Colorado is experiencing unprecedented drought conditions, and available supplies are at historically low levels. Englewood had encouraged voluntary watering restrictions to help manage the drought this summer. As conditions have worsened, additional conservation measures are necessary.

The restrictions will take effect on immediately, following City Council approval on August 17, 2026. 

Outdoor watering is limited to two days per week. Englewood Utilities customers are required to follow the schedule below based on address to help distribute water usage across the community:

• Odd addresses: Monday/Thursday
• Even addresses: Tuesday/Friday

Outdoor watering is permitted before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. These hours help reduce evaporation and minimize water waste. Don’t water during rain or high winds. 

Initially, customers observed watering outside their permitted schedule will receive a warning and information about the restrictions. After an initial warning, fees/fines may be assessed for continued violations. 

Trees, shrubs, gardens and other plants may be watered as needed using a hand-held hose or low-volume, non-spray irrigation, such as drip irrigation. Water slowly and deeply, and avoid runoff onto streets, alleys or gutters. 

Newly planted landscapes typically require additional water to become established. Because of current drought conditions, customers are encouraged to postpone installing new sod and other water-intensive landscaping for the remainder of the season. If you're replacing existing landscaping, consider water-wise or native plants that can thrive with less water. 

New sod is not prohibited under the mandatory watering restrictions. However, newly installed sod requires additional water to become established. Customers installing new sod should follow these guidelines:

• Establishment period: Additional watering for new sod is allowed for up to 21 days (three weeks)following installation.
• Watering hours: Water only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
• Water efficiently: Apply only the amount of water needed to establish the sod and avoid runoff onto streets, sidewalks, alleys or gutters.
• Plan ahead: Because water is limited, customers are encouraged to postpone installing new sod when possible until conditions improve.

Englewood initially relied on voluntary conservation to help reduce water use. However, the hot and dry summer has led to the need additional conservation measures to help protect the state’s limited water supplies. 

No. Englewood is joining other Colorado water providers that have implemented mandatory watering restrictions in response to drought conditions. 

The city is leading by example by reducing irrigation at city facilities, parks and public spaces, adjusting watering schedules to off-peak hours, and suspending non-essential outdoor water use. City staff are also actively monitoring municipal systems for leaks and conducting public outreach to help residents and businesses save water.

City parks will follow the mandatory two-day-a-week watering schedule. Parks staff will monitor athletic field conditions and make adjustments as needed to maintain safe, playable fields and prevent permanent damage. Some non-athletic turf and open areas may become brown as a result of reduced irrigation.

Broken Tee Golf Course is not subject to the mandatory watering restrictions because the course is irrigated through a separate non-potable water system. Even with this separate water supply, Broken Tee is taking steps to conserve water and manage its resources carefully during the current drought. Staff are using weather monitoring, soil-moisture sensors and adjustments to irrigation schedules to apply water as efficiently as possible, while prioritizing critical playing surfaces.

Learn more about water conservation and improvements at Broken Tee Golf Course here.