group | Watering Days |
|---|---|
| Voluntary guidance — all addresses | Maximum 3 days per week |
| If mandatory Stage 1 declared (anticipated) | Even/odd, 2 days per week, 6 p.m. – 10 a.m. |
The 3-day cap and blackout window are advisory in April 2026. Check fclwd.com weekly for a formal declaration. FCLWD serves unincorporated Larimer County as well as Loveland proper — the same rules apply across the service area.
What’s Restricted Beyond Lawn Watering
FCLWD asks customers to avoid washing cars at home unless using a shut-off hose and to defer new sod installations until after the April–May decision. Hand watering of trees, shrubs, and vegetable gardens with a can or shut-off-equipped hose is encouraged any time. Drip irrigation follows the same advisory as sprinklers — not banned, but keep within the 3-day recommendation.
Fines and Enforcement
There are no fines under Drought Watch status. If FCLWD declares mandatory restrictions, enforcement is expected to begin education-first with escalating surcharges for repeat violators. FCLWD’s smaller service area means quicker response to reported water waste than larger utilities.
HOA Protection in Loveland
Colorado law (HB 21-1229) prohibits HOAs from requiring water-intensive landscaping, mandating cool-season turf, or penalizing homeowners for xeriscaping or drought-tolerant landscaping. The statute goes further than most US states by actively protecting homeowners who convert their lawns to drought-tolerant alternatives, even outside of declared drought periods. Combined with the City of Denver's public statement that brown lawns are expected during active restrictions, any HOA fine threatened against a brown lawn caused by following local restrictions is on weak legal ground. Keep a copy of your utility's restriction notice and the relevant city ordinance to share with your HOA board if a violation notice arrives.
Lawn Survival Guide for Loveland
Loveland’s lawns are predominantly Kentucky Bluegrass with some Tall Fescue. Both go dormant under drought stress and recover fully when watering resumes. The tug test confirms whether brown turf is dormant or dead.
- Keep automatic sprinkler systems off until May — April irrigation in Larimer County mostly waters dormant grass.
- Voluntarily limit to 3 days per week with watering only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Water deeply (½ inch per session) to build deeper roots before any mandatory restriction kicks in.
- Check fclwd.com weekly for the April–May mandatory restriction decision.
- FCLWD and Fort Collins coordinate on drought response — if Fort Collins declares Stage 1, FCLWD is likely to follow within days.
- Mow at 3–3.5 inches to shade soil and reduce evaporation on Loveland’s Front Range clay soils.
Will Restrictions Get Worse?
FCLWD’s formal decision on mandatory restrictions is tied to the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District’s April water allocation. If the allocation comes in significantly below average, FCLWD is expected to announce mandatory Stage 1 restrictions shortly thereafter — coordinated with Fort Collins. The anticipated framework mirrors Denver Water: 2 days per week, even/odd scheduling, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. blackout. Colorado HB 21-1229 HOA protection applies upon any formal declaration.
FAQs — Loveland Water Restrictions 2026
Does Loveland have mandatory water restrictions in 2026?
Is Loveland on Denver Water?
When will FCLWD decide on mandatory restrictions?
What will Loveland’s restrictions look like if declared?
Can my Loveland HOA fine me for a brown lawn?
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