10 Warning Signs Your Sprinkler System Needs Urgent Repair

Stay in the know about Denver’s watering restrictions. Learn what days and times you’re allowed to water—and how to keep your lawn thriving legally.

If you’ve ever stood in your yard on a sunny morning, coffee in hand, wondering whether it’s legal to turn on the sprinklers, you’re not alone. Denver’s watering regulations aren’t just a friendly suggestion—they’re rules designed to protect the city’s water supply, especially during the hotter months when demand is high and rainfall is low. At CS Sprinklers, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners find that sweet spot between a green lawn and a water bill that won’t make your jaw drop. It starts with understanding what Denver Water expects from all of us and how to stay on the right side of those guidelines.

Denver’s watering rules are seasonal, and they typically kick in around May 1 and last through October 1. During that time, homeowners must adhere to specific watering schedules to reduce waste and prevent overwatering. Denver’s regulations include restrictions on specific days and times you are allowed to water, with the general rule being that no one should water their lawn between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. That window in the middle of the day is when evaporation is highest, and your water barely makes it to the roots. Watering in the early morning or late evening gives your grass a chance to actually soak up the moisture and thrive.

You’re also limited to watering no more than three days a week, and the city recommends adjusting your schedule based on the type of plants in your yard. Lawns, shrubs, and flower beds all have different needs, and smart scheduling helps you stay within the rules while still keeping everything alive. Odd-numbered addresses typically water on different days than even-numbered ones, and there’s usually guidance about skipping watering after rainfall. If you’re not sure which days you’re allowed to water, Denver Water’s website posts updated calendars every season to keep things clear.

Following the rules isn’t just about avoiding a fine—it’s about doing your part in a city that’s dealing with limited water resources. Denver gets much less rain than folks think, especially during peak growing months. That means most of what goes into your lawn and garden comes straight from the municipal supply. When everyone waters responsibly, we stretch our water farther, reduce the strain on infrastructure, and keep lawns healthy without waste. It’s a win for your yard, your neighbors, and your wallet. And let’s face it, no one wants to be that one house on the block flooding the sidewalk while everyone else is trying to conserve.

The city does conduct spot checks, and fines for violations can range from a friendly warning to a not-so-friendly penalty, depending on how often you break the rules. If you’re caught watering during prohibited hours or using excessive runoff that spills into the street, you may get a written warning or even a citation. We’ve had customers call us in a panic after realizing their sprinkler timers hadn’t been updated for the new season and were watering smack in the middle of the afternoon. A quick tune-up can usually fix that, and we always recommend checking your system at least twice a year to make sure it’s in sync with the current regulations.

Now, smart sprinkler systems can make following the rules a whole lot easier. Wi-Fi controllers let you program watering days and times, adjust for weather, and even skip cycles if rain is in the forecast. They’re a great investment for any Denver homeowner who wants to stay compliant without constantly fiddling with dials or timers. At CS Sprinklers, we install a lot of these systems, and they make it simple to water when you’re supposed to and cut back when you’re not. Plus, you can control them from your phone—whether you’re in the kitchen or on vacation.

If you’re using a traditional timer, be sure to manually set your watering days to fit within the guidelines. That might mean splitting zones across different days so everything gets covered without overstepping the three-day limit. We often help homeowners reprogram older systems so they’re more efficient and legal. Sometimes all it takes is a few adjustments to reduce your water use without sacrificing the health of your landscape. And if your lawn looks stressed, it might not be a water problem at all—it could be compacted soil, a pest issue, or a broken head. We’re happy to check it out.

Denver Water Authority encourages residents to water wisely by using mulch, aerating lawns, and planting drought-tolerant grasses and native plants. These changes will help your yard thrive with less water and reduce the temptation to break the rules. We’ve seen customers cut their watering needs in half just by switching to low-flow sprinkler heads and making a few smart landscaping choices. The result? A healthy lawn that’s not just within regulations—but also easier to maintain year after year.

One area that trips up a lot of homeowners is manual watering. Yes, you’re allowed to hand-water plants outside of the restricted hours, but you still have to be mindful of runoff and overuse. That means you can’t leave a hose running while you go inside to grab a snack. It also means any automatic watering from hoses or soaker lines should still follow the same timing rules as regular sprinklers. If you’re unsure about whether your setup counts as manual or automatic, we can take a look and make sure you’re good to go.

Ultimately, these rules aren’t meant to make your life harder—they’re about helping Denver stay green without running dry. The city’s water supply is shared by everyone, and the more we can do to conserve during high-demand months, the better off we’ll all be. That doesn’t mean you have to let your lawn go brown or give up your garden. It just means thinking a little smarter about how and when to water. And if your system is outdated or you’re not sure how to make it comply, that’s where we come in.

At CS Sprinklers, we’re proud to help our neighbors in Denver navigate the ins and outs of watering rules. From system upgrades to seasonal tune-ups, we’ll make sure your setup keeps your yard green and your conscience clear. If you need help adjusting your schedule or want to install a smarter solution, give us a call. We’ll keep your system compliant—and your grass happy.

Give us a call today at (303) 627-4190 or email us at sprinklers@cssprinklers.com.