Water Use Rules in Boulder, CO (2026)
2 verified water use rules for Boulder, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
Boulder removes a permitting hurdle for water-conscious landscaping: under Section 9-9-12(d), B.R.C. 1981, a property with a prior site review or form-based code approval can convert or replace its turf without a modification or amendment to that approval, as long as landscaped area, tree cover, and plant standards are maintained.
Boulder Lets Approved Sites Convert Turf Freely
Light RestrictionsSec. 9-9-12(d), B.R.C. 1981
(d)Prior Approvals and Turf Replacement or Conversion: Conversion or replacement of turf on a site with a prior approval shall not require a minor modification or amendment to a site review or form-based code review, provided that:(1)Overall landscaped area and quantities are maintained;(2)Excepting existing juniper species, existing trees are preserved; and(3)The turf conversion or replacement...
Recycled Water Rules
Boulder prohibits any water utility customer from installing graywater treatment works or using graywater on their property under City Code Section 10-10-3. The ban, added by Ordinance No. 8720 in 2026, sunsets on December 31, 2027 unless the city council extends it, and violators face prosecution under the general penalties chapter.
Boulder Bans Graywater Treatment Systems
Heavy RestrictionsBoulder Revised Code § 10-10-3
(a)No person served with water through the city's water utility shall install graywater treatment works or use graywater.(b)"Graywater" means that portion of wastewater that, before being treated or combined with other wastewater, is collected from fixtures within residential, commercial, or industrial buildings or institutional facilities for the purpose of being put to beneficial uses.(c)"Gra...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boulder city rules.
Water Use Rules in Boulder County →