What are Stage 1 drought restrictions?

Stage 1 restrictions limit outdoor irrigation to 2 days per week and reduce customer water use by 15-20%.

Customers are expected to continue to adhere to existing watering rules including no watering between 10 am and 6 pm starting May 1, and water waste is prohibited.

My neighbor does not follow the Stage 1 restrictions! What should I do?

Please fill out our online form to report the water violation. In addition to providing the appropriate information, it helps us track the water violation and allows staff to follow up should they have more questions for you.

Can I turn on my sprinkler system?

We recommend holding off turning on your sprinkler system until mid-May. Turning on your sprinklers too early risks damage from overnight freezes, and the longer you can delay turning on your system the more water you will save.

Will I be paying more for water during Stage 1 restrictions?

Your individual water use determines what you pay. Our Board of Directors opted not to enact drought rates at this time. As outlined in our 2026 budget, water use above your water budget is billed at higher tiered rates. This is our standard rate structure and not specific to drought conditions.

Can I water my trees, shrubs, perennials and my vegetable garden?

Yes, hand watering of landscape materials is allowed any time.

Customers will always be subject to increased water rates if you exceed your water budget or display wasteful watering practices. Wasteful watering practices are prohibited. This includes allowing excess water to flow into streets, gutters, spraying sidewalks instead of your landscape, etc. 

Can I use a sprinkler attachment at the end of my hose?

Yes, a sprinkler attachment placed at the end of your hose is allowed any time. However, starting May 1 you cannot use a hose with a sprinkler attachment between the hours of 10 am - 6 pm.

Customers will always be subject to increased water rates if you exceed your water budget or display wasteful watering practices. Wasteful watering practices are prohibited. This includes allowing excess water to flow into streets, gutters, spraying sidewalks instead of your landscape, etc. 

What is hand watering?

Hand watering is defined as the application of irrigation from a hose held in a hand equipped with a shut-off device; or a water-conserving method such as drip, trickle, deep root water device or watering can are used.

I have already started planning a landscape project to start this spring. Can I still do that? How will restrictions impact my project?

If you choose to continue with your landscape project during Stage 1 drought restrictions, you will be subject to violations and potential fines if caught watering during restricted hours or more than two days per week. There will be no additional water exemptions provided during Stage 1 restrictions.

I was going to seed or re-sod my yard this spring. Should I still do this?

We discourage customers from seeding or re-sodding their yard. Installation of new sod or turf requires a large amount of water to get it established. We recommend considering ColoradoScape instead of turf or delaying your project to the fall or next spring.

Customers who violate mandatory watering restrictions are subject to violations and potential fines.

Can I still get a turf replacement rebate with you?

Yes, our turf replacement rebate as well as all of our conservation rebate programs are available during Stage 1 restrictions.

Participants of the turf replacement program are exempt from watering restrictions. If your project is converting some turf to a low-water landscape, but you are leaving Kentucky Bluegrass in part of your yard – you will have to adhere to the 2 day watering restrictions for the part of your landscape you are not converting.

Can I request a landscape water adjustment during Stage 1?

Landscape water adjustment requests are NOT available during stage 1, 2, or 3 drought restrictions.

We strongly discourage customers from seeding or re-sodding their yard during drought conditions. Installations or renovations of lawns requires a large amount of water in order to get it established. We recommend delaying your project to the fall or next spring. Hand watering with a hose equipped with a shut off device and drip irrigation of new shrubs, perennials, trees, and vegetables is allowed at any time.

At this time (April) there is no restriction on daytime watering, though beginning May 1 customers who violate mandatory outdoor water restrictions may be subject to fines. Customers who wish to replace their lawn with a low water landscape, please consider our turf replacement rebate. Participants of the turf replacement rebate are exempt from daytime and day of the week watering restrictions.

Why is the Metro District watering multiple days of the week?

Due to the size and complexity of its system, the Metro District cannot follow the two days per week watering restrictions. Instead, the Metro District will implement other water conservation measures to meet the 15-20% reduction goal.

For more information, visit the Metro District’s website.

Will I get fined by HRCA for not watering?

The HRCA has been a long-standing community partner of Highlands Ranch Water. Residents can be assured HRCA supports the move to Stage 1 drought restrictions. HRCA will take a measured approach to lawn maintenance enforcement this summer. Lawns that appear dormant or temporarily yellow due to reduced irrigation will not be considered a violation.

How do Stage 1 restrictions impact Homeowners Association's (HOA)?

HOAs are subject to Stage 1 drought restrictions just as all Highlands Ranch Water customers. Due to the size of HOA irrigated areas, many HOAs are not able to follow the two days per week watering restrictions. However, HOAs will be expected to meet the 15-20% water use reduction goal.

What should I do now ahead of irrigation season?

Customers can help by:

• Checking for leaks
• Using water efficiently indoors – check out the district’s new rebate for high-efficiency toilets
• Delaying sprinkler start-up until mid-May
• Learning their water budget
• Planning smart upgrades like rain sensors or efficient spray heads

Is Highlands Ranch running out of water?

No. Highlands Ranch Water has multiple water sources and plans ahead for drought. A Drought Watch is a proactive step to protect water reserves and reduce the chance of stricter drought stages later.

What happens if conditions get worse?

If drought indicators worsen, Highlands Ranch Water could move to:

• Stage 2 (more severe restrictions, drought rates)
• Stage 3 (prohibition of outdoor watering and possible rationing, drought rates)

Where can I get updates and drought information?

Visit the Drought Resource Center for current drought stage information, tips and resources. Subscribe to receive the district’s eNewsletter.

Highlands Ranch Water's Drought Response Plan guides the Board's decisions regarding drought conditions. The plan is designed to maximize available water supplies and reduce water use during times of water shortage caused by drought.

