Colorado Springs Utilities Water Restrictions 2026 Guide

by
Colorado Springs Utilities • Water Wise Rules • 2026 drought preparation • sprinkler limits

Colorado Springs Water Restrictions: What You Can Water, When and How

Colorado Springs Utilities customers are under year-round Water Wise Rules, with the summer time-of-day rule active from May 1 through Oct. 15. In 2026, the utility also entered Water Shortage Preparation because of drought risks, but the everyday customer rule remains simple: sprinkler irrigation is limited to any three days per week, no sprinklers during the hot middle of the day, no runoff, and leaks must be fixed quickly.

Official Water Wise Rules Water Supply Watch Report Violation CSU: 719-448-4800

Quick Answer: 2026 Colorado Springs Utilities Water Restrictions

Sprinkler daysUp to 3 days/week
Summer hoursBefore 10 AM or after 6 PM
Active seasonMay 1-Oct. 15
Fine risk$100 after violation
Rule
What it means in 2026
Allowed
Not allowed / watch out
Three-day sprinkler limit
Water with sprinklers up to any three days per Sunday-to-Saturday week. You choose the days.
Monday/Wednesday/Saturday, Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday, or any other three-day pattern.
Four or more sprinkler days in the same week unless you have a qualifying permit or allocation plan.
May 1-Oct. 15 time rule
Sprinklers must run before 10 AM or after 6 PM.
Early morning or evening watering.
Sprinkler irrigation between 10 AM and 6 PM during the season.
No water runoff
Irrigation water cannot pool on hard surfaces or flow down gutters, streets, sidewalks, alleys or storm drains.
Short cycle-and-soak watering that lets soil absorb water.
Sprinklers hitting pavement, running downhill or filling the gutter.
Repair leaks quickly
Broken or leaking sprinkler systems, service lines or plumbing fixtures must be repaired or disabled within 10 calendar days.
Turn off the leaking zone, cap the broken head, schedule repair and document the fix.
Letting a known sprinkler or irrigation leak continue for more than 10 days.
Use shut-off nozzle
When washing vehicles, trailers, boats or equipment with a hose, use an active positive shut-off nozzle.
Handheld hose with trigger nozzle.
Open hose running continuously.
Hard-surface cleaning
Driveways, sidewalks, patios and other impervious surfaces should not be cleaned with water unless public health/safety or practical need applies.
Broom, blower, spot cleaning, or water only for health/safety concerns.
Routine hosing of pavement for appearance.
Drip and hand watering
Trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers and other plants may be watered any time using drip irrigation, handheld hose with shut-off nozzle or handheld container.
Drip line, watering can, handheld nozzle.
Using sprinklers as a workaround outside the three-day or time-of-day rule.
New grass or landscape
New grass seed, sod or new landscape plantings may need an establishment permit if overhead sprinklers are needed more often.
Apply for a permit before extra sprinkler watering.
Installing new turf and watering daily with sprinklers without permit coverage.

2026 status: Colorado Springs Utilities says the community is in Water Shortage Preparation, a preliminary drought-preparation stage. That does not replace the Water Wise Rules. It means customers should follow the rules closely, reduce waste now, and watch for official updates if drought conditions worsen.

2026 Drought Status: Water Shortage Preparation, Not a New Two-Day Schedule

Colorado Springs has not simply copied Denver-style two-day drought watering rules. The current 2026 customer-facing baseline remains Colorado Springs Utilities’ Water Wise Rules, while the utility uses Water Shortage Preparation to manage drought risk and stretch storage supplies.

🏔️

Mountain watershed concern

CSU says Colorado is facing drought conditions, especially in mountain watersheds, and 2026 expected water yield is far below normal.

💧

Storage still matters

The utility tracks reservoir storage, snowpack, precipitation, temperature and customer demand every day.

📣

Rules can change

If supply conditions worsen, City Council and Colorado Springs Utilities can move to a declared shortage stage with additional limits.

