Water Use Rules in Fort Collins, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Fort Collins or are thinking about moving there, water use rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Fort Collins has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of water use rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Recycled Water Rules

Fort Collins allows graywater reuse only for toilet flushing, and only on properties where both the water and wastewater providers have consented in writing, under a City permit issued through the Building Official. Using graywater without a permit is unlawful, and unpermitted graywater work can draw an immediate stop-work order plus additional penalties.

Key details: Authorized use: Toilet flushing only (Reg. 86 Cats. C/D). Permit: Required before any graywater component is installed. Geographic limit: Only where water/wastewater providers consent in writing. Cross-connections: Prohibited between graywater and potable systems. Enforcement: Stop-work order plus § 1-15 penalties.

Using graywater without a permit is unlawful under Section 5-152, and the Building Official can issue an immediate stop-work order plus additional penalties determined case by case. Beyond that, Section 5-156 subjects all violations of the graywater division to the general penalty in City Code § 1-15, and the City can revoke or suspend a permit outright for noncompliance under Section 5-155.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fort Collins's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Turf Replacement Rebates

Fort Collins guarantees homeowners the right to replace a turf-grass lawn with xeriscaping. Municipal Code § 12-122 voids any restrictive covenant clause that requires part of a lot to be planted in turf grass or that blocks installing xeriscape landscaping as defined in § 12-120, so an HOA can't force a homeowner to keep bluegrass instead of a water-wise design.

Key details: Governing sections: Municipal Code §§ 12-120, 12-122. Adopted: Ord. No. 83, 2003. Protected activity: Installing/using Xeriscape landscaping. Void covenant type: Mandatory turf-grass requirements. Qualifying design: Must meet 7 xeriscape principles.

Chapter 12 doesn't set a City fine for a covenant that violates § 12-122; the section works by declaring the offending covenant clause unenforceable rather than by punishing the HOA. A homeowner facing an association trying to enforce a turf-grass mandate or a xeriscape ban can raise § 12-122 as a defense or seek a court declaration that the covenant provision is void, since the statute states the restriction "shall not" be created or enforced.

The Bottom Line

Fort Collins's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fort Collins is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Fort Collins can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.