Highlands Ranch Water provides residential customers an additional 1,000 gallons of water per billing period during the winter to support responsible winter watering and help protect your landscape investment.

DO:

• Water by hand or with a hose end sprinkler attachment.
• Water slowly and deeply once every two weeks during extended dry periods when air temperatures are above 40 degrees with no snow cover.
• The best time to water is mid-day so water can soak into the soil before potential freezing at night.
• Apply a layer of mulch to your perennial gardens and trees. This helps the soil retain moisture and protects the root system.

DON'T:

• Do not turn on your irrigation system. Sudden freezes can result in damaged pipes and valves.
• Don’t water when temperatures are below 40 degrees.

How much snow falls in the high country over the winter, and how much water is in the snow, provides Highlands Ranch Water with a clue as to what the district can expect come spring and summer. Highlands Ranch Water’s water resources staff keeps a close eye on snowpack reports all winter long.

In Colorado, snowpack and the resulting snow water equivalent is tracked during winter months because it can assist planning for spring and summer water supply. Snowpack impacts how much streams flow and how much water may be available to water utilities like Highlands Ranch Water.

“Most of our water supply comes from snowpack that melts and makes its way to streams, known as runoff. This runoff flows downstream and is captured in reservoirs. How much we are able to capture is determined by water rights at any given time,” said Swithin Dick, Water Rights Administrator.

Snowpack is the total amount of snow on the ground. Throughout the winter, experts regularly measure the snow water equivalent in the mountain snowpack. Snow water equivalent is the amount of water contained in snow. This translates into the amount of runoff Highlands Ranch Water may be able to capture.

Tracking the amount of water in snow is not as easy as looking at how much snow there is. Twelve inches of snow does not equal 12 inches of water. The amount of water released by snowmelt varies based on how dense the snowpack is. According to the National Weather Service, there can be one inch of water produced for every 10 to 12 inches of snow.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) releases a statewide map displaying Colorado snowpack conditions and snow water equivalent. The map is what is frequently shared by meteorologists on local news stations. The percentage reported represents the current snowpack in each basin compared to the historical average for the same day. Above 100 means snowpack is above-normal; below 100 means snowpack is below normal for that date.

Highlands Ranch Water’s watershed is located in the South Platte River Basin. 

Conservation is always important, no matter the season. It's important to keep an eye on conservation throughout the year and make strides to reduce consumption to help balance the demand during peak summer months.

Reducing water use both inside and outside the home leads to a successful game plan for long-term conservation.

Keys to the game:

• Take a shower instead of a bath. Taking a shower uses about one-third the amount of water compared to a bath.
• Don't use the toilet as a trash can. Discard wipes, dental floss and wrappers in a trash can and keep them out of the toilet.
• Limit showers to five minutes. Every minute you cut off your shower time can save two gallons of water.
• Check for leaks. Fixing leaky faucets or toilets can save up to 20 gallons of water per day.
• Install a high-efficiency shower head. This simple step can save you 2,900 gallons of water annually.

1. Sign up for a free Slow the Flow sprinkler audit. It is one of the best things you can do to make our community more resilient against drought. The free Slow the Flow irrigation inspection includes a visit by a sprinkler pro to make sure you're giving your landscape what it needs, but not more. Slow the Flow is operated by Highlands Ranch Water's partner, Resource Central. Schedule your appointment today.
2. Keep an eye on your water budget. Highlands Ranch Water sets individual water budgets for customers based on their yard size and provides enough water for healthy landscapes. If you went over your budget last summer, consider adjusting your irrigation system to reduce water waste.
3. Reduce waste. Adjust your sprinklers so they're watering your lawn and garden, and not the street or sidewalk.
4. Adjust with the seasons. The water needs for your landscape changes with the weather. Refer to Highlands Ranch Water's Water Wise guide for monthly run times.
5. Take advantage of discounts and rebates. Highlands Ranch Water has several Water Wise incentive programs in place. Sign up today.
6. Adjust your mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so your lawn requires less water.
7. Inspect your irrigation system. Check for leaks, broken lines or blockages in the lines. A well-maintained system will save you money, water and time.

Water supply is not strictly a matter of how much precipitation falls. There are a lot of things that come together to impact the amount of water in our storage reservoirs.

Most of our water comes from snowmelt that runs downstream into storage reservoirs. After months of statewide drought conditions, dry mountain soils absorb much of the runoff before water can reach reservoirs. On sunny days, more moisture is lost to sublimation and evaporation, compared to runoff that occurs on cloudy days.

The runoff that flows from the mountains is then diverted to storage reservoirs for a number of different water providers in Colorado. Water rights dictate who gets how much water and when.

A combination of dry mountain soils, sublimation and water rights impact the amount of water in Highlands Ranch Water's storage reservoirs and directly impacts drought conditions for our service area.

Customers who are in violation of our Rules and Regulations may be subject to a fine. Example of violations may include: 

• Watering during restricted hours
• Broken irrigation system
• Open hose
• Excessive water waste
• Leaks

Fines are added to the water bill.

Residential Customer Violations

Commercial Customer Violations

• Limit outdoor watering to two days per week. A third day is only necessary during extreme heat or lengthy dry periods.
• No outdoor irrigation is allowed from 10 am until 6 pm
• Hand watering trees and shrubs is allowed any time if a hose is held or a watering can is used.
• Irrigation using water conserving methods such as drip irrigation or a deep root watering device is allowed any time.
• Washing cars is allowed any time as long as a hose end shut-off device is used.
• Wasteful watering practices are prohibited. This includes allowing excess water to flow into the street, and neglecting to repair leaks.