2026 water-supply signal
Official detail reported by CSU
What a customer should do
Current stage
Water Shortage Preparation due to drought risks to water supplies.
Follow Water Wise Rules and reduce waste before stricter restrictions are needed.
June 2026 precipitation
0.69 inches, about 30% of normal for that time of year.
Do not assume natural rainfall is meeting turf and tree needs; water efficiently.
Temperature
Average June temperature reported as 69.6°F, 2.4 degrees above average.
Use early morning/evening watering to reduce evaporation.
Customer demand
Average demand listed at 94.7 million gallons per day.
Check your own usage pattern in My Account and cut continuous leaks.
Local reservoir storage
Local reservoirs reported at 69% full, enough for 245 days of customer demand.
Remember local reservoirs are only one part of the full water system.
Systemwide storage
Entire system reported at 74% full, enough for 2.8 years of customer demand.
Storage buys time, but drought recovery can take multiple years.
Statewide drought context
CSU says 100% of Colorado had reached a formal drought designation according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Use the Water Supply Watch page before publishing or relying on old drought status.
Water Supply Watch Water Shortage Preparation 2026 Drought Blog Water Wise Rules

How to Build a Legal Three-Day Watering Schedule

Colorado Springs does not assign odd/even address watering days under the ordinary Water Wise Rules. Customers choose any three days each week. The best schedule is one that finishes all sprinkler zones before 10 AM or after 6 PM without runoff.

Pick three days in the Sunday-to-Saturday week

Choose days that match your soil, slope, shade and lawn needs. Avoid back-to-back watering if your soil stays wet or if runoff is likely.

Run sprinklers only outside 10 AM-6 PM from May 1-Oct. 15

Program the controller so the full watering cycle ends before 10 AM or starts after 6 PM. Do not let a long cycle run into the prohibited window.

Use cycle-and-soak for slopes and clay-heavy soil

Break one long runtime into shorter cycles with soak time between cycles. This helps water reach roots instead of running into the gutter.

Keep drip and hand watering separate

Drip irrigation, watering cans and handheld hose watering with a shut-off nozzle may be used any time for trees, shrubs, gardens and plants.

Check the street after every zone

If water reaches sidewalks, driveways, alleys, streets, gutters or storm drains, reduce runtime, change heads, repair leaks or add soak time.

Example schedule
Works best for
Controller setup
Rule check
Monday / Wednesday / Saturday
Lawns needing spacing between weekday watering and weekend catch-up.
Set zones before 10 AM or after 6 PM.
Legal if no fourth sprinkler day occurs in the same week.
Tuesday / Thursday / Sunday
Customers who prefer weekend watering but want two weekday checks.
Use cycle-and-soak on sloped areas.
Legal if runoff is controlled.
Wednesday / Friday / Sunday
Properties that need more late-week water during hot stretches.
Evening cycles may be easier if morning window is tight.
Legal if all sprinklers avoid 10 AM-6 PM from May 1-Oct. 15.
Two sprinkler days plus drip any day
Water Wise landscapes with trees, shrubs and beds on drip.
Run lawn sprinklers two days; run drip as needed.
Drip is not treated like overhead sprinkler watering in the ordinary rule.
Hand water garden daily
Vegetables, annual flowers, containers and new small plantings.
Use watering can or handheld hose with active shut-off nozzle.
Allowed any time; do not create runoff.
Controller setup script: “I want to follow Colorado Springs Utilities Water Wise Rules. I need three sprinkler days per week, no watering between 10 AM and 6 PM from May 1-Oct. 15, and cycle-and-soak to stop runoff. Please program each zone so the street stays dry.”

Allowed vs. Not Allowed: Common 2026 Watering Scenarios

Scenario
Allowed?
Why
Safer next step
Sprinklers run Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 6:30 AM
Yes
Three days/week and before 10 AM.
Watch for runoff; shorten zones if needed.
Sprinklers run at 2 PM in July
No
May 1-Oct. 15 sprinkler watering is not allowed between 10 AM and 6 PM.
Move cycle before 10 AM or after 6 PM.
Watering can used on tomato plants at noon
Yes
Handheld containers are allowed any time.
Water the soil, not leaves, to reduce evaporation.
Drip line waters shrubs daily for short cycles
Generally yes
Drip irrigation is treated differently from overhead sprinkler watering.
Check that drip emitters are not broken or flooding pavement.
Hose washing a vehicle with no nozzle
No
Vehicle/equipment washing with a hose requires an active positive shut-off nozzle.
Use a trigger nozzle or commercial car wash.
Sprinkler water runs down the gutter
No
Runoff onto impervious surfaces or drainage ways is prohibited.
Cycle-and-soak, repair heads, lower pressure or change nozzle type.
Broken sprinkler head runs for two weeks
No
Leaking or damaged irrigation components must be repaired or disabled within 10 calendar days.
Turn off zone immediately and schedule repair.
New sod watered with sprinklers daily after permit approval
Yes, if permit terms are followed
Establishment permits allow temporary flexibility for new landscapes.
Display permit and follow the permit schedule exactly.
Power-washing a driveway for appearance
Usually no
Hard surfaces should be cleaned with water only for health/safety reasons or when other methods are impractical.
Sweep or spot clean first.
Running sprinklers briefly while testing repairs
Limited yes
Code allows irrigation-system maintenance/testing under limits.
Keep it short, attended and visible; do not use testing as extra watering.

