Colorado Springs, CO Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Colorado Springs, CO, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Colorado Springs City Code Sec. 12.4.1304 (Waste of Water Prohibited)
- Max watering days
- Any three days per week
- No-sprinkler hours
- 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., May 1 to Oct 15
- Runoff
- Runoff onto ground, street, or sidewalk prohibited
- Leak repair
- Within 10 days
- Exemptions
- Drip, watering cans, hose with shut-off nozzle (any time)
Summary
Colorado Springs has permanent year-round watering rules: sprinkler irrigation is limited to any three days per week of the customer's choosing, and from May 1 to October 15 sprinklers cannot run between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Drip irrigation, watering cans, and hand-held hoses with shut-off nozzles are allowed at any time.
Watering with sprinklers is limited to any three days of your choice per week. From May 1-Oct. 15, sprinklers can't be operated between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Drip irrigation, watering cans, and hose watering with a shut-off nozzle are allowed at any time. Permits are required for Utilities customers who need to temporarily water more than three days a week to establish new landscapes. Broken or leaking sprinkler systems are required to be fixed within 10 days. Water runoff from irrigation flowing across the ground, street or sidewalk is prohibited.
Full Breakdown
1304 (Waste of Water Prohibited), within Chapter 12, Article 4, Part 13 (Water Shortage). 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.
Violations & Fines
Watering in violation of the rules is a municipal code violation enforced by Colorado Springs Utilities and the City. Customers receive escalating notices; repeat or willful waste can result in fines and, for chronic violations, flow restrictions. Reported fines for violations start at $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What days can I water my lawn in Colorado Springs?
Are there hours I cannot use sprinklers?
Can I water with a hose or drip system during midday?
What if my sprinkler breaks or leaks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
How Colorado Springs compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Colorado Springs to another location·View the Colorado landscaping rules overview
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