Arvada Declares Stage 1 Drought, Imposes Watering Restrictions

Mandatory two-day per week watering schedule starts April 15 to conserve water supply

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:20am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a vast, arid environment with minimal vegetation and structures, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of a severe drought.As drought tightens its grip on Colorado, Arvada's water conservation efforts aim to protect a dwindling resource for the long term.Arvada Today

The City of Arvada, Colorado has declared a Stage 1 drought and will begin implementing mandatory watering restrictions on April 15 due to one of the driest winters on record. All Arvada water customers will be required to follow a two-day per week watering schedule, with outdoor watering prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The goal is to reduce water use across the city by 20%.

Why it matters

Arvada's water conservation measures are a response to rising temperatures and historically low snowpack levels in Colorado, which have severely impacted the region's water supply. By restricting outdoor watering, the city aims to ensure it can continue to meet essential water needs for drinking, cooking, and cleaning while also protecting the water supply for the long term.

The details

Starting April 15, Arvada water customers will be required to follow a mandatory two-day per week watering schedule. Homes with even-numbered addresses can water on Sundays and Thursdays, while odd-numbered homes can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Apartment buildings and commercial properties can water on Tuesdays and Fridays. Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Trees, shrubs, vegetable gardens, and flowers can be watered using a handheld hose or drip irrigation outside of restricted hours. The city is also reducing watering at parks, golf courses, and other public spaces to meet the 20% reduction goal.

  • Arvada declared a Stage 1 drought on April 8, 2026.
  • Mandatory watering restrictions will take effect on April 15, 2026.

The players

Amy Willhite

Arvada's Water Resources Administrator, who stated that the watering restrictions will help preserve the city's water supply amid drought conditions.

Katie Patterson

Arvada's Communications Manager for Infrastructure, who said the city understands the effort required from residents and businesses and will do its part to conserve water.

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What they’re saying

“Maintaining a reliable water supply is a public health and safety priority for the City of Arvada. Restricting outdoor watering ensures we can continue to have the supply needed for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and other essential needs this year and in the future.”

— Amy Willhite, Water Resources Administrator

“We know that changing your watering routine takes effort, and we want residents and businesses to know that we are in this alongside them. We are reducing our use at parks, golf courses, and public spaces.”

— Katie Patterson, Communications Manager for Infrastructure

What’s next

The city will monitor water use and water waste, and violations of the watering restrictions may result in fines.

The takeaway

Arvada's drought response highlights the growing challenges communities face in managing limited water resources due to climate change. By implementing mandatory conservation measures, the city aims to protect its water supply and ensure essential needs are met, while also setting an example for other communities facing similar pressures.