Establishment Permits and Water Allocation Plans

Two official tools help customers who cannot fit the ordinary Water Wise Rules: establishment permits for new landscapes and water allocation plans for large or complex irrigation systems. Neither is a blank check for more water.

🌱

Establishment permit

For new grass seed, sod or landscape plants that need temporary overhead sprinkler flexibility. CSU says permits are valid for four to six weeks and are free on the current permit page.

📋

Water allocation plan

For large landscapes, complex irrigation systems or special conditions that need schedule flexibility. It gives flexibility in when water is used, not extra water.

Need
Use this official route
Prepare before applying
Watch out
New sod or non-native grass seed
Establishment permit
Proof of soil preparation, receipt for approved soil amendment or soil test results, and proof of grass mix/species.
Do not start daily overhead watering first and apply later.
Native grass project
Establishment permit page and grass/species documentation.
Proof of seed or plant species; soil preparation may not be required for native grass projects.
Native grass establishment has different watering needs than bluegrass sod.
Flowers, shrubs or trees
Usually drip, watering can or handheld hose can work without permit.
Plant list, watering method and hose shut-off nozzle.
Overhead sprinklers for broad beds may still trigger ordinary rule limits.
Large HOA, commercial site or complex controller
Water allocation plan
Site map, irrigation zones, controller schedule, landscape area, meter/account details and water budget.
Plan gives schedule flexibility, not extra water volume.
Sports field with high use
High-use sports field resource / allocation process.
Field use schedule, safety need, turf areas and water-management practices.
Document why the field is essential and how waste is controlled.
During Stage III or IV shortage
Check current emergency stage rules first.
Current shortage declaration and official restrictions.
Establishment permits and allocation plans may be unavailable or limited in Stage III/IV.

Permit email: Colorado Springs Utilities lists estp@csu.org for establishment-permit questions. If you plan to dig while changing a landscape or irrigation system, contact 811 before digging.

Establishment Permits Apply for Permit Water Allocation Plans Allocation Plan PDF

Fines, Warnings and How to Report Water Waste

Colorado Springs Utilities says education is the priority, but customers who violate the Water Wise Rules may be fined. The City Code also allows escalating action for repeated violations during declared shortage stages.

💵

$100 fine risk

CSU states customers who violate the Water Wise Rules may be fined $100.

📸

Report with details

A useful report includes address, date, time, issue type, photos if safe and whether runoff reaches street or storm drain.

🛠️

Fix before escalation

Most problems are controller, nozzle, pressure, broken-head or schedule issues that can be corrected quickly.

Observed issue
Likely rule problem
Helpful report detail
Owner fix
Sprinklers running at 1 PM in July
Time-of-day rule violation.
Address, date/time, photo or short note.
Move controller to before 10 AM or after 6 PM.
Sprinklers running every day
More than three days/week.
Pattern observed across several days.
Choose any three days and remove extra programs.
Water flowing into gutter
Runoff to impervious surface or drainage way.
Location of runoff and where it flows.
Cycle-and-soak, adjust heads, reduce pressure, repair slope runoff.
Broken sprinkler head sprays sidewalk
Leak/damaged component and runoff.
Zone location and how long problem has existed if known.
Disable zone immediately and repair within 10 days.
Open hose washing car
No active positive shut-off nozzle.
Whether hose runs unattended or continuously.
Add a trigger nozzle or use commercial car wash.
Driveway hosed for routine cleaning
Hard-surface cleaning with water without health/safety need.
Surface, date/time and visible water use.
Sweep or spot clean without continuous hose use.
Report a Water Wise Violation Water Waste Code Contact CSU
Report wording: “I am reporting possible water waste at [address/cross street]. On [date] at [time], sprinklers were [running during prohibited hours / creating runoff / broken / watering more than three days]. Water was flowing to [sidewalk/gutter/street/storm drain].”

What Changes If Colorado Springs Moves to Stage I, II, III or IV?

The ordinary Water Wise Rules are not the same as a declared shortage stage. The Water Shortage Ordinance gives Colorado Springs Utilities and City Council a staged framework if drought or emergency conditions require more limits.

