Denver Homeowners Weigh Irrigation Options Amid Water Restrictions

Lawn companies report increased calls from residents concerned about drought and watering guidelines.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:19am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the Denver skyline shrouded in a hazy, golden-toned environment, conveying the sense of the region's vulnerability to the ongoing drought.As the drought tightens its grip on Denver, the city's skyline fades into the hazy, golden-hued landscape, a testament to the overwhelming power of nature.Denver Today

As the drought continues in the Denver area, many homeowners are inquiring with local lawn irrigation companies about when they should activate their sprinkler systems. While some are waiting due to water restrictions, professionals recommend scheduling system activation soon to avoid long wait times, though they caution about the risk of freezing temperatures for early activations.

Why it matters

Denver, like many Western cities, is facing an ongoing drought that has led to increased water restrictions and conservation efforts. Homeowners' decisions about when to start watering their lawns and gardens can have a significant impact on the region's limited water supply, making this an important issue for both residents and local authorities.

The details

Lawn irrigation companies in the Denver area, such as Mile Hi Sprinklers, say they have been receiving a lot of calls from homeowners asking about when they can turn on their sprinkler systems. Customers are inquiring about watering guidelines, system activation timing, and how to prepare their systems. While some homeowners are waiting to activate their systems due to drought restrictions, professionals recommend scheduling activation soon to avoid long wait times when more people try to turn on their systems. However, they caution that homeowners should still be mindful of potential freezing temperatures if they activate their systems early.

  • Denver Water is asking people not to turn on irrigation systems until late May, as grass remains dormant until then.

The players

Mile Hi Sprinklers

A Denver-area lawn irrigation company that has been receiving many calls from homeowners about activating their sprinkler systems amid the ongoing drought.

Mike Hepp

The owner of Mile Hi Sprinklers.

Nick Hepp

A partner at Mile Hi Sprinklers.

Denver Water

The municipal water utility for the city of Denver, which is asking residents to hold off on turning on their irrigation systems until late May.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of people are worried about the drought.”

— Mike Hepp, Owner, Mile Hi Sprinklers

“How often can we water? When can we turn on the system? When can it be activated and run?”

— Nick Hepp, Partner, Mile Hi Sprinklers

“I recommend that people actually call whoever they usually call, and have them turn on the system now. Have it ready for when they are able to turn it (the system) on so you won't have to wait in a large line of people trying to get everything turned on at the same time.”

— Nick Hepp, Partner, Mile Hi Sprinklers

“If you do turn them on early — which is still a little early and it could still freeze — you could cover your above‑ground plumbing.”

— Nick Hepp, Partner, Mile Hi Sprinklers

What’s next

Denver Water officials have stated that if more moisture does not arrive, water restrictions could become even more severe, potentially leading to further guidance or mandates for homeowners regarding irrigation system usage.

The takeaway

The ongoing drought in Denver has homeowners and lawn care professionals navigating a delicate balance between preparing irrigation systems for the growing season and adhering to water conservation guidelines set by local authorities. This situation highlights the need for proactive communication and coordination between residents, businesses, and city officials to ensure responsible water management during challenging climate conditions.