When are you watering?

Denver Water's summer watering rules are in effect from May 1st until October 1st. Are you following them?

• Water during cooler times of day — lawn watering is NOT allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys
• Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt
• Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days
• Do not use spray irrigation during rain or strong winds

The rules are more flexible for vegetable gardens, though they have some helpful reccommendations for watering your veggies in this dry climate:

Denver Water understands that many customers enjoy growing vegetables. If grown correctly, a vegetable garden can use water efficiently, oftentimes consuming the same amount of water as a similar-sized plot of grass.

Does a vegetable garden use more water than a lawn?

A healthy vegetable garden needs about the same amount of water as a lawn does. If you replaced your lawn with a vegetable garden, and watered the garden efficiently by hand or with a soaker hose, you wouldn’t see much difference in water consumption.

What’s the best way to water a vegetable garden?

Vegetables can grow in an efficient manner if they are irrigated properly. We suggest using drip irrigation for those with irrigation systems. Otherwise, water by hand or with a soaker hose to ensure vegetables receive water at their roots. Use a hose timer while watering to track water use.

Does Denver Water limit the number of days I can water my vegetable garden?

No. While we ask that you water your lawn no more than three times a week, we do not restrict the number of days you water your vegetable garden. Vegetables don’t need more water than grass, but they need water more often.

Does Denver Water limit the time of day I can water my vegetable garden?

No. We ask that you not water your lawn between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., when the daytime heat causes spray irrigation to evaporate. When vegetable gardens are watered with soaker hoses or by hand, evaporation isn’t as problematic. Still, cool evenings are the best time to water your vegetable garden. You’ll use less water, and the plants will be ready for a drink after being in the sun all day.

Cooperation and consideration in watering is especially important in a dry climate. For more information about how and when to water, visit DenverWater.org. For information on watering restrictions in Aurora, visit Aurora Water.

April Showers, May Freezes

Tis the season for flowing water! DUG's construction team is busy with water turn-ons at nearly 100 community gardens across the metro area. We are sometimes asked why water turn-ons don't occur earlier. It's a fair question, as peas, radishes, spinach, and other favorite veggies like an early start. Last night's snow flurries were a chilly reminder of why we wait until early-to-mid-May to get the water flowing. 

In Colorado, the average date for the last freeze is May 5th, and in recent years, the last dip below 32 degrees fell between May 10th and May 14th. Though we see some sunny, picnic-perfect weather in March and April, we wait until after Mother's Day to reduce to the risk of damage to irrigation systems. Freeze breaks are costly and time consuming to repair, and cause delays in water turn-ons and other building and improvement projects. A small staff means that we need to concentrate our efforts where it counts, and avoid unnecessary repairs where we are able. 

Community gardeners who wish to start planting earlier are encouraged to bring water from home to the garden site if they are able. If you have questions, please email us at dirt@dug.org. Happy gardening!