Colorado Springs, CO Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Colorado Springs Utilities, the city-owned water utility, enforces permanent water-wise rules codified at Colorado Springs City Code section 12.4.1304 (Waste of Water Prohibited), within Chapter 12, Article 4, Part 13 (Water Shortage). No water customer may allow, permit, or cause the waste of water, which includes watering landscaped areas other than with drip irrigation between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the period from May 1 to October 15, and watering landscaped areas with potable water more than three days per week. The City's own water-wise guidance explains that sprinkler watering is limited to any three days of your choice per week, that water runoff from irrigation flowing across the ground, street, or sidewalk is prohibited, and that broken or leaking sprinkler systems must be fixed within 10 days. Permits are required for Utilities customers who need to temporarily water more than three days a week to establish new landscapes. Exceptions exist for drip irrigation, watering cans, and hose watering with a shut-off nozzle, which are allowed at any time. During a declared water shortage the City Council, sitting as the Utilities Board, may impose additional restrictions under City Code Chapter 12, Article 4, Part 13.