Stage / level
What it generally means
Outdoor watering impact
Customer action
Water Shortage Preparation
Preliminary drought-preparation stage used in 2026.
Water Wise Rules continue: up to three sprinkler days/week, no 10 AM-6 PM sprinklers May 1-Oct. 15.
Save water now, fix leaks, monitor Water Supply Watch.
Stage I Shortage / Watch
Proactive measures to avoid or reduce shortage severity.
Customers comply with waste prohibitions; nonpotable irrigation limits can apply.
Watch official City Council/CSU declaration for any added measures.
Stage II Level A
Warning stage with stricter outdoor potable watering schedule.
Even residential addresses: Sunday/Wednesday; odd residential addresses: Tuesday/Saturday; commercial: Monday/Thursday.
Switch from “any three days” to assigned two-day schedule if officially declared.
Stage II Level B
Stronger Stage II schedule.
Even residential addresses: Sunday only; odd residential addresses: Saturday only; commercial: Monday only.
Switch to one assigned day if officially declared.
Stage III Severe
More serious shortage response.
Expect much tighter outdoor-use rules and reduced exceptions.
Check official declaration before watering new landscape or relying on allocation plans.
Stage IV Critical
Critical shortage response.
All outside water use is prohibited except limited existing trees/shrubs by handheld hose or low-volume drip once monthly on designated days.
Prioritize public health, indoor needs and official emergency instructions.

Do not self-apply Stage II rules unless declared: as of the official 2026 Water Shortage Preparation pages reviewed for this guide, Colorado Springs customers are still directed to follow Water Wise Rules. Stage II odd/even schedules matter only if the City officially declares that stage and level.

How to Keep a Lawn, Trees and Garden Healthy Within the Rules

🌳

Trees first

Protect established trees and shrubs with drip, deep watering or handheld hose, especially during hot and dry stretches.

⏱️

Cycle and soak

Short cycles with soak breaks prevent runoff and help roots absorb more water.

📱

Monitor usage

Use My Account to watch water-use changes that could signal leaks, broken valves or controller mistakes.

Goal
Best practice
Why it helps
Reduce runoff
Use multiple short sprinkler cycles instead of one long runtime.
Water has time to soak into Colorado’s often dry or compacted soils.
Protect trees
Water slowly at the dripline with drip, soaker hose or handheld hose.
Tree roots need deeper, wider watering than turf.
Lower evaporation
Water early morning or evening during the May 1-Oct. 15 window.
Less wind/heat loss and better root absorption.
Find hidden leaks
Look for usage when no fixtures or irrigation should be running.
Continuous overnight use often points to leaks or stuck irrigation valves.
Use less turf water
Transition areas to Water Wise plants, native grasses and low-water beds.
Reduces long-term outdoor demand and keeps landscapes attractive.
Improve sprinkler efficiency
Use matched-precipitation nozzles, pressure regulation and head-to-head coverage.
Uneven systems overwater some areas to keep dry spots alive.
Stop watering during rain/wind
Install rain sensor or smart controller and pause during precipitation or high wind.
City code encourages avoiding watering during precipitation and high wind events.
Water Wise Landscaping Tips Find Water Wise Plants Irrigation Rebates Drought Prep Tips

Water Emergencies, Leaks, Customer Service and Conservation Center

Need
Official contact / place
Use for
Prepare
Utility emergency
719-448-4800 or 888-278-6847, 24 hours/day.
Water bubbling in street, wastewater issue, gas odor, electric hazard or other emergency.
Exact location, issue type, safety hazard, callback number.
Residential/general customer service
719-448-4800, Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM.
Account questions, My Account, billing, service, contact changes.
Account number, service address, ID details if needed.
Business services
719-448-4808.
Business account questions and business efficiency routing.
Account and site details.
Conservation & Environmental Center
2855 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80904; 719-668-8232.
Water Wise demonstration garden, efficiency advice, classes, tours and rebate guidance.
Landscape question, photos, plant list or project idea.
Customer Service Center lobby
111 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
In-person customer service during lobby hours.
Account details, ID and documents.
Storm drain concern
City Stormwater Department: 719-385-7876.
Storm drain or stormwater infrastructure concerns.
Location, photos, flooding/drainage detail.
Contact Colorado Springs Utilities Conservation & Environmental Center Log in to My Account Water Wise Rules

Colorado Springs Utilities Water Restrictions FAQ

How many days per week can I water in Colorado Springs in 2026?

Under the ordinary Colorado Springs Utilities Water Wise Rules, sprinkler watering is allowed up to three days per week, Sunday through Saturday. You choose the days unless a stricter declared shortage stage is officially announced.

What time can I run sprinklers from May 1 to Oct. 15?

From May 1 through Oct. 15, sprinkler watering should happen before 10 AM or after 6 PM. This time rule reduces evaporation during the hottest part of the day.

Can I water trees, shrubs and gardens every day?

