The Highlands Ranch Water Board of Directors enacted Stage 1 drought restrictions at its March 30 Board of Directors meeting. The decision was made in response to ongoing warm, dry conditions and increasing demand across its service area. Elevated wintertime watering, combined with a historically low snowpack in the South Platte Basin, has placed added strain on the system.

The drought restrictions apply to those living in the Highlands Ranch Water service area which includes the communities of Highlands Ranch, Solstice and Northern Douglas County Water and Sanitation District.

“It was a difficult but necessary decision to help protect water supplies and ensure long-term sustainability for the community,” said Board Chair Tammy Essmeier. “Implementing restrictions now helps us proactively manage our water resources during a period of ongoing dry conditions and increased demand.”

Stage 1 restrictions include a goal of cutting water use by 15-20% and limits outdoor irrigation to two days per week. Customers must follow a set two-day watering schedule.

• Odd-numbered addresses can water on Wednesday and Saturday
• Even-numbered addresses can water on Thursday and Sunday
• Multi-family and apartment properties can water Monday and Friday
• Non-residential customers can water Tuesday and Sunday

The Highlands Ranch Water board decided not to enact drought rates at this time. As outlined in the district’s 2026 budget, water use above a customer’s water budget is billed at higher tiered rates. This is the district’s standard rate structure and not specific to drought conditions.

Existing water conservation rules are still in effect, which includes no watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. May 1 – Sept. 30. Wasteful watering practices are prohibited and may result in a fine. This includes allowing excess water to flow into street gutters or neglecting to repair leaks.

Highlands Ranch Water is asking customers to delay turning on their sprinkler systems until mid-May. Drip irrigation and hand-watering trees, shrubs, perennials and vegetable gardens is allowed any time if a hose is held and equipped with a shut-off device.

“We understand these restrictions impact our customers, but they are an important step in protecting our shared water resource,” said Highlands Ranch Water General Manager Sam Calkins. “These measures are focused on using water more efficiently and reducing excess water use so we can maintain a sustainable and reliable water system for our entire community.”

Large commercial customers will also be asked to meet the 15-20% water reduction goal. Highlands Ranch Water has long partnered with the Highlands Ranch Metro District, one of the largest customers in the community.

“The Highlands Ranch Metro District supports the implementation of Stage 1 drought restrictions, and we are committed to reducing our overall water use by 15-20%,” said Metro District General Manager Stephanie Stanley. “As a large water user, we recognize our responsibility to lead by example and are implementing targeted conservation strategies to help protect our community’s water supply while maintaining the parks our community enjoys.”

Due to the size and complexity of its system, the Metro District cannot follow the two days per week watering restrictions. Instead, the Metro District will implement other water conservation measures to meet the reduction goal.

Additionally, the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) plays an important role as one of the district’s partners in the community and supports the move to Stage 1 drought restrictions.

“Our board and staff are working closely with Highlands Ranch Water this summer to support responsible water use across Highlands Ranch,” said HRCA CEO/General Manager Mike Bailey. “We want residents to know they won’t be cited if their lawns turn yellow—it’s a natural part of conserving water. We’re also encouraging long-term solutions like ColoradoScape by waiving architectural review fees to make it easier for homeowners to transition to more water-efficient landscapes.”

For more information about drought stages and conservation resources, visit Highlands Ranch Water’s Drought Resource Center online at highlandsranchwater.org/drought-resource-center. To stay up to date on current conditions and get water conservation tips and information, customers are encouraged to sign up to receive Highlands Ranch Water’s eNewsletter. To sign up, send an email to contactus@hrwater.org.