Stage 1 Drought Warning/ watering restrictions in place
According to Denver Water, a dry winter has resulted in low snowpack, reduced stream flows, and below-normal reservoir levels. Outdoor irrigation for lawns and landscapes accounts for about half of all residential water use in the district.
As of March 25, 2026, Stage 1 drought mandatory water restrictions are in effect. Sprinkler use is limited to two days per week: even-numbered addresses may water on Sunday and Thursday, and odd-numbered addresses on Wednesday and Saturday. Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Colorado’s Front Range is a semi-arid region, typically receiving 13–15 inches of precipitation annually; during drought conditions, this can drop to 8–10 inches. These conditions can stress plant material, especially with limited supplemental irrigation.
The Homestead in the Willows HOA will closely monitor water use in their greenbelts in 2026, aiming to maintain healthy landscapes while minimizing plant stress and avoiding higher water rates. Currently the HOA is restricted to two days weekly Tues/Friday. We are currently working with Willows water to provide an exemption from this restriction as there are 10 taps and 180 sprinkler zones and it won’t be possible to water all these zones more than 1x a week. We are hoping to have a resolution to this before June 1st.
Water-Wise Tips for Homeowners:
- Water based on plant needs and seasonal conditions.
- Adjust sprinkler zones and run times (shaded areas need less water).
- Regularly inspect sprinkler heads for proper function.
- Use drip irrigation where possible to reduce evaporation.
- Check soil moisture before watering; if soil is moist, skip it.
- Water overnight (10 p.m. – 6 a.m.) and avoid windy or hot periods.
- Ensure sprinklers target landscaping only, not hard surfaces.
- Skip watering after ½ inch or more of rainfall.
- Group plants with similar water needs into separate zones.
- Use timers when watering manually with hoses or soaker systems.
Consider Implementing Xeriscape
Xeriscape or water-wise landscaping uses low-water-use plants to create a landscape that’s sustainable in Colorado’s semi-arid climate. Denver Water coined the word in 1981 to help make low-water-use landscaping an easily recognized concept. Xeriscape is a combination of the word “landscape” and the Greek word “xeros,” which means dry. If designed properly, Xeriscape can be lush, colorful and easy to care for. The Xeriscape concept is based on the following seven principles:
1. Planning and Design: Consciously creating a landscape plan is the first principle of xeriscaping. Such planning helps in defining existing conditions for choosing plants. In particular, you should identify different zones by water usage — those that will require supplemental watering, for example.
2. Soil Improvements: The second principle concerns soil. Soil testing aids soil improvement but choosing native plants may allow you to use your soil un-amended. Compost and other soil supplements can help improve water retention, as well as provide nutrients.
3. Efficient Irrigation: The heart of xeriscaping concerns the third principle — efficient irrigation. Knowing where, how, when and how much you need to irrigate conserves water. The zones identified in planning determine where to irrigate. Gear different methods to the plants involved: sprinklers for turf, but drip irrigation for shrubs, for example. Only irrigate if there is insufficient rainfall. When you do irrigate, water deeply. Use gauges or controllers to determine how much water you’ve applied.
4. Plant Zones: The fourth principle concerns selecting plants suitable for the different zones identified in your design. Group plants with similar water needs. Put plant groups that need water in low-lying areas and close to water sources. Although many associate desert plants, such as cactus, with xeriscaping, the key is choosing the right plant for the available water.
5. Mulches: Mulch is the fifth principle. Mulching reduces soil evaporation, conserving moisture and reducing the need for irrigation. A bonus is that mulches keep down weed growth. Organic mulches, such as bark or shredded wood, also help improve the soil as they break down. Gravel and rocks do not need replacing but can increase heat in warm climates.
6. Turf Alternatives: Turf alternatives are the sixth principle. Lawns require much more water than other alternatives. Confine turf to limited areas using drought-tolerant grasses. Substitute paving or decks, mulched areas or other groundcover plantings that require little irrigation.
7. Maintenance: The seventh and final principle of xeriscaping is maintaining your landscape. Only water when necessary, and provide proper care for your plants, such as fertilizing and pruning. Watch out for pests and diseases and treat them accordingly. Maintain mulch levels about 2 inches deep for inorganic mulches and 4 inches for organic mulches.