Denver Water Eases Drought Restrictions 

On Wednesday June 26, 2013, Denver Water, the public utility agency providing water to 1.3 million Colorado residents, eased drought restrictions allowing for more liberal use of the natural resource.  Surprising to some, the move came after what the agency referred to as “an unexpectedly wet spring” combined with reduced water consumption by Denver area residents.  The reduction from Stage II drought to Stage I drought allows for an additional day of irrigation.

During a Stage II drought, customers are permitted to water their lawns and gardens via irrigation systems just twice per week.  With the reduced restrictions of a Stage I drought, customers are allowed three days.  In addition, drought pricing will be removed from customer bills.  During severe drought, Denver Water initiates this inflated price of water, probably to discourage overconsumption.  These changes mean that Denver area HOAs, large and small, will likely have greener lawns for a longer period this year.

Given the large number and size of the fires currently ravaging the state, and the very high temperatures fostering them, the news may be unexpected.  The Denver area itself has been lucky to have avoided these fires so far, but reservoirs remain low across the state and we are still far from the end of wildfire season.  At least for now, Denver Water customers can enjoy relaxed water restrictions.