You may water trees, shrubs, vegetable gardens, flowers and similar plants any time with drip irrigation, a handheld hose equipped with an active shut-off nozzle, or a handheld container such as a watering can. The three-day limit is mainly for sprinkler irrigation.

Does Colorado Springs have odd/even watering days in 2026?

Not under the ordinary Water Wise Rules. Customers choose any three sprinkler days per week. Odd/even assigned days can matter only if the City officially declares a stricter shortage stage such as Stage II.

What is Water Shortage Preparation?

Water Shortage Preparation is a preliminary drought-preparation stage Colorado Springs Utilities entered in 2026 because of drought risks. It keeps the Water Wise Rules in place while encouraging extra efficiency, leak repair and careful use of storage supplies.

Can I water new sod or grass seed more than three days per week?

Yes, but generally only through an establishment permit when overhead sprinklers are needed. Colorado Springs Utilities says an establishment permit allows temporary flexibility for new grass and landscape plants, usually for four to six weeks, and applicants should provide required proof such as soil preparation and grass mix/species documentation.

What is the fine for violating Water Wise Rules?

Colorado Springs Utilities says customers who violate the Water Wise Rules may be fined $100. Education and helping customers follow the rules are the stated priority, but repeat or serious waste can escalate.

How fast must I fix a broken sprinkler?

Leaking or damaged sprinkler systems, service lines and plumbing fixtures must be repaired or disabled within 10 calendar days. Turn off the leaking zone immediately so the problem does not keep wasting water.

Can I wash my car at home?

Yes, but if you use a hose, it must have an active positive shut-off nozzle. A commercial car wash can be more efficient because many recycle wash water.

Who do I call for a water emergency in Colorado Springs?

For any emergency involving electricity, gas, water or wastewater, call Colorado Springs Utilities at 719-448-4800 or 888-278-6847. Dispatch is available 24 hours per day.

30-Second Colorado Springs Water Restrictions Checklist

Sprinklers: up to three days per week, your choice of days.

Summer rule: May 1-Oct. 15, no sprinkler watering from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Always prohibited: runoff into sidewalks, streets, gutters, alleys or storm drains.

Leaks: repair or disable broken sprinklers, service lines and fixtures within 10 days.

Exceptions: drip irrigation, watering cans and handheld hose with shut-off nozzle can be used any time for plants.

2026 drought status: Water Shortage Preparation is active; check Water Supply Watch before assuming rules have not changed.

Water Bill Payment, Leak & Utility Help Toolkit

Use this free helper to find the official water bill portal, avoid unsafe payment pages, handle late bills, troubleshoot high usage, prepare start/stop service documents, and contact the utility office with the right details.

Find official payment pages safely
Prepare before late fees or shutoff
Check high bill and leak causes
Useful on every city water guide

Official Water Bill Portal Finder

Enter your city, state, and utility name. This tool creates safe search shortcuts for the official bill pay portal, customer service page, outage line, and start/stop service page.

Safety tip: Use the official city, county, or utility website when paying a water bill. Do not enter card or bank details on a page that only looks like a payment portal but does not clearly identify the official utility.

Safe Water Bill Payment Checklist

Before paying online, use this checklist to reduce the risk of wrong payment, duplicate payment, missed receipt, or third-party confusion.

Important: Some official utilities use third-party processors. That can be normal, but the payment processor should be linked from the official utility website and show clear fee/payment details.

Late Bill, Shutoff Notice & Reconnection Action Plan

Select your situation and get practical next steps. This helps users act quickly without guessing.

Do not wait: If you received a shutoff notice, online payment alone may not stop disconnection. Call the utility billing office and save your confirmation number.

High Water Bill & Leak Troubleshooter

A high bill can be caused by leaks, irrigation, estimated readings, seasonal use, or account/meter issues. Choose the closest problem below.

Quick leak test Turn off all water, then check whether the meter still moves.
Toilet check Put food coloring in tank. If color reaches bowl without flushing, there may be a leak.
Ask utility Request usage history, meter reread, leak adjustment policy, and payment arrangement options.

Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Checklist

Moving in or out? Choose your situation and prepare the details most utilities commonly request.

Your preparation checklist

Move-out tip: Ask for a final meter read, final bill date, refund/deposit process, and confirmation number when stopping service.

Payment Assistance & Arrangement Finder

If you cannot pay the full water bill, this guide helps you decide what to ask before disconnection or extra fees.

Helpful document list: Keep your account number, photo ID, service address, bill copy, shutoff notice, income proof if needed, repair receipt if leak-related, and payment confirmation numbers.

Water Department Call Script Generator

Generate a clear call or email script before contacting the utility billing office.

Leave a Comment