Free owner briefing · Water & landscape
Denver Water: October 2026 Irrigation Rules
The practical answer
Can Denver Water customers irrigate new grass this October?
Denver Water adopted Resolution 002a-2026 on August 26, and its October 1 irrigation changes are now in effect. For affected customers, grass watering and new grass establishment after September 30 require applicable approved exceptions. Confirm the actual water supplier before scheduling fall landscape work; this is not a statewide rule.
- Status at source review
- In effect
- Adopted
- Effective
- Source checked
What does the official source establish?
- Trees, shrubs and perennials may continue to receive water through a shutoff-equipped hand-held hose or low-volume non-spray irrigation, rather than spray irrigation.
- Installation, repair and reasonable irrigation maintenance may use water while attended and without waste. Controllers must comply with the resolution.
- Cherry Hills Village’s September 30 notice says Denver Water advised the City that variances would be limited to restoration of landscapes disturbed by Denver Water work. Do not assume ordinary new planting will receive an exception; confirm directly with the utility.
Registry planning suggestions
Turn the notice into your next three steps.
Confirm the supply, not just the address
Check the water bill and ask the provider which requirements apply to this property. A city name or postal address is not enough.
Separate installation from establishment
Ask the landscape team for two dates: when planting happens and how it will be watered afterward. Reconcile both before authorizing deliveries.
Make the handoff specific
Record who confirms any exception, who adjusts the controller and who maintains new planting. Keep written provider guidance with the project records.