Loveland, CO Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Loveland Water and Power is the municipal water and electric utility. Source water comes from the Big Thompson River Basin and the Colorado River Basin via the Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) Project and the Windy Gap Project, both administered by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (Northern Water). Treated water moves through the Loveland Water Treatment Plant, with a capacity of up to 38 million gallons per day. The supply portfolio includes the Big Thompson River, Charles Hansen Feeder Canal, and Green Ridge Glade Reservoir. Voluntary watering best practices currently in effect: no more than three (3) days per week of irrigation, avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to limit evaporation, and water during cool morning or evening hours. Hand-watering of trees, shrubs, and vegetable gardens with a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle is encouraged at any time. Drip irrigation follows the same 3-days-per-week advisory but is recognized as efficient. Mandatory drought stages, if declared by City Council based on Northern Water's CBT quota and Loveland's reservoir storage, typically mirror Front Range Stage 1 frameworks: two (2) days per week on an address-based even/odd schedule, no irrigation 10 a.m.–6 p.m., escalating to surcharges for high users. The Northern Water Board increased the CBT quota allocation from 70% to 80% on August 14, 2024, providing roughly 31,000 additional acre-feet to allottees. Loveland customers should consult Loveland Water and Power directly for the current restriction stage. Note: areas outside city limits may be served by the Fort Collins-Loveland Water District (FCLWD) instead, which sets its own restriction schedule and currently sits at Drought Watch (voluntary).