How to Set Your Sprinkler System for Denver’s 2026 Stage 1 Drought Rules
If you’ve opened your June water bill and done a double-take, you’re not alone. Denver Water declared a Stage 1 drought on March 25, 2026, bringing mandatory two-day-a-week watering restrictions — plus temporary drought pricing that’s now showing up on June bills. For homeowners with automatic sprinkler systems, there’s one thing to do right now: update your controller settings before you rack up more charges or, worse, a violation notice.
Here’s a plain-English breakdown of the rules and exactly how to adjust your system to stay compliant.
What Denver’s Stage 1 Drought Rules Mean for Your Sprinklers
Under Stage 1, all Denver Water customers must limit outdoor irrigation to two assigned days per week, watering only during certain hours. Here’s how the schedule breaks down:
Odd-numbered addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9): Water on Wednesday and Saturday
Even-numbered addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8): Water on Sunday and Thursday
Commercial, HOA, and multifamily properties: Water on Tuesday and Friday
Regardless of your address, you may only run your sprinklers between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. — never in the heat of the day when evaporation is at its peak.
These restrictions run through October 1, 2026, so your controller settings need to stick for the whole season.
Step-by-Step: How to Reprogram Your Sprinkler Controller
Most modern controllers have a “days of the week” mode. Here’s what to do:
Check Your Address Number
Look at the last digit of your house number. Odd = Wednesday and Saturday. Even = Sunday and Thursday.
Set Your Watering Days
Switch to ‘specific days’ mode on your controller — not an every-X-days or interval setting. Select only your two allowed days and turn all others off.
Set Your Start Times
Program start times so the last zone finishes before 10 a.m., or set an evening start no earlier than 6 p.m. Early morning (around 4–9 a.m.) is the most efficient window — less evaporation, better absorption, and the lawn dries before nightfall.
Adjust Your Run Times
Because you’re watering two days instead of three or four, each zone may need longer run times. But don’t just double the minutes — that can lead to runoff, which is itself a violation. Instead, use a ‘cycle and soak’ approach: run each zone in shorter bursts, allow time for the water to soak in, then run again. Many modern controllers have a built-in cycle-and-soak feature.
Activate Your Rain Sensor
Denver Water prohibits watering during rain or high winds. If your system has a rain sensor, confirm it’s enabled. If it’s disconnected or broken, fix it now — running your sprinklers through a rainstorm wastes water you’re paying a drought surcharge on.
How to Program Your Controller for Compliance
The steps above apply to most controllers, but the specific menu navigation varies by brand. Here are quick tips for the three most common systems in the Denver metro area:
Rain Bird (ESP-Me, ST8, and similar): Rotate the dial to “Set Run Times,” then go to “Set Days” and select specific days. Choose only your two assigned days and deselect the rest. Set your start time under “Set Start Times.”
Hunter (Pro-C, X2, and similar): Press “Pgm” to select your program, then use the arrow buttons under “Days” to turn your two allowed days on and all others off. Under “Start Time,” enter your desired start before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Toro (TPCC, TMC, and similar): Navigate to “Water Days” and switch from interval to specific days. Select your two assigned days and clear the others. Confirm your start time is within the allowed window.
If your controller model is older, has a damaged display, or the manual is long gone, don’t guess — one wrong setting can result in a violation. We recommend calling Apex Irrigation for a quick tune-up; we can usually get your system set correctly in a single visit.
Other Rules You Need to Know
Fix leaks within 10 days. A head spraying sideways, a weeping valve, or an unexplained wet patch in the yard must be repaired promptly. Denver Water requires it.
No runoff onto pavement. Heads spraying onto driveways, sidewalks, or the street are a violation.
No mid-day watering. Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., your system must be off.
Will This Hurt My Lawn? Not If You Water Smart
Watering deeply two days a week is actually better for your lawn than shallow watering three or four days a week. Deep, infrequent watering encourages grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture is more stable. That makes your lawn more drought-tolerant, not less.
The key is making sure each zone gets enough water per session. Use the cycle-and-soak method described above, and if you’re not sure how much your system is putting out, we can measure it during a tune-up visit and dial in your run times precisely.
Don’t Forget the Drought Surcharge
Denver Water has added a drought surcharge to water bills during Stage 1 restrictions. The surcharge applies to usage above a baseline threshold, so the more you overwater, the more it costs you. Complying with the two-day schedule isn’t just about avoiding fines — it directly reduces your water bill.
If you’re served by Highlands Ranch Metro District, Centennial Water, or Littleton/Englewood, your provider may have its own Stage 1 rules that differ slightly from Denver Water. Check your provider’s website or call us — we work throughout the Denver metro area and can help you navigate your specific district’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my address is odd or even?
Just look at the last digit of your house or building number. If it ends in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9, you’re odd. If it ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8, you’re even. Your watering days are based on that number alone — not the street name or anything else.
Can I water by hand on non-assigned days?
Yes, with conditions. Hand watering with a hand-held hose or a drip system is generally allowed on non-assigned days, as long as you’re not using a sprinkler or an automated system. Always check Denver Water’s current Stage 1 guidelines for the most specific details, as these rules can be updated.
My sprinkler controller is confusing — what should I do?
That’s exactly what we’re here for. Apex Irrigation can walk you through your specific controller model, reprogram it to comply with Stage 1 restrictions, and make sure every zone is running efficiently. Call us or request a service visit — we’re scheduling tune-ups throughout the summer.
What Happens If You Violate the Rules
Denver Water takes violations seriously, but their approach is designed to educate first. Here is how the enforcement process works for single-family residential customers:
First violation: Written warning — no charge, but it goes on record.
Second violation: $250 charge.
Third violation: $500 charge.
Fourth violation and beyond: $1,000 charge.
Violations can be reported by Denver Water inspectors or neighbors — and during active drought periods, enforcement patrols are more frequent. The easiest way to avoid fines is to get your controller programmed correctly before your next scheduled watering day. Denver Water does have an appeal process if you believe a charge was issued in error, but the best outcome is simply setting your system right the first time.
Need Help Staying Compliant. Call Apex Irrigation
Not sure if your system is set up correctly for Denver’s 2026 Stage 1 drought rules. Apex Irrigation has 16 years of experience serving homeowners throughout the Denver metro area — Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker, Centennial, Aurora, Littleton, and surrounding communities. We know the local water districts, and we know sprinkler controllers.
We can audit your controller settings, verify your assigned watering days, check for leaks or runoff issues, and dial in your run times so every zone is watering efficiently. Whether you have a Rain Bird, Hunter, or Toro controller — or something else entirely — we can program it to comply with Stage 1 restrictions.
Call us today at (303) 668-0126 or schedule a service visit online. We are booking summer efficiency tune-ups throughout the Denver metro area and would be glad to help you stay compliant — and protect your lawn — this season.
