Under Highlands Ranch Water's Stage 1 drought restrictions, customers are assigned a designated two-day per week watering schedule based on their property type and address. This schedule helps reduce peak demands on our water infrastructure by spreading irrigation demand more evenly across the community. By doing so, we can maintain reliable water service, protect our community’s water supplies, and work toward our Stage 1 goal of reducing water use by 15-20%.

Outdoor water conservation is especially important because, unlike most indoor water use, irrigation water is not captured and treated for reuse. Water used indoors (such as showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry) flows to our wastewater treatment plant, where it is treated and returned to the environment. Outdoor irrigation water, however, is largely consumed by plants or lost to evaporation, wind, and runoff. In fact, the average single-family home sprinkler system is only about 50% efficient.

Successful drought response requires both conservation and compliance with watering restrictions. Designated watering days provide a clear framework for customers and help ensure drought response measures are effective. Assigned watering days are being enforced and customers who irrigate outside of their designated days may receive notices. Watering on additional days, even for shorter periods, is not permitted. Please complete all irrigation cycles on assigned watering days rather than spreading them across extra days throughout the week. Wasteful watering practices are prohibited and may result in a fine.

Designated two-day watering schedule:

For more information about Stage 1 drought restrictions and conservation resources, visit Highlands Ranch Water’s Drought Resource Center.